Over the years we have had people hire us to keep them company, give them guidance, and to protect them as needed as they work on their lists (like the 4000-footers). Sometimes they reach out asking for assistance as they begin on their journey, maybe taking some of our classes to educate themselves and foster independence along the way. And on other occasions they work on their own as they check off some of the easier peaks then reach out to us asking for company on some of the far flung or bigger objectives like Owls Head or the Bonds. Sometimes they start and finish with us. These are the best. It’s enormously satisfying. This is akin to helping your child become an adult complete with the immense satisfaction and pride that goes along with their progress and eventual success.
In any of these scenarios we are super stoked to be help. This tour is one of those cases. We helped, not with every peak, but with many of them and they stuck with us along the way right up through the final trip — the Bonds in this case, where they collected their 48th: Bondcliff. Moving forward they will apply for the coveted patch they earned and they will wear it with pride… a badge of honor.
This tour included one of our long-time guests. She stepped across the finish line complete with the love, admiration, and support of her older sister. The guide in this case was Redline Guides Debra McCown and Mary Fields (providing transportation assistance). What follows are a number of photos cataloging the final phase of this journey — before she begins the next one which is likely to be the Terrifying 25. And we will once again hope to be honored by being part of the process.
