Bob Tomerlin

I never had the pleasure of meeting these two extraordinary people, except through Galen's photographs and books. Galen's images were uncanny - so crisp, so beautiful, and sometimes so haunting. I will miss his wonderful talent. When I look through a viewfinder, I can't presume to ask "How would Galen take this?" But I can ask "What would Galen say about this?" To Galen and Barbara's family, friends and colleagues - my heartfelt sympathy. For the rest of us who only knew his photos - what a void is left! Friday, 25 July, 2003 (01:00) - Maryland, USA

Hans

You have a very unique and interesting site, I enjoyed my visit. Friday, 25 July, 2003 (01:00) - Europe

Ken McDougal Jr.

I just found out yesterday. I am still in shock about it. Galen was my mentor and even though I never knew Barbara, I'm shure she was his best friend and a great influence in his life. I am also saddened to hear that there were two others in the plane with them that died. My thoughts and prayers go out to all the families involved. I am deeply saddened by this yet I am thankful that I was given the honor of meeting Galen 10 years ago at The Nature Company in Concord Massachussetts for a book signing event for "Mountain Light". I will never forget that meeting nor the words he reminded me of that will be forever engraved on my soul, "Photography, is an action sport." The moment after God made Galen and Barbara Rowell, He broke the mold because He knew there could never be anyone like them. You will be greatly missed yet never replaced or forgotten in my heart. Friday, 25 July, 2003 (01:00) - Jacksonville,Fla.

Warren

sad beyond words Friday, 25 July, 2003 (01:00) - Melbourne Australia

Ron R Richard

Dear Galen,Barbara & family, I will think of you often in my heart & mind as I continue my own choosen path in photojournalism - for your courage, your incredible persistense, your Love of/in action, your strenghts, your technical accomplishments, your willingness to risk, your humility & generousity, your thankfulness for the gifts that come from our work. your leadership in our field. Your lives have enriched our place & our lives. I will be forever gratefull and you are missed. sincerely r.r.richard Friday, 25 July, 2003 (01:00) - Connecticut

Jo Sanders

From Tara's heart rainbow light shines forth throughout the six realms and the bardo, enveloping the deceased ones wherever they are, purifying their karma and infusing them with Tara's radiant blessig. Their forms become brilliant spheres of light and dissolve into Tara's heartmind--a realm beyond the cycles of suffering, a realm of absolute purity and bliss. More light is needed to compensate the darkness. With love, of course Jo Friday, 25 July, 2003 (01:00) - Oakland & Dunsmuir CA

Vivian Drew

I could hardly wait to get my hands on Barbara's book after hearing about it at the service for both Galen and Barbara in Berkeley. They both have inspired me to seek out my dreams. I am coming to Bishop in the near future to see their paradise. Thank you. Friday, 25 July, 2003 (01:00) - Palo Alto, CA

Kelvin Mow

I was just doing some late night research when I decided to take a break and surf the web. Needing some inspiration, I looked up my favorite photographer and was shocked and sadden to read the horrible news. My sympathies go out to his family and co-workers. Galen was always an inspiration to me... his eye for photgraphy and his spirit for showing us the world. I use to visit his studio on the weeksends when I lived in Berkely and I always received a sense of peace from his images - as well as a longing for new adventures. I have traveled to many places because of his work and he has been an inspiration to me - in my photography, climbing, adventures, travels, work, and even spirit. May Galen and Barbara rest in peace... PS: The web site is fantastic - keep up the great work. Friday, 25 July, 2003 (01:00) - NYC

Paul

Hello, I found you at Altavista. You have wealth of information on your site and a nice design. Greetings from Germany Friday, 25 July, 2003 (01:00) - Germany

Doug Smith

Galens photographs are the benchmark for anyone who totes a camera in the wilderness. Peace. Friday, 25 July, 2003 (01:00) - Othello, Washington

Mary V Dickerson

My deepest symphathies to the families of Galen and Barbara. I knew Galen from 1975 when I worked at Mountain Travel/Albany (before they moved to El Cerrito.) I was the coordinator of the first trip Galen led for the company. He was so surprised that we would actually pay him to guide a trip ! At the time he had an auto body shop in Albany. Nicole and Tony were children near the age of my daughter, Liz. (Liz was about 8 at the time and is now 36 !) I remember working with Galen on Pakistan and Alaska trips and also going with a group of us to camp and hike at PSOM above Bishop. Those were wonderful days and marvelous people. My daughter asked Galen to sign a napkin one night when a group of us had dinner. She said "Galen,you will be famous someday and I want your autograph." Since he had just started selling his photos, he thought this was incredibly funny but signed the napkin anyway. I found it recently and about three days later read the sad news about the plane crash. My friend, Jo Sanders and Galen lived together during the 70s and I spent many pleasant hours with them. I did not get to meet Barbara because I had moved away by 1980. My love to Nicole and Tony and God bless you all. Friday, 25 July, 2003 (01:00) - McKinney Texas

Heimarbeit

Keep up this great resource. I bookmark your site, best greetings, Heim Arbeit Friday, 25 July, 2003 (01:00) - Germany

Tony Rowell

interesting that the Rowell Family, albeit dispersed to the four corners of the earth are all really great behind a lense ! Friday, 25 July, 2003 (01:00) - Ynys Mon

