Trail & Timberline On-line — November-December, 1999
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Trail & Timberline featuresGuargualla, Ecuador
Wild Colorado featuring articles on the Wilderness Act "Just the Facts, Ma'am" CMC Public Land Policy Director Vera Smith makes a plea for a deeper understanding of wilderness Myths & Facts about Wilderness Volunteers further wilderness efforts Colorado Wilderness Bills of 1999 Happy Anniversary, Baby. The Wilderness act turns 35. Is it grown up yet? |
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T&T departments:Education |
Ten in the far northReflections on the CMC Noatak River, Alaska, trip of August, 1999by Debbie HickeyAfter each day of paddling, hiking, and enjoying the Alaskan wilderness, I slept deeply and peacefully despite the long hours of daylight. I lived in the present, and when any worry about the past or future entered my mind, it quickly departed in the rhythmic exertion of paddling. I learned to enjoy the small things, such as tundra blueberries and fall red leaves on tiny plants. I also learned to respect the big things, such as grizzly bears and the vast landscape. I soon realized that the distance to be covered on foot could be better measured in tussocks than in miles. I saw caribou moving on age-old trails, silhouetted against the sky, then crossing the lake at its narrowest point, heads and antlers held above the water. Once I watched a lone caribou swim the cold river effortlessly, and I thought about my own efforts to avoid getting wet in that same river. Among my many memories, I most treasure recollections of the day we saw five wolves on a mountainside. The pack stayed still long enough for us to see them with our scope and binoculars. Then they began to trot up the mountain we had climbed so laboriously that morning. As they disappeared over the ridge, someone asked our guide if we might try to communicate with them. He gave us the OK, and we tried out our wolf howls for a few seconds, then waited silently. The wolves instantly returned. They began touching each others’ noses, wagging their tails, and crowding close to each other. Then they raised their heads and gave us the most musical, wild, and haunting reply we could have hoped for. Human companionship and cooperation became very important for our ten days together. Our group of ten, including guides, laughed and talked together, and getting to know each other was a very satisfying experience. I was determined to do my share of work and to think before I acted. In that remote place, I didn’t want to place the group in danger by getting hurt or failing to keep myself dry, warm, and as healthy as possible. Our group had many wonderful opportunities for photography, bird watching, wildlife viewing, rafting, kayaking in the inflatable kayaks we called “rubber duckies,” reading, and hiking. Thanks to the CMC and the members of the Denver group who came on this trip for helping to make this wonderful experience possible. DON'T FORGET TO ORDER YOUR TICKETS FOR THE ROYAL ROBBINS
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