Truckee

My greatest fear in life is death. While I do understand that ultimately we all die, I have a difficult time accepting it. Part of the reason why I’m afraid is because I haven’t lived a full life yet. It’s funny because I’m not entirely sure what a “full life” means.

Before I was diagnosed with cancer, I thought having a “full life” meant finishing my Ph.D, getting married, having children, and traveling the world. I realize now that there’s a possibility that I may not live long enough to complete these things, but that doesn't mean that I can’t live a full life. My friend, Jamie Schou taught me this. Sadly, he passed away this summer, and it wasn't until then did I realize what an impact he had on my life.

Jamie Schou was diagnosed in Spring of 2012 with Synovial Sarcoma, and I met him at Stanford Hospital while we were both undergoing treatment. What I first noticed was how much he was loved by his family. Every time I saw him, he was surrounded by his family, and oftentimes they were talking, smiling, and occasionally laughing. I found it refreshing considering F-Ground isn't necessarily the cheeriest place in the world.

We kept in contact in and out of our chemo treatments. Sometimes our cycles would sync up, and we would catch up in the hospital. When our cycles didn't match up, we would update the other on the latest adventure through messages. He loved skiing, biking, paddling, and sailing, and incorporated his passion for the outdoors through his non-profit, Send It. He saw the beauty that life had to offer, and faced life’s adversity with unparalleled optimism, traits which I've tried very hard to mirror.

Jamie making some turns for me while I underwent Cycle 2. 

Although my friendship with Jamie was brief, my life is richer for having known him. Through him, I've discovered that having a “full life” means following your heart and doing what you love, and living each and every day with great passion and purpose. What makes me the most happiest is when I’m spending time with my loved ones, being outdoors, and traveling. Ultimately, the more that I’m able to do these things, the less afraid of death I am.

Thank you for your friendship Jamie Schou. You were loved by so many, and I’m certain that your legacy will live on forever in the hearts of your family, and friends. Cheers to a life well lived.

Eric "Jamie" Schou

August 31, 1978 - July 12, 2014

To learn more about what an extraordinary person Jamie was, 

please visit his blog, Between the Chemos, and his foundation, Send It.

Donner Memorial State Park and Emigrant Trail Museum, Truckee CA

In April 1846, Captain George Donner led a group of pioneers from Illinois to 

California via the Truckee Pass Emigrant Road. 90 people were in the party, 

and 42 perished from starvation and exposure to extreme snow conditions.

 Donner Lake, Truckee CA

Donner Lake is home to some of the biggest Lake Trout in California. 

Martis Peak Fire Lookout, Truckee CA (2 miles)

The fire lookout was originally constructed in 1914, and 

was added to the National Historic Lookout Register in 1998. 

There was a beautiful sunset over the Tahoe Basin and surrounding region. 

Vikingsholm, Tahoma CA

Vikingsholm is one of the finest examples of Scandinavian 

architecture in the western hemisphere.

The projecting balcony on the second floor is constructed without pegs or spikes.

The antique furniture was inspired by Stockholm's Nordic Museum. 

This was a pretty strange clock. 

These bold design wood carvings are similar to ones 

found on 11th century wooden churches in Norway. 

Lower Eagles Falls (2.2 miles; 350 ft elevation gain)

The 140 ft. falls were more of a trickle since all the snow had already melted. 

Looks like we'll just have to come back in the spring!