James
"Kyle" Jefferies
Durr
Canyon Memorial
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"Kyle, we scatter your ashes back to the earth from which all life has come. You can mingle with the flowing water, stir with the breezy air and night sky, and nestle in the rich brown warmth of the earth itself. ...in Durr Canyon where you spent many happy times with Liz and your family and friends. Let the walls of the canyon guide you on your journey over and around the earth..." |
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One of Kyle's favorite getaway places was the Durr Canyon. It's about 30 minutes north of Ellensburg. During his teenage years he and his friends used to pack up and camp out in the canyon. We drove out and hiked another 20 minutes along a stream for the memorial. |
| Next to the stream, just across in a totally hidden area is the "fortress" that the boys built. They dragged in branches and constructed this concealed hideaway. We posted a photo of Kyle on one of posts. |  |
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Kyle's fiancee Liz constructed a wreath from materials she collected while hiking along the trail. |
| Next to a stream we held our first memorial, casting some ashes into the waters. |  |
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Just above the stream was this tree. Kyle and Liz had hiked the canyon and enjoyed sitting under the tree. Liz, Chris, Peter, and Devin hiked up to the tree and Liz placed her wreath in a hollow at the base of the tree. |
| Since the memorial Toni and Steve have hiked a couple of times along the canyon and up to the tree. It commands a wonderful view across the valley where big horn sheep can occasionally be seen. | 
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Liz's wreath, weathered but still resting in the tree hollow. |