Since Dave loved to travel, for the last 20 years I have made it my goal to spread his ashes in beautiful places around the world; places that make you shake-your-head in amazement at the profound beauty of nature.  I know Dave would have simply absorbed these surroundings into his soul. Referring to the beauty of the only sunrise he experienced in Utah, the single entry in his diary was “f’n awesome.”

Dave’s ashes were sprinkled in pristine seascapes and majestic mountain vistas, as well as deep in the Utah canyons and all the way to the ocean floor in the Bahamas.

 

His ashes rest in innumerable places of natural beauty and meaning.

• 20 countries and several Caribbean islands
• 50 worldwide picturesque rivers, lakes and oceans
• 23 mountain ranges
• 15 U.S. states

There were so many special places that I found it hard to list just ten of my favorites, but these are my most memorable.  (You can read more details in the original posts.)

 

BOULDER, UTAH  (DAVE’S CAVE)

How can I begin to describe the most difficult and symbolic journey that Rob and I shared.  As tiring and strenuous as it was, we were driven to visit the place where Dave died; the place he struggled so valiantly to reach—water.  This post describes our emotional and physically challenging trek down into the Utah canyons to recreate Dave’s journey.  We were on horseback and could only imagine how Dave felt hiking in 100+ degrees with no water.  Our hearts broke with the realization of just how close he was to water—a mere 100 ft.

 ANDROS ISLANDS, THE BAHAMAS

We were always trying to come up with unique ways to remember Dave; ways that we were sure would make him smile. It was so different than anything we had done before.  Dave loved scuba diving because he felt like “it was almost like being in space” so he became a certified diver while he was stationed in the Marshall Islands.  This was also perfect because scuba diving in Greece is a fond memory that Rob and Dave shared.  The plaque, a gift from his sister, a cute story about the action figure we named Scuba Steve, and a unique way to spread Dave’s ashes—the floor of the ocean.  The video brings it all together.

 THE GREAT WALL OF CHINA

Just prior to Dave leaving for the fatal trip to Utah, we talked about traveling.  I had said I would love to start traveling, but I had no-one who could travel with me.  Dave said he would be happy to travel with me.  We talked about several places; one being the Great Wall of China.  He, of course, wanted to rough it more than I did. (Actually, I ultimately settled for a tour.) He even mentioned it to his hiking partner in Utah that he was planning to do this with me.  As I could see the Wall in the distance, my emotions took over.  How I wished that he was experiencing this with me.

 MT. MCKINLEY (DENALI)

This, too, was a trip Dave and I discussed.  He specifically said we have to do it alone—no tours!  I agreed, but insisted we stay in hotels; not backpacking and sleeping in tents as he would like. Sadly, it was not to be.  I traveled to Alaska with Rob, Bob and Jan.  Dave would have loved this trip.  We were about to begin a hike when our guide inexplicably broke tradition and decided to drive us to Reflection Lake before the hike.  He knew Denali was fully visible and was afraid it would be covered in clouds by the end of the hike, which was in a different direction.  As the van rounded the bend and we saw the splendor of Denali, tears filled our eyes.  It was amazing.  Dave would have loved it.  I am sure he was proud that we hiked up a mountain and saw the real Alaska.  The guide said so few people do.

 ALASKAN BACKCOUNTRY

We witnessed bears and eagles along the shores and in the sky during our six hour rafting trip down the Kenai River. Nestled in the forest just beyond a glacier-carved lake, we arrived at our backcountry tent.  Until Alaska, never in my life had I ever experienced true wilderness—just being one with nature. We hiked to the top of a mountain the next day; summer at the bottom, but snow at the top.  Our guide brought a rolled-up piece of hard plastic. Rob and Bob went sledding down an Alaskan mountain in the summer! Oh how Dave would have loved this adventure!

THE SWISS ALPS, JUNGFRAUJOCH, SWITZERLAND

Jungfraujoch is known as the Top of Europe as it sits at an elevation of 11,371 ft.in the Swiss Alps. The views are known to be spectacular so imagine my disappointment when the viewing platform was enveloped in cold, misty clouds.  Knowing that this spot was known for its beauty, I sprinkled Dave’s ashes over the railing and headed toward the area to await the train down the mountain. Just as I turned away from the large picture windows in the waiting area, I heard shouts of appreciation.  The sun had broken through the clouds. It was the most beautiful view.  It warmed my heart that Dave’s ashes were there and, at the last minute, I was blessed to see an ethereal view that I called Stairway to Heaven.  I was even more thankful as it was Mother’s Day.

UTAH BEACH, NORMANDY, FRANCE

Mothers teach their children, but children also can teach their mothers life lessons.

While Dave was stationed in Greece, he had planned to go to Venice with a buddy.  At the last minute, his friend had to cancel so Dave went alone.  My reaction was disappointment for him and said “How can you enjoy doing something like that by yourself.” He said, “Mom if you really want to do something, don’t pass it up.  Do it alone and enjoy the experience.”

I always wanted to go to France.  So I went. By myself!