E. Dale Davis Jr.

Today I finished Barbara's book, "Flying South". Once I started reading it I couldn't put it down. What a wonderful story of everything most of us never encounter. The adventure,danger,and constant problems that were encountered were beyond belief for someone to experience with so little flight time. Normally one would not set forth on such a trip in a single engine aircraft under such dangerous conditions, but she did and proved her worth. I'm left with a very empty feeling having talked to her not long before the mishap and knowing Galen's background. I've flown a lot in Alaska in the Alaska range and various parts of the north and am aware of the danger, but to go through what Barbara and Galen did with their lives and give us all goals most will never reach, and to perish as they did is hard to understand. I'm not a religious man, but when I encounter a situation such as this I begin to wonder why these two wonderful people leave this earth so soon with so much to offer. I feel terrible that this has happened and only hope that "Mountain Light" can continue to function in the manner that Barbara and Galen would wish. I wish you the best of luck! Friday, 25 July, 2003 (01:00) - Spokane, Washington

Valeh

I enjoyed visiting the gallery. Friday, 25 July, 2003 (01:00) - San Francisco

Liz McGiffin

My husband and I became fans immediately when we stopped at the Gallery in Bishop back in June of this year. We both seem to have similarities to both Galen and Barbara... I had begun flying lessons and found that I had the same passions as Barbara and my husband has been a photographer and loves the Sierras as Galen. We were shocked and saddened to find out the horrible news in August. We both felt we lost close friends. Recently, I ordered the workshop tapes for my husband through the mail for his birthday. They showed up the same day that he had visited the gallery (during a work trip) and purchased Barbara's book for me... I could not put it down - I held on to each word and story that captured her life and her passion for flying and for people. As I finished the book I felt mixed feelings of sadness and happiness - sad that she was gone and happy that her journey was a success... not only her adventure flying south but her life journey! Our condolences to their family and friends! Liz & Dave McGiffin Friday, 25 July, 2003 (01:00) - Victorville, CA

lance nemier

I visited the the mountain light gallery the day before Thanksgiving and I must admit that it was an amazing experience with the same impact of ansel adams best work. The visual impact of his photography in a large format and displayed with correct illumination was stunning to say the least. The fact that he shot in 35 mm and acheived the results he did was a inspiration to me. Another aspect of his work that has engendered respect is his obvious love of the environment and that is probably his greatest legacy to future gnerations. The world has lost a great photgrapher and environmentalist but his work will go on forever. Thankyou Galen Friday, 25 July, 2003 (01:00) - huntington beach, california

Mark Hooyer

I was first inspired by Galen Rowell, the climber. His book "The Vertical World of Yosemite" was the first climbing book I ever purchased (at 14 years of age). Even though most of the black & white photos predated Galen's work, his photos, text writing and photo editing gave me appreciation of the early days of Yosemite climbing, and the epic adventures of Warren Harding, Chuck Pratt, Royal Robbins, Yvon Chouinard, and others. Inspired, I dug up the early 1970's issue of National Geographic with the cover photo and feature story by Galen that documented his team's first free ascent of Half Dome. And the photography just kept getting better over the years. Climbers like me that have always dragged their cameras up and down crags over the years have always appreciated the technical climbing skill that was inherent in setting-up the amazing images that Galen has produced. He will be missed, but not forgotten as I mentally review his influences on my life and my climbing passion. Friday, 25 July, 2003 (01:00) - Salt Lake City, Utah

Don Reichert

As an outdoorsman, adventure traveler and photographer, I have held Galen's photography and philosophy about nature in awe. Condolences are sent to his family. I just finished reading Barbara's book "Flying South, . . . "and commend it to readers of all ages and both sexes. I feel it will be held in greater esteem than even Beryl Markham's "West With the Wind." Our grandson was named after Galen by his nature-loving parents. Like Galen, and many others, I thrill to greet the new days and race to record sunrises, and linger to capture sunsets. One of my proudest moments was to see one of my 1968 Nepal photos published with Galen Rowell's byline accidentally inserted. Both Galen and Barbara will be sorely missed, but all of his books on my shelves will provide a constant reminder. Friday, 25 July, 2003 (01:00) - Lafayette, CA

Linda Jenkins

For those who did not see Bay Area Back Roads program (channel 4 tonight at 6pm) should surely call channel 4 and ask them to repeat it. For those who have not already purchased Barbara's book, you are in for a treat! I know they would both be pleased with the results. Compliments to them as well as 10 Speed Press for getting it out in time for Christmas gift giving & doing such a thoughtful job of 'the rest of the story' part. Friday, 25 July, 2003 (01:00) - Lafayette, CA

Debbie

Came to this site after seeing the tribute on Bay Area Backroads. Beautiful life stories and amazing photography! They lived life to the fullest..and leave us with wonderful works and inspirations. Look forward to visitng the galleries and seeing more of their work and all of the outdoor wonders of the eastern Sierras in our California. May they be at peace with the most amazing scenery ever! I will say a prayer for your family at this time of loss-God bless. Friday, 25 July, 2003 (01:00) - Dublin, CA

Sharon

Galen's work was a great inspiration for my getting into the world of art thru photography. I constantly strived to perfect my work of outdoor photography and measured myself against his work. He is a great inspiration to those of us who seek quality in our photography. Friday, 25 July, 2003 (01:00) - Stockton, CA

Karen Borkes

Gosh, why do we so often intend to do something and put it off? Galen was the person I connected with the most in photography for some strange reason. I never met him but often thought of him while taking pictures. I always felt he would understand my questions. To not have met him and learned from him in person was truly my loss. Friday, 25 July, 2003 (01:00) - Poland, Ohio

Joellen Megan

My prayers and wishes for peace go to the Rowell's family and friends. Their work lives on in the light sources they created, the joy and inspiration they impart to all those who view their work and take the memory away in their hearts and minds. Namaste Friday, 25 July, 2003 (01:00) - iowa

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