Galen Rowell's Mountain Light Gallery's Last Day of Business

Coming home from Baja Mexico a few years ago, I decided to take Highway 395 back home. I hate I-5. Maybe it's the scenery? I don't know why I do this, but I'm always finding something to do at the last minute, or after hours, or on a day when someplace is closed. In this case, Galen Rowells Mountain Light Gallery was actually closing for business and this was the very last day and the last hour. I didn't get her name, but the manager graciously let me in for a final viewing. I have two of Galen's framed photo's on my walls here at home. Both are inside 30x40" frames and are 20x29" prints. One is a picture of Mt. Shuksan in North Cascades National Park. Recently, I was given some of my grandmothers oil paintings. They were old and dusty, and I was cleaning them when I realized the similarity's of that Rowell picture and two of my Gtandmothers oils. I held up the oil painting next to the photograph on the wall and it was apparent, they were taken from damn near the same exact spot. It sent chills deep inside me. I was really sad to see the gallery closing for business. Galen was my very favorite outdoor photographer, and I was so sad to hear of he, and his wives tragic plane crash. I read every single article he wrote in Outdoor Photographer Magazine, and I own two of his books that I have read cover to cover. Plus, the local Library here has/had a few of his other books I read too. Galen's writing is awesome...his unique perspective from his knowledge, and upbringing is paramount to my understanding of a lot of things in this world. I got a kick out of the friction he and Lou Whitaker had on K2. I went to see Galen at Washington State University; and hear him speak. I stood next to him in line at the sandwich counter during intermission. I will always admire his work, and we lost a very great artist when the two Rowell's went down. I know this video is late in coming...it's not news to anyone that knows. But from my own experience, being open on the last day of going out of business is a very special day. One that an owner or manager will never forget. I'll never forget Galen Rowell.

[@josephramone5805]

Thanks for sharing. Galen was one of my inspirations for exploring the wilderness.

[@pushhere8320]

He had a vision...and a real sharp 20mm lens!

[@valdezapg]

Thanks for the upload. I read the video description. I recommend you read his wifes book too if you have not already, it was really great and told some behind the scenes things about Galen.

[@DannyWJaco]

👏🏼