tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-23126609557386385902024-03-18T21:02:52.913-07:00RalphsclimbingblogRalphhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/16555104492679454425noreply@blogger.comBlogger125125tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2312660955738638590.post-19952691394042026172018-01-25T21:10:00.000-08:002018-01-25T21:10:16.976-08:00SKIING MCMILLAN PEAK<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
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The story starts a day earlier. Deb Wheeler texted to invite me to ski Telluride on Tuesday. Since Nori and I had bought season passes to the tune of $850 each, and we had only skied one day, it seemed like a great excuse to cut the cost to $425 per ski day. Nori was in Santa Barbara visiting friends and waiting out the extreme lack of snow in the San Juans. At lunch we ran into three good friends, Barclay Daranyi, Laura Kudo, and Terry Savelli. The skiing was good, but the company was great! <br />
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Terry, Barclay, Laura, Ralph, Deb</div>
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Deb has been a great friend to me over the years. Her phone call to Alaska in 2012 was the final push to get me to move to Ridgway, so any day we can get into the mountains or onto a bicycle together is a pleasure. </div>
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In the evening, Deb and I called our friend Lance Snyder and met at the Colorado Boy pub and pizza in Ridgway. Lance is an American Airlines captain on the international crew based in Miami, but he and his wife, Olivia, also spend their spare time at their home in Ouray. We have become great friends, so besides fine dining, we cycle, climb, and ski together whenever he is in town.<br />
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Among the friends who gravitated to our table was my old friend, Dave Carman. Near the end, Deb twisted our arms to ski up McMillan peak area in the morning. Lance suggested that another friend, Pete Lev, join us. The alpine tour goes up SE from Red Mountain Pass above Ouray on an old county road, then branches left up to the top. Low down an icy snowcat track was our path that turned into a ski track. Lance broke off a little from the top, while four made our way higher; Peter spied a beautiful piste of virgin powder, so we headed for it. Dave and Deb veered left to catch a great line of untracked powder. At the top Peter and I had a cup of tea, took off our climbing skins and rested. Not a cloud. No wind. Perfect.<br />
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Pete, Dave, Ralph</div>
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Peter and I have known each other since 1965 when he was a guide for Exum and I was a ranger at Jenny Lake in Grand Teton National Park. Later, Pete became an owner of the guide service and I went on to Alaska. Over the years we have kept in touch, and as fate would have it, we both ended up in the Ridgway-Ouray area, the "La Brea Tar Pits" for old climbers, according to Bill Lisk. </div>
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The sun was beginning to make a tougher snow, so we headed down while the snow crystals still sparkled on top and our skis carved fluffy turns. It only took minutes to reach treeline where the angle steepened, and the snow was deeper between the pines. </div>
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The climbing world 40 years ago was a small one; I had known Dave since we were park rangers together in the Tetons in the mid-70's. Not only did we work and climb together, but he was on one of my early kayaking trips to the Owyhee River in 1975 and watched me flounder my way down some big rapids. So when he moved from Jackson Hole to Ridgway a few years ago, I had yet another ski/climbing/kayaking partner.</div>
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Lance had gone on ahead, so we hit the road and clattered our way down the mountain on the icy ruts. Not so bad, really, but way different from the incredible powder above. The slopes off McMillan were surely the most traveled and possibly the safest venue for backcountry skiing right now. The weather report was for strong winds and warm temperatures the next day, so we were pretty pleased that we had picked the last great day for a while.</div>
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Lance, Ralph, Dave, Peter, Deb</div>
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We ended up having a beer and appetizers until the sun set. A perfect day.<br />
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Ralphhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/16555104492679454425noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2312660955738638590.post-24619126043467340022018-01-12T21:26:00.000-08:002018-01-14T19:37:45.701-08:00AND THEN CAME THE RAINAND THEN CAME THE RAIN<br />
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We are back safe in Ridgway, Colorado. We have escaped the Thomas fire, the largest wildfire in California history by the thinnest line, just a half mile from the house. Then, on January 6 we received a warning on the phone of possible flooding and landslides above Montecito where our home sits. Nori and I spent the next couple of days glued to the computer watching KEYT.com for live coverage as the huge boulders, mud, ash and debris rolled down Hot Springs Road from Hot Springs, San Ysidro, and Romero canyons, destroying everything in their path. <br />
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Highway 101, the main north-south artery through the region is closed indefinitely. The power is off at about 1,500 homes, gas and water are off in Montecito. Mandatory evacuation orders are in effect for a significant portion of Montecito to allow the Corps of Engineers to move in heavy machinery to open roads, search for victims, and repair gas, water, and power lines. <br />
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It is a very serious and grim situation. The flash flooding, the first rain since April, came in 2 and 3 inch deluges, soaking the ashen hillsides already denuded of any vegetation after the Thomas fire. It couldn't have been a more awful combination. Now all the beaches are closed from Summerland to Goleta. Bacteria, chemicals, and toxic debris have choked the roads, fields, and then flooded into the ocean in front of town.<br />
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It will take a long time to clean up. At this time, 20 people are confirmed dead, 5 are still missing, 70 homes have been wiped away, hundreds more filled with mud, and most without power or water. It is unbelievable.Ralphhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/16555104492679454425noreply@blogger.com7tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2312660955738638590.post-83025120163167336902018-01-05T19:03:00.000-08:002018-01-12T15:53:36.871-08:00THE THOMAS FIRE<div style="text-align: center;">
THE THOMAS FIRE</div>
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I just heard the fire alarm sound in our tiny town of Ridgway, Colorado. It brought back the vision of the Thomas Fire that started a month ago above Ventura, California, and quickly spread towards Carpinteria, Summerland, Montecito, and Santa Barbara. As I write this on January 4,2018, the fire is 92% contained. Over the past month it has burned over 281,893 acres, destroyed 1,063 homes and other structures, and damaged 280 more. It is now the largest wildfire in California's recorded history. Because it has been so extensively covered by the news media, and all the photos belong to the news media and others, I'll refrain from describing the fire itself and tell you our story.<br />
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Noozhawk photo of the fire burning toward the beach</div>
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We were spending November and part of December at Nori's home in Montecito when we heard the news of the fire. Nori immediately recognized how significant it was, even though it was approximately 22 miles to the east of us. In just the first day it had swept from the mountains down into Ventura, burned hundreds of homes on it's path to the ocean, then headed east. The smoke was dense; ash fell from the air like snow. The city had several distribution centers for face masks to protect lungs from the harmful microscopic particles that filled the air. We wore the N95 masks whenever we were outdoors. Nori started to make plans for evacuation: we made a mental inventory of the precious items in the house and made arrangements to stay with her friend, Melinda, in Goleta, about 10 miles further to the west.<br />
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It didn't take long. By Friday we were notified by our cell phones, radio, and television that we were in the "Voluntary Evacuation Zone". On Sunday the "Mandatory Evacuation" order came, so we loaded up the truck and the car with all the artwork, important papers, computers, and personal effects we had brought with us from Colorado. We were the lucky ones, because we had time to prepare and weren't hit with a rushing fire. Initially I was not too worried, because there was a great presence of fire fighters in the area ready to protect the dwellings. The news reported that over 7,000 firefighters, 700 fire engines, 30 plus helicopters, two DC-10 aircraft, a number of C-130 planes, and a super-tanker from Colorado were dropping slurry and water on the fire.<br />
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Nori holding Sheyshey and wearing a N95 mask leaves the house.</div>
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Notice she is standing in the ashes that are falling like snow.</div>
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We lasted three more days, watching television nonstop to keep abreast of the fire and it's progress. Melinda was a great friend to us and let us have run of her home. We went to the gym and exercised, afraid to breath the toxic air outdoors. We went to the movies and saw Coco to take our mind off the flames and horror in the mountains near us. Finally, after listening to the Public Health doctor every day warn that all children and elder folks over 65 should leave the area to avoid long term damage to their lungs, we packed up our car and truck, left our valuables with Melinda, and drove home to Colorado. The smoke was thick as we left town, and I actually wore my N95 mask in the truck as I drove. As we left Montecito I looked out the window and saw that the entire mountainside along highway 101 was burned to ashes. Hardly a tree stump remained due to the intense heat of the fire, and the destruction continued on my left as I drove east for the next hour. All ashes.<br />
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The ash covered hills above Rincon and Faria beaches as we drove Hwy 101 </div>
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Nori land I arrived back in Ridgway the next Friday evening, trying to forget that the flames were still burning strongly towards Montecito, and that her home had burned 40 years ago. Tall eucalyptus trees a hundred feet high were waiting like giant matchsticks in the back yard. The old coastal oak tree spread its branches over the house. On Sunday the local television station, KEYT, announced that it would be a "Red Flag" weather day with wind gusts up to 65 MPH down the hillside into Montecito. We sat in front of the computer watching KEYT live coverage all day as the fire approached at high speed to within less than a mile of the house, resigned that it would be lost. Again, we were the lucky ones, because there were over 5,000 firefighters and 500 engines in the neighborhood battling the fire on East Mountain Drive just above the house. By the time Sunday had ended, the winds had subsided, and we breathed a small sigh of relief. <br />
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However it was still not over. The mandatory evacuation order was still in effect, the fire was not contained. Still burning strongly in the back country, we could see the flames and smoke on the computer screen. It wasn't for several more days until the order was lifted and the house was out of danger. It had beaten the Grim Reaper...this time.<br />
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<br />Ralphhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/16555104492679454425noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2312660955738638590.post-41638013025848282932016-04-10T20:58:00.000-07:002016-04-10T20:58:02.587-07:00SHIPROCK 1961<span class="articleTitle">Shiprock 1961</span>
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<a href="https://www.blogger.com/null" title="Click to enlarge"><img alt="Shiprock, March 1961 or 62" height="600" name="" src="http://www.supertopo.com/photos/11/71/238664_19175_L.jpg" width="405" /></a><span class="small"><br />Shiprock, March 1961 or 62<br /><div class="photo-credit">
Credit: AKTrad<br />[<a href="http://www.supertopo.com/inc/photo_edit.php?dpid=Mzs_PTo6IiUl&dgotopage=MFRTDXBMTFZVR0pBBh0UGB4fRQMCBwAAWRZRTlZQ">Edit this Photo</a>]</div>
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Spring break, March 26, 1961, my friends Milt Hokanson,Dave Wood
and I loaded my little Jeep and drove from Salt Lake City to Shiprock,
NM. I had read Jack Kerouac's "On the Road", and road trips were in my
blood. We checked in with the Navajo Tribal Police in Shiprock and left
our names and contact information. They were kind and helpful, wished
us well, and we headed to the base of the rock in the dark. A few
hundred yards short of the campsite I dropped the Jeep into a steep
ditch onto its side. With the gas leaking out, we three lifted it back
upright and continued on. I don't know how we did it, but I remember it
was a super pain, with lots of digging and lots of pushing. I must have
been stronger then; and we had Wood, nicknamed "The Logger" with us. <br />
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<a href="https://www.blogger.com/null" title="Click to enlarge"><img alt="My first lead off the ground in the cave at the base of the rock." height="600" name="" src="http://www.supertopo.com/photos/11/71/238665_29802_L.jpg" width="431" /></a><span class="small"><br />My first lead off the ground in the cave at the base of the rock.<br /><div class="photo-credit">
Credit: AKTrad<br />[<a href="http://www.supertopo.com/inc/photo_edit.php?dpid=Mzs_PTo3KSgq&dgotopage=MFRTDXBMTFZVR0pBBh0UGB4fRQMCBwAAWRZRTlZQ">Edit this Photo</a>]</div>
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Early the next morning we climbed up in the dark and surmounted
the initial overhang in the cave at the start of the climb. I did much
of the leading, and I remember being appalled by the quality of the rock
after the great quartzite and granite at home. We had the description
on a postcard and made good time. <br />
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<a href="https://www.blogger.com/null" title="Click to enlarge"><img alt="Climbing up the black chossy rock on the west side to a notch." height="397" name="" src="http://www.supertopo.com/photos/11/71/238666_258_L.jpg" width="600" /></a><span class="small"><br />Climbing up the black chossy rock on the west side to a notch.<br /><div class="photo-credit">
Credit: AKTrad<br />[<a href="http://www.supertopo.com/inc/photo_edit.php?dpid=Mzs_PTs9JyUr&dgotopage=MFRTDXBMTFZVR0pBBh0UGB4fRQMCBwAAWRZRTlZQ">Edit this Photo</a>]</div>
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<td><img height="13" src="http://www.supertopo.com/nav_img/bottom_left_sdw.gif" width="13" /></td>
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<td><img height="13" src="http://www.supertopo.com/nav_img/bottom_right_sdw.gif" width="13" /></td>
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<td><img height="13" src="http://www.supertopo.com/nav_img/top_right_sdw.gif" width="13" /></td>
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<td class="sdw_body" width="600"><div>
<a href="https://www.blogger.com/null" title="Click to enlarge"><img alt="Climbing into the notch in the early hours of the morning. I have on a..." height="405" name="" src="http://www.supertopo.com/photos/11/71/238667_7032_L.jpg" width="600" /></a><span class="small"><br />Climbing
into the notch in the early hours of the morning. I have on a red nylon
anorak I bought through the mail from REI. Rappelling back down this
face in the dark with no headlamps was a trip.<br /><div class="photo-credit">
Credit: AKTrad<br />[<a href="http://www.supertopo.com/inc/photo_edit.php?dpid=Mzs_PTs5JSEi&dgotopage=MFRTDXBMTFZVR0pBBh0UGB4fRQMCBwAAWRZRTlZQ">Edit this Photo</a>]</div>
</span></div>
</td>
<td class="sdw_right"><br /></td>
</tr>
<tr>
<td><img height="13" src="http://www.supertopo.com/nav_img/bottom_left_sdw.gif" width="13" /></td>
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<td><img height="13" src="http://www.supertopo.com/nav_img/bottom_right_sdw.gif" width="13" /></td>
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</div>
<br />
The climbing was fairly vertical, but blocky, so there were a lot of
holds and the climbing was fast. We climbed over a notch and found a
type of rhyolite, rather than the basalt-like choss we had been climbing<br />
<br />
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<td class="sdw_left"><br /></td>
<td class="sdw_body" width="445"><div>
<a href="https://www.blogger.com/null" title="Click to enlarge"><img alt="Dave Wood leading the traverse out onto the SW side of the mountain. I..." height="600" name="" src="http://www.supertopo.com/photos/11/71/238668_15653_L.jpg" width="445" /></a><span class="small"><br />Dave Wood leading the traverse out onto the SW side of the mountain. I scanned the slide poorly, so the border shows!<br /><div class="photo-credit">
Credit: AKTrad<br />[<a href="http://www.supertopo.com/inc/photo_edit.php?dpid=Mzs_PTg_IiQj&dgotopage=MFRTDXBMTFZVR0pBBh0UGB4fRQMCBwAAWRZRTlZQ">Edit this Photo</a>]</div>
</span></div>
</td>
<td class="sdw_right"><br /></td>
</tr>
<tr>
<td><img height="13" src="http://www.supertopo.com/nav_img/bottom_left_sdw.gif" width="13" /></td>
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We carried an extra Goldline rope to fix the two 80' rappels; we
left it hanging so we could climbing the overhanging water gully on the
return trip. This left us two more ropes between the three of us for
the summit. <br />
<br />
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<td class="sdw_body" width="396"><div>
<a href="https://www.blogger.com/null" title="Click to enlarge"><img alt="Dave steps up in a home-made etrier. Cool socks!" height="600" name="" src="http://www.supertopo.com/photos/11/71/238669_28633_L.jpg" width="396" /></a><span class="small"><br />Dave steps up in a home-made etrier. Cool socks!<br /><div class="photo-credit">
Credit: AKTrad<br />[<a href="http://www.supertopo.com/inc/photo_edit.php?dpid=Mzs_PTg7ICEg&dgotopage=MFRTDXBMTFZVR0pBBh0UGB4fRQMCBwAAWRZRTlZQ">Edit this Photo</a>]</div>
</span></div>
</td>
<td class="sdw_right"><br /></td>
</tr>
<tr>
<td><img height="13" src="http://www.supertopo.com/nav_img/bottom_left_sdw.gif" width="13" /></td>
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After rappelling down Dave led across the traverse out of the
gullies which had a couple of 1/4" bolts for protection. It was winter,
but here in the east bowl, the sun warmed us, so we had lunch. <br />
<br />
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<td class="sdw_body" width="600"><div>
<a href="https://www.blogger.com/null" title="Click to enlarge"><img alt="Milt Hokanson belays me as I lead the Horn Pitch" height="397" name="" src="http://www.supertopo.com/photos/11/71/238670_2621_L.jpg" width="600" /></a><span class="small"><br />Milt Hokanson belays me as I lead the Horn Pitch<br /><div class="photo-credit">
Credit: AKTrad<br />[<a href="http://www.supertopo.com/inc/photo_edit.php?dpid=Mzs_PTg4JyQh&dgotopage=MFRTDXBMTFZVR0pBBh0UGB4fRQMCBwAAWRZRTlZQ">Edit this Photo</a>]</div>
</span></div>
</td>
<td class="sdw_right"><br /></td>
</tr>
<tr>
<td><img height="13" src="http://www.supertopo.com/nav_img/bottom_left_sdw.gif" width="13" /></td>
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<br />
Milt was as strong as an ox, and he did a lot of the belaying. I'm glad I
got a photo of him; it may be the only one I have of the hundreds of
climbs we did together as kids.<br />
<br />
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<td class="sdw_left"><br /></td>
<td class="sdw_body" width="425"><div>
<a href="https://www.blogger.com/null" title="Click to enlarge"><img alt="Yours Truly starting the Horn Pitch. Cool nickers!" height="600" name="" src="http://www.supertopo.com/photos/11/71/238671_19415_L.jpg" width="425" /></a><span class="small"><br />Yours Truly starting the Horn Pitch. Cool nickers!<br /><div class="photo-credit">
Credit: AKTrad<br />[<a href="http://www.supertopo.com/inc/photo_edit.php?dpid=Mzs_PTk-JSEm&dgotopage=MFRTDXBMTFZVR0pBBh0UGB4fRQMCBwAAWRZRTlZQ">Edit this Photo</a>]</div>
</span></div>
</td>
<td class="sdw_right"><br /></td>
</tr>
<tr>
<td><img height="13" src="http://www.supertopo.com/nav_img/bottom_left_sdw.gif" width="13" /></td>
<td class="sdw_bottom"><br /></td>
<td><img height="13" src="http://www.supertopo.com/nav_img/bottom_right_sdw.gif" width="13" /></td>
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</div>
Steve Roper had climbed the peak the previous fall, and we knew he
had done the Horn Pitch free. I remember leading the Horn Pitch to the
summit in a strong wind as the sun was sinking. <br />
<br />
<br />
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<td><img height="13" src="http://www.supertopo.com/nav_img/top_right_sdw.gif" width="13" /></td>
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<td class="sdw_left"><br /></td>
<td class="sdw_body" width="417"><div>
<a href="https://www.blogger.com/null" title="Click to enlarge"><img alt="Nearing the horn" height="600" name="" src="http://www.supertopo.com/photos/11/71/238672_12265_L.jpg" width="417" /></a><span class="small"><br />Nearing the horn<br /><div class="photo-credit">
Credit: AKTrad<br />[<a href="http://www.supertopo.com/inc/photo_edit.php?dpid=Mzs_PTk6IiQn&dgotopage=MFRTDXBMTFZVR0pBBh0UGB4fRQMCBwAAWRZRTlZQ">Edit this Photo</a>]</div>
</span></div>
</td>
<td class="sdw_right"><br /></td>
</tr>
<tr>
<td><img height="13" src="http://www.supertopo.com/nav_img/bottom_left_sdw.gif" width="13" /></td>
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<td><img height="13" src="http://www.supertopo.com/nav_img/bottom_right_sdw.gif" width="13" /></td>
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<td class="sdw_body" width="600"><div>
<a href="https://www.blogger.com/null" title="Click to enlarge"><img alt="I clamber over the horn." height="407" name="" src="http://www.supertopo.com/photos/11/71/238673_29362_L.jpg" width="600" /></a><span class="small"><br />I clamber over the horn.<br /><div class="photo-credit">
Credit: AKTrad<br />[<a href="http://www.supertopo.com/inc/photo_edit.php?dpid=Mzs_PTk2ICEk&dgotopage=MFRTDXBMTFZVR0pBBh0UGB4fRQMCBwAAWRZRTlZQ">Edit this Photo</a>]</div>
</span></div>
</td>
<td class="sdw_right"><br /></td>
</tr>
<tr>
<td><img height="13" src="http://www.supertopo.com/nav_img/bottom_left_sdw.gif" width="13" /></td>
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<td><img height="13" src="http://www.supertopo.com/nav_img/bottom_right_sdw.gif" width="13" /></td>
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</div>
At the summit there was a little register, we saw the first
ascent party's names: David Brower, Raffi Bedayn, John Dyer, and Bestor
Robinson. Fred Becky had been bolting a direct route the previous year.
