by Oskar Stucis
In some cultures, and especially amongst mountaineers, Raven is a special bird. It carries the soul of the deceased to heaven. On April 18, 2024, after the incident when Rob was extracted from the crevasse and the team was working while waiting for the rescue helicopter to arrive, a Raven flew in and landed some 15-20 feet from Rob, at 12:27pm local time. Spontaneously, I captured this remarkable moment with my phone camera. I hope it brings peace to Rob's family and loved ones.
We humans tend to make meaning of things, events, experiences. While I am still processing the events near Christian Peak last Thursday, I know that you opened the door for me to the backcountry and inspired me for years to come. It was a privilege to tour with you, Rob. Now the Raven will carry you on.
So long, Bruddah!
