It’s been a year now since we lost our loved one and friend, Steve Mitchell. But he hasn’t been forgotten.

For years, his friend Rick Andersen and sons, as well as his uncle, Terry Mills, and cousin, Todd, have hiked into the high lakes of Wildcat above Alpental.

It was Steve’s intention to go in with them this year. But it was not meant to be, with his untimely death on September 8, 2009.

But, bless Rick, his son Lou and a group of friends who, with the memory of Steve in their hearts and a photo of him in hand, hiked to Upper Wildcat Lake and placed Steve’s photo overlooking the lake he had heard so much about.

Steve, you made it to the top, thanks to help from your friends. Thank you, Rick and Lou, for being so thoughtful and taking the time to place Steve high on that mountain.

Mitchell and Mills family,

Mabton, Wash.