High Sierra Topix

I have only been up Granite Dome on skis from the west, from Upper Relief Valley. I was near there in early May this year, but did not go in that far, just to Whitesides. Looks rather different now! Next time you want to fish those lakes, I recommend getting at them from the Summit Creek side. I have been up to the middle Lewis Lake that way, and it's easy. I think getting to Iceland, Ridge and Sardella from that side should be fairly easy also.

I am so, so sorry to hear of Bearzy's passing. I've always enjoyed and marveled at all of the tales of his trips with you over the years. I know the wound is still fresh, but I hope you take comfort in knowing what a wonderful life you were able to provide for Bearzy, he certainly lived larger than the majority of people that I know. Hang in there, brother, and remember all the good times. - Jeff

Ian, I am so moved by this account of Bearzy's last days. What a dog!

He really was an exceptional dog. Another HST member who admired Bearzy, sent me this quote from E.B. White:

A really companionable and indispensable dog is an accident of nature. You can't get it by breeding for it, and you can't buy it with money. It just happens along.

Condolences Ian, I’m so saddened to hear this. Bearzy was a part of our HST family as well, such an amazing life and spirit. You and Lizzie are lucky indeed to have enjoyed such a beautiful relationship with him.

Sad, but beautiful. Ian, you brought back memories of dogs I used to have. Brought back memories of the sorrow of their passing. Been awhile since the last time my mind strayed there. But then the memories of the good times spent in their company won out. Dogs are great! Emotions are complex. You share this milestone stoically, but the pain is apparent, stark. Love is a wonderful thing; regardless, moments like these can make it seem almost unbearable. Grief is a moment we must pass through to get on with life. Accept its presence, it's part of the flow, part of the healing process. When it has flowed and passed through you on its way back to the ether, you will be able to cherish the memories of your wingman (err pawman ?) in their fulsome clarity without pensive distraction.

"A really companionable and indispensable dog is an accident of nature. You can't get it by breeding for it, and you can't buy it with money. It just happens along." - E.B. White

I think E.B. White was on to something. But really great dogs stand a much better chance of rising to their full potential if they are fortunate enough to be a member of a good family of humans. When I see great dog, I know its people are likely good souls, too. Dogs are great.

Ed

So sorry to hear about Bearzy. I just got back from a geology meeting in Bellingham WA and I saw the title of the post...Bearzy is a Topix and High Sierra legend. I'm very sorry for your loss and we will all miss Bearzy in your future reports.

Ian, I'm so sorry to hear this. Bearzy was more than just a companion and inspired many with his adventurous spirit. -Andy

Thank you, thank you all. I just returned from a 9 day trip, or I would surely have thanked you sooner. Sawmill to Taboose Creek with all the Lake Basins in between was cathartic suffering for much of the way. I felt I needed that for ending Bear's life the way I did.

Any more of such kind words from this community and we're going to cry us a new river through our land. We have truly felt blessed by the support, and the tributes to Bearzy. We are getting past the pain of his last hard days, and coming to the place where we remember Beary's whole life with us, and it was very fine.

My condolences for the loss of Bearzy. I followed your trips for several years now and always enjoy seeing Bearzy on the trail. A real trooper.

John