PaTN
Ray Loring Memorial Hike
November 22, 2008
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Charles Raymond Loring II
May 20, 1943- September 6, 2008
Today's hike was a tribute to VFTT member Ray Loring who passed away while hiking Peak Above the Nubble on his quest to complete the NEHH list. Today we completed the hike for Ray and put his name in the register at the summit.
Fourteen of us met under snow flurries with the tempature at 16 degrees. It would snow most of the day and the tempature would drop. We started our hike at 8:38 AM from a snow covered Haystack Road. There is no trail on this peak - you find your own way.
We made our way up the steep tree covered slow, passing through glades of large birch trails and areas of deep spruce covered with thick blankets of show. We came to a look out on a cliff where one can normally see Mt Washington and the Presidentails. Not today however as the views were lost in the snow. As we reached the false summit we found snow levels of over a foot. From here we could barely make out our destination though the clouds.
After a short break we moved on and soon came to a beautiful spot located on the saddle between the two peaks. It was at this spot that Ray passed away. He left us doing what he enjoyed, accompanied by two close hiking friends. A short ceremony was held, prays said aloud and privately.
We continued our hike and @ 30 minutes later we on the summit in deep snow. For most of the group this was their first trip to this peak. It is a hike that we will all remember. After snacks we head down, stopping once more to say our goodbyes to Ray.
We felt very fortunate to have spent the day with all of you honoring Ray. It was a challenging day - cold, windy, snow, bushwacking. And yet it seemed right that we should all have been somewhat challenged, to give a bit more of ourselves - especially in hiking which was the way most of the group knew Ray.
We never met Ray, and we feel sad that we missed knowing this wonderful man. He left such a impression on all of you, and that was so clear to us. If he was aware of even half the impact he had on others, then he truly had a full and rich life. One that we should all strive to follow. Ray - you are missed by many.
Length of Hike: 7:00 hours
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