Back to Basics - A passing

[Edelweiss]

Dick and I met Kim for the first time on the weekend of the Winter Gathering. While the yurt was warming up after our arrival we were warmly ushered into Kim's house where we sat and chatted for at least an hour along with Bruce and Jim while Kim put the finishing touches on some homemade eclairs she had made for the following evening's dessert. I immediately felt comfortable and content. She seemed frail and tired but determined to go about her chores as usual. Her face brightened with excitement and pride when her girls arrived home. We thought it best to leave at that point so as not to intrude. We also stopped by before we left at the end of the weekend to thank Kim for her generocity - she again greeted us warmly and insisted that we sign our names on one of the porch beams - a Back to Basics tradition, we were told. Our hearts go out to Kim's girls who will, I have every confidence, grow to be strong, compassionate reflections of their mother. Dick and I will think of her as we hike the Northville-Placid Trail this summer.
Joanne

[eArThworm]

I'm in tears.

Last August Kim "rescued" me when I had to abort an attempted NPT thruhike due to illness. In spite of her own illness, that angel of a woman took SUCH GOOD care of me, just as if I were family. Tonight I just happened to think about her and was wondering how she was doing. So I went to her website... and learned of her death. Now I'm in tears. I guess I knew it was probably inevitable, but... Well, I'm sure she's with the other angels.

My prayers that had been for her will now be for her own two little angels.

[redhawk]

Next time you're on the Southern Leg of the NPT. take a little side trip to Rock lake, only .1mi off the trail.

Kims spirit is there, Keven, Val and I left a little of her there today.

[eArThworm]

Next time you're on the Southern Leg of the NPT. take a little side trip to Rock lake, only .1mi off the trail. Kims spirit is there, Keven, Val and I left a little of her there today.

I camped there my 1st nite on the Trail. What a lovely spot! I plan to re-try the thruhike this September and I'll be sure to go back there and "see" her. Thank you so much for telling me about this.

[redhawk]

Check back on her website from time to time. Things are being done by others to continue her legacy and set up a foundation for Taryn and Rachel.

As things fall into place they will be posted on the Back to Basics website which will be kept online as a memorial to Kim.

[eArThworm]

In Memoriam

Old home. New home. Rest in peace.

[scooch]

Thank You Hawk, Kevin and Val....I can't wait to go and visit with her....

[swampblaze]

Have stayed with Kim 6 times in the last 2 years. She was a truly amazing and inspirational person. She will truly be missed. My thoughts and prayers go out to Taryn and Rachel.

[iledefrance]

In Kim's honor

My hiking partner and myself are doing a Long Trail thru-hike this summer. I would like to dedicate it to Kim's memory.
We stayed at Back-to-Basics on the night before our NTP thru-hike last summer and we were overwhelmed by her hospitality and kindness.
Maybe we should ask that the NTP be renamed after her? Or one of the lean-tos if renaming the NTP is too complicated. Any thoughts?

[redhawk]

My hiking partner and myself are doing a Long Trail thru-hike this summer. I would like to dedicate it to Kim's memory.
We stayed at Back-to-Basics on the night before our NTP thru-hike last summer and we were overwhelmed by her hospitality and kindness.
Maybe we should ask that the NTP be renamed after her? Or one of the lean-tos if renaming the NTP is too complicated. Any thoughts?

Great idea, but it won't happen. Even getting a plaque or something on the trail is next to impossible.

I think we will see some events honored with her name, and other things are being done to carry on her Legacy. As I learn about them, I will post them here as well as on her website.

In the meantime, stop at Rock Lake and take a minute to honor her.

[swampblaze]

I have a friend who is a NYS DEC Ranger, I'm going to inquire what would be required to get a leanto named or a plaque placed in someone honor!! I know that the Silver Lake Wilderness was one of Kims favorite places. Does anyone have imput as to which leanto?? Or would a plaque at Rock Lake be a better idea??

[scooch]

What a great idea....I have friends up in Ray Brook also, one inparticular who may have some personal inspiration with regard to honoring Kim on the NTP. Perhaps all of those who have been fortunate enough to experience Kim's fondness of NTP hikers should submit a written request. I will make a call on Monday morning to see if we can get the ball rolling, get an address, etc.....will keep everyone posted.....

[scooch]

with special regard for "the guy"...

Padlocks and Posted signs will never satisfy your egotistical sense of entitlement (real or imagined) to Poverty Ridge...
What you once enjoyed there, and wrecklessly, carelessly, and violently chased away from you, is no longer availale to you....
Unfortunate that you are one of those who can not appreciate or see a miracle when it is standing right in front of you....
I do believe that even in "your" dark heart, you fear the same retribution that most God fearing people do and you well should my friend.......because you have many.....many......many......sins to pay for.

[redhawk]

Lets keep "the guy" stuff out of here. This thread is a tribute to Kim and should be a positive thing to honor her.

the other will take care of itself.

Please!!

[redhawk]

What a great idea....I have friends up in Ray Brook also, one inparticular who may have some personal inspiration with regard to honoring Kim on the NTP. Perhaps all of those who have been fortunate enough to experience Kim's fondness of NTP hikers should submit a written request. I will make a call on Monday morning to see if we can get the ball rolling, get an address, etc.....will keep everyone posted.....

My guess would be a plaque at Rock Lake. I'm thinking of creating something that can be put in the cover of the journals at the Silver lake and mud lake lean-tos to honor her.

I'll have to find out who is caring for those lean-to's to get permission. Does anyone know who?