Ray
I don't post often but feel that I should now to honor Ray and the mountains. Almost 9 years ago, on October 30, 1999, my hiking partner Doug Thompson died about a quarter of a mile from the summit of Madison. He, too, died quite suddenly of a heart attack; he was almost the same age, 66. He dropped in his tracks, 10 feet in front of me. As with Jason and Ray, my attempt to resuscitate Doug was futile. Because we were near the summit of a popular peak at 1pm, I was quickly joined by many hikers, all skilled and thoughtful. Some of them - most notably Sam from Bangor - joined my resuscitation and - not wanting to let Doug go - we continued for 1/2 an hour before acknowledging the reality. With the wind picking up, and some light rain coming in, this amazing group of fellow-hikers fashioned a litter and laboriously carried Doug's body down off of the summit cone to place him for shelter under the (closed) Madison Springs Hut. Then some of the group led me - numb and speechless - down the Valley Way trail to Appalachia. The next day, SAR was organized and brought Doug's body down.
The out-pouring of support and love from the hiking community was amazing and wonderful and life-affirming. VFTT wasn't on-line yet, but the AMC On-line board let many of us express our remembrances and reflections.
The following June, when Doug's family hosted a memorial service at the summit of Washington, a number of the hikers who had helped me that day went up Lion Head with me and with Doug's son, carrying his ashes, which his wife later tossed into the summit winds.
I know that Doug died in the place he loved the most, doing that which he loved the most. I didn't know Ray, but I can't help but feel that the same must be true for him as well.
And things come full-circle. Because I am a sometimes hiking partner of Jason, the hiker who was with Ray! And - three or so years ago - Jason and our friend Greg had the kindness and quiet strength to accompany me back up to Madison for the first time since Doug died. I spoke with Jason a number of times about the pain and loss of my experience, and he has now experienced the same.
Doug and Ray, the mountains are yours. Jason, my hand is in yours.