We knew Becky from his trips through Salt Lake, but I'm sure we hadn't
asked him anything about the climb. He was an old guy then...maybe 38
years old. We were 18 or 19. <br />
<br />
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<td class="sdw_left"><br /></td>
<td class="sdw_body" width="408"><div>
<a href="https://www.blogger.com/null" title="Click to enlarge"><img alt="Yours Truly rappelling off the summit. The sun set soon afterwards." height="600" name="" src="http://www.supertopo.com/photos/11/71/238674_17289_L.jpg" width="408" /></a><span class="small"><br />Yours Truly rappelling off the summit. The sun set soon afterwards.<br /><div class="photo-credit">
Credit: AKTrad<br />[<a href="http://www.supertopo.com/inc/photo_edit.php?dpid=Mzs_PTY9JyQl&dgotopage=MFRTDXBMTFZVR0pBBh0UGB4fRQMCBwAAWRZRTlZQ">Edit this Photo</a>]</div>
</span></div>
</td>
<td class="sdw_right"><br /></td>
</tr>
<tr>
<td><img height="13" src="http://www.supertopo.com/nav_img/bottom_left_sdw.gif" width="13" /></td>
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<td><img height="13" src="http://www.supertopo.com/nav_img/bottom_right_sdw.gif" width="13" /></td>
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During the descent we had to climb up the hanging ropes; I led
hand-over-hand, because we didn't have much to tie a prussik with. I
remember using parachute cord around little horns for rappel anchors; we
knew it would hold 550 lbs, so it should be good. We rappelled most of
the climb in the dark, completing the climb in under 18 hours or so.
The little white jeep eaded back to Salt Lake in the morning. It was
awesome! Dave wood went to medical school and became a psychiatrist,
but unfortunately passed away many years ago. Milt Hokanson, the guy I
started my climbing career with at age 14 lives in St. George. I count
him as one of the most influential people in my life, and likely among
the toughest sons of bitches I've ever known. Together we explored the
West, floated the Glen Canyon in tiny rafts in 1956, learned to climb
and made our first ascent of Lone Peak in 1957, and made our first
ascent of the Grand Teton in 1959. It is sheer luck we are still alive.
</div>
Ralphhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/16555104492679454425noreply@blogger.com3tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2312660955738638590.post-15552969883083566632014-11-30T21:56:00.001-08:002014-12-06T17:53:41.419-08:00STILLWATER CANYON<div dir="ltr" id="docs-internal-guid-f404e820-140d-edbd-e4c4-c2203b5f39f8" style="line-height: 1.15; margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-top: 0pt;">
<span style="background-color: transparent; color: black; font-family: Arial; font-size: 15px; font-style: normal; font-variant: normal; font-weight: normal; text-decoration: none; vertical-align: baseline;">STILLWATER CANYON</span></div>
<br />
<div dir="ltr" style="line-height: 1.15; margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-top: 0pt;">
<span style="background-color: transparent; color: black; font-family: Arial; font-size: 15px; font-style: normal; font-variant: normal; font-weight: normal; text-decoration: none; vertical-align: baseline;">Although I’ve run a lot of rivers it has been many years since I’ve been on one, so it was such a treat for Nori and me to be invited to go with good friends down the Stillwater Canyon on the Green River. Our friends Al and Roze are experts and have a huge garage filled with canoes, kayaks, rafts and boats. They had done the Stillwater several times before and were the inspiration for this trip. Tom and Sandy, and Dave and Judi had floated the White River with them a short time before, so we were delighted to be part of the group for this adventure. Nori had paddled the Grand Canyon years before, but this would be our first river trip together. I prepared for weeks, going through my gear, and even buying a Yeti cooler especially for the trip.</span></div>
<br />
<div dir="ltr" style="line-height: 1.15; margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-top: 0pt;">
<span style="background-color: transparent; color: black; font-family: Arial; font-size: 15px; font-style: normal; font-variant: normal; font-weight: normal; text-decoration: none; vertical-align: baseline;">One of my preparations was to read John Wesley Powell’s “Exploration Of The Colorado River And Its Canyons”. He named Stillwater Canyon which starts at Mineral Bottom at the beginning of Canyonlands National Park in eastern Utah, just north of Moab. It runs for about 54 miles south to the confluence with the Colorado River at Spanish Bottom. Compared to the huge rapids he had already encountered and what he was still to find in Cataract and Grand Canyons, this must indeed have been a still water experience for him and his crew. We planned for an eight day trip, leaving Ridgway October 17th, spending a night at the Red Rock Motel in Moab, so we could be ready to load up at Tag-along Expeditions at 8:00 am the morning of the 18th.</span></div>
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<div dir="ltr" style="line-height: 1.15; margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-top: 0pt;">
<span style="background-color: transparent; color: black; font-family: Arial; font-size: 15px; font-style: normal; font-variant: normal; font-weight: normal; text-decoration: none; vertical-align: baseline;">Oct 18, Saturday.</span></div>
<div dir="ltr" style="line-height: 1.15; margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-top: 0pt;">
<span style="background-color: transparent; color: black; font-family: Arial; font-size: 15px; font-style: normal; font-variant: normal; font-weight: normal; text-decoration: none; vertical-align: baseline;">Up and atom at 7:00 am, coffee and breakfast on the corner. The pancakes were perfect! The cars were loaded, so we drove up the street to Tag-along Expeditions where we were to meet our outfitter at 8:00. I didn’t know exactly what to expect. After leaving our valuables at the front desk, we loaded all our gear into an old Bluebird school bus hauling a trailer. Our 16 gallons of water per couple and heavy stuff went in the old funky trailer on top of which is a rack for carrying up to 8 canoes. The crew helped us load and lashed the canoes on with bungee cords. </span></div>
<br />
<div dir="ltr" style="line-height: 1.15; margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-top: 0pt;">
<span style="background-color: transparent; color: black; font-family: Arial; font-size: 15px; font-style: normal; font-variant: normal; font-weight: normal; text-decoration: none; vertical-align: baseline;">Our driver slowly drove </span><span style="font-family: Arial;">t</span><span style="background-color: transparent; color: black; font-family: Arial; font-size: 15px; font-style: normal; font-variant: normal; font-weight: normal; text-decoration: none; vertical-align: baseline;">he ancient conveyance up into Canyonlands National Park and turned off onto the White Rim trail to Mineral Bottom, a 45 minute drive down a dusty dirt road. Suddenly the road drops down a cliff in the most exposed road I've ever been on. It was our driver's first trip</span><span style="background-color: transparent; color: black; font-family: Arial; font-size: 15px; font-style: normal; font-variant: normal; font-weight: bold; text-decoration: none; vertical-align: baseline;"> </span><span style="background-color: transparent; color: black; font-family: Arial; font-size: 15px; font-style: normal; font-variant: normal; font-weight: normal; text-decoration: none; vertical-align: baseline;">on the road</span><span style="background-color: transparent; color: black; font-family: Arial; font-size: 15px; font-style: normal; font-variant: normal; font-weight: bold; text-decoration: none; vertical-align: baseline;">, </span><span style="background-color: transparent; color: black; font-family: Arial; font-size: 15px; font-style: normal; font-variant: normal; font-weight: normal; text-decoration: none; vertical-align: baseline;">and she was</span><span style="background-color: transparent; color: black; font-family: Arial; font-size: 15px; font-style: normal; font-variant: normal; font-weight: bold; text-decoration: none; vertical-align: baseline;"> </span><span style="background-color: transparent; color: black; font-family: Arial; font-size: 15px; font-style: normal; font-variant: normal; font-weight: normal; text-decoration: none; vertical-align: baseline;">hauling a rattling trailer</span><span style="background-color: transparent; color: black; font-family: Arial; font-size: 15px; font-style: normal; font-variant: normal; font-weight: bold; text-decoration: none; vertical-align: baseline;"> </span><span style="background-color: transparent; color: black; font-family: Arial; font-size: 15px; font-style: normal; font-variant: normal; font-weight: normal; text-decoration: none; vertical-align: baseline;">and negotiating hairpin turns, but she was great. The trip to the White Rim is an experience in and of itself and well worth it’s own expedition at a later date. Along the road we encountered dozens of mountain bikers using every bit of energy and expertise to grind their way up the road.</span></div>
<br />
<div dir="ltr" style="line-height: 1.15; margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-top: 0pt;">
<span style="background-color: transparent; color: black; font-family: Arial; font-size: 15px; font-style: normal; font-variant: normal; font-weight: normal; text-decoration: none; vertical-align: baseline;">We loaded the boats; quite a feat just to get all the gear balanced and lashed in place. Heavy water bottles sat on the bottom and were not lashed in, because according to Al and Roze, if the boat capsized, the weight would pull out the D-rings glued to the bottom and we’d lose the rest of the gear. The heavy gear on the bottom and light stuff on top like a pyramid in the middle. At 12:45 exactly we launched and headed down the river. There was an Outward Bound group ahead of us</span><span style="background-color: transparent; color: black; font-family: Arial; font-size: 15px; font-style: normal; font-variant: normal; font-weight: bold; text-decoration: none; vertical-align: baseline;"> </span><span style="background-color: transparent; color: black; font-family: Arial; font-size: 15px; font-style: normal; font-variant: normal; font-weight: normal; text-decoration: none; vertical-align: baseline;">moving two large rafts, then a party with two canoes lashed together like a catamaran, also ahead. Today we still had a 12 Mile paddle to our first camp just around the corner from Fort Bottom ruins.</span></div>
<div dir="ltr" style="line-height: 1.15; margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-left: 11pt; margin-right: 11pt; margin-top: 0pt; text-align: center;">
<span style="background-color: transparent; color: black; font-family: Arial; font-size: 15px; font-style: normal; font-variant: normal; font-weight: normal; text-decoration: none; vertical-align: baseline;"><img height="320px;" src="https://lh4.googleusercontent.com/_sMkRVSSCG1nh7NYB6huJ8pM8cGEuDr4UCH6uq_nsVDz9wJDNUPZnR4ZF0m5MlDOeJyUuJWDt3FyxkJkNxyEqwheqHFr6ncvqJnlJwT4IenyBjdUaG48CsCAUtxzKDSTvA" style="-webkit-transform: rotate(0.00rad); border: none; transform: rotate(0.00rad);" width="427px;" /></span></div>
<div dir="ltr" style="line-height: 1.15; margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-top: 0pt; text-align: center;">
<span style="background-color: transparent; color: black; font-family: Arial; font-size: 15px; font-style: normal; font-variant: normal; font-weight: normal; text-decoration: none; vertical-align: baseline;"> Roze and Al riding their new Esquif 'Canyon'</span></div>
<br />
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<span style="background-color: transparent; color: black; font-family: Arial; font-size: 15px; font-style: normal; font-variant: normal; font-weight: normal; text-decoration: none; vertical-align: baseline;">Tom and Sandy in the Mad River</span></div>
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<span style="background-color: transparent; color: black; font-family: Arial; font-size: 15px; font-style: normal; font-variant: normal; font-weight: normal; text-decoration: none; vertical-align: baseline;"> Dave and Judi</span></div>
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<span style="background-color: transparent; color: black; font-family: Arial; font-size: 15px; font-style: normal; font-variant: normal; font-weight: normal; text-decoration: none; vertical-align: baseline;">As we neared the campsite across from Fort Bottom, we pulled over to hike. An old cabin still sits overlooking the river. We spent a few minutes then marched up a hill and investigate a tower</span><span style="background-color: transparent; color: black; font-family: Arial; font-size: 15px; font-style: normal; font-variant: normal; font-weight: bold; text-decoration: none; vertical-align: baseline;"> </span><span style="background-color: transparent; color: black; font-family: Arial; font-size: 15px; font-style: normal; font-variant: normal; font-weight: normal; text-decoration: none; vertical-align: baseline;">ruin at the top. Although it looked like a fairly long hike, we were up to the top quickly. The view is spectacular.</span></div>
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<span style="background-color: transparent; color: black; font-family: Arial; font-size: 15px; font-style: normal; font-variant: normal; font-weight: normal; text-decoration: none; vertical-align: baseline;">The tower ruin atop the hill at the Fort Bottom gooseneck.</span></div>
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<span style="background-color: transparent; color: black; font-family: Arial; font-size: 15px; font-style: normal; font-variant: normal; font-weight: normal; text-decoration: none; vertical-align: baseline;">The camp, a narrow band of fine sand up from the mud shore, gave on a river view to the north. Here we met Rich from NM, who had canoed here 10 times over the years on his way to California. He generously allowed us to share his site, making</span><span style="background-color: transparent; color: black; font-family: Arial; font-size: 15px; font-style: normal; font-variant: normal; font-weight: bold; text-decoration: none; vertical-align: baseline;"> </span><span style="background-color: transparent; color: black; font-family: Arial; font-size: 15px; font-style: normal; font-variant: normal; font-weight: normal; text-decoration: none; vertical-align: baseline;">it a tight squeeze on the narrow sand bank. Although I knew that sand and dust would be everywhere, the sheer volume of mud and dirt was quite a shock. Each of the four couples contributed one dinner, then for the next four nights we were each on our own. Every dinner was fantastic; each couple must have tried to out-do the other!</span></div>
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<span style="background-color: transparent; color: black; font-family: Arial; font-size: 15px; font-style: normal; font-variant: normal; font-weight: normal; text-decoration: none; vertical-align: baseline;"> Sunrise on our first camp</span></div>
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<span style="background-color: transparent; color: black; font-family: Arial; font-size: 15px; font-style: normal; font-variant: normal; font-weight: normal; text-decoration: none; vertical-align: baseline;">Oct 19, Sunday</span></div>
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<span style="background-color: transparent; color: black; font-family: Arial; font-size: 15px; font-style: normal; font-variant: normal; font-weight: normal; text-decoration: none; vertical-align: baseline;">After breakfast we repacked the boats and paddled 14 miles to Tent Bottom (or the 'Heron Rookery'). The river was more mellow and smooth than I had imagined. It was probably running about 2 miles per hour, and we paddled another 2 mph, so we averaged about 4 mph on the trip. I watched Al and Roze paddle effortlessly down the river in their new Esquif canoe. We could tell they had the sport mastered!</span></div>
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<span style="background-color: transparent; color: black; font-family: Arial; font-size: 15px; font-style: normal; font-variant: normal; font-weight: normal; text-decoration: none; vertical-align: baseline;">The Utah State Fish and Game was on the river running two boats equipped with submersible shocking electrodes and two John boats doing a fish survey. They showed us a native razorback chub, a humpback chub, and a walleye, (a vicious exotic). I asked about the catfish and was told they were also not native. Farther up river below the Flaming Gorge dam and below the Glen Canyon dam, rainbow trout have been planted and are thriving in the clear water. The water here looks horrible: a greenish scum with a variety of floaters, sinkers, and swimmers make it unfit. Each night Al would scoop up a few gallons in his collapsible bucket and let it settle overnight for boiling and dishwashing in the morning. </span></div>
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<span style="background-color: transparent; color: black; font-family: Arial; font-size: 15px; font-style: normal; font-variant: normal; font-weight: normal; text-decoration: none; vertical-align: baseline;">Nori and set our tent I on a protruding ledge overlooking the river. I've always admired scenic campsites, and this ranked with the best ever. The only concern was getting out of the tent to take a leak in the middle of the night. You wouldn’t want to go over the edge! The group gathered around the only flat spot, lined with huge boulders and enjoyed a beer or glass of wine while Tom serenaded us on his ukulele. </span><br />
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<span style="background-color: transparent; color: black; font-family: Arial; font-size: 15px; font-style: normal; font-variant: normal; font-weight: normal; text-decoration: none; vertical-align: baseline;">Judi had spent time in Africa working with the ebola outbreak a few years ago. We were all interested to hear her experiences there working with such a grim disease. She was reading David Quammen's "Spillover", the story of how animal diseases have spilled over to humans, and ebola was the central figure in the story. It was timely, because the present outbreak in Africa had been in the headlines daily, and Judy was our expert bringing it home to us from personal experience. </span></div>
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<span style="background-color: transparent; color: black; font-family: Arial; font-size: 15px; font-style: normal; font-variant: normal; font-weight: normal; text-decoration: none; vertical-align: baseline;">Al hiking up to the viewpoint with Cross mountain in the background.</span></div>
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<span style="background-color: transparent; color: black; font-family: Arial; font-size: 15px; font-style: normal; font-variant: normal; font-weight: normal; text-decoration: none; vertical-align: baseline;"> The overhanging white rim above the river.</span></div>
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<span style="background-color: transparent; color: black; font-family: Arial; font-size: 15px; font-style: normal; font-variant: normal; font-weight: normal; text-decoration: none; vertical-align: baseline;">The Outward Bound group. We chat as we pass by.</span></div>
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<span style="background-color: transparent; color: black; font-family: Arial; font-size: 15px; font-style: normal; font-variant: normal; font-weight: normal; text-decoration: none; vertical-align: baseline;">Tonight Tom played the ukelele and we all tried to sing along. Afterwards I read from Barry Lopez’s “River Notes” about a heron, a very poetic and mystical tale. After reading we turn off our headlamps to see the stars explode out of the suddenly dark night sky. Shooting stars were a big hit, as was the Andromeda galaxy, and a dozen or so satellites. We are fortunate to have no light pollution down here in the river bottom. Tonight the Milky Way lies directly in line with the river at Spanish Bottom, so we see Cassiopeia up to the north and Cygnus and Lyra directly overhead We all wander off to bed at 8:30, way too early for me, so I sit a while longer and stare at the heavens trying to make out some old familiar friends. When I was a young boy I would read “The New Handbook of the Heavens” and memorize the star charts, Messier objects, and first-magnitude stars. Those lessons have never left me.</span></div>
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<span style="background-color: transparent; color: black; font-family: Arial; font-size: 15px; font-style: normal; font-variant: normal; font-weight: normal; text-decoration: none; vertical-align: baseline;">Sunrise at the second camp</span></div>
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<span style="background-color: transparent; color: black; font-family: Arial; font-size: 15px; font-style: normal; font-variant: normal; font-weight: normal; text-decoration: none; vertical-align: baseline;"><img height="320px;" src="https://lh6.googleusercontent.com/6BM7Svi0hkI5qSGglUU2C4ivgNJ6jhJ_8VxQKQso8QPTnP0_Vox75TP9wfMEL5rpRdISv25BGtrzI2gOukUfJLqxkmagSuWiCMBdukvjMcZ5HweWUrdsYNxSIhrC3s9eDg" style="-webkit-transform: rotate(0.00rad); border: none; transform: rotate(0.00rad);" width="427px;" /></span></div>
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<span style="background-color: transparent; color: black; font-family: Arial; font-size: 15px; font-style: normal; font-variant: normal; font-weight: normal; text-decoration: none; vertical-align: baseline;">Dave</span><span style="background-color: transparent; color: black; font-family: Arial; font-size: 15px; font-style: normal; font-variant: normal; font-weight: bold; text-decoration: none; vertical-align: baseline;"> </span><span style="background-color: transparent; color: black; font-family: Arial; font-size: 15px; font-style: normal; font-variant: normal; font-weight: normal; text-decoration: none; vertical-align: baseline;">photographs the pictographs on the giant boulder.</span></div>
