At A Journey With Wings we scatter cremated remains by airplane. We offer services that are either unwitnessed, witnessed form the ground or you can participate in the scattering on board the plane. Our most popular service is the witnesses scattering.
On the witnessed scattering family and friends gather at a location near the release area. We time the flight so that those on the ground can be present at the time of the release. The cremated remains make an elegant twist as they leave the airplane before they descend to the earth below.
We scatter over many locations such as state parks national parks, and at sea. On our witnessed scattering flights. Families will gather at beaches, piers, trail heads and even parking lots to watch the release. We often get asked; “what is the best location for witnessing the scattering”. The answer is that it is different for each individual family based on their needs. For example, does the family have mobility issues? How many people are in the group witnessing the scattering? Will the family have children in the group? Does the family want to hike in to see it? Are they capable of hiking in? Are they going to want a place that will be easy to return to and remember their loved-one. These are the questions I ask families to consider:
If the group is large we need to consider a location that has enough room not only for the number of people to comfortable be present but we also need to consider How many cars will you need parking for and will the parking need to be close to the location?
Are there mobility issues for any of your guests? If so, what accommodation would be best. Some families need a location where the can watch close to the parking area. Other families are happy to hike in.
Will there be children present? If there are children present is there a safe area for them to run around. Some of the beach locations we use have play equipment and large grassy areas. One of our most popular scatteirg location is a scattering at sea off the coast of Palos Verdes, in front of the Point Fermin Light House. There is a large grassy area along with a play area for children.
One of the benefits of scattering by airplane near an area where you can witness the scatter is that you can return there to remember your loved one. Think of a location that you would like to have as your special place to return and remember. This is important to remember when choosing to scatter at sea. Scattering by boat would make it difficult to return and remember. When you scatter by air it is much easier to return to the location.
Families often want to have a service on location prior to the scattering service. Some families want chairs and canopies available on site. Some may want a sound system for the officiant. This usually requires a permit from the agency that governs the location. This is usually a process that take some time and therefore we need to consider not only the location but the date of the scattering. State Parks and State Beaches are nice to work with for this. They have a process in place for obtaining permits for an event.
For all the reasons above Sometimes we suggest the scattering location itself based on what the witnessing options are. Instead of picking the ideal scattering location and then finding a way to witness, we think of the ideal witness location and do the scattering near that location.
We often reach out the Park superintendent for information on locations. They are more familiar with the locations. Often times the witnessing location is outside of the park limits or in an entirely different park. For example, we often scatter over the Santa Ana Mountains in Orange County, CA. The area we are scattering over is rugged and not accessible. There is a lovely park at the base of the mountain called O’Neill Park. It has a wonderful viewing area with park benches, shade trees and close parking.
We hope this information helps. Please contact us if you would like suggestions on the perfect location to witness your creamed remains scattering service.