JR's family decided to scatter his ashes as sea. There was some discussion about the logistics until it was decided. The guys (Gunnar, John's brother Mike, their closest high school buddy, Bay, and two other close long time friends of JR) would paddle out on their surf boards 200 yards (or however far they legally need to be to scatter ashes, I forget the exact number) in order to scatter the ashes. A few others stayed on the beach.
It had been over 5 years since Gunnar had surfed, and at least 10 or more since they had all surfed together. Back in the day, 20 years ago, these guys surfed together all the time. In fact, I think it was one of their main pass times. Of course, back then they weren't joined by Mike's two daughters.
John and Gayle used to spend a lot of time beach camping right up the road from where we were. Gayle told me stories how she would pack tons of extra food becuase no sooner would they get there but the water polo guys (that would be Gunnar) would show up and she would end up feeding a bunch of hungry teenage boys. It was heart breaking to watch them watch their boys paddle out for the last time.
The water was really choppy and it was taking a while for them all to get out. At one point the life gaurd (who knew why we were there) swam out and helped one of the guys get past the breaking waves. It was really nice of him, and it added a little much needed comic relief.
Mike waved to us to let us know the ashes had been scattered.
So we waited for them to come back in. The waves were not all that great, but Gunnar was able to catch one in.
He beat them back by a while, so we stood around chatting waiting for the other guys.
Next Bay made it back.
And finally, Mike.
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It had been over 5 years since Gunnar had surfed, and at least 10 or more since they had all surfed together. Back in the day, 20 years ago, these guys surfed together all the time. In fact, I think it was one of their main pass times. Of course, back then they weren't joined by Mike's two daughters.
John and Gayle used to spend a lot of time beach camping right up the road from where we were. Gayle told me stories how she would pack tons of extra food becuase no sooner would they get there but the water polo guys (that would be Gunnar) would show up and she would end up feeding a bunch of hungry teenage boys. It was heart breaking to watch them watch their boys paddle out for the last time.
The water was really choppy and it was taking a while for them all to get out. At one point the life gaurd (who knew why we were there) swam out and helped one of the guys get past the breaking waves. It was really nice of him, and it added a little much needed comic relief.
Mike waved to us to let us know the ashes had been scattered.
So we waited for them to come back in. The waves were not all that great, but Gunnar was able to catch one in.
He beat them back by a while, so we stood around chatting waiting for the other guys.
Next Bay made it back.
And finally, Mike.
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