On Trip: Lots of old familiar faces
While this doesn't consitute as a "trip-report" I felt moved to write about this particular meeting.
Last Tuesday night I went to bed with tears in my eyes. Memories of a friend who passed away 10 years ago came flooding back. It was hard not to feel the loss once again.
Rob Cranney had done a supurb job in creating a memorial DVD/Video of Dan Clyde a one time Timpanogos Grotto chairman and NSS member and great friend to many of the (then) three Utah Grottos. The video was 20 minutes of highlights from "hours" of footage captured by Rob (and a couple others) of this fine caver. Scenes from one of his first caving trips to his last trip to Candlelight just days before his tragic death of a motorcycle accident.
When the lights went back up there was a loud applause and at Jon Jasper's behest several members of both Salt Lake and Timpanogos Grotto got up and related their best memories of Dan. Also present was Dan's widow Marcia and their (now) 11 yr. old daughter Abigail along with Dan's parents.
Dan's father and Marcia stood up and gave their thanks for keeping their loved one alive in our memories. And how could we not? This man made such a tremendous impact in so many people in so little time. His enthusiasm for caving and love of laughter and adventure and friendship spread to each corner of each grotto in the short time he was with us. He was a close friend to many of us, myself included.
I remember the hours we spent talking together either on the phone or on those long drives to the caves we liked best. I remember how he shared special moments of his life with me, his first NSS membership card, the birth of his beloved Abigail to name a few out of a couple dozen.
Lots of memories; a long arduous trip to the bottom of Big Brush Creek Cave, a 16 hour long photography session in Spanish Moss Cave (not including the hikes to/from), trips to Candlelight, a motorcycle ride to Neffs Canyon for my first attempt to the bottom (didn't make it), his beloved Jeep Scrambler breaking down in the middle of the desert enroute home from his (and Marcia's) first visit to the caves out there, and many others.
Dan is one of two Utah cavers that have caves named after them. I recall distinctly after getting the news that he'd been killed that Rodney Mulder called me up that same day to discuss ideas of which cave to name after him. For me there was only one answer; Southfork Cave. This was Dan's first pre-grotto cave and probably his favorite one... afterall, it nearly killed him.
After a discussion with other cavers this fine alpine vertical cave was chosen and designated Dan Clyde Cave. The cave has been surveyed (started by Dan himself) and the final map is in process of completion. I am glad to have the honor of participating in at least a couple of the surveys.
This is a great cave, a hellva road to get to though, but a great vertical cave none-the-less, and it's fitting to name this one after our beloved friend.
It was so good to see the old but familiar faces that made their appearance for this special 10th anniversary tribute. Among them was Clair Call, Wesley Gurney, Tyree Lamph, Dave Herron, Kevin Dickerson. Rodney Mulder, Duane McCulley and his family likewise helped bring back good memories.
Group photos were taken and warm hugs all around.
Dan was a special man, a special caver and most importantly a special friend.
We will never forget you.
| Photography | ||||
 Dan Clyde's Parents - Lower Right Front Rodney Mulder |  Abby Clyde, Marcia Davis (formerly Clyde), & Rodney Mulder Rodney Mulder |  Rodney Mulder, Abby Clyde, Ralph Powers, Haley Davis, Marcia Davis, Rob Cranney, Holly McCully Rodney Mulder | ||