We've lost a friend and an inspiration.
This news truly breaks my heart. I actually logged in tonight to find out what Tara wrote about our most recent blog. To read this brings tears to my eyes as I sit by a fire in the mountains of Morocco. Her insight and comments are one of the main reasons we have continued to write on Travelblog. She has commented on each of our posts for over 4 years. When things were at their lowest on this trip she wrote personal notes to us that inspired us to keep going. She always encouraged us to try things that were outside of our comfort zone. When things were at their best, she shared our joys and triumphs as if she were along with us. I never met Tara in person and I'm truly sad to say that. Obviously from what others have written, Tara touched others in the same way as she touched us. I don't know where Tara will travel from here, but I hope to someday get to wherever she is.
Reply to this Denise and I extended our North America trip two years ago to Peru, Bolivia and Chile specifically to meet and travel with Tara. She had become my "soul sister" on Travelblog by me sharing our adventures in Patagonia as she was then living there.
The saddest thing for us was she died alone with no one to care for her. She should have been in hospital but for various reasons was not. But if she had been in hospital or in care, it would not be the Tara we knew. Tara was a solo traveller that was fiercely independent and a "slow traveller" as she insisted she travel on her terms, staying where and as long as she chose. We firmly believe this meant that Tara died as she had lived...on her terms beholden to no one.
Tara was chronically ill before she died, yet on her last day she somehow managed to write to all her many Facebook and other friends in the ether expressing her love and optimism of recovery. How she summoned the strength to do so is a testament to her determination and courage. We will treasure her last message to us. We believe she was saying Goodbye but typically Tara, she was upbeat while her body was not.
Tara Cloud...Travelblog has been blessed by your presence. We will remember sitting in the nunnery with you in Arequipa where you used to regularly sit, your spirit smiling while the nuns sang. You lived the good life and your memory will not be lost. .
Reply to this Horrible news. My condolences to her family and friends. She was a lovely presence here on TB and I enjoyed reading of her slow travels and looked forward to the day I could do the same. Such a sad loss.
Reply to this Just saw this news and we are both feeling devastated. Never had the pleasure of meeting her but we both felt she was a big part of our travelling life and traveling will not seem the same without her great comments. Our heart goes out to her family and friends she will be sadly missed.
Reply to this Such sad news to hear about Tara - she was such an inspiration to us on our travels and we always looked forward to her comments on our trips but sadly we never did manage to meet up with her. Such a great lady and she will be really missed by all us travel bloggers, she really did reach out and touch so many people. Have a good journey into your next round of adventures Tara - we shall miss your smiley face on ours ... ...
In response to: Msg #199428 Reply to this Rest in peace Sara. Thanks Bob for sharing her story with us.
Reply to this I'm struggling to read these posts even now - I cannot think of anything to say that hasn't already been said so well by others.
Tara Cloud. My walking sister, I so wish I had been able to continue on from Europe and catch up with you...tommorow never came. A lesson for us all, Tara did exactly what she wanted when she wanted. I only wish she had gone to a hospital. I was heartbroken reading through your FB after you left to find you had answered "I probably should be in hospital but I can't afford it". Heartbroken to know you took that final breath alone. Heartbroken you never got that pension...but, thank you for having walked this earth, you made my world and that of so many others far richer for having spent time down here before heading back to your clouds.
Fly on Songbird x
Reply to this Such sad news to hear this about Tara. I'll miss our exchanging of comments and her very useful tips and experiences of travelling. R.I.P. Tara
Reply to this In response to: Msg #199486
As usual, well said Dave. She was a wonderful eloquent upbeat writer...Took the time to make warm comments to so many bloggers. Heartbreaking to hear about her passing, and yep, no one should die alone. Let's hope she was reading one of your blogs when she made her grand exit.
On that note,
"It's not goodbye Tara Cloud, but until we read you later"...
Reply to this I haven't been here in a while and it's sad to come across this news. She's off to her new adventure. RIP Tara.
Reply to this Farewell Tara Cloud. Enjoy your travels in that other world. See you there one day.
David
Reply to this Dancing Dave and I have colluded to offer this vocal tribute to her.
Reply to this In response to: Msg #199813
Great selection John...Tara's Blues...I reckon Tara would have been tickled pink!
When Tara died this was the song that was ringing in my head...living on a shoestring but rich in many ways...widely travelled...dying fiercely independent but alone...and in particular these words:
"Where do you go to my lovely...when you're alone in your bed"
Reply to this I am so sorry not to have met Tara Cloud.
I love solo travellers and living their life at a slow pace to enjoy and absorb the true essence of travels.
I am also a slow pace traveller and I am very sorry that such a great traveller has passed way.
R.I.P.
Reply to this "Dear friends and followers of our beloved Tara,
At last, we have confirmed a date and beautiful setting for Tara's memorial celebration:
Sunday, June 4th
3:00 to 7:00 p.m.
Godric Grove, Ehlings Park
Santa Barbara, California
Bring your favorite tales of Tara, songs, photos, memories, and a dish or beverage to share, if you'd like. Dogs on leash are welcome and encouraged."
On an added note, her friend Harriet asked that we "choose a photo or two that captures Tara's love of travel and all those she befriended along her journeys." Rather than just pick something out, I thought it would be great for the friends in the community to pick out what they think are the most appropriate photos.
You can contact Harriet Eckstein (harrieteckstein (at) cox.net) with any questions or for more information.
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