Photo by Andrew Burr
Circling Heaven
A high-elevation bikepacking expedition to Pakistan asks why we're compelled—and what it means—to build memorials near the places where good friends disappear
Guys, I realize this will never meet your living eyes now that you are gone, but know that rarely does a day go by without the fortuitous collision of our existences crossing my mind and bringing me pause. I just returned from the Choktoi after a mission to see where you now rest. I don’t believe in a traditional construct of heaven and angels, but we sure did a lot of staring up toward what could easily be mistaken for such. You have a lofty perch up there. I can’t say that I envy your position, but we couldn’t help feeling a strong pull toward that place. Our intent was to keep a safe distance (no climbing), but you know how that goes—things got a bit rowdy at one point. Jewel and Angela were there, and Burr, too. Ghafoor took great care of us, and we laughed for hours in the shadow of the Ogres. Thanks for bringing us all together in that ethereal place, but we sure miss you boys down here. —Doom
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