As part of my journey, I wanted to honor my Dad who landed on Utah Beach on D-Day and later became a German POW.  Dad and Dave were very close; great chess buddies. I took this opportunity to spread some of Dave’s ashes on Utah Beach in Normandy.  Thank you, Dave, for giving me the guts to go it alone.

 LI RIVER, GUILIN, CHINA

Cruising down the Li River is another other-worldly experience. The steep dramatic limestone formations shot high into the blue sky. Cormorants sunned themselves along the shore while water buffalos enjoyed the cool water.  Visiting a local farm and learning the day-to-day life of an 80+ year old great-grandma was truly enlightening.  Due to her years working in the rice paddies, she could squat down better than the youngest in our group. Surprisingly, she was most proud of her new wooden casket sitting up in a loft. That was an eye-opener. Dave would have loved this trip; the mystical Li River and stepping back in time—the perfect combination.

 CARRICK-A-REDE BRIDGE, NORTHERN IRELAND

Beautiful places and experiences that take you outside your comfort zone—those are the destinations that would most impress Dave–never doing things the easy way! So on a windy, beautiful day, we walked across a rope bridge 100 feet above the rocky, angry sea below. It was such a memorable experience; one that Dave would have loved to share.

 GRASSI LAKE, CANADIAN ROCKIES

Again, beautiful places and experiences outside your comfort zone.  We climbed the mountain with many resting points along the way.  We were content in the knowledge that even though we struggled, this was the “difficult” trail—not bad for folks in our 70s.  Imagine our disappointment when we learned we actually climbed the “easy” trail!  Either way, we made it to the top to experience amazing overlooks along the way and viewed the beautiful aquamarine Grassi Lake.  It doesn’t matter the path you take, it’s the journey and what greets you at the end.

 

In conclusion:

There were so many more beautiful and memorable destinations; some dramatic, some ethereal, some mystical, and some just simply because. Even though future posts may not be as exciting or dynamic, the places are still chosen for beauty and meaning–unless I can convince the younger generation to take the lead in climbing mountains!

It’s been 20 years since we said good-bye to you that fateful July afternoon. It doesn’t get easier; it’s just different. It’s a sadness in your soul that never leaves.

I hope you smile at all the places around the world where you have become a part of nature that you so loved.

 

We’re not done yet!

 

My granddaughter, Cayla, was only 2 years old when her Uncle Dave passed.  Our family has kept Dave alive by regaling so many of his stories and antics.  We all share signs with each other that we have experienced reassuring us that Dave is still with us.  My energetic days of travel are dwindling so when I hear that another family member is traveling, I hope it’s somewhere “Dave-worthy.”  I enlisted Cayla to be ever-present in her upcoming trip and to completely open her mind to her surroundings and to notice every little thing that the average person might miss.  I asked her to take notes and share those memories with me so that I could describe the area the family selected for Dave’s ashes. Well, Cayla went above and beyond and wrote the entire post.  I am very proud of the finished product.  After reading her description, I felt as if I was standing there as well.  Thank you, Cayla.

While on our trip to Cape Cod, we took a day trip to the Acquinnah Cliffs in Martha’s Vineyard. This view truly took my breath away, as it was a level of nature’s beauty I had never experienced before. It felt like standing inside a monthly calendar’s featured landscape, making me feel immense gratitude for having the opportunity to see such a view with my own eyes, creating an unforgettable, special experience I got to share with my family, including the spirit of my Uncle Dave. Eager for a more intimate view, we started our mile hike down the shore to stand at the base of the cliffs to spread my uncle’s ashes.

The weather was perfect- a breeze in the air and the sun shining in the sky without a single cloud diminishing its light. Throughout our journey to this “perfect spot,”  I became more centered in the present, paying more attention to the things going on around me, the things I saw- the hundreds of dragonflies buzzing around us as we walked to the beach. The singular monarch butterfly paying us a visit, offering it’s guidance down the trail, blanketed in purple and pink flowers, creating a faint scent of rose in the salty air,  reminding me of my great grandma, as she always smelt of roses.

The beach itself was breathtaking; the water a beautiful aquamarine color, so clear you could see to the rock and shell covered sandy floor. Continuing down the beach, we relished in the warm sun hitting our faces and sea breeze, keeping us cool on our walk, collecting unique rocks that washed up on the shore as we approached the base of the cliffs. Interestingly enough, during this walk we accidentally and unexpectedly ventured onto a nude beach and if you know my Uncle Dave, you could only assume how hysterically he was laughing at us. It was quite the experience, to say the least.

Once we found our “perfect spot,” we built a small rock tower, releasing his ashes over it, allowing it to be carried into the wind and waves.

Though Uncle Dave is no longer here with us physically, we know his soul will always be intertwined with ours, guiding us to these beautiful pockets of peace, where we have the opportunity to see things through a lens like he did, allowing us to leave a little piece of him behind, becoming one with thy nature.

 

The climb up the mountain was quite daunting.  You would think you would feel safe in a truck, but without guardrails along the road and the sheer drop, it’s not for the faint of heart.  And, heaven forbid, beware if another car is coming in the opposite direction and you have to move closer to the edge.  I normally don’t mind heights, but there were several “hold your breath” moments.  As a matter of fact, there’s a sign at the base of the mountain, “If you have a fear of heights, you may not appreciate this driving experience.”

The views were spectacular and were ever-changing.  At the start, there are dense forests with hardwood and evergreen trees, which gradually change to a rocky landscape with low-growing shrubs and unobstructed views.  As you approach the summit, the road turns to gravel revealing a stark, rocky landscape.

As you stand at the very top of the mountain, a stunning view appears (130 miles in all directions) revealing hundreds of peaks of the surrounding mountains.  Mt. Washington is the centerpiece of the Presidential Range of the White Mountains, but the view encompasses several U.S. states and Canada.

Perfectly situated at the top is large cairn constructed by a fearless climber.  It was the perfect spot for Dave.

So, as we drove down the 6,288 ft. mountain and gazed at the beauty surrounding us, I was happy to think of Dave and how he would have loved it here.  However, I’m sure he would prefer hiking it and cause more gray hairs for Mom!

In November, 2021, we were fortunate to travel to the Great Smoky Mountains on the Tennessee / North Carolina border. Every twist and turn of the mountain road reveals one beautiful panorama after another, with every new vista outshining the one before.

As you scan the horizon, the “smoke” that drapes over the mountains creates an other-worldly feeling; providing a calmness that comes from enjoying God’s beautiful creations as he paints the landscape in vibrant autumn colors.

Dave would have loved hiking and camping under the stars while absorbing the serenity of the woods. So it is here in Woodfin Valley in the Smoky Mountains that I sprinkled Dave’s ashes in a place he loved best; one of Mother Nature’s masterpieces.

Sohier Park is situated on a peninsula known as Cape Neddick in Maine.  It is the best place to view the tiny island of Nubble, which is only about 50 yards from the mainland.

Perched atop the rocky island, the Nubble Lighthouse keeps watch over the southern Maine coastline. It is one of the most photographed lighthouses in the world because of its natural beauty.  It is exemplified whether it be stormy skies as the waves crash on the rocky shores below or the peace and beauty of the calm sunrise and sunset waters.

It is here on these rocky shores that share a little bit of Dave; a place where I could hear Dave say, “Hey, I’d like to be lighthouse keeper.  That would be cool.”  There was never a dull moment with Dave.

The lovely gardens and museum of Villa Carlotta in Tremezzo, Northern Italy was built in the late-seventeenth century.  The villa spans 17 acres and displays an amazing array of roses, azaleas, citrus trees, hydrangeas, tropical plants and a large variety of trees.  Everywhere you walk along its many paths, you see natural and manicured beauty.

We chose to sprinkle Dave’s ashes in the coloful flowering rock garden. A variety of blooming plants are rotated throughout the spring, summer, and fall so that the rock garden is in full-color splendor for the entire growing season.

And, to top it off, we cannot forget the stunning panoramic view of Lake Como.

Another special place for Dave.

In the northern portion of the Scottish highlands lies the largest area of fresh water in Great Britain.  It is the source of many mysterious sightings of the mystical monster, Nessie.

While we didn’t see Nessie ourselves, it was certainly an experience to explore the lake with mountains rising in the distance; the largest being Meall Fuar Mhonaidh.

The area is steeped in history.  Urquhart Castle sits on the shore of Loch Ness and was a prominent part of Scotland’s fight for freedom.  It is the only castle in the Highlands to hold out against the English; oh the stories those walls could tell.

Although Loch Ness didn’t have the breathtaking views or the colorful flowers we have so often seen in our travels, it was beautiful in its own way.  The combination of fantasy, mystery, and history would certainly have been the attraction for Dave.

And, to be in the same lake as Nessie would make Dave smile.

The Ring of Brodgar is stone circle on Mainland, the largest Orkney Island in the Highlands of Scotland.  The circle consists of 21 standing stones that are over 5000 years old; older than Stonehenge or the Great Pyramids and so large that Stonehenge could fit inside the Ring.

There are many theories as to how the area was used, but it is believed these stones, as well as others on the island, were part of a huge ceremonial complex of standing stones and buildings.

While this background information is interesting, I chose this spot for Dave’s ashes because everything about this island would have intrigued Dave; its mysterious history, its beautiful surroundings and the savage wind that reminds you of the fury of Mother Nature on one hand and her beauty on the other.

I sprinkled Dave’s ashes in the heather growing outside the Ring overlooking the Loch of Harray.  The North and Norwegian Seas surround the island.

This was an amazing place for Dave, but the entire trip through the Highlands was amazing.  There were so many perfect beautiful possibilities for his ashes.

The point of my posts is to show how I am “Remembering Dave” wherever I travel.  From Loch Lomond to the Orkney Islands, you can be sure I was remembering Dave all along the way. He would have loved Scotland; especially the remoteness of the Highlands.

There is a little bit of Dave in some of the most magnificent places in Scotland.