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<span style="background-color: transparent; color: black; font-family: Arial; font-size: 15px; font-style: normal; font-variant: normal; font-weight: normal; text-decoration: none; vertical-align: baseline;">Dave and Roze are both excellent photographers and members of our local photography club. Roze had just won a photo contest for the best wilderness photo at an exhibit in Grand Junction, so I watched them trying to pick up a few hints on their technique. Dave was omnipresent. The camera was everywhere. He was on his knees, above us, below us, in the bushes. </span></div>
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<span style="background-color: transparent; color: black; font-family: Arial; font-size: 15px; font-style: normal; font-variant: normal; font-weight: normal; text-decoration: none; vertical-align: baseline;">Oct 20 Monday</span></div>
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<span style="background-color: transparent; color: black; font-family: Arial; font-size: 15px; font-style: normal; font-variant: normal; font-weight: normal; text-decoration: none; vertical-align: baseline;">In the morning we were out of camp by 10:00 and on our way down the river. We made a lunch stop at a broad valley where we hiked up looking for an ancient stone corn cache. It was the site of an old sugar cane farm, but we saw only the modern steel door covering a hole in the cliff. When I got back to our canoe, a raven had found my loaf of bread and devoured half of it. Good lesson! On our way down the river on the right bank we passed a ferry where the bolts and iron still protruded from the rock (maybe old 20th century).</span></div>
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<span style="background-color: transparent; color: black; font-family: Arial; font-size: 15px; font-style: normal; font-variant: normal; font-weight: normal; text-decoration: none; vertical-align: baseline;">The highlight of the day was a stop at the Turks Head, an odd formation with a thick top. We hiked to the boulder cliffs</span><span style="background-color: transparent; color: black; font-family: Arial; font-size: 15px; font-style: normal; font-variant: normal; font-weight: bold; text-decoration: none; vertical-align: baseline;">, </span><span style="background-color: transparent; color: black; font-family: Arial; font-size: 15px; font-style: normal; font-variant: normal; font-weight: normal; text-decoration: none; vertical-align: baseline;">meandered along the cliff looking for granaries above. We wound our way around and up a path to the top where we found that the entire mesa was littered with flint/chert flakes, arrowheads, scrapers, knives, microblades, and axes.</span><span style="background-color: transparent; color: black; font-family: Arial; font-size: 15px; font-style: normal; font-variant: normal; font-weight: bold; text-decoration: none; vertical-align: baseline;"> </span><span style="background-color: transparent; color: black; font-family: Arial; font-size: 15px; font-style: normal; font-variant: normal; font-weight: normal; text-decoration: none; vertical-align: baseline;">Passing</span><span style="background-color: transparent; color: black; font-family: Arial; font-size: 15px; font-style: normal; font-variant: normal; font-weight: bold; text-decoration: none; vertical-align: baseline;"> </span><span style="background-color: transparent; color: black; font-family: Arial; font-size: 15px; font-style: normal; font-variant: normal; font-weight: normal; text-decoration: none; vertical-align: baseline;">ancient granaries and cliff dwellings I think back on the lifestyle of</span><span style="background-color: transparent; color: black; font-family: Arial; font-size: 15px; font-style: normal; font-variant: normal; font-weight: bold; text-decoration: none; vertical-align: baseline;"> </span><span style="background-color: transparent; color: black; font-family: Arial; font-size: 15px; font-style: normal; font-variant: normal; font-weight: normal; text-decoration: none; vertical-align: baseline;">those ancient people who made them. As I stood on the flint knapping mesa and looked out on the river I imagined what it would have been like</span><span style="background-color: transparent; color: black; font-family: Arial; font-size: 15px; font-style: normal; font-variant: normal; font-weight: bold; text-decoration: none; vertical-align: baseline;"> </span><span style="background-color: transparent; color: black; font-family: Arial; font-size: 15px; font-style: normal; font-variant: normal; font-weight: normal; text-decoration: none; vertical-align: baseline;">for someone to sit on the rock produce scrapers, knives, arrows, axes, </span><span style="background-color: transparent; color: black; font-family: Arial; font-size: 15px; font-style: normal; font-variant: normal; font-weight: normal; text-decoration: none; vertical-align: baseline;">microblades. The place was so littered that likely several thousands of</span><span style="background-color: transparent; color: black; font-family: Arial; font-size: 15px; font-style: normal; font-variant: normal; font-weight: bold; text-decoration: none; vertical-align: baseline;"> </span><span style="background-color: transparent; color: black; font-family: Arial; font-size: 15px; font-style: normal; font-variant: normal; font-weight: normal; text-decoration: none; vertical-align: baseline;">years of work was done here over many generations. Below the rim we discovered several grain storage bins constructed under the lip of the cliffs from the flat red sandstone, shored up with mud mortar</span><span style="background-color: transparent; color: black; font-family: Arial; font-size: 15px; font-style: normal; font-variant: normal; font-weight: bold; text-decoration: none; vertical-align: baseline;">.</span><span style="background-color: transparent; color: black; font-family: Arial; font-size: 15px; font-style: normal; font-variant: normal; font-weight: normal; text-decoration: none; vertical-align: baseline;"> The handprints and fingerprints of the builders were still fresh in the hard</span><span style="background-color: transparent; color: black; font-family: Arial; font-size: 15px; font-style: normal; font-variant: normal; font-weight: bold; text-decoration: none; vertical-align: baseline;"> </span><span style="background-color: transparent; color: black; font-family: Arial; font-size: 15px; font-style: normal; font-variant: normal; font-weight: normal; text-decoration: none; vertical-align: baseline;">mud, and the wood still strong and study at least 600 years later.</span></div>
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<span style="background-color: transparent; color: black; font-family: Arial; font-size: 15px; font-style: normal; font-variant: normal; font-weight: normal; text-decoration: none; vertical-align: baseline;">Off down the river where we camped on the river bank. We had to climb up the bank, and each tent had it's own small spot. We hid the toilet behind a big rock on a ledge and placed the Sun Shower on a rock where we took turns taking a bath.</span></div>
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<span style="background-color: transparent; color: black; font-family: Arial; font-size: 15px; font-style: normal; font-variant: normal; font-weight: normal; text-decoration: none; vertical-align: baseline;"> Tom inspects the ancient granary.</span></div>
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<span style="background-color: transparent; color: black; font-family: Arial; font-size: 15px; font-style: normal; font-variant: normal; font-weight: normal; text-decoration: none; vertical-align: baseline;">The gang at the gathering site preparing dinner</span></div>
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<span style="background-color: transparent; color: black; font-family: Arial; font-size: 15px; font-style: normal; font-variant: normal; font-weight: normal; text-decoration: none; vertical-align: baseline;">Oct 21, Tuesday. </span></div>
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<span style="background-color: transparent; color: black; font-family: Arial; font-size: 15px; font-style: normal; font-variant: normal; font-weight: normal; text-decoration: none; vertical-align: baseline;">Today we paddled 12 miles to Water Canyon, and camped on the west side of the river up a sandy embankment. In the afternoon we took an exploratory hike up to a spring-fed stream and skinny dipped in the clear cold water. The floor of the canyon is limestone and full of fossils: crinoids, brachiopods, and gastropods. The ground is covered with chert scrapers and knives. Surely the ancient ones thought this as beautiful and enticing place as we do today.</span></div>
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<span style="background-color: transparent; color: black; font-family: Arial; font-size: 15px; font-style: normal; font-variant: normal; font-weight: normal; text-decoration: none; vertical-align: baseline;">As evening comes, Sandy led the women in a meditation on the ground. She is a yoga teacher; Nori says she’s the best. Dave, our intrepid photographer climbs above and takes a photo. Dinner is chicken with figs that Nori and I contribute. Every dinner has been fantastic! Cheese appetizers, cookies for dessert. The crickets break into their rhythm as the light dims and the river skyline is silhouetted black against blue sky. We have a big discussion of where the pee buckets are placed: one at each tent for those middle-of -the-night emergencies, because peeing in the campsites would soon render them unusable due to the uric acid depositions. We pack a lunch for tomorrow’s hike back up Water Canyon. Today we saw a beaver swimming past a huge rock off an eddy.</span></div>
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<span style="background-color: transparent; color: black; font-family: Arial; font-size: 15px; font-style: normal; font-variant: normal; font-weight: normal; text-decoration: none; vertical-align: baseline;">After dinner Tom played the ukulele; I read from Edward Abby’s “Down the River”, the first part of a story he told of floating the Stillwater Canyon years ago in November and taking along Thoreau’s “Walden”. It was the perfect tale for the occasion. I had read “Walden” in high school, but Abby made it come much more alive that it had when I was just a teenager. I was inspired to dig into it again.</span></div>
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<span style="background-color: transparent; color: black; font-family: Arial; font-size: 15px; font-style: normal; font-variant: normal; font-weight: normal; text-decoration: none; vertical-align: baseline;">Tom on the ukulele</span></div>
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<span style="background-color: transparent; color: black; font-family: Arial; font-size: 15px; font-style: normal; font-variant: normal; font-weight: normal; text-decoration: none; vertical-align: baseline;">Oct 22</span></div>
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<span style="background-color: transparent; color: black; font-family: Arial; font-size: 15px; font-style: normal; font-variant: normal; font-weight: normal; text-decoration: none; vertical-align: baseline;">Today we hike up Water Canyon; left at 8:30 am, crack of dawn! The trail goes all the way over the top south to Spanish Bottom. The way was steep and rocky past the pools of water we swam in yesterday. Time passes quickly in spite of the steepness and distance we have gone. Nearing the top of the rim a huge rock shaped like a giant wedge slipped down and crushed Nori’s left foot. I pulled it off before it fell on her, but she was finished for hiking for the day. We stopped, sent the rest of the group on while we examined it. Thinking it was just bruised, we continued up a few hundred more yards to the rim where we met the rest of the group at the cliff’s edge and stopped to soak her foot in the cold pools of the stream. We were done, but the group continued. We headed back at noon in a zen march downhill alternately using walking poles, hands and me for balance. Our hike down took two and a half hours to the bathing pool where we soaked for another hour and nursed her foot</span><span style="background-color: transparent; color: black; font-family: Arial; font-size: 15px; font-style: normal; font-variant: normal; font-weight: bold; text-decoration: none; vertical-align: baseline;">. </span><span style="background-color: transparent; color: black; font-family: Arial; font-size: 15px; font-style: normal; font-variant: normal; font-weight: normal; text-decoration: none; vertical-align: baseline;">We had some energy bars, but my knife broke in the pool when I opened it to cut an apple. Too bad!</span></div>
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<span style="background-color: transparent; color: black; font-family: Arial; font-size: 15px; font-style: normal; font-variant: normal; font-weight: normal; text-decoration: none; vertical-align: baseline;">In the evening Nori and I cooked salmon and stir fry for dinner. Tom played the mandolin; I read part 2 of Ed Abby with Thoreau in “Down the River”. Then early to bed and an attempt to read T.S. Eliot’s “The Waste Land”. After my efforts, I feel the need to read it again for any understanding.</span></div>
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<span style="background-color: transparent; color: black; font-family: Arial; font-size: 15px; font-style: normal; font-variant: normal; font-weight: normal; text-decoration: none; vertical-align: baseline;"> The hike up Water Canyon</span></div>
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<span style="background-color: transparent; color: black; font-family: Arial; font-size: 15px; font-style: normal; font-variant: normal; font-weight: normal; text-decoration: none; vertical-align: baseline;">Oct 23, Thursday</span></div>
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<span style="background-color: transparent; color: black; font-family: Arial; font-size: 15px; font-style: normal; font-variant: normal; font-weight: normal; text-decoration: none; vertical-align: baseline;">Paddled to Spanish Bottom. Just before we reached the camp, there was a sign partially hidden on the left side of the river where Al had us stop and registered for the evening’s campsite. Although someone had booked the first camp, when we arrived, no one was there; they must have put in a wrong date. After the scum and mud of the river, we hauled out the boats and washed them thoroughly, rinsed them out and stacked them on the shore. It seemed we had a few little problems: Tom and Sandy’s tent pole broke; the toilet had a stuck lid; and I lost my sponge in the river. So, I make a note to add repair splice to my repair kit, also a flathead screwdriver; new glue, sewing kit, and a razor blade.</span></div>
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<span style="background-color: transparent; color: black; font-family: Arial; font-size: 15px; font-style: normal; font-variant: normal; font-weight: normal; text-decoration: none; vertical-align: baseline;"> Nori nearing the Spanish Bottoms and the end of the journey.</span></div>
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<span style="background-color: transparent; color: black; font-family: Arial; font-size: 15px; font-style: normal; font-variant: normal; font-weight: normal; text-decoration: none; vertical-align: baseline;">Nori was injured, the rest of us feel like hanging in camp, but Dave, our intrepid photographer went for a hike. Tom, Sandy, Judi, Nori, and I read. When Dave returns, he is covered with scratches; apparently there is no real trail from here to the “Doll House”. We have a discussion of how best to get there tomorrow: take the boats down river a bit, then paddle back, or hike around like Dave did.</span></div>
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<span style="background-color: transparent; color: black; font-family: Arial; font-size: 15px; font-style: normal; font-variant: normal; font-weight: normal; text-decoration: none; vertical-align: baseline;"> </span></div>
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<span style="background-color: transparent; color: black; font-family: Arial; font-size: 15px; font-style: normal; font-variant: normal; font-weight: normal; text-decoration: none; vertical-align: baseline;">Looking at the food in the coolers, I find the tortillas and berries to be moldy and there is no cold left. On the next river trip we should bring 2 coolers: one with ice, and one with frozen dinners. Roze and I talked about the Yeti coolers: she said the Grand Canyon guides put ice in layers, put a wet canvas over the top, keep it in a freezer overnight, use dry ice. Afternoon temperatures soared, and we felt very hot. Nori went to the tent for an afternoon nap and to rest her swollen foot while I sort my pack, prepare shower water, and read T.S. Eliot’s “The Waste Land”. Sandy does a little Yoga stretching on the shore, then she, Tom, and Judi go for a short hike on the beach while I have a chance to write in my journal.</span></div>
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<span style="background-color: transparent; color: black; font-family: Arial; font-size: 15px; font-style: normal; font-variant: normal; font-weight: normal; text-decoration: none; vertical-align: baseline;"> </span></div>
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<span style="background-color: transparent; color: black; font-family: Arial; font-size: 15px; font-style: normal; font-variant: normal; font-weight: normal; text-decoration: none; vertical-align: baseline;">The days meld into one; I try to remember back to the first campsite, but it is a blur. I need to have Roze refresh my memory of the days, where we have camped, when we saw what. I need to get the highlights on paper No wonder that writers are always taking notes. </span></div>
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<span style="background-color: transparent; color: black; font-family: Arial; font-size: 15px; font-style: normal; font-variant: normal; font-weight: normal; text-decoration: none; vertical-align: baseline;">Nori and I practiced four paddle strokes:</span></div>
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<span style="background-color: transparent; color: black; font-family: Arial; font-size: 15px; font-style: normal; font-variant: normal; font-weight: normal; text-decoration: none; vertical-align: baseline;">Day1 it’s just the forward paddle: straighten the arms draw back. Although we had been paddling on Ridgway Reservoir, we had not practiced on a river</span></div>
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<span style="background-color: transparent; color: black; font-family: Arial; font-size: 15px; font-style: normal; font-variant: normal; font-weight: normal; text-decoration: none; vertical-align: baseline;">Day 2, the feather stroke, a variation on the forward paddle.</span></div>
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<span style="background-color: transparent; color: black; font-family: Arial; font-size: 15px; font-style: normal; font-variant: normal; font-weight: normal; text-decoration: none; vertical-align: baseline;">Day 3, the draw stroke</span></div>
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<span style="background-color: transparent; color: black; font-family: Arial; font-size: 15px; font-style: normal; font-variant: normal; font-weight: normal; text-decoration: none; vertical-align: baseline;">Day 4, the sweep</span></div>
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<span style="background-color: transparent; color: black; font-family: Arial; font-size: 15px; font-style: normal; font-variant: normal; font-weight: normal; text-decoration: none; vertical-align: baseline;">Four other canoeists came and we invited them to camp with us. Dave, Kai, Scott, John. Dave Tanner has a twin brother Joe Tanner, a former astronaut, lives in Longmont and teaches at CU, moving to Horesfly Mesa in 2 years Dave lives in Bloomington, Indiana, and coaches swimming; has a Ph.D. in kinesiology. The four were grateful we offered the first camp to them rather than the rowdy crowd down canyon. </span></div>
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<span style="background-color: transparent; color: black; font-family: Arial; font-size: 15px; font-style: normal; font-variant: normal; font-weight: normal; text-decoration: none; vertical-align: baseline;">Dinner on thursday was Trader Joe’s Indian dinner: spinach and tofu over quinoa. At this point in the trip all the perishable food is gone, and we are reduced to the canned, packaged, and prepared foods. Still, we eat well and still have beer and wine, song and stories. It is part 3 for Ed Abby and Thoreau. I hope I’m not boring the group with my reading. It seemed everyone enjoyed it.</span></div>
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<span style="background-color: transparent; color: black; font-family: Arial; font-size: 15px; font-style: normal; font-variant: normal; font-weight: normal; text-decoration: none; vertical-align: baseline;">Nori is injured and is disappointed to not be hiking with the group who have gone up to “The Doll House” for the day. I am happy to be in camp with an injured knee and aching hip. To bed at 8:30 where I continued to read “The Waste Land” still not understanding it. Was it Pound’s editing or Eliot’s obtuseness that I don’t understand. If a short poem requires 100 footnote to explain the allusions, something is wrong and leads me to believe it’s not the greatest poem of the 20th century, </span></div>
