Spreading Shanes Ashes
I am writing, sending my first blog of the winter. And yes, I am claiming winter now... the first day at that, and a most righteous day.And so the blog goes...Spreading Shanes AshesI will put today into word to convey it to everyone, but today ran so much deeper than words can capture. Today, myself and sixty of Shane McConkey's friends from around the world hiked to the top of what was formally known as "Eagles Nest" at Squaw Valley, to spread some of his ashes and rename the pitch, "McConkey's." What an incredible day we all were able to share.We met at the bottom of KT-22 at 1:30, which for many means 2:30 or 3:00 on California time. But, my girlfriend, Jami, and I showed up as some of the first at 1:15, eager to see my friend off on the next stage of his journey. The turn out was amazing, to see how many people admire, love, and support Shane and his family. As the crowd assembled we began or mission.What interesting weather the day provided too. The skies were mostly cloudy and the temps began to drop. NOAA called for a 60% chance of snow that night, but it sure felt like winter was making its way in, in a hurry. What a perfect day for the chance of winter to begin. The clouds grew dark yet were surrounded with a crystal bright lining, such as many days in life are.As we made our way to the top we shared stories of our friendships with Shane. Stories from his wedding in Thailand, where Shane and Sheri were wed on a white sand beach, as the waves of the ocean rolled upon their feet, and the sunset illuminated absolutely everything with a brilliant bright orange light. Bottles of Mekong whiskey, the "Ring of Fire", Thai sticks, and things people just don't want to hear about, to name a few hilarious stories from an unbelievable trip. Powder skiing, filming, living... all made completely funny, no matter where we were, thanks to a great friend. We shared our appreciation for a blessing in our lives, named Shane.A few days prior to today, Sheri and others went to the top of McConkeys and placed a metal eagle permanently atop of it, attached to the rock. On the underside of the eagles tail is inscribed, "'We love you Daddy' -Sheri and Ayla", a message from Shanes wife and daughter. The statue stands about four feet tall and can bee see from the bottom of the mountain, but its true beauty was only fully appreciated once we made our way up next to it.Everyone climbed to the top of McConkeys, up the rock holding onto a metal cable, including Shanes 83 year old father, Jim. The top is only a few feet wide and just a bit longer, so few by few we all stood at the top paying our respects. We held on carefully because the wind was ripping across the ridge, as the clouds grew darker and darker.Then his family and a few close friends stayed on top as everyone else made it down to the road just below the top, to watch. A urn was held high, and slowly Shanes ashes were released into the air, where they whirled around the top of the mountain before dispersing into the greater being and disappearing. Everyone roared out cheering, and I held my hand to my heart as I murmured, "Travel safely, brother." Just at that very moment as the ashes dispersed, through the ever-growing dark cloud layer, the sun popped out of a small hole in the clouds and shined upon McConkeys and us all, as if he came to say goodbye and spread his light of love.We all smiled, hugged, and laughed, celebrating a truly amazing life of a man who pursued all of his passions and loves in life. Although sadness resided somewhere in all of our hearts, we were happy to share our love, and such a powerful experience. We made our way back down to the bottom of the mountain, and to add to all of the signs that had shown through during the day, as we came to the bottom, snow flakes began to fall.That night Matchstick Productions had their annual Squaw Valley premiere... which goes off, and it continued to dump. We saw Shane off and welcomed winter on, as we watched his segment in the film. He has the power to make all of us laugh, all of us cheer, and to impress us all, even when he's not around in the physical. As the film let out and we went outside, the ground was covered in snow and the full moon shined bright, WINTER HAS ARRIVED!! Maybe he is still around, in a different way... but either way he is always around in out hearts!Respect, Shane... Much Respect!
