But I have been thinking about what an awesome community this is, and I at least wanted to take a moment to express my thanks.
As a Chicago-based backpacker who ends up in the Sierra once a year after falling head over heels with the area in 2010, my opportunity to spend time there is so limited, and I'm not getting younger despite my best efforts. So I feel immense pressure to make the most of every precious trip.
I have gotten great advice on routes and conditions here, first as a lurker and then as a member once I got to the point where I was starting to do solo adventures. It never fails to amaze me how detailed and thoughtful people are when they give this advice. Generous with their time and knowledge, even for a complete stranger who lives 2000 miles away. Wow. It is such a kindness. Thank you.
Though I'd love to live closer some day, at least in the meantime, I can be there in spirit with planning trips, reading reports, and enjoying the conversation on this board. It means a lot.
Special shout outs to Wandering Daisy, Balcazomm, and Wild Hiker, though there are so many who've helped me shape really wonderful trips over these last handful of years. I'd love to buy you all a beer some time.
And kudos to all the fine members of this community for being awesome. And I promise to write some trip reports.
