David Dawson was (and forever will be) a core part of our hiking, poker, Seaside beach party, frisbee golf friend group. Dave passed away in January of 2021 from cancer – far too young. We have many stories of Dave including his hike leadership (mostly getting lost), his hosting of poker games (dealing with his huge dogs) and hanging out with him at Seaside (also with his big dogs).
This hike was organized by Greg Latimer and included Greg, Johnny G. , John Dossett (up from Portland), Eric Platou (in from Illinois), Ralph Murray and Yours truly. It was an incredible weekend of friendship, remembrance, beautiful scenery and really great weather (thanks Dave!).
The hike was at Flapjack Lakes – two lakes side by side – on the Olympic Peninsula. We went in on a glorious Thursday afternoon (meeting at the trailhead parking lot – 3 cars – within 20 minutes of each other). Packs on, up the hill we go on a beautiful day – the weather over the three nights was fabulous.
We found a great spot to camp with two different sleeping pods and a place on the water to hang out and cook. No fires allowed, but incredible star gazing and an almost full moon rise on the spit between the two lakes. The lakes were full of hungry trout – Eric got the award for the most, but John Gerberding pulled in the biggest and were lovely to hike around.
The highlight was hiking up to Gladys Divide and Gladys Peak on Friday. We spread Dave’s ashes in a wonderful celebration with Angel’s Envy bourbon and shot glasses that Greg had etched with Davy D moniker and “I’m a scientist, dammit!” quote. It was a very special day. Dave’s family is happy/proud that half of Dave’s ashes now reside at the base of Mt. Cruiser on the Olympic Peninsula near the High Divide.
We spent the rest of the weekend playing cribbage (Scott was king), fishing, playing mountain Bocce ball (thanks for bringing the set up Johnny G.!), drinking, smoking, telling Dave stories and enjoying the moment.
The image below is Dave, Eric and Greg from our hike in 2010 at Lyman Lakes. It was a great time and classic Dave.
The gallery below that is from the trip to Flapjack Lakes.
We miss you Dave. RIP.
Gallery of photos from the Dave Dawson memorial hike. Download images from here.
