High Sierra Topix

Posted: **Mon Jun 17, 2019 11:29 am**

I met Matt at Granite Lake (http://www.sierrahiker.com/MonarchDivide/index.html) in July, 2001. There weren't many Sierra hiking websites online back then and Matt had visited mine. When I introduced myself, he blurted out, "THE Bill Finch. I'm star-struck!" Matt is the only person to make me feel like a celebrity, but, fortunately, the feeling only lasted for a few seconds. We talked that evening, then the next day down the Copper Creek Trail to Cedar Grove. He hadn't been hiking that long, maybe a year or two, but it was obvious that he really loved doing it.
I ran into his name a few times since then, mainly associated with Bob Burd's annual climbs. Then he posted a great report on HST on a solo trip he took to Tehipite Valley(viewtopic.php?f=1&t=12947&p=97008#p97008).
Obviously, he came a long way since I met him in 2001. I was shocked to read of his passing. He was enthusiastic and fun to be around. RIP, Matt.

Posted: **Fri Jul 12, 2019 8:11 pm**

Bill, I appreciate you sharing this story. I was tackling North Guard around the time you posted, so found the timing enjoyable when I returned. Also from Roads End, Matt loved Rae Lakes loop as a big goal he eventually achieved (in a day with his sister along the most recent time) and I stomped a bit of that Bubbs Creek ground on my outing. Amazing water flows!

sekihiker wrote: ↑Mon Jun 17, 2019 11:29 am I met Matt at Granite Lake (http://www.sierrahiker.com/MonarchDivide/index.html) in July, 2001. There weren't many Sierra hiking websites online back then and Matt had visited mine. When I introduced myself, he blurted out, "THE Bill Finch. I'm star-struck!" Matt is the only person to make me feel like a celebrity, but, fortunately, the feeling only lasted for a few seconds. We talked that evening, then the next day down the Copper Creek Trail to Cedar Grove. He hadn't been hiking that long, maybe a year or two, but it was obvious that he really loved doing it.
I ran into his name a few times since then, mainly associated with Bob Burd's annual climbs. Then he posted a great report on HST on a solo trip he took to Tehipite Valley(viewtopic.php?f=1&t=12947&p=97008#p97008).
Obviously, he came a long way since I met him in 2001. I was shocked to read of his passing. He was enthusiastic and fun to be around. RIP, Matt.

High Sierra Topix

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