hikes

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.

Dave, Eric and Greg at Lyman Lake – 2010

Gallery of photos from the Dave Dawson memorial hike. Download images from here.

We just returned from the 14th annual Boyz Hike and what a doozy this was. I’ve been to Kauai a few times, but seeing the Island from an unspoiled and undeveloped perspective was truely amazing. The Northshore of Kauai (out past Hanalai Bay) is lush, varied, breathtaking, sunny and at time – steep :-). Kalalau Beach is one of the most beautiful places on the planet – it’s got to be. The group included Greg Latimer (organizer – thanks Greg!), Eric Plateau (in from Chicago), John Dossett (Portland), Will Shortt (Eugene), John Gerberding, Dave Dawson, Ralph Murray and Myself (Seattle). Highlights of the trip include:

Direct flight to Lihue from Seattle – Fly Alaska Airlines!
Dinner at Duke’s and Playing Pool at NaWiliWili Tavern.
Snorkeling around Poipu.
Hike around Waimea Canyon – Mark Twain called this the “Grand Canyon of the Pacific”. Stunning.
Dave getting stuck with Urchin Needles Saturday Afternoon while having a sunset snorkel.
11 Mile Hike into Kalalau Beach and jumping into the surf and fresh water fall.
Fresh water pool in Cave on beach.
Beach volleyball and beach frisbee golf including Eric’s hole in one on the cave/water hole.
Hiking up to Big Pool for swimming (killer day hike/trail!).
Meeting local hippies.
Big stars at night. With no ambient light, the stars were very bright and distinct.
Getting rained on and not caring because we were covered and warm by the fire.
Spending quality time with friends from cities both near and far.

Below are my photos from the trip. I can’t wait to see everyone else’s. Click on the photos for a bigger version of the slideshow.

Dave Dawson Memorial Hike

Kalalau Trail/Na Pali Coast Hike Notes & Photos