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<span style="background-color: transparent; color: black; font-family: Arial; font-size: 15px; font-style: normal; font-variant: normal; font-weight: normal; text-decoration: none; vertical-align: baseline;">Up at 7:00 am again this morning, Coffee and Kobuk pancakes. The blueberries are moldy, so I throw them out. The sun doesn’t hit till 10:27, so we huddle around with hot drinks all morning. When it finally arrives we slather on the sun screen and lounge in the camp chairs, dry out our books spend the morning basting on the bank listening to the fish jump next to us, What kind of fish I wonder? Some smaller, 12 to 14 inches; one comes clear out of the water like a breaching whale. The water this morning felt warmer than the land, but now by midday it is cool to the touch, muddy green-brown with lots of debris and flotsam cutting down the center of the current.</span></div>
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<span style="background-color: transparent; color: black; font-family: Arial; font-size: 15px; font-style: normal; font-variant: normal; font-weight: normal; text-decoration: none; vertical-align: baseline;">Behind us the Doll House to the west keeps watch over the river. On the east bank is the Needles district of Canyonlands and Indian Creek where I’ve climbed just a few weeks ago. I look to the rim to see if anyone is checking us out. Nori is reading Karen Joy Fowler’s “We Are Completely Beside Ourselves”. We are waiting for our solar showers to heat the water to a high enough temperature for comfort.</span></div>
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<span style="background-color: transparent; color: black; font-family: Arial; font-size: 15px; font-style: normal; font-variant: normal; font-weight: normal; text-decoration: none; vertical-align: baseline;">Thoughts on food. Organic tortillas, both corn and wheat mold after a couple of days without refrigeration, so Mission or one of the brands that sits on the shelf is better. Cooking the dinners and freezing them in plastic bags creates fine meals with short prep time and little mess. Group dinners mea more time for others. Apples and oranges keep well and provide wonderful taste and nourishment. Root vegetables are very stable. Canned and packaged meals are easy with little mess. Bring lots of candy, snacks; more alcohol: 2 beers a night and apertifs. Instant coffee, packaged creamers, salt and condiments. Bread is vulnerable, as the raven ravaged my loaf left unattended in the keel of the boat for only an hour. Pilot bread or corn cakes make good sandwiches. Winter sausage and cheese.</span></div>
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<span style="background-color: transparent; color: black; font-family: Arial; font-size: 15px; font-style: normal; font-variant: normal; font-weight: normal; text-decoration: none; vertical-align: baseline;">Boats come by. Tex’s Outfitters in their concession tour boat drop off 4 folks, probably to hook up with the 7 people and 5 rafts beached at the lower campgrounds. Then come canoes, many canoes, headed for a lower campground. Nori and I shower; she wants to hang the shower up from the beach because of the traffic. I set it up now full of hot water from sitting in the sun all day. Just as I get naked and soap up my hair a flotilla of canoes floats by and wants to palaver. </span></div>
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<span style="background-color: transparent; color: black; font-family: Arial; font-size: 15px; font-style: normal; font-variant: normal; font-weight: normal; text-decoration: none; vertical-align: baseline;">On the river I think back to 1956 when my father and our Boy Scout Troop 179 floated the Glen Canyon Our scoutmaster, Mike Coles, was the greatest scoutmaster ever and one of the largest influences in my life. Our guide on the river was Ken Tanner, a single guy who liked boys. I remember the preparations: food, boats, paddles, fishing rod, Argus camera… My brother Tony still has dad’s paddle hanging on his wall. Driving from Hanksville to Hite down a dusty road in an overloaded stakebed truck. Bullfrog rapids, Music Temple, Moki Canyon and the 6-mile hike up to Rainbow Bridge which we climbed up Moki steps and where we signed our names on a summit register I had brought a bottle of liver to fish with and caught a huge channel catfish, I thought I had hooked a log, but it turned out to be a delicious dinner. Dad had me use his Argus camera, and I took a half dozen very poor photos that do not conjure up any memories. Much better are the pictures in my mind of Marty Farsworth hiking up “Hole in the Wall” where the Mormon Pioneers brought their wagons down the vertical cliff on a dugway built of rocks and logs stuck into hoes they drilled into the cliff It was likely less time from then to the river trip than I am now old, yet it was ancient history and my heritage, Marty stepped into poison ivy, and dad doctored him for the rest of the trip. At Lee’s Ferry our take-out, someone offered me 50 cents to swim across the warm, muddy river, I ended up a ways downstream and had to hike up the other side to hit cam on the back-swim It seems like yesterday, 58 years ago.</span></div>
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<span style="background-color: transparent; color: black; font-family: Arial; font-size: 15px; font-style: normal; font-variant: normal; font-weight: normal; text-decoration: none; vertical-align: baseline;">Each night one of the women has read a few of Mary Oliver’s poems. Every one has been beautiful. In the morning we pack the gear and arrange all our gear on the shore ready to load. Tag-along is scheduled to pick us up at 1:00 pm, so we do a leisurely breakfast, sit in our lawn chairs and pass the time watching the river. Sure enough, at 1:00 the boat, actually two boats arrive. One loads our gear and us; the other, recently rebuilt, loads the boats. It’s a three-hour drive back up the Colorado river to Potash. We watch the mountains, cliffs and mesas slide by as the roar of the engines seems to propel us up an otherwise tranquil river. Suddenly one of the boats has stopped; one engine is gone and the boat can’t continue. We stop at a campground, make a decision to continue on, and the second boat will lumber behind. At the final take-out at Potash the guides tell us we will board a big bus to Moab and the gear will arrive an hour later.</span></div>
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<span style="background-color: transparent; color: black; font-family: Arial; font-size: 15px; font-style: normal; font-variant: normal; font-weight: normal; text-decoration: none; vertical-align: baseline;">Good plan! In Moab we head to the Moab Brewery for beer and food. I’m quite set on a hamburger. We are seated immediately; what a surprise considering there are eight of us. Just as we finish we get the call that the gear has arrived, so we hustle back to Tag-along, unpack the bus, stuff the cars with gear and head for home.</span></div>
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<b id="docs-internal-guid-1ecc564d-0414-508f-b46f-826ecd4bda68" style="font-weight: normal;"></b>Ralphhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/16555104492679454425noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2312660955738638590.post-36972172580257777292014-05-13T22:01:00.001-07:002014-05-22T08:46:47.799-07:00NEW HIP: THE FIRST YEAR<div style="color: #222222; font-family: arial; font-size: small;">
The cause of my deteriorated left hip is likely unknown. I thought it might have stemmed from a slip on wet mud on a hike to Reed Lakes four years before. I jumped a small creek, the right foot stuck on the ground behind, while the left foot slid forward causing me to do the complete splits. I heard a pop, and my left hamstring and hip were instantly sore. It took a year and a half for the hamstring to heal, but soon afterward it became more difficult to exit my car as I put my left foot out and transferred weight onto it. </div>
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Over the next three years, the pain increased gradually. In 2012 I moved from Alaska to Ridgway, Colorado, looking forward to a summer of hiking, climbing, and cycling. The pain increased quickly; I had been having a difficult time sleeping for a while, but by summer, sleep was only intermittent, and the pain was constant. Hiking was a huge pain, particularly going downhill. Rock climbing was my passion, but I had to lift my left leg with my hand to make a move upward. </div>
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When I'm in Salt Lake City I always stay with my brother, Tony, , and Dr. Michael Bourne, is Tony's long-time friend and an orthopedic surgeon at the Salt Lake Orthopedic Clinic. He had been performing the 'anterior approach' to total hip replacement longer than anyone and had trained others. By fall, I made an appointment to have it fixed. Dr. Bourne met with me, X-rayed the hip, recommended a Total Hip Replacement, and scheduled the surgery for November 28, 2012.</div>
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Every operation creates a bit of apprehension. It all went well. I awoke tired, groggy, and sore, full of anesthesia and pain killers. The next day the nurse and therapist took me on a short walk to get my muscles up and going. Not much pain, but I was weak and very nervous, not knowing how much I should do. Tony and Shelly visited and cheered me up. My niece Annie's husband Jason Hohl stopped by. I loved it! My brain was a fog. A very understanding male nurse pulled out my catheter; that was an experience of a lifetime!</div>
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The healing begins</div>
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Tony and Shelly had borrowed an orthopedic chair, like a large adjustable lawn chair where I read and watched TV. By day 4 my constipation pain was far worse than any pain in the new hip, so I stopped taking the pain medication. In speaking with other friends, the pain pills are the worst. Each day I would set a goal to walk, using my arm crutches for balance and to keep me from falling on the hip. Dr. Bourne's only restriction was that I shouldn't fall. A stroll round the block was my first goal. It felt good, and in retrospect, I would walk even farther or at least more times each day to get the muscles and tendons back in shape quickly. A physical therapist came to the house and helped me into a daily regimen of exercises which I did religiously. Then a nurse appeared and changed my dressing. <br />
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The therapist noticed that I might have a blood clot, so Dr. Bourne ordered a sonogram of the leg which found a small clot in my left calf. The Coumadin blood thinner he prescribed was the worst part of the entire surgery and recovery. It was nearly impossible to keep it on a level course, and it continued to spike to a dangerous high; so I had to stop for a couple of days and start again. <br />
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After two weeks recovery at Tony and Shelly's place in Salt Lake, I had my check-up with Dr. Bourne The X-ray showed that the surgery was perfect; my hips were absolutely level, and I was mobile and healing. Dr. Bourne and Tony Miller, his P.A., asked me to walk across the office without a limp. It was a proud moment. Then he released me to drive the 385 miles back to Ridgway. I stopped every hour, stretched the leg and walked around the truck. My movements were tentative but not painful, more of a certain stiffness.<br />
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Once home, Nori and I took daily walks, mostly on the Uncompaghre river trail, flat, paved, but with ice, so I was extremely careful and held Nori's arm when we encountered the slick spots. Each day we walked farther, starting at about a mile and working up to five. Physical therapy started in mid-January, and my therapist LeeAnn was excellent, massaging my sore, tight, and rock-hard IT band. She gave me stretchy rubber bands that I tied onto the bedpost and worked the muscles in my thighs, hips and back. Every day I worked a full regimen of stretches and muscle building exercises.<br />
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January 27, 2013, two months after surgery I felt ready to go cross-country skiing. Although I worried a bit about falling, I have good balance and my muscles felt strong. Going with friends up Ouray CR-31 we climbed up above the old mining village of Ironton, had lunch in the mountains, then skied back down to the car. Now the sky was the limit for XC skiing, although I held off downhill skiing that winter. The worry about a fall on a hard ski slope wasn't worth the pleasure of skiing. Hiking up the hill on my skinny skis felt great, so Nori and I spent a considerable time in the mountains.<br />
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Ironton ski tour</div>
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February, 5, 2013, Jim Donini invited me to join him and his wife Angela for ice climbing in the Ouray Ice Park. It seemed early to kick my new hip into the hard ice, but I thought it might be nice to get out climbing. I was ginger going up the ice, swinging my ice tools solidly, but delicately placing my crampon on the ice and stepping up. It all worked beautifully, and the top-rope belay made me feel safe. I was now back climbing!<br />
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First day back on the ice, Ouray Ice Park</div>
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Two days later my good friend Kitty Calhoun, a world-reknown mountain guide, invited me to go "mixed climbing", meaning climbing rock walls covered with ice with ice tools. I would belay her, and then she would safely belay me up. The climbing was difficult, but my hip felt great. The moves consisted of stepping up on just the tips of the crampons poised on tiny edges. I worried about any fall on the rock, but Kitty had me on a tight rope. My confidence increased. As winter wore on, I climbed often with Kitty, mostly hard mixed climbs up Camp Bird road. <br />
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On the overhanging rock with Kitty Calhoun</div>
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March 31 was my 70th birthday; I wanted to celebrate it with my friends at Indian Creek, Utah, near the Needles district of Canyonlands National Park. My children Thor & wife Sarah, and Daphne came, friends came from as far as Salt Lake, Portland, and Bozeman. George Lowe even flew three friends from Denver. The hip was getting strong, and I was leading long difficult cracks in the Wingate Sandstone. <br />
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On the "Second Meat Wall" with Mary Ann Dornfeld</div>
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Over the summer and fall I climbed often in Indian Creek. My friends Jay Smith and Mary Ann Dornfeld and I climbed South Six-Shooter after Jay's back surgery. The surgeries gave us back our climbing lives.<br />
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Leading "South Six-Shooter"</div>
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That left hip in action! Starting up the cracks on South Six-Shooter</div>
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A panorama of Jay, Mary Ann, and me on South Six Shooter</div>
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By spring I had continued my walks which were now turning into long hikes as the mountain trails opened up. As the roads dried out, Nori and I started cycling, riding all the county dirt road around Ridgway, up to Ouray, Pleasant Valley, Montrose. It soon became our passion. I rode a single-speed mountain bike with no rear suspension and with the new metal hip, I felt the bumps more than previously, although there was no pain. One day Nori and I went to Grand Junction where she bought a beautiful carbon-framed road bike and surprised me with a full-suspension mountain bike. Now the bumps in the road were cushioned to a very tolerable degree. <br />
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Nori hadn't ridden a road bike before, but on our first trip to Moab on the new road bikes, we ended up on a 44 mile trip up 2,500 feet to Deadhorse Point. She flew down the 22 mile hill at a top speed of 38 MPH! By now I didn't even notice that I'd had hip surgery. The next day we cooled down with a 32 mile round trip down the Potash road along the colorado river.<br />
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Nori and I looking out over Dead Horse Point</div>
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Mid-summer my brothers and their wives invited us to climb Mount Elbert, the highest mountain in Colorado. Brother Jim and his wife Teri have a home in Salida, and Tony and Shelly drove from Salt Lake to meet us. It was the first time in almost 40 years that we had done an adventure together. I wrote a short account of the hike on my bloodspot.<br />
http://ralphsclimbingblog.blogspot.com/2013/10/rocky-mountain-high-family-story.html<br />
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Suffice to say, that the hip was performing marvelously on long hikes with a 4,000' elevation gain and descent. I had bought a pair of ultra-light Black Diamond hiking poles to lessen the shock on the hip when I hiked downhill, but by mid summer I wasn't feeling any shock or pain on the muscles.<br />
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The family atop Mount Elbert</div>
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By fall the ice was forming in the San Juan mountains, and I began ice climbing in earnest. Among the beautiful climbs was "Stairway to Heaven" with Mary Ann Dornfeld and Sandy Heise. It is roughly a thousand feet high above the town of Silverton, CO. The wind was blowing hard and a party ahead of us rained ice chunks down, but we had a great day, lowering off just as the sun was setting. <br />
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Stairway to Heaven</div>
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With Sandy Heise on the climb<br />
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Although I held off downhill skiing for the first year, this past winter Nori and I bought ski passes to Telluride. I hadn't skied at a resort in quite a while and was apprehensive about a fall, doing the splits, or in general injuring the new hip. Several of my friends who've had hip replacements are avid downhill skiers, and the new hip felt perfect, so off we went. We skied the whole season without incident or without coddling the new hip. Steep runs, tight turns, everything was just like before. After a while I forgot that inside me was a metal post and ball.<br />
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The hip was now better than ever; I hardly ever even noticed that I'd had an operation. In February, 2014, my long-time climbing partner, Jim Donini, and I climbed a fairly difficult rock and ice climb in Ouray called "Birdbrain Boulevard", and since we were both 70, "Rock and Ice" magazine got word of it and wrote this fun article:</div>
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http://www.rockandice.com/lates-news/70-year-old-legends-tick-bird-brain-boulevard-iv-wi-5<br />
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"Birdbrain Boulevard" is the thin crack on the right side of the photo.</div>
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"The Ribbon" is the ice runnel in the center</div>
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At the start of the crux pitch, "Birdbrain Boulevard"</div>
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This spring the desert called me to Indian Creek and the desert towers and cracks starting in February and March. In mid April my friend Roger Schimmel and I took a trip to the desert and climbed two sandstone towers, Psycho Tower in SW colorado, and Lighthouse Tower on the Colorado River east of Moab.<br />
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Lighthouse Tower</div>
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Leading the first 5.10 pitch</div>
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Following Roger on the second pitch</div>
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Roger and I on the summit of Psycho Tower, Gypsum Valley, Colorado</div>
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Over Mother's Day weekend, I visited my brother Tony and his family in Moab, Utah. Among the many things we did was ride our mountain bikes on the "Slickrock Trail", a test piece for mountain bikers. Although the physical effort was monumental, I worried more about falling off the bike onto my new hip, so I took it easy and ran the bike up the steepest rock steps. All in all it worked out well. I'm not sure if single-track mountain biking is in my future, but it was a fine day with Tony. And, neither of us fell!</div>
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On the Slickrock trail</div>
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The hip has been amazing, and I've been able to do everything I've wanted to do, and some things I'd not imagined I could do. The future looks very bright; next week Nori and I are heading for Italy to bicycle through Tuscany for two weeks.</div>
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Ralphhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/16555104492679454425noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2312660955738638590.post-75982093465622957032013-10-10T16:48:00.001-07:002013-10-10T16:48:18.117-07:00Rocky Mountain High: A Family StoryI hadn't done anything significant with my brothers for 40 years, since we all went antelope hunting in Wyoming with our father in 1973. Our brother Bill was with us then, when we were four, but Bill passed away twenty years ago. We miss him terribly. <br />
