As the afternoon thunderheads approached, we ascended the steep trail towards the Dana Plateau... We hiked through forests of larkspur, lupine and columbine, following the laughing dancing creek upwards. It was a late start, and the sky was darkening... A few thunderclaps confirmed that it was too dicey to top out on the exposed plateau.
A lower shelf of glaciated slabs spoke to several people, and we gathered there. Drumming, chanting, crying and hugging. A gorgeous view in all directions on a most dramatic energizing Sierra day.
We gathered handfuls of Jeff's ashes... All his physical remains... Some sprinkled them among flowers and gnarled pine roots. Others stood on the edge of a small cliff, and tossed them up into the breeze. Drifting, rising, swirling, then fading away. More tears, hugs, smiles and stories.
A beautiful place, with wonderful friends and family, on a most outrageous & auspicious day. There were even tasty snacks... Jeff would have loved it!