In what were to be Leonard's last months of this life cycle, he began to enjoy
being out of doors close to the home he loved in Crystal Bay, as well as
taking a new interest in keeping his body healthy and in shape.  Leonard began
taking nearly daily hikes into the Sierra Nevada peaks surrounding his
home. He went so far as to buy a GPS and record each and every hike he
took. Leonard always knew exactly where he was and where he had been. It was
the future he looked forward to.  He talked about hiking the entire rim trail
in the Crystal Bay area.

Leonard was also looking forward to flying his helicopter to the vicinity of
the highest point in each of the 50 United States, and then walking, hiking,
or climbing to the top of each one. He was to participate in this project
with Kat Cotter and I (Karla). These hikes and climbs were the subjects of
many conversations and contemplations in Leonard's last days of this life
cycle. 


Every day he was home Leonard spent time looking out the windows of his home
toward Lake Tahoe along the shoreline of Crystal Bay. There, he was able to
see the beautiful snow topped peaks reflected in the water. He often commented
on how the lake never looked the same, and how the unique and gorgeous storm
clouds were which gathered above it. I believe he spent many hours
contemplating the lake and the clouds. He drank his special morning coffee
each day he was home while watching the lake change colors either from his
deck or out the kitchen windows. 

Leonard loved going to the shores of Lake Tahoe and beyond in a kayak. Leonard
had not yet purchased a kayak, but he was looking forward to doing this in the
late part of the summer. He kayaked for the first time earlier this summer. He
thought kayaking was incredible, even though he did not spot any fish in the
lake! Leonard was planning to rent a mountain bike and ride the entire fitness
trail surrounding Lake Tahoe.

Going to the natural hot springs outside of Truckee, CA was also a great joy
to Leonard. The last time he was there the moon was full. It was like an
incredible spotlight shining through the trees-the whole forest was in full
color under this moon along the trail from the baths. Leonard meditated at the
springs while overlooking a moon-swept field on the midst of old growth pine. 

Leonard was a tremendous and beautiful being. He had a brilliant mind, and he
was more creative than he gave himself credit for. Prior to his untimely and
tragic helicopter crash, Leonard requested of his friends that they not mourn
his death if he died in a helicopter accident. So far, none of us have been
able to honor this request. There is nothing but deep sadness, sorrow, and
despair in letting Leonard go, even if he was doing something he loved.  

I will miss meditating with Leonard, and I will miss eating cherries with
Leonard, but most of all I will miss just being with him in those quiet,
peaceful moments we were able to share.