I was turning 50, trying to soak in all of the wonderful adventures life has to offer and spend time in our family’s favorite gathering place, Grand Teton National Park.
My wife’s cousin, Rad, always up for showing folks young and old around the area asked if I would like to join him on a hike to the top of Table Mountain. I had always seen the mountain on drives to Grand Targhee and thought it looked like an awesome venue to take in the Teton views.
Rad picked me up early on a blue bird day, well before anyone else was awake in the house. We drove to the trailhead and in typical laid back Rad fashion he let me know that we were taking the steep path to the peak. And, before I had time to object, he was scrambling up the trail easily two hundred yards ahead of me.
Up and up we hiked, Rad always patiently waiting for me at appropriate intervals and sharing a few encouraging words and anecdotes about the surrounding area.
After several hours, we reached the summit. I was awestruck by the views and still vividly remember them to this day, four years later. We relaxed, ate lunch, talked all things real estate and snapped a few selfies. Certainly, the best hike I had ever been on.
We quickly made our way down and were loading up Rad’s truck when we were approached by two backpackers who found themselves with tired feet, no water and a several hour walk to their car. Rad did not skip a beat. He offered them a ride and the four of us loaded up and hit the road from the trailhead to a parking spot near Darby Canyon. Rad talked the whole drive, half selling real estate and half talking hiking stories. I was impressed by his maturity, his kindness and his appetite for everything the area had to offer.
Rad, you are gone too soon! Thank you for being my guide up Table Mountain. I will certainly always treasure our time together.
Love,
Henry
