“So many memories of hiking with Helen. The most memorable to me is sheltering with her from the sun under a shrub on the Heliotrope trail right beside one of the several creeks that cross that trail, and deciding that we had come far enough that day.\u00a0 She is one of my PNW \u00a0heroines.”<\/span><\/p>\n “Helen was one of the original Hiker Chicks, offering all kinds of counsel at the beginning and all the way down many many trails.”<\/span><\/p>\n \u00a0“Helen was such a lovely spirit.”<\/span><\/p>\n “Heavy hearts indeed. Helen you were one of the good ones and we will miss you.”<\/span><\/p>\n “Over a decade ago, Helen and I drove to Canada for a group hike. She recounted her life in Canada and shared lovely details of her family. It was a wonderful day to spend so many hours in the car with her.\u00a0 Helen would come to my tours at the museum and always participated asking questions or commenting on the tour info. It wasn\u2019t that long ago that she came to the museum with a friend. Her smiling face and grace were so special.\u00a0 On the trail, I always told her she was my inspiration. She was so kind and thoughtful. We are so fortunate to have had her as one of our hiker chicks.”<\/span><\/p>\n “How very sad. Helen truly was such a wonderfully positive, motivational presence in our group. As I pass Indian pipe, camas, trillium or multiple other plants along the trails I will be reminded of her teaching us their names and, often, some memorable tidbits about these native plants.\u00a0 Helen, we hold you in our hearts with love.”<\/span><\/p>\n “I only met her once but she was wonderful. Funny, and a delight to chat with. So sorry to hear that.” “I am so appreciative of the Walkers for providing me the opportunity to meet this lovely woman.\u00a0 I did not know Helen well, but fondly remember sharing stories of lama backpacking in the Walawa\u2019s and margaritas in the snow.\u00a0 Her enthusiasm for the natural world and the high country was infectious, and her commitment to well being an inspiration.\u00a0 I am grateful I shared a bit of time with her.”<\/span><\/p>\n “Adieu Helen,<\/span> “Helen would show up for a hike at 8 a.m. with her yogurt and cereal because she had just finished\u00a0her morning yoga class. I will miss seeing her off the trail as well. She was part of the Raging Grannies singing Group in her cute hat and purple hair. She could be found attending lots of meetings on environmental issues. She worked to keep the coal port from being developed\u00a0at Cherry Point.\u00a0 We found her at the meeting protesting the arrests of undocumented\u00a0 workers. Helen was always active. When she was having trouble with\u00a0her knee she took up Table Tennis. Helen taught me so much about life and getting through. Nature was the gift she gave to us\u00a0and marveling at the beauty spread at our feet as we hiked up the mountains. Love you Helen. You are in our hearts.”<\/span><\/p>\n “My friendship with Helen was only a few years, but I told her numerous times that was my inspiration!\u00a0 May she find heavenly trails full of flowers as she rejoins her loved ones!”<\/span><\/p>\n “Helen was truly the epitome of our hikers spirit and I will always remember my hikes with her.” <\/p>\n","protected":false},"excerpt":{"rendered":" Helen Margaret McLeod (Goudie) passed peacefully at age 85, July 7th, 2020 at Swedish Hospital in Seattle, WA after complications from back surgery.\u00a0 Helen’s two daughters shared with friends that they would treasure their last hours together, holding hands, singing, … Continue reading ![\"\"](\"http:\/\/whatcomwomenwalkers.org\/wp-content\/uploads\/2020\/07\/Helen-McLeod.jpg\")
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\n<\/del>Remembering Helen ……………..<\/strong><\/span><\/p><\/blockquote>\n
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\n The everlasting version of you is encircled by your hiking friends. You are spooning up some yogurt & telling us about your yoga class. Or, naming the flowers we pass along a trail. You inspired us, reminded us to be joyful.”<\/span><\/p>\n
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