CHRISTI , MY 'GO TO' ASSISTANT for tough tough hikes in AZ
Christi was part of my spin off group from the Green Valley Hiking Club. I asked her to be my assistant on tough hikes that would have exposure to drop offs. My last hike with Christi as my assistant was January 28, 2020 to Elephant Head. We had one first-timer to the top, and one Leader that was training to lead the club hike. Christi's calm and reassuring voice helped our first timer to the top.
Another time she helped, was December 5, 2017, when we led two first timers to the top of Cat Mountain. They had each turned around before making it through the exposure section on a previous hike. This time Christi talked them both through the tough part. The one hiker had even said, 'I am done', but Christi's calm and reassuring voice talked him through it anyway.
I am not good at Facebook and other technology, so Deb Thrall is sending this on my behalf. We were blessed with the time we had to hike with Christi. We will have fond memories of her.... Phil Betzel.
Thank you so much for sharing Phil and Deb! I too can remember her calm and reassuring voice as she was teaching me to ski and talking me down my very first black diamond! She had a way of breaking scary things down into manageable steps. And she easily helped beginners enjoy and feel comfortable doing the hobbies she loved