Mike's Hike

Aunt Bobbee goes for little walks on her home island in Hawaii. Now, Lucy and I qualify as outdoorsy; we both sport climb, backpack, and scramble off trails at home in Oregon. Still, Bobbee's little walks kick my scrawny tail. She's a free spirit with a generous side helping of hoss.

In 2003, a couple hours into a wilderness constitutional and at one of the most remote and beautiful points on the island, Bobbee found a young man who'd recently died. A phone call later, there was a media circus at the trailhead, and she was recognized on the street for some time as the woman who was on the news. Much more importantly, she's since become close with Mike's loved ones, who occasionally trek to that memorial ridgeline spot to crack open a cold one in remembrance - despite the fact that the mountain's trails have since been reclaimed by the jungle.

We joined Bobbee and Mike's family and friends on just such a pilgrimage. It was a scramble - and quite an honor.

Lucy took the photo of the guy in shades.