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.
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