dreadedmonkeygod . net

While on a climbing trip in Ireland on Friday, July 13, climber Michael Reardon was struck by a rogue wave and swept out to sea. He is presumed dead. The full story can be found at Times Online and on Reardon's Wikipedia entry.

It's a real shame that he might be gone for good. And I can't imagine what his wife and daughter are going through. I can only speak from the perspective of someone who was inspired by his climbing. I've only met him a couple of times, but he was exceptionally cool on both occasions. I remember this because I'd given him reason enough to be curt.

I had two short conversations with him, and climbed some of the routes he set at the local gym, and I'm a better climber for it. I can only imagine what he must give to his friends and family.

I hope he's shivvering on a rock somewhere, waiting for a lifeboat.