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I grew up in a wonderful family: mom & dad, my sister Judy, three years younger, then Bill, Jim, Tony, Mardie. I was the oldest. My career in the National Park Service took me to Wyoming, then Alaska for 32 years. Jim lived in Los Alamos, Tony in Salt Lake, so logistically it was difficult for us to get together except for our annual family reunion.<br />
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This summer brother Jim and his wife Teri and brother Tony and wife Shelly planed to climb Mount Elbert, at 14,440' the highest peak in Colorado, and they invited Nori and me along. We agreed to meet at Jim and Teri's new retirement palace in Salida, Colorado, a few miles from Mount Elbert. Nori had met Tony and Shelly, and now she would meet Jim and Teri. <br />
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We drove the three hours from Ridgway on US-50, the loneliest road in America, up out of Montrose, past the Black Canyon of the Gunnison National Park, along the Blue Mesa Reservoir, through the small college town of Gunnison, over Monarch summit, and down to Salida. It's another world from Ridgway and the San Juan mountains.<br />
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When we arrived, Tony and Shelly fresh from Salt Lake City were walking around the yard. We hugged, and immediately Jim and Teri drove in. Their house sits west of the town in an open vista surrounded by 14,000' peaks whose rounded summits crenellate the skyline. It is a Southwest adobe style home held together with huge pine logs exposed on the interior. Teri had decorated each bedroom with a quilt motif; we had the bear room giving onto a southern exposure. As I walked through the house I saw through the open window a bird feeder in the front yard. Pine grossbeaks, a Western tanager, yellow-headed blackbirds, red-winged blackbirds, and Brewer's blackbirds fought with ground squirrels for the sunflower seeds. <br />
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Dinner was a renewal brotherly friendship and an eye-opening introduction for Nori as we sat around a long table passing bowls of a variety of salads that Teri had made for the occasion. <br />
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We were up early in the morning, grabbed a quick cold breakfast, and were off, driving north to the start of the hike. Jim drove the highway, then turned onto a small dirt road which wound up the mountain side to a small parking area in the trees. Our team, wearing shorts, running shirts, cool ball caps and bright colors readied the light packs and headed uphill. We had 4,000' and about 4 miles to go to the summit, so I started off slowly letting the younger rabbits take off<br />
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Shelly, Nori (hiding), Tony, Teri, Jim at the trailhead</div>
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We take off up the trail</div>
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Nori and I set our own pace</div>
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The first part of the hike winds up switchbacks through an evergreen and aspen forest for a couple of miles. All summer I had been working at re-learning the Rocky Mountain wildflowers, so I stopped from time to time to take a photograph hoping to key it later. The morning was cool, and we were excited to break out and see the big mountains. </div>
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Columbines, the Colorado state flower</div>
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Once out in the open the trail eased up and we could see our goal ahead. It looked close and distant at the same time. In miles we were about half way, but we still had a couple of thousand feet of elevation, and we were already at about 12,500'. </div>
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The crew with the peak in the distance</div>
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Breathing and exertion came harder the higher we climbed. Nori and I told the runners to hike on ahead and we would catch them at the summit, taking the pressure off us to keep up their pace. Teri is a marathon runner, Jim is a masters swimmer and runner, and Tony and Shelly have been bagging summits, putting them all in the 'Expert' category. We pushed on up the long gentle slope, watching it steepen until it again turned to switchbacks. In an unkind turn, the trail rounded the peak on the left and showed us that we still had another thousand feet to climb to the summit.</div>
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Nori headed up the final switchbacks</div>
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Near the top we get "Summit Fever" and continue pushing our bodies to the top where all the pain is forgotten as we see the family, several others, and a vast panorama of the Rocky Mountain high points.</div>
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Our crew on the summit: l to r, Jim, Teri, Shelly, Nori,Tony, Ralph</div>
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The view from the top</div>
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We dive into our packs, hide behind some rock walls that cut the wind, and dig out our lunch. I'm having a blast and scurry around taking photos of everyone and everything. The view goes forever; after the morning rains all the dust and pollution has been washed from the air and the sky is flawless. I mentally plan a hundred more trips into the mountains. </div>
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We hug, talk about the lowpoints and highpoints of the climb. It feels good to be here with Nori, my brothers and sisters-in-law. </div>
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Shelly</div>
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Tony</div>
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Teri & Jim</div>
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Nori and Yours Truly</div>
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<br />Ralphhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/16555104492679454425noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2312660955738638590.post-64219360188578048982013-06-06T21:57:00.001-07:002013-06-07T06:41:37.800-07:00RESTORING THE CHESTNUT CANOETwenty years ago my good friend Paul Haertel gave me an old Chestnut canoe, made in Canada. After many years, Paul and his wife Margo were leaving Alaska. He had been a role model for me: the first superintendent of the newly created Lake Clark National Park, (likely the most beautiful park in America), and later the Associate Regional Director for Resources in the Alaska region. Everything Paul did was first class.<br />
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So, now I had this lovely old canoe. I paddled it a few times around lakes near Anchorage, but the canvas was old, and I knew it needed work, so it hung in my garage for the next ten years always intending to fix it up. In 2005 I tore the old canvas off, removed hundreds of tiny brass tacks, unscrewed the gunwales and keel, kept the little bronze screws in jars and the old rotted wood on wood racks. However the bare bones of the old wood and canvas canoe hung from the top of the garage for another six years, until one day in September, 2011, I lowered it down and carried it into my shop for a make-over. It is a delicate structure out of the water and not protected by its canvas cover, so I constructed two sawhorses and covered them with carpet strips to protect the wood.<br />
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The bare spruce slats on the outside were nailed with tiny brass tacks that had colored the wood green around them. Inside, the varnish had cracked in places, and there were several large holes in the bottom from rough handling during an ice storm one winter. The bow and stern had gray rotted wood that needed replacing. Both gunwales and keel had seen a lot of use and need to be reconstructed.<br />
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I unscrewed the gunwales to measure them and see how much I could salvage and how much I would have to make anew. In the end it seemed like the best course was to build new gunwales and a keel out of nice hardwood. Anchorage has a wonderful hardwood supply, Hardwood Specialties, so I chose a nice long board of straight ash and brought it home. The 16' canoe filled the 20' shop, so I could barely work. I wrestled the board around, positioned my table saw catty corner, and ripped the ash on the saw into long thin gunwale-sized strips.<br />
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The first area to repair was the hull of the canoe, full of holes, and some of them fairly good sized. I sawed some straight-grained spruce into the proper thickness: 3/16 "for the hull and 1/2" for the ribs. Cutting out the broken wood was a delicate job. I tried to angle the cut so that I could fit in a new piece like a plug. I tacked it from the bottom so nothing would show on the inside, glued the seams, and matched the wood exactly.<br />
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The new patch was white, white, white, so I realized I would have to stain it to match the darker wood of the rest of the boat.<br />
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Next I rebuilt the bow and stern. Like a dentist I had to cut the decayed wood out, and rather than completely disassembling the end and risk having it fall apart, I cut out the rotted parts and spliced in new spruce, reusing every piece I could.<br />
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The old varnish had cracked and weathered over the years; some areas had worn away, so I decided to strip the varnish completely. I bought a very fine liquid varnish remover designed for antique wood. I brushed it on and waited....nothing happened. So I went to the hardware store and bought a pink slime paint remover. It worked, but slowly. What I had envisioned as a two-week project now seemed like a long term labor of love. Over the next two weeks I brushed on the pink goop, waited, scraped with metal scrapers, brushes, and knives, sandpaper....anything to get the old finish off. It appeared that the original spar varnish had been redone with Urethane varnish, and the paint removers were having a tough time cracking its surface. Being retired helped, because I seemed to spend most of my time chiseling out the old finish, and it was fighting my best efforts.<br />
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I dragged the canoe out into the yard for more sanding, more crust removal, and to avoid the fumes of the chemicals. This thing was not going to get the best of me; I would remove every drop of varnish. Finally it was bare wood. I cleaned it up with mineral spirits to keep all the wood the same finish. <br />
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The boat now went back into the shop for varnishing. It was completely patched, the rotted wood replaced, and should serve another 50 years. Marine spar varnish has been the standard for boats forever. It also has a beautiful golden gloss finish, so I kept with that, rather than a new urethane coating. Four coats seemed to do the job: one sealed the wood, a second covered most of the drier spots, a third really started to shine, and the fourth made it look beautiful!<br />
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Time to stretch on a new canvas. So far I had operated within the limits of my knowledge of woodworking, but stretching the canvas was a challenge. I ordered the canvas and the gallon of goop to waterproof it from Jerry Stelmok of Island Falls Canoe Company in Maine, along with a book, <br />
"The Wood and Canvas Canoe". It showed how to stretch the canvas over the canoe, the part I had been curious about. To build the canvas stretcher, I screwed a large 3/8" eye-screw into the front and back walls of my shop and attached a come-along puller to each one. Then, I bolted two 2" x 3" boards to each end of the 20' piece of canvas, folded in half lengthwise, and hung them from the ceiling by the top end. These strips acted like a vise to hold the ends of the canvas while the come-alongs pulled it tight.<br />
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Next, I set the canoe in the fold of the canvas. The canoe is about 16' 6" long, and it nestled in the big fold easily. As I cranked on the arms of the come-alongs at each end, the canoe lifted slowly in the air, I pushed the canoe into the bottom of the canvas and pulled it tight, so that the canvas formed a form-fitting shell around the canoe. To make it even tighter all around, I thought of putting weight in the canoe, but instead put two long 2 x 4's in the canoe and wedged them against the ceiling as I cranked the canvas tighter. It worked like a miracle. The canvas was stretched over the canoe!<br />
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The little brass tacks I had saved now looked bent and unusable, so I decided to staple the canvas onto the canoe with my air-powered crown stapler. The local art supply store sold me a canvas stretcher, a sort of pliers, with which I could grab the canvas and pull it tight over the inwales, then hit it with the stapler. It made short work of the job, and in the end would be a very strong connection.<br />
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Once the sides were tacked on, I cut the bow and stern canvas to fit and tacked it on with copper tacks. I tried the staple gun, but the thin wood at the end needed a softer touch. Then I cut and trimmed the remaining canvas so it was flush with the bowline. <br />
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The canoe was now ready for a coat of goop, a secret mixture of silica and linseed oil I had bought seven years ago. As it sat in my shop it had turned to a rock-hard sludge on the bottom of the can. It took hours of stirring with a power drill to restore it to the emulsion ready for the boat. I painted it on with a brush in several coats. I made a glove out of the canvas scraps and rubbed the goop until it was smooth, letting each coat dry for a day before the next application. Now, the long wait: the boat sat in the shop and cured from January to March before it had completely hardened and was ready for the next step.<br />
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First, it needed a fine sanding until the surface was smooth and ready for painting. Although the canoe was originally a light powder blue, I had a hard time finding a match. West Marine makes a beautiful red lacquer. Hmmmm Red! The red would be striking. I cut the lacquer with a thinner called "333" so it went on smoothly. This old canoe was teaching me new techniques as I proceeded step by step in the restoration. Daily I watched the dull gray of the silica become a glossy red.<br />
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It is now March 1, 2012. The canoe is almost done. But it must wait. I had lived in Alaska for the past 32 years; it was my home. But... I woke up one morning and decided the canoe and I would move south to Ouray County, Colorado, to be closer to both my kids and my close climbing & skiing friends. Selling the house required a remodeling, so I threw my efforts into replacing both bathrooms, the downstairs flooring, painting, electrical, and whatever else would make the house appeal to a buyer. I had hoped to sell the house by the end of the summer, giving me time to hike, climb, sew up my affairs and enjoy a last glorious summer in the arctic...and finish the canoe. I put the house on the market mid-April, had three offers the first day, and closed a month later. That month might have been the most furious of my life: my brother Tony came up and helped me pack and drive the huge moving van down the Alaska Highway to Colorado. On top of the load sat the vintage Chestnut canoe.<br />
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Tony at the wheel of the Jumbo JH U-Haul van</div>
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It took longer to buy a home than I planned, so the canoe sat in storage. By October I had a house, but it needed new floors, so I spent the next month on my knees cleaning old odors and laying flooring. The garage became a shop, but it was unheated and not conducive to work in the Colorado winter. Last week I looked at the old canoe, lowered it from it's berth on the ceiling and set to work finishing the job.</div>
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I started making the gunwales from the long ash strips I had cut and carried from Alaska. I had just made a new router table for my Porter-Cable 3-1/2 HP router, and I used it to cut a 1/4" rabbet lengthwise out of the wood to make the gunwales. Then I routed a rounded edge to the top and bottom.</div>
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In order to bend newly routed gunwales and a keel, I needed a steamer. A steamer is used to heat the wood and impregnate it with moisture so it would be pliable enough to bend into the shapes I need to wrap around the canoe. There are lots of ways to make a steamer: I resurrected my old National pressure cooker, a vintage 1940's model. I filled it half-full of water and set it on my big propane camp stove. A high-pressure hose was attached to a nipple I screwed into the top of the cooker; the hose went to a nipple inserted in the end of a 4" PVC pipe 16 feet long and capped at both ends. The long strips of ash went into the pipe and steamed for an hour making them soft and pliable. </div>
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The pressure cooker and hose</div>
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The steamer at work</div>
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As soon as I took the long piece of ash/gunwale out of the steamer, I clamped it onto the side of the canoe so that it would form to the proper shape. Then I drilled and countersunk holes for the brass screws to hold it on. I was frustrated as three screws in a row broke off in the wood. I couldn't risk any more broken screws, so I switched to square-head stainless steel screws, and not a one broke. They won't ever rust or break!</div>
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The new wood looked beautiful, if a little on the light-colored side for a vintage canoe with golden wood. The sun and varnish would cure that. Four coats of marine spar varnish gave them a shine; then they dried for four days before I turned the canoe over for the end brass bumpers and the keel.<br />
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Long half-round brass strips are screwed onto the the bow and stern. They serve as a bumper to protect the canvas hull from rocks and gravel when the canoe hits the shore. They had become almost black with corrosion over the years, so I put them on the buffing wheel and made them shine like gold.<br />
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Now that the brass strips were in place, the keel was the final replacement part to be made. I had originally cut a piece of the ash blank for an exact replacement for the flat keel on the original. However it seemed like a lot of additional weight, so I ripped a long strip of alder, a softer and lighter wood. I made it 7/8" thick and 1-1/8" wide to be a better rudder on a lake where I would be doing most of my canoeing. It is screwed onto the hull through the floor of the canoe with square-head brass screws, which I polished on the buffing wheel.<br />
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The final job was to clean and re-varnish the maple seats and bolt them back in place. They hang from the gunwales with 3/16" long carriage bolts, adjusted with 3/4" round oak spacers, cut to fit.<br />
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Now the boat needed to rest for four days in the shop while the varnish hardened. I worried that water might get in through the screw holes in the hull, so I took off the keel, squirted plumbers' silicone in each hole and reattached the keel.<br />
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Ridgway has been windy this spring; the wind picks up by 10 am, so a trial run at the local reservoir needed to be early in the morning. Nori and I loaded the canoe on the Thule rack atop her Volvo, but it was a struggle. Since I was young, I've picked up canoes, flipped them onto my shoulders and portaged them through the forest between lakes. But, this time it seemed heavier at 85 pounds; maybe being 70 has something to do with it. Most of my other canoes have been a bit lighter. The Blue Hole canoe had a Royalex hull, and seemed much lighter. The Sawyer was 18-1/2' long, but made of Kevlar and only 44 pounds. The old 17' Grumman lightweight, although aluminum, was only 66 pounds.<br />
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The old Blue Hole canoe</div>
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However, I gave a great grunt, hoisted it onto my shoulders...with a bit of pain on the neck and Nori's help...laid it on the rack on top of the car. We cinched it down with webbing, tied the bow and stern to the front and rear of the car, and made sure it wouldn't shift in the wind. Nori loaded the paddles and life preservers, and we headed to Ridgway Reservoir. A nice young couple with cute kids took our picture beside the restored old Chestnut.</div>
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Nori climbed into the bow, I pushed us off, hopped onto my knee and crawled into my seat as the old girl glided onto the lake. We couldn't call it a maiden voyage, maybe a second honeymoon, as we paddled the western shore close in, making sure there were no leaks or other defugalties. A brisk wind hit us at the point, so we turned the canoe to the east, paddled down south and up the inlet to the Uncompaghre river, past a great blue heron perched on a rock watching us paddle by. </div>
