In Memorium

Sorry for the month long vacation, and even more sorry to be writing this.

It has been a rough month for the whitewater community, on top of an even rougher year. After losing Jimmy O'Brien, a greater boater, and more importantly a great man, this spring, I was hoping we might have a quiet summer and fall. Unfortunately, that didn't pan out. The Gauley River has claimed three lives, including a Pittsburgh father who friends have told me was one of the nicer guys you'll ever find.

Unfortunately, the one that really hit hard was Carl Schneider. Carl was one of those guys everyone knew. His mustache was out-sized only by his personality. He was a teacher, a champion of the river, and a great person. I only knew him briefly, hanging out at the Yough and in the bar in Ohiopyle, but I wish I knew him more.

My condolences to everyone who lost a friend this year, on the river or off. Be safe out there.

http://jeffmacklin.smugmug.com/Whitewater/2010/Carl-Schneider-photos-from/14028365_TKJFA#1032322916_hLw4Y

Carl Schneider