The TattleTale Gazette: A VISIT FROM THE GREATS.

Late in May, Great Aunt Dora and Uncle Dennis planned a trip down to the southern part of the state for a visit. Since they were planning to stay in Cascade for a couple of days, I made sure I was there too! I absolutely adore my Crazy Aunt Dora and Uncle D! We had a great weekend together and I am indescribably grateful for our time together. Uncle D wasn't feeling very well at all and, unfortunately, had to spend most of his visit inside and sleeping. (I didn't even manage to get a single picture of him). However, on our last night together, Uncle D sat and told me some of his most amazing and hilarious hiking and camping stories. He also offered me some serious, heartfelt advice about going into the woods alone -- which I will honestly cherish forever. It was almost as if somehow he knew the words he spoke to me that night, would be his final words of advice to me. The next day, as I was preparing to return home, I gave Uncle D a great big hug and I told him I loved him. His very last words to me were, "I can't wait to take you hiking." Uncle Dennis passed away less than a week later. Although I was stunned and saddened by his passing, I take great comfort in the fact that I got to hug him and tell him I loved him one last time. He shared so much during our final night together. So much laughter. So much genuine Uncle Dennis. One of my favorite stories he told was of a solo backpacking trip to Red Mountain. Not only was Uncle D an avid and experienced hiker (I always called him a goat) he did a great deal of hiking and camping ALONE. He told of laying in his sleeping bag all alone up on Red Mountain -- out under the stars as always -- when he heard a bear come into camp. He laid very still as any good outdoorsman would. However, that curious old bear walked right over to him and shoved his big, cold wet nose right in Uncle D's sleeping bag! Even after this, he finished out his trip! I have absolutely no intention of spending the night on that mountain alone (especially knowing how frisky the bears are up there) but I am planning a Red Mountain Memorial Hike in Dennis's honor. I figure he'll be watching over me, hiking right alongside of me -- just like he promised he would.