hi tom. i miss you a lot! i guess in the twelve years plus we spent together we actually got quite close without really knowing it. or showing it. but i really am impressed with you! i never knew half the stuff you have done, i didnt even know you'd summited cook! im inspired! and i realise know and i am very thankful for all the trips you did do with us. our first experience canyoning down woolshed creek though not optimum was awesome and i still remember that big waterfall we had to do! i remember the countless times we spent at that over hang, and i think now that mt somers truly is a place that i love to go. i know that you liked going into those water caves and echoing your voice around in the dark. i remember school holidays at gentle annie, coming home after a day out exploring cave creek or walking along the coast to our warm house and instant pudding and card games, and snuggling into my sleeping bag at night. i had a family because of you! you were a great father figure, so strong, i always saw you as the helping hand we needed when we couldnt reach somewhere even though you struggled sometimes we'd always manage to get there! i thank you for spurning and interest in rock climbing in me that i hope i will pursue for a long time. days out at castle hill and the port hills, nights at the Y or at the roxx.always challenging us to climb harder. i hope to do you proud in the outdoors. i recently solo'd on the west coast up the north ridge of Tara Tama before being whited out and frankly shitting my pants! but i made it back to the biv safely. i think this bushcraft(what little i have) i have learnt from you. that trip scared the shit out of me but i kept going cos i knew that's what you would do and i stayed focused, and came out just fine. i treated the forester with respect as well!! i miss standing at the top of mountains with you and the family. i miss coming home and playing cards with you. i miss your input and feedback about my pursuits. i miss our family trips the most. because on them we did so many unique and awesome things. ill keep an eye on frances! and me and Daniel are going to be good climbers, i just havent told him yet! i love you! your son simon