Russell's 60th Birthday

UPDATE on weather/road conditions, Friday 7 March: Scratch that last post! This is actually Greg, but my mom wanted to let you all know that the road isn't as good as previously stated. You can make it in if you have good clearance or four-wheel drive, but otherwise, it's likely you'll get stuck. If you want to leave you car out at the Alta exit from the freeway, feel free, just give us a call and I'll come out and pick you up. Happy March! Greg.

UPDATE on weather/road conditions, Friday 6 March: We saw increasing sun today, and patches of ground are now showing up under some trees. The road in has gotten pretty easy; it's tracked down to the road surface, so it should not be a problem for anyone. There's still lots of lovely snow in the meadow, good texture for igloo and sculpture building. Down at the cabins where more ground is showing through, it's muddy. Gloves and boots are in order!

UPDATE on weather/road conditions, Thursday 5 March:
Weather looks promising, dry for the weekend, partly cloudy. The snow that we got on Tuesday (about a foot) is melting rapidly but still covers the ground everywhere. We did a lot of shoveling Wednesday and can now drive to the bottom of the meadow with our 4WD cars. Anyone driving a 4WD will not have problems getting in here even now. By Sunday, I'm confident that even 2WD vehicles will make it OK... but Saturday—can't be sure yet.

The meadow is absolutely beautiful when snow covered. My memorial dreamcatcher has taken a hit though; one of its support ropes has broken so that it has flopped over and hangs low and doesn't look now like it was ever round. That's OK, it evolves... I think we should make fanciful snow sculptures to surround it with sparkling whimsy ; )

The guest of honor can't be here, but we'll celebrate his fascinating life anyway. Join Gay, and Greg (and maybe Janet, Gem, Gus) at the cabins, anytime during the weekend of March 7-8. Bring food to share, music to share, but YOURSELF mainly.

IMPORTANT--check back here on Thursday evening or Friday for an update on our weather/road conditions. If the current series of storms results in snow at this elevation (4000') the road may become difficult or impassable, and we don't want anyone to get stuck. If the road is going to be a problem, we'll move the gathering somewhere else, below the snow.

"Geometer Remembered", ...

an interesting blog post by Kirby Urner.

Thank you Kirby!

Richard's DVD Collection of Russell...

For those of you who have received the DVD set Richard put together... WATCH IT! Jeff and I spent a wondeful rainy afternoon watching Russ in his element. How fortunate we are to have this to watch whenever we need to see Russell's smiling face and hear his intelligent voice. (We also hear a bit of irritation and sarcasm at times... LOL). Anyway, many thanks to Rich and Chris for all your hard work. For those of you who haven't seen the footage, it's great. It's so hard to believe it's been six months... some days it seems like yesterday, and some days it seems like an eternity. Shellie

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

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

Russell wearing Bullwinkle hat on Christmas day 2005

photo courtesy of Carol Towle.

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: