Suzy’s Final Campsite - McClure Meadow, August 24, 2022
December 7, 2022
by Randy Wilbur
After a tearful walk through the meadow I found your spot sweetheart. It’s near the campsite where we camped on your one backpack trip here. There is a tiny clearing at the base of a large tree protected by the surrounding saplings and a little berry bush. It overlooks the classic view to the east—Mendel, Darwin, the Hermit and the glacier-sculpted Evolution Valley. The river makes an S curve through the meadow just as it approaches the site and then narrows to the west. The actual campsite is back in the trees—close enough to hear the happy voices of backpackers. Your spot is hidden just to the left of where campers sit to take in the view. You’ll regularly hear the exclamations of those fortunate enough to share this sacred spot. I can easily hear your voice as you wonder at God’s beautiful creation. Your voice will forever be added to those who come here.
It was an emotional hike back to our camp and I choked up when Katy and Matt asked if I had found a good spot. There were many such moments.
Later in the day, around sunset, we quietly walked to your spot. When we arrived, wecould hear the voices of the nearby campers, but it wasn’t disturbing. Rather, it seemed appropriate. Without saying a word, each of us emptied our little baggies of your ashes into the small hole, one by one. I went first and placed my fingers onto the ash as a final touch. Matt was next, and smoothed the ashes with his hand. Katy then added her portion, carefully getting all of the ash from the bag. It was remarkable how each of us knew just what to do. We had not planned anything ahead of time. With all of your ashes in place, I gently covered them, being careful to scatter the forest litter and pine cones to hide the spot. Katy picked a few flowers and laid them on your spot. She said she only picked a few, knowing you would object if she picked too many. The three of us joined in a group hug, and then turned to look silently at the view. No words could be said that were equal to the moment. Then there were more hugs all around and we stayed watching as a deer walked through eating mushrooms, and ducks paddled in the glassy river reflecting the alpen glow of the high peaks. We shared few words as we walked back to our camp.
It was an emotional hike back to our camp and I choked up when Katy and Matt asked if I had found a good spot. There were many such moments.
Later in the day, around sunset, we quietly walked to your spot. When we arrived, wecould hear the voices of the nearby campers, but it wasn’t disturbing. Rather, it seemed appropriate. Without saying a word, each of us emptied our little baggies of your ashes into the small hole, one by one. I went first and placed my fingers onto the ash as a final touch. Matt was next, and smoothed the ashes with his hand. Katy then added her portion, carefully getting all of the ash from the bag. It was remarkable how each of us knew just what to do. We had not planned anything ahead of time. With all of your ashes in place, I gently covered them, being careful to scatter the forest litter and pine cones to hide the spot. Katy picked a few flowers and laid them on your spot. She said she only picked a few, knowing you would object if she picked too many. The three of us joined in a group hug, and then turned to look silently at the view. No words could be said that were equal to the moment. Then there were more hugs all around and we stayed watching as a deer walked through eating mushrooms, and ducks paddled in the glassy river reflecting the alpen glow of the high peaks. We shared few words as we walked back to our camp.