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Not a drop of water seeped into the canoe, and we remained dry and happy as we circled the lake. It bucked the waves, quartering across them easily. Now it's time to dream of a long canoe trip in the north, probably Canada.<br />
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<br />Ralphhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/16555104492679454425noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2312660955738638590.post-43694584678087828372013-05-17T22:16:00.001-07:002013-05-17T22:16:17.516-07:00The First HummingbirdThis morning I hung a hummingbird feeder on my porch. <br />
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The house I bought is on the edge of a newer development in Ridgway, a small town, formerly a railroad stop and ranching community. The original "True Grit" was filmed here. But my house is just north of town where the trees are small, so I didn't expect to see much wildlife here because it is more open grassland. Maybe some cattle in the distance. <br />
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However every day has been a surprise. To the west is a pasture with about 60 black yaks. At night I see deer in the yard, on the road, in the fields. During the winter about 40 elk fed and slept in the neighborhood. A few weeks ago a fox crossed the fields, and I watched for several minutes from my balcony as it made its way up the hill. Yesterday as I drove up to Elk Meadows, a cinnamon colored black bear ran up the road ahead of me, dove off the side and stopped. I got out and we stared at each other for a minute. <br />
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But, back to the birds. All winter long bald eagles live along the Uncompaghre river close to the house. I'd watch for them on my river walks, and the only other birds were ravens and magpies. With the advent of spring bluebirds flocked in by the score. There were small houses built for them along the roadside. Then came the meadowlarks, robins, warblers, sparrows, and hawks. My sterile- looking neighborhood was alive with birds. <br />
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A few days ago I had coffee at with my good friend Angela at her home up the canyon. Hummingbirds were at her feeder, and I remember from past years how many there were. So, I decided to hang a feeder on my front porch, but I didn't have much hope that the birds would stop by. Within minutes, I had several vying for a perch on the feeder, so I ran in and grabbed my camera. Although I am my cat were sitting within ten feet of the feeder, they didn't seem to mind. I brought out my coffee and cereal, sat down and enjoyed the show.<br />
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It's good to have more than one feeder, because hummingbirds are very territorial. They are solitary birds that keep a small territory and aggressively chase intruders out. If a bird comes to the feeder it will drink for quite a while unless another bird comes along, dives down and chases it away. Then the fleeing bird will return and pester the newer one and drive it away. Some species are worse than others. When the Rufus Hummingbirds come, they are the worst. The little wars are very brutal. I've seen them try to spear or grab each other with their bills, and they often smack right into each other hard. <br />
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The females are as bad as the males, and are aggressive in keeping other birds away from their nests. The males try to keep others away, so they can monopolize the female for breeding. I was amazed at how many birds seemed to be attracted to the little feeder. I put in 1 part cane sugar to 4 parts water, and no coloring. This is the recommended concentration for hummingbirds. Other chemicals and colorings are hard on their internal organs. The birds seem to recognized it instantly and move right in.<br />
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While I was sitting on the porch, one bird tried to land on my red ball cap. It does look somewhat like a red flower or the feeder, I guess. I had just planted red geraniums around the yard, so the place is looking more enticing every day.<br />
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Hovering above the feeder, the bird checks it out, then comes in to feed</div>
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The Black-chinned hummingbird is easy to identify. </div>
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The black head & chin and white collar of the male are distinctive</div>
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So far I've seen the Black-chinned hummingbird, males and females, and the Broad-winged hummingbird. The Broad-winged males have beautiful iridescent red chins and are sometimes mistaken for the Ruby-throated hummingbird. With the rapid wingbeats, it's often hard to keep your eye on the bird, and it's gone in an instant. The most common sound comes from the wingbeats, but they often make a little chirp as they battle their way at the feeder.</div>
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The birds are extremely intelligent and have the largest brain for their size of any bird. Watching them, I've seen them observe each other, preen and spread oil from a gland in the rear over their feathers. After feeding, they will fly up and clean their bills on the branches of the big tree in the front yard. Then they fly back for another drink of the sugar water. </div>
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My next chore is to build a bird bath. They love a fountain, sprinklers, and water in general. The house came with a big ugly pile of sandstone boulders. I've thought of pounding them to bits and hauling it all away, but I've decided to keep them and turn them into a home for creeping plants, moss, and a fountain. It will be a nice summer project, and I can add some pools, other rocks, and parts to make it beautiful. Now I've got to find a little electric pump, some cement, and a bit of imagination. It's amazing how much work these tiny hummingbirds are going to cause me.</div>
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Ralphhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/16555104492679454425noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2312660955738638590.post-20560884139876068502013-05-17T12:08:00.001-07:002013-05-17T12:08:49.554-07:00Hiking Rancho La LagunaMy last full day in Santa Barbara, and Nori had arranged for us to go on a hike with her hiking club, a wonderful group of friends whom she wanted me to meet. Steven Sharpe, General Director of Opera Santa Barbara had organized the outing and arranged for us to meet downtown at 6:45 and carpool up to the ranch for the hike.<br />
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Looking back down the trail on the Preserve</div>
Rancho La Laguna, nowdays called the Sedgwick ranch for the previous owner, sits in a valley northeast of the little town of Los Olivos, and abuts Michael Jackson's "Neverland" ranch. The property dates from a land grant from the mid-1800's before California was a state. However, today it is a research facility for the University of California, Santa Barbara. Duke Sedgwick willed the property to the university on his death. Fairly large at 6,000 acres, it is full of deer, bear, coyotes, and mountain lions. The country driving in was dry and brown, but as we ascended the canyons, pines, junipers, and other trees greened up the scenery. Living in the sub-Arctic most of my life, I don't relish hot days, and as the thermometer climbed to 97 F., I wondered what I'd gotten myself into.<br />
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We met our guide for the day, Kate McCurdy,<span class="st"><i></i> director of the UCSB Sedgwick Reserve in Santa Ynez</span>. I might not have been the oldest hiker in the group, but most weren't kids, so I thought I'd be in good company. Steven was full of energy, made introductions, and herded us to the start, a dirt road through dry June grass, the stuff that sticks in you shoes and socks. We walked single file uphill, dripping sweat and chatting. Most of the folks were in fine shape and kept the pace brisk. <br />
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Heading uphill</div>
I honed in on Kate to see what kind of research was done there, so I hustled to the front of the line. Surprise, Kate had been a National Park Service researcher in Glacier National Park, Yosemite, and Santa Monica Mountains. She talked about her grizzly bear research in Glacier, and I remembered attending a conference where Kate Kendall, presented the results of their research on grizzly DNA. She pointed out the great fault dividing the rocks and soil types: the Paso Robles alluvium and serpentine rocks from the Franciscan formation. The vegetation uphill from the fault are composed of native species, because the soil in not as hospitable to the invasive species, so the geology is often studied at the preserve. Kate and I reminisced about our days in the National Park Service, mutual friends, and the research at the preserve. But, I felt I was monopolizing her brief time with the group, so I dropped back to sweat with the rest of the gang.<br />
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Kate educates the group</div>
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I had thought we would be taking a leisurely walk with educational talks, so I brought heavy binoculars for birding, and my SLR camera...and a bottle of water. The gear hang heavily around my neck, so after taking a few photos of the group I put it in my pack so I could hike at a brisk pace. </div>
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Nori tops out on the grassy hillside</div>
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We had gone a couple of miles through the forest and canyon, finally emerging on a grass-covered ridge overlooking the ranch. The trail had disappeared, so our feet scuffed through the grass picking up prickers and chaff. At the top an outcropping of rock gave a great view of the area. I thought of the coyotes that scouted from here while digesting dinner. Ravens were the only birds out in this heat.</div>
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Nori and I stand on top of the rock overlooking the ranch</div>
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Down, down, down the steep slope to the canyon. At the forks near our cars some of the group who had prior engagements split off, but we followed Kate for a few more miles back up another canyon, over a divide, and through more canyons and forests before returning the the cars. </div>
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The gang had planned a potluck lunch, and I stuffed myself more than usual sampling every dish. I sat next to Dr. Peter Nickel and his wife Carrie Garner who had invited us to dinner the previous week. It's a small world: he knew my friend Dr. Debbie Wheeler, an anesthesiologist living here in Ridgway and a ski partner for the past several years. They had worked together in Denver years before. </div>
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Sitting under the 400-year old oak tree I thought of what this country might have looked like a couple of hundred years before when the Chumash natives lived here and the trees were larger, the vegetation all native, and very few people. Tomorrow we would drive through L.A. and deposit me at the airport. It is truly another world out there.</div>
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Ralphhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/16555104492679454425noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2312660955738638590.post-53899329814264334642013-05-16T22:31:00.002-07:002013-05-16T22:31:20.544-07:00Biking & WineThere are hundreds of fine bicycle tours through California wine country. Some are organized; some, like ours are spur of the moment, seat of the pants tours. Nori suggested riding the roads from Solvang to Los Olivos, so we squeezed our bikes into the back of her Volvo and headed up Hwy 154 from Santa Barbara to Solvang. The coastal ecology changed radically as we powered up the curves out of Santa Barbara. Looking back on the red tile roofs, whitewashed adobe, and misty ocean, I noticed how quickly the climate and vegetation changed to the tinder-dry grass and shrubs of the inland. I remembered reading E.O. Wilson's "Biodiversity". He told that the most threatened ecosystems in the world were those along the California coastline. Almost every plant is an exotic brought from Africa, Asia, and beyond. The local plants are almost all gone.<br />
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It was a chilly 54 degrees, so we walked around the little Danish-motif town like tourists, peering into a dozen stores: pastries, bamboo clothing, antiques, restaurants... I'd lived in resort towns and national parks most of my life, so it seemed a bit too much for me, but fun for a tourist.<br />
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Once on the bikes we pedaled up towards Los Olivos into the heart of the wine country. <br />
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Or should I say, wine tasting country. Every driveway we passed advertised wine tasting. Once in the little town we tied our bikes to a sign and walked the streets. Almost every store, home, or building had been converted into a wine-tasting bar. <br />
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Nori strolls by the Byron tasting room</div>
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A well-fed calico cat soaks up the sun in the window<br />
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We popped our heads in several small shops but decided riding a bike on the highway while tipsy might not be the best idea. However we noticed a number of gold medals hanging on one shop, so we decided to do a 3-wine tasting at Daniel Gehrs. The proprietor poured three whites: The Chardonnay was delicious, and as I sipped the drops, the fellow explained that Mr. Gehrs ferments the grapes in stainless steel vats, not in oak barrels, so the taste is clean and bright. Thinking back on my beloved Bordeaux wines, I'm probably a romantic who cherishes the subtle flavors of the oak. Wine should have heart and soul, a bit of magic, so the chemically pure taste seemed to be missing something. He described the Chenin Blanc as "buttery", and I agreed. It swirled in my mouth not unlike a fine olive oil. We learned that Gehrs does not own any vineyards but buys the grapes and makes boutique wines. Not sure what to make of this, I lifted the Riesling to my lips. Much sweeter, like the German wines I love. If I want a Riesling, I always buy the German ones, but this gave me a very sharp, clean vision of a fine wine. We left the shop after about an ounce of wine and didn't feel a thing. Perfect!<br />
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On around the block to a little nursery and yard ornament shop, full of Buddhas, ferns, flowers, vases, and odd stuff that I'd be unlikely to find anywhere else. The over-stuffed clutter gave me some ideas for landscaping my new yard. <br />
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Right now it's mostly mud and weeds, no lawn, no grass, and a pile of sandstone rocks the builder left in the front yard. I've been thinking of making them into a fountain for the birds. However, I couldn't see a contemplating Buddha staring up my walk.<br />
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We took off out of town on the bikes, rode on some backroads, then down into Solvang. I had originally thought of the bike ride as physical exercise, but up till now it had been a cultural experience. With the breeze on my face and my leg muscles pumping, it felt good to be back on the bike and exercising. I thought ahead to home and getting on my bike again now that spring had come to the Rockies.<br />
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Nori suggested we have lunch at the "Cold Spring Tavern", an old stage coach stop near the top of the pass. She promised a beer, fine food, and another cultural experience. Since 1865 The Cold Spring Tavern has been serving travelers over San Marcos pass. It was on a little side road, originally the main road from Santa Barbara to the high country. Huge trees shaded the tavern. A busload of tourists stopped just as we did, so we sprinted for the door. Just in time, since it closed at 3pm. <br />
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One waitress did everything, and we were impressed at her efficiency. She brought us a pile of home-made onion rings that Nori had recommended; then Nori ordered the salad, I opted for the hamburger and a pint of Hoppy Poppy IPA. <br />
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By now we were the only people in the tavern, so I looked around a bit
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I managed to force down the entire burger, the large IPA, the onion rings, and a potato salad along with Nori's bread. I waddled to the car and lapsed into a food coma as Nori drove down the hill to home. So much for a day of exercise on the bike.<br />
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Ralphhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/16555104492679454425noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2312660955738638590.post-42498825333742603882013-05-08T17:15:00.001-07:002013-05-08T17:15:08.317-07:00Daphne Visits Santa BarbaraNori has a beautiful home in Santa Barbara where she spends the "Mud Months in the spring and fall each year. I had been invited to visit, and when I mentioned it to my daughter Daphne, she said she would be in Los Angeles the previous few days and we could meet, drive up to Santa Barbara, and spend a few days together with Nori.<br />
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The Hungry Cat is famous for seafood, a little gem tucked into the wall at Sunset and Vine in Hollywood. Daphne had discovered it online and recommended we meet there. I took a cab from LAX, a ride that cost me more than my plane ticket from Grand Junction to Los Angeles...what a surprise. My heart raced when I saw Daphne approach; we hugged and immediately got to the gossip of the past month, the cuisine, her seminar at Agape, and life on the East Coast. For a woman born and raised in a log cabin in Alaska and an Inupiat village in the Arctic, she has transitioned into the culture, music, and arts, and theater.<br />
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We started off with fresh oysters on the half-shell with three sauces. Daphne had a salad, I some decadent fish dish. It's hard to remember, since I was so delighted to see her again. I live in Ridgway, Colorado, many miles from Jersey City & Manhattan. But it's closer than I used to be: 32 years in Alaska.<br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjA-XL723_p43ZvB4xTZE_ycYgQkALDZDhNtIBfngQiEvTyhQZL3K_mJSZ2iGqPqZTaV-HfxpDGJeiQwS8ycG-NTWLANQ_7U47MpwsB5Z2mpGunraePgdRGQF7DxGfHalwSTOAr2inVTzc/s1600/DSC_0025.JPG" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="211" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjA-XL723_p43ZvB4xTZE_ycYgQkALDZDhNtIBfngQiEvTyhQZL3K_mJSZ2iGqPqZTaV-HfxpDGJeiQwS8ycG-NTWLANQ_7U47MpwsB5Z2mpGunraePgdRGQF7DxGfHalwSTOAr2inVTzc/s320/DSC_0025.JPG" width="320" /></a> </div>
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Daphne and I with the Hollywood stars in the sidewalk</div>
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Then we were off up the coast to Santa Barbara in Daph's rental Jeep Liberty. Nori had suggested taking Highway 1, the Pacific Coast Highway, for it's scenic beauty. I hadn't seen this many people in a few years, and I compared it to my quiet rustic life in Alaska and the San Juan mountains of Colorado. Still, the journey was about 2 hours as we drove into Nori's yard.</div>
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Daphne and Nori had never met, so it was a nice opportunity for them to get acquainted. Nori's son Andrew came for dinner. At Daphne's same age, the two blonds spent the evening talking while Nori made a slow baked salmon. I cooked creme brulee, but poured the boiling water on my foot in an accident as I removed the pan from the oven, howled and tore off my shoe, but not before suffering four 2nd degree burns to the top of my foot, limiting my activities for the next couple of weeks. We seemed to talk the night away, not caring about the hour. </div>
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Next morning we drove to the old Santa Barbara mission and it's rose garden. The mission was founded in 1786 by the Franciscan padre Junipero Serra, reconstructed many times after fires and earthquakes. The present structure, the fourth dates from 1820, reinforced in 1927. But we were after the roses. Daphne had bought me a camera for my birthday, perhaps the nicest present I've ever received, so I was on a mission to photograph. </div>
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Nori drove us down town to the harbor for a walk. It was lunch time, so we stopped at Brophy Brothers for a snack that turned into an early dinner: I had huge pile of batter-fried calamari, Daphne and Nori had salads overflowing with shrimp, avocados, and other delicacies of the area<br />
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We wandered the streets, looking for sunglasses, clothes, gear, and books. Chaucer's Books, one of the last beautiful independent book stores anywhere is always on our agenda. Daphne loved it and loaded up on poetry of Hafiz. I found the current issue of the Paris Review, a magazine I've devoured for years. Harold L. Humes, Peter Matthiessen, and George Plimpton started the magazine in 1953 in Paris; Plimpton remained the editor for 50 years. Now Lorin Stein, a proud Johns Hopkins grad, is the editor. I treasure every issue.<br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjcafxEu3ey8MJn99nhpBY7m49EP5aDBlR01eLnGO4jyrwtkutVABebZIoEadB5hVNEx91i7CkDYmZshWZSh9sAkK7TOyrgOjgIpsPZms-X23BM3-NkSREw0S4jEbthFE_ESO8T9VXkhoA/s1600/IMG_0398.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjcafxEu3ey8MJn99nhpBY7m49EP5aDBlR01eLnGO4jyrwtkutVABebZIoEadB5hVNEx91i7CkDYmZshWZSh9sAkK7TOyrgOjgIpsPZms-X23BM3-NkSREw0S4jEbthFE_ESO8T9VXkhoA/s320/IMG_0398.jpg" width="240" /> </a></div>
