Mt Whitney Zone Forums General Discussion Missing Person

Were you in Vogelsang area or on the High Sierra Loop between 8/26 and 9/3?

Photo: https://www.facebook.com/photo.php?fbid=2153347027978&set=o.9062006483&type=1

MISSING PERSON: Gene Hall
Age: 69
Height: 5 feet 10 inches
Weight: 180 pounds
Hair: Short, gray hair
Complexion: Fair
If you have been in the Vogelsang area or on the High Sierra Loop between August 26 and September 3, please call the National Park Service at 209/372-0522.

Gene Hall began his trip at the Dog Lake parking area in Tuolumne Meadows. His last known location is in the Vogelsang area on August 30. He is wearing a tan or olive shirt, tan synthetic pants, a dark green or black rain jacket. He has a dark REI backpack, a purple sleeping bag, a ¾ length Thermarest, and a Fly Creek 2 tent. He also has black or silver hiking poles. There is a possibility that he was climbing Voglesang Peak. He was headed toward Merced Lake and Sunrise High Sierra Camps.
By: Chavo Phillips

http://abclocal.go.com/kfsn/story?section=news/local&id=8341649


Some insight into Gene's life Here

Died in his tent, of natural causes... I can't think of a better way to go!

And, he got a picture with Moose Tracks on top of Mt Dana Aug. 28.


From Laura's Dana Couloir pictures.

Rest in Peace, Gene R. Hall.

Although a great pic in its own right, what a special one it now becomes, given this turn of events.

CaT

A bit long, but a trip report combining my chance meeting with Gene on Mt. Dana and being in the Desolation Wilderness last weekend.

http://moosetracksca.wordpress.com/2011/09/08/grab-life-and-run-with-it-because-you-never-know/

RIP, Gene. We had matching smiles that day.

-L

"There is an art to wandering. If I have a destination, a plan - an objective - I've lost the ability to find serendipity. I am on a quest, not a ramble. I search for the Holy Grail of particularity and miss the chalice freely offered, filled and overflowing." Source: Cathy Johnson, artist

Laura, a beautiful trail report of a beautiful day. The extravagance of serendipity on the mountains is breathtaking.

Brent N

Laura, thank you for your tribute to Gene. I did not know him personally, but now I do through your encounter. I thought these quotes from the mountaineering literature were appropriate for you and Gene. Harvey


You go not for the people, not for the mountains, but for them together.
Peter Boardman, Sacred Summits page 15

The man who knows how to laugh will always prevail, be it on a mountain or in life
George Ingle Finch
George W Rodway, ed
George Ingle Finch's The Struggle for
Everest, page 128

The impression made by his companions is the single biggest element in a man's memory of such a party, bigger than the mountain itself.
Wilfrid Noyce, South Col page 15


And this last quote - Laura I wish it could happen with Gene. Sadly not.

One way - and it is the best - is to summon our mountain back with the help of those who have special powers of doing so, the companions who have climbed with us.
R.L.G. Irving, The Mountain Way, page xvii