Thursday, January 29, 2009

Thanks Russ...

Greetings,
I have been averted to posting anything here out of some sort of fear of not having anything to say that meets the caliber of who Russell was and what I have learned from him. This is utter nonsense.

I have always held him in the utmost regard, not only for his vast, synergistic knowledge, but for the moments (usually during hikes, of course) that he recognized my enthusiastic interest and indulged it. Unfortunately, like for everyone else I am sure, this becomes all too apparent after the fact. I just received a copy of some of his raw interview footage on DVD in the mail and was sincerely taken aback by how authentic his presence was, even rendered through time and media.

Without getting too sappy, as the time for this has passed (and I cry too easily, it turns out!) Russell is truly an inspiration for me in multiple aspects of life. It is all too easy for over used words and phrases to be construed as such, but this entire experience has been a vivid illustration of what is really important in this life. I hope that someday I might attain half the existence and accomplishment that Russell has shown me and everyone else. Thank you.

I'll see y'all on the trail...
Cheers, Ian Baker

Sunday, January 11, 2009

Dear Towle family and friends


Hello, my name is Thomas Dargie, I am 26 and I live in grass valley, I was recently researching a summer adventure trip to the royal gorge. I have done alot of exploring in nevada county and i want to branch of to placer.

This is how I learned of russell, he sounded just like a tuffer modern day john muir. I am very sad to hear about what happened to him, I have a feeling a man like that would be in a great place and watching over his family,

The reason for my post is to find out is there anyway possible maybe to volunteer trail work or anything that I can do In respect for a great man. I would love to be able to hike with somepeople that knew this man, Thank you for you time it is trully appreciated,

P S, If its not already in the works, but a book should be written about this man and the stuff he accomplished

Friday, January 9, 2009

Russell wearing Bullwinkle hat on Christmas day 2005

photo courtesy of Carol Towle.

Thursday, January 1, 2009

Russell and siblings in ...

Old Town Auburn on June 20th 2004 (per the timestamp on the photo) after lunch at Cafe Deliacias.

From left to right: Richard Towle, Karen Mingst, Russell Towle, Shellie Archer: