What a journey into the heart of Denali Park! The six-hour bus ride was a complete sensory overload. We experienced the most beautiful views of a lifetime; mountain after mountain – some green, some snow-capped; some rounded, some peaked. The sun and blue skies magnified the kaleidoscope of colors, but none more beautiful than at Polychrome Pass. Wild flowers of all colors dotted the mountainsides and glacier lakes were everywhere. The joy of seeing animals, from the smallest snowshoe hare to the giant grizzly, in their natural habitat left us all wide-eyed with the wonder of it all. We imagined how much Dave would have loved it, too! And as with all of these trips, I truly felt that somewhere, somehow, Dave was with us every step of the way.
The next morning we gathered for another hike. Our guide inexplicably broke tradition and headed to Reflection Lake before the hike. As the other guides questioned him about his detour, he said he wanted to take advantage of the clear skies. Thank God he did. None of the other guides followed.
As we rounded the bend, audible gasps could be heard from the van. Jan and I looked at each other with our eyes welling up with tears. It was such a poignant moment to see majestic Mt. McKinley soaring high above us–completely surrounded by blue skies. I couldn’t have asked for a more dramatic, yet serene, place to spread more of Dave’s ashes–Reflection Lake with such a mind-numbing view of Mt. McKinley. My emotions were off-the-chart with sadness that he wasn’t physically here with us to exhileration that we were so fortunate to experience this amazing sight. We were later told that only 1% of travelers actually view Mt. McKinley in all its glory. Most times it is either fully or partially covered in clouds. Later during our hike, we could view Mt McKinley towering high above the mountain we were climbing. By the middle of our hike, Mt. McKinley once again disappeared into the clouds. Had our guide NOT taken the detour, the amazing experience would never have happened. (I bet he heard a “little voice” in his head that morning!)
As with all of our Alaskan experiences, the hike was shake-your-head amazing. Our guide told us that of all the people who visit Alaska only 2% actually climb its mountains; they usually look up the mountain from the vans. Until Alaska, never in my life had I ever experienced true wilderness–just being one with nature. Dave would be proud to know we did this trip our own way. I hope we continue to witness – first hand – the beauty this world has to offer.
Like everything in life, the best things do NOT come easy. We cannot just let life happen, we need to make it happen!
Happy Birthday Dave! Just to let you know that with all of my emotion, you are in my thoughts. You know you really gave the greatest hugs. As the recipient, there was never a doubt what your emotions were. Thank you for the gift of your love! Love Aunt Jan
Pat, I have kept the last Christmas Card that you sent with the sad news about Dave. I immediately went to the web site and read all about him, he was a truly remarkable young man. My heart goes out to you and your family with your losses. Only time can help to ease the pain, but it never truly goes away. May your memories make you smile instead of cry. I know that your son and daughter can only help to make you feel better and, of course, the grandchildren are a gift to love and enjoy.
We have been remiss in sending out Christmas cards the last two years but I want you to know that you have been in my thoughts and prayers. Even tried to find your telephone number on the net to call you, couldn’t find it though. God Bless.
Betty Paulson