Spencer,
You and I met in 2005, when we both started work as teachers at the Bay School.  Those were the very early days of the school, which had only been open for a year at that point.  We were a close group of colleagues, many of whom, like you and me, had moved to San Francisco to work at the school.  In a disastrous move, the school administrators decided to place you, Katherine Riley, and me all in the same office.  Not only were we one of the more goofy trios within the school...

...but we also shared a passion for the outdoors.  Thus was born not only the Bay School Outing Club but also some tremendously powerful friendships.  My absolute failure as a photographic archivist is unfortunate here, as I do not have the photos I'd love to post here to remind you of our trips together: paddling precariously in a canoe across Lake Sonoma with a very frightened Newy (sp?) in the center of the boat, camping in a snow trench that smelled deliciously of wet dog, and trying to explain to gullible teens the nature of a double-decker outhouse.  On weekends in San Francisco, having you as a companion for a long bike ride or a few beers brought a meaningful sense of belonging in a year that was otherwise pretty lonely as a single person in a new city.

Despite the geographical distance between us these days, despite our busy schedules, and despite the fact that we are both absolutely terrible phone-friends, I remain honored to count you among my friends.

Much love,
Andy