skip to main content

Lost A Hiking/Camping Buddy

josouthcarolina

20 years ago

Sad news here, as one of my hiking and camping buddies passed away January 15th. It was my brother, Jeffery, age 56 of kidney failure.

He is the reason I hike today as he took me on my first hike in the Linville Gorge Wilderness, NC back in 1997. We camped in a primitive campsite and that was the beginning of many hikes.

A group of us are going to the area in late spring to scatter his ashes, as that is what he wanted. We are planning a memorial service and plan to make a video of it since our mother and one of our brothers cannot attend due to health reasons. We will, of course, have the proper paper work with us.

Jo

Sort by:Oldest

Comments (9)

dalew
20 years ago
Sorry to hear of your loss, Jo. I wish I knew of some words of help right now - these things are so hard to bear. Just know my thoughts are with you.

Dale
josouthcarolina
Original Author
20 years ago
Thank you, Dale, for your kind words. It does comfort me to know that when I hike or camp in that area in the future, I know that he will be there.

Thanks again.

Jo
Related Discussions
UPDATE: May Birthday Buddies Extravaganza
Q
Comments (90)
I have a lot to post - I can't believe all of the seeds you all have sent me. I am absolutely humbled... Dimples31312 (Dorothy) sent: Dahlia, Love in a mist, and lavender sachet seeds. Thanks also for the sweet card - I really love that scripture and plant on memorizing it:) Playintheyard (Annette) sent: Kniofia, Gloriosa Daisy, petunia wave seeds, love the pretty card, too! These will be my first petunia from seed. They've been on my wishlist for some time. Aphroditelaughs (Ellie) sent Zucchini Ronde de Nice, Baptisia wild blue indigo, poppy black cloud, tall red salvia and petunia prism sunshine hybrid (been aching to get some yellow petunias!) I can't wait to see the black poppy. Appaloosa909 (Andrea) sent Nigella and peony poppy (light and dark pink). I grew my first poppies this year and am now addicted:) SueIrish (Sue) sent Nigella Love in a mist, and stokesia Stoke's Aster "Peachee's Pick" I can't have enough love in a mist! Dan - Thanks for the large envy of seeds. I can't wait to see what comes up:) Thanks everyone for sending these. I am so excited about the anticipation of new blooms and I appreciate every single seed!!! Nik
...See More
In the past I've started a 'What's your favorite camping Tip?'
Q
Comments (1)
122) Chiggers love the sweet perfume of OFF! Wear it well at clothing openings and about the ankle. (Deer ticks are optional here but plentiful.)
...See More
Music instruments you play at camp/trail
Q
Comments (14)
I don't get it (that's no shock to those that know me). As a hobby I play electric bass and play occasionally at a local coffee house and sometimes with a full-blown band at church. Love it! I guess I'm weird ( no suprise there!) but when I camp I only want to hear "mother nature". Birds, wind, water, rain, whatever. But I don't crave music. I get enough just playing and listening at home ( that includes all the garbage I hear as the "Homies" pass by my house here in the barrio). I will never understand the need to replace the wonderful quiet of nature with what we replace it with. Just my 2 cents (usually not even worth that to most people)Let the flaming begin.
...See More
Camping anyone?
Q
Comments (51)
Hey joanie. We have the Big Agnes insulated air mattresses. They are fantastic and very comfortable. They are the size of a qt bottle and are easy to blow up. They are very tough and as I said I have used mine almost every night in camping set ups for months and it has no leaks or problems. I will link below to the ones we have. I hadn't thought about the truck windows having screens to that would be great. A small fan would help to move the air. You would definitely need a canopy of some kind. We got one at Dick's Sporting Goods. It is easy to set up and very sturdy. Gives great protection if it is raining. We have even pulled it over so that it is 1/2 over our tent front and we can then get in and out without getting wet :) I haven't cooked on open fires for all meals. Just an occasional cookout. We have a 2 burner propane stove that I love. I can make pancakes and coffee and great dinners with it. We have a camp fire only for warmth and ambiance. We have a folding table and set everything up the minute we get to camp and then we are done for the time we are there. We have one cooler and restock often from the grocery. When I am on the road with my bike it is a whole different setup . I have a tiny campstove and we use a picnic table if there is one or the ground if there isn't :(. I have a one person tent that is very light. I still use my Big Anges though..it is never far from me ! If I can help with any other ideas let me know. I love to camp !! c Here is a link that might be useful: Big Agnes air mattress
...See More
brianh_va
20 years ago
Jo,
I am very sorry to learn that you lost your brother. I know his spirit will always be with you.
Brian
tplife
20 years ago
My sympathies on your loss, Jo. The only thing worse than losing a brother is not having had one.

