Jan 31 2007

I'm very sad to announce that Jackie has passed away. Jackie has been my travel companion for 7 long years, ever since that fateful night we met in downtown Seattle during a rainstorm. Jackie has faithfully had my back through many a travels and it's hard to imagine taking my next trip without her. I can still remember those days wandering through London, or sitting next to me in a raucous Dublin pub listening to the local musicians ply their wares. When I saw the Taj Mahal, she was right there with me, and when we toured Amsterdam and Germany she was by my side trying to keep me out of trouble. Oh Jackie, remember, Milford Sound in New Zealand and the rain...many would have said go below deck...but not you. The night where we almost got our arses kicked in Scotland, you didn't back down.

I can still remember our road trips, whether it was the Grand Canyon, Sequoia National Park, Mono Lake, or Zion. Scrambling through the sand in Coral Pink Sand Dunes, you handled it better than I did. Yeah, getting up before sunrise is tough work...but you didn't complain. Chicago, Seattle, Manhatten, Indianapolis, or the half way across country trek...you were there. Sure, you had seen better days...but Death Valley was right up your alley. And when Kaiser decided he wanted to cuddle up and nap on you, not a peep. And when he needed to walk, with the wind blowing fiercely, you joined the fray.

Sure, we had our battles...I can only think that maybe I wouldn't have "ran with the bulls" in Cancun if you were around...and on the blistering cold day in Bryce when you just couldn't keep pace...I know you were upset when I hooked up with Downie...but you understood and forgave, I just needed someone warm to cuddle up with.

But, alas, this cold snap on the east coast was just a little too much for you, but at least you got to see the Statue of Liberty before you gave up the ghost. I'll miss you Jackie...the walks through the forest, crawling through sand, out early along the lakeside or hiking through the mountains...they just won't be the same. There are scant moments I can recall during my travels and photographic journeys that you were not a part of. Who would have thought, that fateful night 7 years ago when the strong winds blew through downtown Seattle and the rains kicked up, that ducking in to the North Face store because I had idiotically left my jacket at home...who knew that would be the beginning of a wonderful friendship where you kept me nice and warm over the years. Thanks for everything.

RIP - Jackie (2000-2007)

Ok, maybe it's a little overboard to write a homage to a jacket...but I think it's more of a symbol than anything. I hadn't done much traveling (outside of work) until my early thirties, and wherever I went, so went this North Face shell I picked up out of necessity in Seattle because I was an idiot and had went up for a business trip sans jacket (business casual is so friggen great!).

So, when I looked down the other day and realized the reason why the wind was cutting through me like a knife was the big gash across the back, I became a little nostalgic. Not at the loss of a jacket that in reality couldn't keep me warm below 50 degrees and was shedding it's lining due to an unfortunate dry cleaners incident...but the memories of where the jacket had been. Almost a symbol of the changes I had made in my life and the adventures I decided I needed to take.

This photo is from a trip to Scotland in the Trossachs. One of many trips Jackie was along for.

Trossachs, Scotland
December 2004