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Dinner. I must sound like a "foodie" with all the emphasis on eating. But that's what we did...eat, and eat, and eat. We met Andrew downtown and wandered to Jane's for a dinner we didn't need, but wanted badly. Here Daphne dives into her roasted duck.</div>
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Tuesday we shopped again, looking in every bike shop. Yesterday was sunglasses; today was bicycles. My son Thor and daughter-in-law Sarah are heavy into the mountain bike racing scene. Thor had thumped his head trying to loosen an inset 32mm nut, so I went on a quest for the perfect tool. Not to be found, so I'll make one when I return to Ridgway and my shop. On the way, Daphne found a fine cruiser/commuter bike: </div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi4lVCbkOP5wvL5_p7S-EW8qYdalufcsdTS-qOp09-eL-Rs6tDFhwWHXy4fo30tWa-PWBPewYlnesQPbNVG9C5Bi4y4AddWx6VlV-KWaRoz7NG87KVWbUnr85S_qTCGjtMXX6Lwsut4MqI/s1600/IMG_0404.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi4lVCbkOP5wvL5_p7S-EW8qYdalufcsdTS-qOp09-eL-Rs6tDFhwWHXy4fo30tWa-PWBPewYlnesQPbNVG9C5Bi4y4AddWx6VlV-KWaRoz7NG87KVWbUnr85S_qTCGjtMXX6Lwsut4MqI/s320/IMG_0404.jpg" width="240" /></a></div>
More eating: El Cielito, for an early dinner before Daphne had to leave. They were closed after lunch, and we were late; too early for dinner, but they still had great tapas at the bar.<br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiSLDOcpH3ZTQoK5VfTkFsUo_tA9Dn88FWB_nypWhkmHhDiigu_TLJfHm9bHYlbN3nU4vIk1WHuu1PEEx8dvWsqPPxkdufokZ0v3JCaKKbPi-RVfo7OQwELIm3tcKEbsuMo9lOSpN-Tohc/s1600/IMG_0407.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiSLDOcpH3ZTQoK5VfTkFsUo_tA9Dn88FWB_nypWhkmHhDiigu_TLJfHm9bHYlbN3nU4vIk1WHuu1PEEx8dvWsqPPxkdufokZ0v3JCaKKbPi-RVfo7OQwELIm3tcKEbsuMo9lOSpN-Tohc/s320/IMG_0407.jpg" width="240" /></a></div>
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On full bellies we wandered through the farmers' market on State Street, two blocks of flowers and food from local farms and gardens. I came away with a baguette and a dozen farm eggs; Nori got veggies and flowers.<br />
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Loot from the farmers' market<br />
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It was time to start winding down. Daphne had been with us for three rewarding days. What a treat for a dad! She still had the two-hour drive back to LA, so we waved her good-bye as she pulled out of the driveway to continue life's merry ride.</div>
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Ralphhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/16555104492679454425noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2312660955738638590.post-18989411807408050242012-09-09T09:37:00.002-07:002012-09-09T09:42:28.457-07:00RIDGWAY ON A BIKE<div class="MsoNormal">
Having moved from Alaska to Colorado, I had dreamed of
longer and more frequent bike rides.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;">
</span>The tiny town of Ridgway, where my new home sits, is an old ranching and
mining community of about 800 people.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;">
</span>The town has changed considerably in the past few years, becoming a
Mecca for mountain climbers, skiers, fishermen: my kind of folks.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>The old mining town of Ouray sits nine
miles to the south in the narrowing canyons; Durango is about a hundred miles
up the “Million Dollar Highway” and over three 11,000’ passes.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Challenging roads with no shoulders
provide training rides for bike riders a third my age.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Speaking of Challenges, the first leg
of the USA Pro Cycling Challenge, 683 miles over 7 days, started in Durango and
went to Telluride. </div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgMG2ttX2agLeryFb13PapW7dcqcwcIs56ZSeDThuLG1YPulYAk4gZ6UwsxIZ3mCkcFeedztWLdFZu1NlpzqDtkoLAsnYYfxXQ5jzTP1C1sqsNRvR1wBhIALAC9VG62OcmYg9EdE2uHIQc/s1600/IMG_2010.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgMG2ttX2agLeryFb13PapW7dcqcwcIs56ZSeDThuLG1YPulYAk4gZ6UwsxIZ3mCkcFeedztWLdFZu1NlpzqDtkoLAsnYYfxXQ5jzTP1C1sqsNRvR1wBhIALAC9VG62OcmYg9EdE2uHIQc/s320/IMG_2010.jpg" width="240" /></a></div>
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Nori recommended we ride mountain bikes from her house in
Ridgway, down Ouray County Road (CR) 5, turn up CR 24 and see the countryside
from the back roads.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Except
for the main State Highway (SH) 550 going to Ouray, and SH 62, a two-laner
heading to Telluride and points west, all the roads are dirt, and the traffic
is light.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Outside of town, much of
the land is grassy ranchland.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>It’s
a perfect setting for a leisurely bike ride.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span></div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiiQf1tNnYN3qkUttyLdcUwxnhxZ8BFf_DxHwgGLVK2rsUODU3dzf3KFh8WNM7Ic-8NZ0jvUIbzjMXJO-cELOEg0sc8DLzUtGQvYyuDJXQYWGdx70eDeXeFqW0O4Qhqa5kpZJtXjXHU6B0/s1600/IMG_1965.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiiQf1tNnYN3qkUttyLdcUwxnhxZ8BFf_DxHwgGLVK2rsUODU3dzf3KFh8WNM7Ic-8NZ0jvUIbzjMXJO-cELOEg0sc8DLzUtGQvYyuDJXQYWGdx70eDeXeFqW0O4Qhqa5kpZJtXjXHU6B0/s320/IMG_1965.jpg" width="320" /></a></div>
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Heading down the main drag we passed the True Grit Cafe the
first “True Grit” movie starring John Wayne, Kim Darby, and Glen Campbell was
filmed right here in Ridgway.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;">
</span>Pictures of John Wayne pop up in the cafes and saloons around the
county.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Then we turn the corner
and pedal up the hill past the Colorado Boy brewery, the home of award winning
beer and finest pizza anywhere. Across the street is the Billings Artworks of
Ridgway where the Emmy Awards are individually handmade and plated.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Then up the street past “Kates”, the
best breakfast in the county…maybe anywhere.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Every meal is great: Ricotta & Lemon pancakes, grits
with white cheddar cheese, huevos rancheros….I’m drooling already.</div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgDzPmVRLtwAdAtRnlKdNT74vmklUKkIKcXTROQTXmrIqvgpio8skaZjDcLioIG2ipQgIjFgHMcmKK55VK0Rb2uWXsCrwL8f-nx8NlUsdFEmLqRv0cJgo5Bcq7YRr6KZHpUuCqnlVN95Zg/s1600/IMG_1976.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgDzPmVRLtwAdAtRnlKdNT74vmklUKkIKcXTROQTXmrIqvgpio8skaZjDcLioIG2ipQgIjFgHMcmKK55VK0Rb2uWXsCrwL8f-nx8NlUsdFEmLqRv0cJgo5Bcq7YRr6KZHpUuCqnlVN95Zg/s320/IMG_1976.jpg" width="320" /></a></div>
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After dropping north down CR 5, past a beautiful old white
ranch house, we headed up the hills alongside the creek, and turned north onto
CR 25.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span> </div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgsk5b_bXejggwysr_WMf_abqZw_ODR1S82RVCOagZaM-5dZiKJIvubfX4iU6ipK0UcwOCVdj0Kaxe-LN8A_yK5qRKellfuoUDeXa8ip9zVTt55nFJTPcV1vwxjetGGNcvt_r_W2tGoXaA/s1600/IMG_2015.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgsk5b_bXejggwysr_WMf_abqZw_ODR1S82RVCOagZaM-5dZiKJIvubfX4iU6ipK0UcwOCVdj0Kaxe-LN8A_yK5qRKellfuoUDeXa8ip9zVTt55nFJTPcV1vwxjetGGNcvt_r_W2tGoXaA/s320/IMG_2015.jpg" width="320" /></a></div>
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The red sandstone cliffs on
the north side of the road end on the great mesa of Log Hill, dotted with
stunning homes and a golf course.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span></div>
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<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> <a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhYfkCznYCnlUPNqcPqeFUU_vHXTKh2A6x8KswrB4W8r9Cpc8oxsedfFShqd3XtsqFfc2KALhpAXeKcHfW9MSWHNqBzjxpTJ_GP-ipfLp3a2eYEjis6ktN6gIS4_RNtrvISkkzehhBWgFM/s1600/IMG_2005.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhYfkCznYCnlUPNqcPqeFUU_vHXTKh2A6x8KswrB4W8r9Cpc8oxsedfFShqd3XtsqFfc2KALhpAXeKcHfW9MSWHNqBzjxpTJ_GP-ipfLp3a2eYEjis6ktN6gIS4_RNtrvISkkzehhBWgFM/s320/IMG_2005.jpg" width="320" /></a></span></div>
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<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>As we rode uphill for the next two hours, we passed a variety of homes
and country estates.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Green fields,
old cottonwood trees, firs, and juniper lined the road.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span></div>
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<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> <a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgpjFoWW6k2VGaEN7587yvs0b0rJiZHjIdDfRpxKxJOtmD0fdsRNKXKnFxxwxYAVkOQJB5n6Ire3dI7yBDeWhbBiDR47UIC8fBRy1VZ9WtoYNG_XnvTHGNugFbI2FQleYB3nvfK90wUAyc/s1600/IMG_1992.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgpjFoWW6k2VGaEN7587yvs0b0rJiZHjIdDfRpxKxJOtmD0fdsRNKXKnFxxwxYAVkOQJB5n6Ire3dI7yBDeWhbBiDR47UIC8fBRy1VZ9WtoYNG_XnvTHGNugFbI2FQleYB3nvfK90wUAyc/s320/IMG_1992.jpg" width="320" /></a></span></div>
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<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>After a few miles we passed a
fascinating house:<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>it was built
into the ground with large banks of windows facing the south.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>“Whose place is that?” I asked
Nori.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>“Dennis Weaver’s house”, she
replied.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>He was Chester of
Gunsmoke in the TV series and McCloud, the New York cowboy lawman.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Dennis Weaver was an early
environmentalist and humanitarian. His name is famous in these parts and his
wife and sons still live here.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiQxOX9-2qw8HPeQykyfuuFM8Ec7UPy9_dxXm3UlQknPvCM2VZ9QYjDuz0cEkJs9WyagKbKKJuOyWNiGrwmD5UYG9yjmD81Slv_i1b4ORiVyvPla6rJhGvscpEBJJvAR_PB-V0jzygoCHs/s1600/IMG_1968.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiQxOX9-2qw8HPeQykyfuuFM8Ec7UPy9_dxXm3UlQknPvCM2VZ9QYjDuz0cEkJs9WyagKbKKJuOyWNiGrwmD5UYG9yjmD81Slv_i1b4ORiVyvPla6rJhGvscpEBJJvAR_PB-V0jzygoCHs/s320/IMG_1968.jpg" width="320" /></a></div>
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I rubbernecked at the scenery looking for birds and wildlife.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>A few years ago a friend and I spotted
a bobcat feeding on a deer carcass in a field below the bluff.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Today I’m seeing a lot of cattle.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Angus seems to have taken over the
country.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>When I was a kid I could
see a variety of cattle in the fields: Holstein, Guernsey, Jersey,
Hereford.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>One ranch does have
Texas Longhorns.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>What’s with this
mono-culture of today?<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>One species
of wheat, corn, potatoes…<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>And,
there are some strange creatures in the fields: a herd of about 30 yaks next to
my new house.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>My friend Peter has
a Bactrian camel, a cow, two llamas, and a goat that all hang around together. </div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhG2S4sa3Fxpsh0E5A99AtITzGrtZXJccfucZWEMgVRaCojqR5urrSgm7FkrMJ9T5Ytj-qdc-wjKhNCgDzSA3uCxtq4C0FKA_7mfZl-6B9Lc1RcBFWB-zjszQlDbeTebRRZdto5LjSF0YA/s1600/IMG_1975.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhG2S4sa3Fxpsh0E5A99AtITzGrtZXJccfucZWEMgVRaCojqR5urrSgm7FkrMJ9T5Ytj-qdc-wjKhNCgDzSA3uCxtq4C0FKA_7mfZl-6B9Lc1RcBFWB-zjszQlDbeTebRRZdto5LjSF0YA/s320/IMG_1975.jpg" width="320" /></a></div>
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But I digress…<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;">
</span>Up the road on the south side is Ralph Lauren’s ranch, the Double RL
Ranch.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Its 16,000 acres stretches
across the highway to the south.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;">
</span>You can see all about it with Oprah on the internet.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Apparently he still rides around in an
old blue Jeep.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhTT0ch843FrzuWGZ4QYj3pZcT6GuL7-1SHLo4062WQ8stNEDhaOI9gr4swZYh-9VYNmVQRZSVRxtYD4G-SE19G2YVFEs-sq5aRndVeWq9f1nIKdG9twn5MyYbnKQMa_lPVoDbQpzXaVEg/s1600/IMG_1994.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhTT0ch843FrzuWGZ4QYj3pZcT6GuL7-1SHLo4062WQ8stNEDhaOI9gr4swZYh-9VYNmVQRZSVRxtYD4G-SE19G2YVFEs-sq5aRndVeWq9f1nIKdG9twn5MyYbnKQMa_lPVoDbQpzXaVEg/s320/IMG_1994.jpg" width="320" /></a></div>
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We pedal uphill for miles.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>It never seems to let up, however the grade is not too
steep, just continuous.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>I have a
one-speed 29” bike, not too fast, but a ton of fun.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Now to the north is Charlie Ergen’s Telluray Ranch.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Charlie owns Dish network, if I
remember correctly.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>I think I have
a “Dish” dish on the house I’m buying.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: center;">
<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> <a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi7MfICRWw27OzgYu1phyphenhyphenD_1AXcmNCiF5VXLE-aSlLG9heTwyVsw9nZdTvNvuTwAML3opJPLd8oIblp_KDbQkj-poTIbk3Lp9jAPRlgjShLY5QMpP5dGJJkzBtBJAaizWL1bv-RafPpmoQ/s1600/IMG_1993.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi7MfICRWw27OzgYu1phyphenhyphenD_1AXcmNCiF5VXLE-aSlLG9heTwyVsw9nZdTvNvuTwAML3opJPLd8oIblp_KDbQkj-poTIbk3Lp9jAPRlgjShLY5QMpP5dGJJkzBtBJAaizWL1bv-RafPpmoQ/s320/IMG_1993.jpg" width="320" /></a></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Anyway, it’s beautiful country.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;">
</span>The green grass is at its height, and several tractors and mowers are
cutting the hay and bailing it for the winter.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhQNyVZF6n7q6l_-mNMnScyCKk0BFk7KzbgX0VRH7LytHaFVv_Qzk8nhM7s_bsvbCLXYz80tgTA8LcDucs6hgPy2upwlbCJlEq6XEPzuIIfUYWMBEy39ZfGoI6AYtkXh0BajxQSjqadgK0/s1600/IMG_1978.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhQNyVZF6n7q6l_-mNMnScyCKk0BFk7KzbgX0VRH7LytHaFVv_Qzk8nhM7s_bsvbCLXYz80tgTA8LcDucs6hgPy2upwlbCJlEq6XEPzuIIfUYWMBEy39ZfGoI6AYtkXh0BajxQSjqadgK0/s320/IMG_1978.jpg" width="320" /></a> </div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
As we make uphill progress, Nori asks where all the cattle
are then answers her own question:<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;">
</span>Probably still in the high country she says.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Just then a caravan of cattle trucks heads down the road in
our direction kicking up a cloud of dust.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;">
</span>We pull off to the side of the road to let them all pass by.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Hunting season has started, and no
self-respecting rancher would leave his cattle in the high country while the
entire state plus most of Texas is carrying rifles and trying to shoot a deer
or an elk.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>When I was a kid in
Utah, there were billboards with a picture of a cow and a picture of a deer,
both labeled so ‘Foreigners’ (Texans) would know the difference.</div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhi7mNHB6nyksDaCN4ibfIRN2-qIqeHupd_tRkNwGvD9llmkDvzwoGsCCsM7YexTiXGHxhttZYcmSmNgQLBhZdtALpAfDHBZeSAbAu1LDcZD4v7djEGiLMwiiKgLrXzZovzT1AuBLO02QQ/s1600/IMG_1970.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhi7mNHB6nyksDaCN4ibfIRN2-qIqeHupd_tRkNwGvD9llmkDvzwoGsCCsM7YexTiXGHxhttZYcmSmNgQLBhZdtALpAfDHBZeSAbAu1LDcZD4v7djEGiLMwiiKgLrXzZovzT1AuBLO02QQ/s320/IMG_1970.jpg" width="320" /></a></div>
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As CR 24 intersects with the highway, the sun is now high,
sweat has soaked my cycling clothes, and our legs seem to know it is time to
turn around.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>We still have an hour
to get home.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>The view back is
different but even more inspiring.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;">
</span> </div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEih_Q2qPc-bHaCocBBlu4xRWKq0yD5JjQpCIUgA-m8tRrilsfC6MOMENera2-DWlLqd45m4G1dds4qNHEl_iYrh-lFQAvVnmH_6vINxxIaH9q9H2DPEyBLzc2sK1yCqEV0S2uz8k75DLGo/s1600/IMG_1986.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEih_Q2qPc-bHaCocBBlu4xRWKq0yD5JjQpCIUgA-m8tRrilsfC6MOMENera2-DWlLqd45m4G1dds4qNHEl_iYrh-lFQAvVnmH_6vINxxIaH9q9H2DPEyBLzc2sK1yCqEV0S2uz8k75DLGo/s320/IMG_1986.jpg" width="320" /></a></div>
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To the south the 14,150’ Mount Sneffles and the San Juan mountains line
up along the horizon.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>To the east,
the direction we are now heading, the Cimmaron range with Chimney Peak and the
Citadel cover the skyline.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>I stop
often for pictures, but wonder why.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;">
</span>This is now my home, and I don’t need to capture it all in a
camera.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>I can come back tomorrow.</div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
</div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
</div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiAlmMnfvC8PDxNshnnW0mZwo7ZLw8z2wROvGMqpEpIIqw3b8wNl4S0CYVyIws6NBxZIxs_i973NL1NUVZm3T9RzMplvSP8be87YV8IrMnc6z-0DZLA-3su8hB7YuAbfqaVA-2R3dm3204/s1600/IMG_1989.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiAlmMnfvC8PDxNshnnW0mZwo7ZLw8z2wROvGMqpEpIIqw3b8wNl4S0CYVyIws6NBxZIxs_i973NL1NUVZm3T9RzMplvSP8be87YV8IrMnc6z-0DZLA-3su8hB7YuAbfqaVA-2R3dm3204/s320/IMG_1989.jpg" width="320" /></a><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg8gal8JZE_f3e_2GZUmV4GFzUeVaYRVnu9CkQ4uWOd6NYkkPTuPaqmYXDinDb8ZyNct1JpAI4MhBT0ZZ58h4ywQxgOm_yYt7LSPB1KlKUVWkmHnyFGM3K5cq2ISYjt8bbY5xdRb7cpmEo/s1600/IMG_1982.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg8gal8JZE_f3e_2GZUmV4GFzUeVaYRVnu9CkQ4uWOd6NYkkPTuPaqmYXDinDb8ZyNct1JpAI4MhBT0ZZ58h4ywQxgOm_yYt7LSPB1KlKUVWkmHnyFGM3K5cq2ISYjt8bbY5xdRb7cpmEo/s320/IMG_1982.jpg" width="320" /></a></div>
Ralphhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/16555104492679454425noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2312660955738638590.post-88318608952642452122012-07-09T16:59:00.001-07:002012-07-09T17:46:54.533-07:00Descent Into The Black CanyonSaturday, my friend Nori and I drove out of the rain in Ouray and Ridgway heading for sunnier climes: The Black Canyon of the Gunnison river, just east of Montrose, Colorado, appeared to be warm and sunny. It was a fine goal. I flashed my Golden Age Passport at the park entrance station (I always hated the name Golden Age; who thinks up these things???) Nori asked Maureen at the information desk to suggest a hike. The normal trails seemed to ramble through the scrub oak. We wanted to descend into the canyon. This involved getting a "Wilderness Permit" just to scramble to the bottom. Hmmmm! Maureen described the descent in excruciating detail and made us sign the permit that we would be our own rescue team, wouldn't steal from the park, etc. Then we headed down the route...not a trail, according to the Park. <br />
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<div style="text-align: center;">
Nori peeks over the edge and starts down</div>
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<br /></div>
<div style="text-align: left;">
It coursed for a few hundred yards through the scrub oak, then dropped precipitously through the Douglas fir trees into an 1,800-foot scree and boulder pile straight to the Gunnison River. As we scrambled, signs warned us to go no further without the required permit. Hmmm! We had the permit.</div>
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The Black Canyon opens in full splendor</div>
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<br /></div>
<div style="text-align: left;">
My daughter Daphne had given me a Sony Bloggie camera for father's day. I became a nuisance to Nori stopping often to capture a scene. To a rock and mountain climber, this is heaven. Huge rock walls composed of pre-Cambrian gneiss and schist. Threading through the rock were enormous seams of lighter pegmatite containing giant crystals of quartz, feldspar, and mica snaking through the darker bedrock. As we hiked, we spotted large chunks of white quarts lying among the dark schist. </div>
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We spy the river below</div>
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<br /></div>