Know that God understands your pain and will help you.
May he grow in the love and service of the Lord.
jersey_ponder
20 years ago
Jo,
I am so sorry for the loss of your brother. Cherish the memories and enjoy your future camping trips with him in your heart.
Lynda
jersey_ponder
20 years ago
Jo,
Just wanted to see how you were doing, hope you and your family are all well.
Lynda
jen_
20 years ago
Hi Jo, I am so sorry to hear of your loss. You are doing such a neat thing with his ashes. I lost my sister many years ago and not a day goes by without thinking of her. I have many great camping memories of my sister as I'm sure you do of your brother. It kind of feels like we take them along with us even though they have passed on. My thoughts and prayers are with you, Jo.
josouthcarolina
Original Author
20 years ago
A big thank you to everyone who responded to my post. Your words mean so much. I feel as though I know many of you here and that makes it very special to me.

You will probably not believe it but I lost another brother March 28th. He was ill most of his life and cancer took him among other health problems.

You do not have to respond as I know all of you are thinking of me and that is what counts. It has really been a tough year for me and my family!

Goodness, I am so ready to go camping! Going to try for the first weekend in June.

Thanks again for your words.

Jo
snycal
20 years ago
Well, did you get out and camp? I hope your thoughts were on all Gods creations. I am so sorry for your losses. Your so good to keep on truckin' and camp with the best of them. I know personally my "alone" thoughts can be very daunting. Bless you and your family for staying so strong and positive.

Related Stories

GARDENING AND LANDSCAPING Take a Summer Vacation in the Backyard

By Mike Dietrich

From Airstreams to tepees, backyard camping provides all the comforts of home with a touch of rustic

HOUZZ TOURS Houzz Tours: Lake House in the Berkshires

By Becky Harris

SMALL HOMES Houzz Tour: A Family of 4 Unwinds in 540 Square Feet

An extraordinarily scaled-down home and garden for a couple and their 2 kids fosters sustainability and togetherness

MY HOUZZ My Houzz: Rustic Charm in Rural Louisiana

See how wood warms the interior of this idyllic cabin getaway for art gallery owners

ENTERTAINING How to Welcome Summer Weekend Guests

By Laura Gaskill

Thoughtful touches and smart planning will help make your visitors feel at home

PETS Houzz Call: Send in the Dogs

By Sheila Schmitz

Have the greatest dog in the world? Share your best design photo featuring the dog you live or work with

PETS Houzz Call: Show Us Your Summer-Loving Dog!

By Mitchell Parker

Share a photo of your pooch kicking back in the backyard, helping you in the workshop or enjoying your favorite summer getaway

MOST POPULAR 40 Dogs Who Are Having a Way Better Summer Than You

By Mitchell Parker

Houzzers share pics of their canine companions living it up — or getting down with relaxing — on warm days

FALL GARDENING Houzz Call: Show Us Your Autumn Views

By Annie Thornton

Share your pictures of fall foliage and decor in the Comments. Your photos may be featured in an upcoming story!

GARDENING GUIDES 13 Risks to Take for True Garden Rewards

By Benjamin Vogt / Monarch Gardens

Go ahead, be a rebel. Breaking rules in the garden can lead to more happiness, creativity and connection with the earth

Sponsored