[Paddlewise] Coast Guard helicopter tragedy at La Push, WA

I'm sure you've all heard/seen by now, news of the deadly Coast Guard
helicopter crash yesterday...

http://seattletimes.nwsource.com/html/localnews/2012301842_coptercrash08m.html

Something like this is always sad, but as a resident, and paddler of
the WA coast--and one who loves to paddle at La Push as well--this
hits pretty close to home.

Unfortunately, since living and paddling along this coast for the past
several years, I've seen too many good people lose their lives. People
whose job it is to try and save the lives of others; often in the most
dangerous of circumstances (weather/water conditions, any time of day
or night, any season, etc.).

This was no rescue or training mission, and weather conditions
couldn't have been more benign. I've read about the power lines, etc.,
but still don't know enough to adequately speculate. It's not the time
for that anyway; it's just a time to be sad, yet again, and to
remember those who, veteran or rookie, have devoted their lives to
helping others, and are gone too soon.

Just about every bit of water I paddle has its tragic stories; both
recent and ancient. It's just the way of the sea, and at the same time
that we celebrate the life enriching experiences we seek on these
waters, there's always someone to remember as well. The next time I
paddle La Push...I'll remember.

-- 
Melissa

PGP Public Key: http://tinyurl.com/2cmefzy
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