A little mountain prayer

I was doing a tempo workout on my trainer tonight while watching The Grinch Who Stole Christmas. From the initial scene where they zoom in to the tall sharp peak where the Grinch calls home, I thought of the 3 climbers that have been lost on Mt. Hood since this weekend. They've been up there for at least 4 days in some of the worst winter conditions we've had all season. As of Friday, one man was injured and in a snow cave that his 2 friends made for him at around 10k before they set out for help. He was able to call his family and briefly tell them what happened, but that was the last communication. SAR has been out ever since looking for the men, but 70mph winds, heavy snow accumulation, and avalanche danger have held them back or to the lower elevations. A Blackhawk was able to launch today during a break in the weather, but no word on the climbers.

So on this day when we're safe and warm at home enjoying the peacefulness of the pre-holiday season, please say a little prayer for the 3 men lost on a mountain full of winter's fury. Tell them that the whole nation is thinking about them and the men and women of the mountains send all their strength and love.