The American politician and writer Horace Greeley famously, and apocryphally, said "Go west, young man." Spiritually, this advice holds true today. Yet in the age of aircraft, highways, and the internet, the westernmost place in the continental United States is no longer the furthest west, geographically. It is rather that most rugged landscape generally arrayed across the continental divide as it marches from Canada to Mexico. Largely spared from extensive human impact in the pre-environmental era, a scintillatingly named series of protected areas form a remarkably contiguous span across the country. The appellations Great Bear, Bob Marshall, Absaroka-Beartooth, Bridger, Eagles Nest, Uncompahgre, Cebolla, Gila, and Aldo Leopold are in their sum almost onomatopoetic.
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Thank you answering my question. Again, great job!
Even if I can't read the story(s) until Friday! David, well written and very interesting. Hope to see more of your work here.
Beautiful and inspiring photo essay!
I am in awe of all of you who can do such trips! The CDT is, at the moment, something way out of my league. I can't wait to start honing my skills, and relearning old skills on shorter trails so that someday I can attempt the CDT. The photos helped me feel both the beauty and the awesome powerful size of the CDT. Thank you!
It expands my soul.
I think we humans need such areas to in order to keep our hubris in check, and to remind us of our proper place in the scheme of things. We are a part, not apart, and certainly not above, the Earth.
I remember on solo on my Outward Bound trip (in Canyonlands), how I was struck by a paradox that occurred to me, as I was hurrying to set up my little shelter before a storm moved in. The paradox was this: the environment is at the same harsh (it can kill us), but fragile (humankind so easily destroy it); demanding of me, yet indifferent to me and my fears. I looked around at the huge, overwhelming size of the wilderness I was in, and thought, "It is so big, and I'm so little."
It was a very humbling experience.
Thanks Kathy! Very happy to inspire, that's the highest aim.
I don't think that places like Yellowstone and especially Glacier are out many people's reach, skill wise (at least in June-September). The skills end is at least as much mental as physical, anyway.
Great piece, Dave, enjoyed it immensely and makes me yearn for visiting this fine area. One day, maybe.
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