Nik and I.

[psychokiwi]

The night of the 5th I got back to Lauterbrunnen late from a bbq and went looking for any jumpers who might know what the plans were for the morning.A quick look into the Horner pub revealed nothing but a few faces hunched over various drinks.Not recognizing any of the usual suspects I turned around and walked out.I had gone about 30ft when I heard this voice behind me.
"Hey what time we jumping tomorrow?"I turned around and saw Nik's head sticking out the window grinning like a chimp.Finally ,a jumper.I jogged back to the pub and proceeded to down the beers that Nik insisted on buying me.We had a great time that night.Talking about all kinds of things from BASE to the problems in Northern Ireland.We had a couple of really good laughs much to the amusement of the locals who were watching our shennanigans.
Finally with much pushing and prodding we were forced to leave with the promise of being allowed into the night club upstairs.at that point I realised that I still had to pack.Nik insisted that it would be rude not to have at least one drink but my mind was made up.his persistance was quite something and he almost changed my mind but I really didn't want to have to pack first thing in the morning so I tyhanked him for the drinks he had bought me and told him I'd see him in the morning.
"7:47 Big Al and Nik's tracking camp goes to "THE NOSE" I laughed at his mimmickery of Fast Al's Aussie accent.The two of them had been giving each other a little bit of stick over the last few days but it was all in good spirits.
I was walking back to my Hotel when a panting Nik ran up alongside me and started on about how important it was to actually get a good nights sleep.
I agreed with him and was then made to swear that I wouldn't be late for the "7:47 to "THE NOSE".
I was waiting in the train terminal when Nik walked in he was in good spirits and so was I.This was my 300th and was really looking foreward to it.We had a few more good laughs on the way out to the exit point and that is how I will remember the man that I had known only for a short time but who made me feel like a mate.He was my new mate ,Nik.
Thanks for the humour ,the jumps ,the advice,the entertainment and the beers.
Cheers Nik.
Your mate
Matt Strickland.

[Karin]

Matt, we miss you here and are thinking about you too. We included you in our raised glasses this morning and knew that you were here in spirit.

Cheers,
Karin

[psychokiwi]

I really wish that I could have stayed with you guys.I felt bad just taking off like that hope you can kind of understand.Given the choice I would've stayed.The last couple of weeks have been pretty rough.Rougher than I ever expected.I've been thinking about that day ever since I left the valley and I really don't know how to vent.I just feel kind of alone.Hope to talk to you guys in the near future.
Really missed not being there for the load from La Mousse.My thoughts go out to all Nik's mates.
Bloody Nora.
Matt.

[Surber]

Matt-

Everybody is looking to find peace in this matter, and I want to thank you for helping me find it. Last year, we went to Lauterbrunnen together and this year I preceded you by a week. The story of how you two spent Nik’s last night is classic and comforting. You guys are both hilarious and undoubtedly made an outrageous combination that night. Nik spent his last night laughing over beers with a new friend and the next morning doing something he loved. His last 24 hours were spent on his passions - making people feel great, and BASE jumping. I wish Nik were still here, but your story has let me accept that a truly wonderful guy went out on a wave of his own positive energy.

Jim Surber