That was then.

I found some pictures today on Thomas' Facebook page, a few of which were taken just before the avalanche.

It's interesting, and a little freaky, to look at them now, some 3 months (plus) after the event. It's now a story I've told many times, been through in my mind many times, and thought about many times; both when awake and when asleep. And yet there is still something - some little part of my memory that is activated and alerted by seeing these pictures.

I'm happy, content, and relaxed in place that I would now find a little of nerve wracking.

And little things are different. The weather is worse than I remember.

The experience more lonely (I was sure Thomas was always by my side, rather than some way behind, as these pictures suggest).

And it all just looks a lot more dangerous. But I suppose that's what hindsight does to you - it makes you re-evaluate - it re-washes events in the light of later experience.

That was then, but some how not.

Comments

[lauren]

know the feeling paul. a few years ago, i fell off my mountain bike and busted my arm in the process (not nearly as scary as what happened to you) and i found myself in much the same place. photos of the area now look so rugged that i wondered what the fuck i was doing there in the first place and i never really hit the tracks again. i hope you're not too affected by the whole thing to at least go hiking in summer.

[TomLR]

How is he doing ?

[Paul H. Colman]

I'll be out there again one day Lauren, just maybe taking it a little easier.

Tom, he is doing well. On one crutch, and able to do a full rotation on a stationary bike.

[TomLR]

Paul, Lauren used the word 'fuck'.

[TomLR]

And on another, although perhaps somehow related note - I have just been smacked. AND I am at work. It wasn't as good as it sounds.

[TomLR]

By a woman.

[TomLR]

But she DID have hairy legs (and arms) (and hands)

[henry lambert]

Tom, you should count yourself lucky. That kind of thing doesn't happen everyday, nor does it grow on trees.

Paul, that climb looks properly hardcore.

[TomLR]

She DID look as if she had just come out of a tree Henry.

[Pauls sister]

That whole avalanche thing shifted everyting. I thought my brother was fearless. I'm glad he's not. I'm frightened of many things, more than i used to be. Bravery will always be something that i associate with my brother. I don't think hindsight really changes who we are, we wil always do what we want; what we think is best.

[Paul H. Colman]

That was very nicely writen Emma.