Where did you find or place the stone?

Deep in the heart of the Grand Canyon near Mile 135, floating down the Colorado, I encounter one of the most beautiful places I've ever stood. I'd been carrying a Stratton Stone on the trip, looking for the best place to leave it. A three-mile hike beneath the shade of cottonwood trees across rich red dirt, alongside Tapeats Creek, brought me to the confluence of the Thunder River. I headed uphill to the headwaters. There, ice-cold water sprang from the Redwall limestone and cascaded down a steep gorge, breathing life into the surrounding landscape. We stood in the spray and filled our water bottles. The crystal clear water nourished our souls after the long hike. I scaled a rock wall and tucked the stone on a ledge just within arm's reach. From there, you could see the last loving light trickling out of the canyon and hear the steady sound of water thundering from the spring as it had for a millennium or more. Stratton would have loved this place and the adventure. I cried, grateful for him, grateful for this place, and feeling close to him in the moment. A part of his memory is there now. Much Love Stratto.

Feeling grateful for all the time I got to spend with Stratton. And grateful for all the lessons and advice I've received from him. Every summer, Stratton, Alex and myself would have a lot of camaraderie and banter about our summer jobs. And also a lot of encouragement. We all wanted to save up enough to take the winter off and chase the snow. That was our dream. This summer has felt a little different. Times sure have shifted and I find myself thinking about my friends quite often. But also feeling compelled to keep their dream alive. Had some time off work and came down to ride some waves in Santa Cruz. Beautiful Sunday afternoon and some fun waves. Thanks Stratton. Grateful.

It is a privilege to participate in this tribute to Stratton. I placed Stratton’s stone on a mountain ridge overlooking Abiquiu Lake in New Mexico.

It is a privilege to participate in this tribute to Stratton. I placed Stratton’s stone on a mountain ridge overlooking Abiquiu Lake in New Mexico.

Found a Stratton stone sized tree hollow next to a lake. Naturally, we placed a Stratton stone in it! Thought you might have liked kayaking and picking wild blueberries around here. As our grandad would say, it looks just like Vermont!

Stratto, We miss you so much. Thank you for the journey tonight. I threw your magical stone into the only surf spot in Ft. Lauderdale and when it hit the water, it ignited like a fire cracker. Your energy will live on forever. Love ❤️ Love

Man… thought of u a lot on this hike Stratton. We took 2000 stairs up to the summit — where I placed your stone — and I couldn’t stop thinking how you would scale mountains higher than this, with no stairs, in SNOW. And then dance your way to the bottom and do it all again. And then bike home. You’re going to inspire me for the rest of my life, cuzzo. Wish we had more time together. I would have loved to go hiking or backpacking together as adults, and be graced with your expansive knowledge of the natural world. Love you so so much. I hope you enjoy this view overlooking the arctic summer fjords, with plenty of birds and flowers to keep you company.

Placed a stone in a juniper above a bird box on a juniper along the South Fork of the Crooked River on Jake's Place (a private inholding).

When Strat was getting into surfing we were reconnecting on that. Love for the ocean is huge. Many mahalos. Rip in peace boss