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Nori was having a blast, being careful and admiring the National Park's scenic wonders. She made the obligatory complaints that this was hard and scary, but continued down undaunted. About a third of the way down the "trail" drops precipitously for about a hundred feet, and the park service has graciously affixed a logging chain to a tree for a handhold. I wished they had spent their effort making a short switchback here to prevent the erosion and increase the safety. Down we slithered.</div>
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<div style="text-align: center;">
The dreaded chain down the nearly vertical dirt and rocks</div>
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<br /></div>
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Looking across at the cliffs on the other side we gauged our progress in thirds. It was a furnace with little cloud cover, so we stopped at each third and drank from our water bottles. The Black Canyon is a popular venue for rock climbers, but the routes are extremely difficult, so only the very skilled climbers venture down to the bottom. It is the opposite of mountain climbing where a climber ascends the mountain, then descends on a rope. Here the climbers descend gullies and rappel on the ropes, then climb out to the canyon rim.</div>
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Half way down, we look across at the sheer rock walls</div>
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<br /></div>
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The dirt and bushes turned to scree hanging on the angle of repose. We carefully placed out feet on the larger rocks to avoid dislodging them and sending a rockslide down the gully onto others. These rocks are old, metamorphic rock, created in a molten state about 1.7 billion years ago making them some of the oldest rock in the country. About 70 to 40 million years ago, the entire area was part of the Laramide uplift. Somewhere around 26 million years ago huge volcanoes drenched the landscape in deep lava. </div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgZBAG4WmMmHOR9XuEAyezeh4pz51_s3c6XdoCpggEe-BMJw9WQUpWNdv5mdUsOjVjwaUUdFwofHuZZ2-nyJ5jazQ5_C-j7vfyKqssxGEtnkINvkw3VuzdQytGF1edpf0EQELKoUX3_apw/s1600/DSC00088.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgZBAG4WmMmHOR9XuEAyezeh4pz51_s3c6XdoCpggEe-BMJw9WQUpWNdv5mdUsOjVjwaUUdFwofHuZZ2-nyJ5jazQ5_C-j7vfyKqssxGEtnkINvkw3VuzdQytGF1edpf0EQELKoUX3_apw/s320/DSC00088.jpg" width="179" /></a></div>
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The route angle lessens near the bottom</div>
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Then, as recently as 2 to 3 million years ago, the region uplifted again, and the west-flowing Gunnison river quickly cut a channel down to the old bedrock. Currently it is eroding down at a rate of one inch per hundred years. Extremely quickly in geologic time. It is the 5th steepest river in North America, with an average drop of 34 feet per mile. We could see the rapids everywhere.</div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhVDwiS4tq5TGJpqK-K03Rw_5AHZ-YP3NsfW9gqwMu3G3FZDEVZNjy3m3IB-e7DOJiYiSdjBhiFgr_t7nWvG-Z8gRpw1R2TY6tTJEfWYLAOehOb-YiGAjKE50P3d7Sk770H1FEMfAQQit8/s1600/DSC00096.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="179" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhVDwiS4tq5TGJpqK-K03Rw_5AHZ-YP3NsfW9gqwMu3G3FZDEVZNjy3m3IB-e7DOJiYiSdjBhiFgr_t7nWvG-Z8gRpw1R2TY6tTJEfWYLAOehOb-YiGAjKE50P3d7Sk770H1FEMfAQQit8/s320/DSC00096.JPG" width="320" /></a></div>
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Nori descending</div>
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Once at the river, the scenery changed: willows, alders, a few pines, grass, and poison ivy abound. </div>
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Maureen in the Visitor Center had warned us not to drink the water or swim in in: too cold! Hmmmmmm! It looked fine to me. The only reason I didn't jump is was because two fishermen were trying to catch the wily trout. Being from Alaska this looked and felt like the tropics.</div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEikNaZrktLTiP2IpYdESTn7wLbnNpzHc3Bs2rVVQGyBamml7FRUGloajgT9Bt7cFDonWC9RAjXFDnHTUVEBmFMUJJlbzyNI_EbxSGlhEQNSLsOLpNmpymN2ui3P-NsxYPOmFcZr4gkPFSo/s1600/DSC00094.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="179" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEikNaZrktLTiP2IpYdESTn7wLbnNpzHc3Bs2rVVQGyBamml7FRUGloajgT9Bt7cFDonWC9RAjXFDnHTUVEBmFMUJJlbzyNI_EbxSGlhEQNSLsOLpNmpymN2ui3P-NsxYPOmFcZr4gkPFSo/s320/DSC00094.JPG" width="320" /></a></div>
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The Gunnison River</div>
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We took a tour downstream and talked to a young couple who were working in North Park (north of the famous South Park!) at a National Wildlife Refuge. Everyone we met was happy...almost. I think a girlfriend talked her boyfriend into it, and he was no so gleeful.</div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjXVDtBvKcfRdcaOx3UdrIHzz7XHpPx-31X5r6gZC7r1JwcDLD91Y26lVeFWloMn20uhZlB9sGECcXo93eLoVqBW5WG4TXqWafm9UeTm8AMHOGBUbTRLuvRuoZCBMdghXGkEK9kR1HFSBE/s1600/DSC00097.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="179" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjXVDtBvKcfRdcaOx3UdrIHzz7XHpPx-31X5r6gZC7r1JwcDLD91Y26lVeFWloMn20uhZlB9sGECcXo93eLoVqBW5WG4TXqWafm9UeTm8AMHOGBUbTRLuvRuoZCBMdghXGkEK9kR1HFSBE/s320/DSC00097.JPG" width="320" /></a></div>
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The happy camper at the bottom</div>
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We found shade under a tamarisk and ate some nuts and raisins, gulped more water, and prepared for the climb out. We were surrounded by high canyon walls, and the only exit was the way we had descended. We bet it was faster and easier to climb up frontwards than to climb down facing out. Hmmmm!</div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgq7XWVVFi_AUsOAzEkhP_kavOly_Q_KVe59Vvr9VhX243vUce9EkPbo0AGllVQUKTpqXexJnGeUzIu3XTaoq9Wp3CndDgBbb4QRqusYk-fjjKPMhZcsNd8Y0j-WBj5W5vykE4kzNAR3AU/s1600/DSC00098.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgq7XWVVFi_AUsOAzEkhP_kavOly_Q_KVe59Vvr9VhX243vUce9EkPbo0AGllVQUKTpqXexJnGeUzIu3XTaoq9Wp3CndDgBbb4QRqusYk-fjjKPMhZcsNd8Y0j-WBj5W5vykE4kzNAR3AU/s320/DSC00098.jpg" width="179" /></a></div>
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Looking up about 2,000 feet to the north </div>
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It was quite a feast for the eyes. A few vultures flew ominously overhead. I scouted out climbing routes and thought about bringing a fishing rod next time. Although I didn't see anyone actually catch a fish, I know there are big brown trout in the river.</div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh0prjNcTpPYCO5lU6vdEkIW1NyFqEYU3rWAxVBCGU8ULF9UCkw52BQwZqgcSsV132kTegm2qFyn9mGHwj54DYt7MCfr0gsE9M9emL03mFzTCwLZl0n-6DChuUblfJWaCoJF_Ti_T1dBtk/s1600/DSC00101.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh0prjNcTpPYCO5lU6vdEkIW1NyFqEYU3rWAxVBCGU8ULF9UCkw52BQwZqgcSsV132kTegm2qFyn9mGHwj54DYt7MCfr0gsE9M9emL03mFzTCwLZl0n-6DChuUblfJWaCoJF_Ti_T1dBtk/s320/DSC00101.jpg" width="179" /></a></div>
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Elegant towers loom over us</div>
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The climb out was easier, but tiring. We looked up and saw huge storm clouds, the ones that were raining on me in Ouray in the morning when we left. Up past the scree, up through the steep ravines, past the chain, and finally onto the final stretch to the visitor center to turn in our permit, proving that we had not been swallowed by the chasm. </div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgnk6lpEECW295yczbQv6aJ8ubbFOd9y3b5ARKYUE2OX4zoLJhBY53I2feQon7HYdQhNSRYBC-hcKIYBCW2J2AFiChHQhSRyl6O2Jnth84KAIR1rG3x9JCfSgAYldPQJo65tr4e1EBM9Z0/s1600/DSC00103.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="179" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgnk6lpEECW295yczbQv6aJ8ubbFOd9y3b5ARKYUE2OX4zoLJhBY53I2feQon7HYdQhNSRYBC-hcKIYBCW2J2AFiChHQhSRyl6O2Jnth84KAIR1rG3x9JCfSgAYldPQJo65tr4e1EBM9Z0/s320/DSC00103.JPG" width="320" /></a></div>
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The lunch spot on a log at the river</div>
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One more hike off the bucket list! It had been a fine day, and we had 'cheated death once more'. </div>Ralphhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/16555104492679454425noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2312660955738638590.post-18416337106010626782012-02-26T22:23:00.003-08:002012-02-26T22:24:15.811-08:00Southfork Ice Festival<table valign="top" class="sdw_box" border="0" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" width="626"><tbody><tr><td class="sdw_top"><br /></td> <td><img src="http://www.supertopo.com/nav_img/top_right_sdw.gif" height="13" width="13" /></td> </tr> <tr> <td class="sdw_left"><br /></td> <td class="sdw_body" width="600"><div><a title="Click to enlarge"><img src="http://www.supertopo.com/photos/11/74/238956_22508_L.jpg" name="" alt="A view of the cliffs lining the Southfork of the Shoshone River. Grea..." height="450" width="600" /></a><span class="small"><br />A view of the cliffs lining the Southfork of the Shoshone River. Great ice: one of several hundred such climbs.<br /><div class="photo-credit">Credit: AKTrad<br />[<a href="http://www.supertopo.com/inc/photo_edit.php?dpid=Mzs4PDo_JSIr&dgotopage=B11YBH9CW1tYV11BXxh_VF0UfF5PSVdJIS1tN3V0dXJxJ2QjOCAi">Edit this Photo</a>]</div></span></div></td> <td class="sdw_right"><br /></td> </tr> <tr> <td><img src="http://www.supertopo.com/nav_img/bottom_left_sdw.gif" height="13" width="13" /></td> <td class="sdw_bottom"><br /></td> <td><img src="http://www.supertopo.com/nav_img/bottom_right_sdw.gif" height="13" width="13" /></td> </tr> </tbody></table> Don Foote had called and asked me to present a slide show Saturday night at the ice festival in Cody, Wyoming. Having never climbed there, I accepted immediately. Don drove me up the Southfork road accompanied by a continuous narration of the climbs as we passed them; he was a mine of information as I craned my neck to see above. The road was littered with deer, thousands of them, then sheep, then elk. I even spotted a cat hunting in a field.<br /><div class="photonormal"><table valign="top" class="sdw_box" border="0" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" width="626"> <tbody><tr> <td><img src="http://www.supertopo.com/nav_img/top_left_sdw.gif" height="13" width="13" /></td> <td class="sdw_top"><br /></td> <td><img src="http://www.supertopo.com/nav_img/top_right_sdw.gif" height="13" width="13" /></td> </tr> <tr> <td class="sdw_left"><br /></td> <td class="sdw_body" width="600"><div><a title="Click to enlarge"><img src="http://www.supertopo.com/photos/11/74/238959_15356_L.jpg" name="" alt="Bighorn sheep on the road." height="450" width="600" /></a><span class="small"><br />Bighorn sheep on the road.<br /><div class="photo-credit">Credit: AKTrad<br />[<a href="http://www.supertopo.com/inc/photo_edit.php?dpid=Mzs4PDs-Jygg&dgotopage=B11YBH9CW1tYV11BXxh_VF0UfF5PSVdJIS1tN3V0dXJxJ2QjOCAi">Edit this Photo</a>]</div></span></div></td> <td class="sdw_right"><br /></td> </tr> <tr> <td><img src="http://www.supertopo.com/nav_img/bottom_left_sdw.gif" height="13" width="13" /></td> <td class="sdw_bottom"><br /></td> <td><img src="http://www.supertopo.com/nav_img/bottom_right_sdw.gif" height="13" width="13" /></td> </tr> </tbody></table> </div>The next day, we met "The Germans", Marco, Klaus, Christian, and Carmen. Marco had come a year before at the invite of his friend Werner, a Cody local. Now I had partners and relied on their experience to lead me to a fine new climb. They inadvertently led us to a detached hollow slushpile. However we had a blast in the warm sun. I let up the mush while they tried to call me down. At the top I grabbed a 2" willow that broke off in my hand, but I belayed from the scrub anyway, depending on the experience of a lifetime of rotten belays. It seemed normal.<br /><div class="photonormal"><table valign="top" class="sdw_box" border="0" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" width="476"> <tbody><tr> <td><img src="http://www.supertopo.com/nav_img/top_left_sdw.gif" height="13" width="13" /></td> <td class="sdw_top"><br /></td> <td><img src="http://www.supertopo.com/nav_img/top_right_sdw.gif" height="13" width="13" /></td> </tr> <tr> <td class="sdw_left"><br /></td> <td class="sdw_body" width="450"><div><a title="Click to enlarge"><img src="http://www.supertopo.com/photos/11/74/238963_9995_L.jpg" name="" alt="The slush blob appears" height="600" width="450" /></a><span class="small"><br />The slush blob appears<br /><div class="photo-credit">Credit: AKTrad<br />[<a href="http://www.supertopo.com/inc/photo_edit.php?dpid=Mzs4PDg5Jygk&dgotopage=B11YBH9CW1tYV11BXxh_VF0UfF5PSVdJIS1tN3V0dXJxJ2QjOCAi">Edit this Photo</a>]</div></span></div></td> <td class="sdw_right"><br /></td> </tr> <tr> <td><img src="http://www.supertopo.com/nav_img/bottom_left_sdw.gif" height="13" width="13" /></td> <td class="sdw_bottom"><br /></td> <td><img src="http://www.supertopo.com/nav_img/bottom_right_sdw.gif" height="13" width="13" /></td> </tr> </tbody></table> </div><div class="photonormal"><table valign="top" class="sdw_box" border="0" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" width="626"> <tbody><tr> <td><img src="http://www.supertopo.com/nav_img/top_left_sdw.gif" height="13" width="13" /></td> <td class="sdw_top"><br /></td> <td><img src="http://www.supertopo.com/nav_img/top_right_sdw.gif" height="13" width="13" /></td> </tr> <tr> <td class="sdw_left"><br /></td> <td class="sdw_body" width="600"><div><a title="Click to enlarge"><img src="http://www.supertopo.com/photos/11/74/238961_14988_L.jpg" name="" alt="Marco on belay...for all the good it would do!" height="450" width="600" /></a><span class="small"><br />Marco on belay...for all the good it would do!<br /><div class="photo-credit">Credit: AKTrad<br />[<a href="http://www.supertopo.com/inc/photo_edit.php?dpid=Mzs4PDs2Iigm&dgotopage=B11YBH9CW1tYV11BXxh_VF0UfF5PSVdJIS1tN3V0dXJxJ2QjOCAi">Edit this Photo</a>]</div></span></div></td> <td class="sdw_right"><br /></td> </tr> <tr> <td><img src="http://www.supertopo.com/nav_img/bottom_left_sdw.gif" height="13" width="13" /></td> <td class="sdw_bottom"><br /></td> <td><img src="http://www.supertopo.com/nav_img/bottom_right_sdw.gif" height="13" width="13" /></td> </tr> </tbody></table> </div><div class="photonormal"><table valign="top" class="sdw_box" border="0" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" width="626"> <tbody><tr> <td><img src="http://www.supertopo.com/nav_img/top_left_sdw.gif" height="13" width="13" /></td> <td class="sdw_top"><br /></td> <td><img src="http://www.supertopo.com/nav_img/top_right_sdw.gif" height="13" width="13" /></td> </tr> <tr> <td class="sdw_left"><br /></td> <td class="sdw_body" width="600"><div><a title="Click to enlarge"><img src="http://www.supertopo.com/photos/11/74/238964_31107_L.jpg" name="" alt="Klaus shades his eyes from the melting sun" height="450" width="600" /></a><span class="small"><br />Klaus shades his eyes from the melting sun<br /><div class="photo-credit">Credit: AKTrad<br />[<a href="http://www.supertopo.com/inc/photo_edit.php?dpid=Mzs4PDk_JSUl&dgotopage=B11YBH9CW1tYV11BXxh_VF0UfF5PSVdJIS1tN3V0dXJxJ2QjOCAi">Edit this Photo</a>]</div></span></div></td> <td class="sdw_right"><br /></td> </tr> <tr> <td><img src="http://www.supertopo.com/nav_img/bottom_left_sdw.gif" height="13" width="13" /></td> <td class="sdw_bottom"><br /></td> <td><img src="http://www.supertopo.com/nav_img/bottom_right_sdw.gif" height="13" width="13" /></td> </tr> </tbody></table> </div><div class="photonormal"><table valign="top" class="sdw_box" border="0" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" width="626"> <tbody><tr> <td><img src="http://www.supertopo.com/nav_img/top_left_sdw.gif" height="13" width="13" /></td> <td class="sdw_top"><br /></td> <td><img src="http://www.supertopo.com/nav_img/top_right_sdw.gif" height="13" width="13" /></td> </tr> <tr> <td class="sdw_left"><br /></td> <td class="sdw_body" width="600"><div><a title="Click to enlarge"><img src="http://www.supertopo.com/photos/11/74/238965_11993_L.jpg" name="" alt="Christian gives our effort a thumbs-up." height="450" width="600" /></a><span class="small"><br />Christian gives our effort a thumbs-up.<br /><div class="photo-credit">Credit: AKTrad<br />[<a href="http://www.supertopo.com/inc/photo_edit.php?dpid=Mzs4PDk7Iigq&dgotopage=B11YBH9CW1tYV11BXxh_VF0UfF5PSVdJIS1tN3V0dXJxJ2QjOCAi">Edit this Photo</a>]</div></span></div></td> <td class="sdw_right"><br /></td> </tr> <tr> <td><img src="http://www.supertopo.com/nav_img/bottom_left_sdw.gif" height="13" width="13" /></td> <td class="sdw_bottom"><br /></td> <td><img src="http://www.supertopo.com/nav_img/bottom_right_sdw.gif" height="13" width="13" /></td> </tr> </tbody></table> </div><br />The Germans had been climbing for several days straight, so this was a great rest day for them. I hadn't climbed ice in a month, except for chopping the ice off the eves of my house after the continuous snowfall of the past several months in Anchorage. The mushy ice caved under my feet. A sheet of water ran behind the ice-like substance I was standing on, and a hollow "Thunk" shuddered the whole edifice at every blow.<br /><div class="photonormal"><table valign="top" class="sdw_box" border="0" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" width="476"> <tbody><tr> <td><img src="http://www.supertopo.com/nav_img/top_left_sdw.gif" height="13" width="13" /></td> <td class="sdw_top"><br /></td> <td><img src="http://www.supertopo.com/nav_img/top_right_sdw.gif" height="13" width="13" /></td> </tr> <tr> <td class="sdw_left"><br /></td> <td class="sdw_body" width="450"><div><a title="Click to enlarge"><img src="http://www.supertopo.com/photos/11/74/238966_18156_L.jpg" name="" alt="Klaus with a resigned look, ready to go!" height="600" width="450" /></a><span class="small"><br />Klaus with a resigned look, ready to go!<br /><div class="photo-credit">Credit: AKTrad<br />[<a href="http://www.supertopo.com/inc/photo_edit.php?dpid=Mzs4PDk3ICUr&dgotopage=B11YBH9CW1tYV11BXxh_VF0UfF5PSVdJIS1tN3V0dXJxJ2QjOCAi">Edit this Photo</a>]</div></span></div></td> <td class="sdw_right"><br /></td> </tr> <tr> <td><img src="http://www.supertopo.com/nav_img/bottom_left_sdw.gif" height="13" width="13" /></td> <td class="sdw_bottom"><br /></td> <td><img src="http://www.supertopo.com/nav_img/bottom_right_sdw.gif" height="13" width="13" /></td> </tr> </tbody></table> </div><div class="photonormal"><table valign="top" class="sdw_box" border="0" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" width="626"> <tbody><tr> <td><img src="http://www.supertopo.com/nav_img/top_left_sdw.gif" height="13" width="13" /></td> <td class="sdw_top"><br /></td> <td><img src="http://www.supertopo.com/nav_img/top_right_sdw.gif" height="13" width="13" /></td> </tr> <tr> <td class="sdw_left"><br /></td> <td class="sdw_body" width="600"><div><a title="Click to enlarge"><img src="http://www.supertopo.com/photos/11/74/238967_11003_L.jpg" name="" alt="Werner emerges..." height="450" width="600" /></a><span class="small"><br />Werner emerges...<br /><div class="photo-credit">Credit: AKTrad<br />[<a href="http://www.supertopo.com/inc/photo_edit.php?dpid=Mzs4PDY-KCEi&dgotopage=B11YBH9CW1tYV11BXxh_VF0UfF5PSVdJIS1tN3V0dXJxJ2QjOCAi">Edit this Photo</a>]</div></span></div></td> <td class="sdw_right"><br /></td> </tr> <tr> <td><img src="http://www.supertopo.com/nav_img/bottom_left_sdw.gif" height="13" width="13" /></td> <td class="sdw_bottom"><br /></td> <td><img src="http://www.supertopo.com/nav_img/bottom_right_sdw.gif" height="13" width="13" /></td> </tr> </tbody></table> </div>Carol and Jen arrived from Boulder, lifting my spirits even higher. I had discovered the Silver Dollar bar and grill the night before, so we all headed over for beer and burgers.<br /><div class="photonormal"><table valign="top" class="sdw_box" border="0" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" width="476"> <tbody><tr> <td><img src="http://www.supertopo.com/nav_img/top_left_sdw.gif" height="13" width="13" /></td> <td class="sdw_top"><br /></td> <td><img src="http://www.supertopo.com/nav_img/top_right_sdw.gif" height="13" width="13" /></td> </tr> <tr> <td class="sdw_left"><br /></td> <td class="sdw_body" width="450"><div><a title="Click to enlarge"><img src="http://www.supertopo.com/photos/11/74/238970_26348_L.jpg" name="" alt="Kate, my new best friend at the bar" height="600" width="450" /></a><span class="small"><br />Kate, my new best friend at the bar<br /><div class="photo-credit">Credit: AKTrad<br />[<a href="http://www.supertopo.com/inc/photo_edit.php?dpid=Mzs4PDc8ICQh&dgotopage=B11YBH9CW1tYV11BXxh_VF0UfF5PSVdJIS1tN3V0dXJxJ2QjOCAi">Edit this Photo</a>]</div></span></div></td> <td class="sdw_right"><br /></td> </tr> <tr> <td><img src="http://www.supertopo.com/nav_img/bottom_left_sdw.gif" height="13" width="13" /></td> <td class="sdw_bottom"><br /></td> <td><img src="http://www.supertopo.com/nav_img/bottom_right_sdw.gif" height="13" width="13" /></td> </tr> </tbody></table> </div><div class="photonormal"><table valign="top" class="sdw_box" border="0" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" width="476"> <tbody><tr> <td><img src="http://www.supertopo.com/nav_img/top_left_sdw.gif" height="13" width="13" /></td> <td class="sdw_top"><br /></td> <td><img src="http://www.supertopo.com/nav_img/top_right_sdw.gif" height="13" width="13" /></td> </tr> <tr> <td class="sdw_left"><br /></td> <td class="sdw_body" width="450"><div><a title="Click to enlarge"><img src="http://www.supertopo.com/photos/11/74/238971_23292_L.jpg" name="" alt="The menu of 3 items!" height="600" width="450" /></a><span class="small"><br />The menu of 3 items!<br /><div class="photo-credit">Credit: AKTrad<br />[<a href="http://www.supertopo.com/inc/photo_edit.php?dpid=Mzs4PDc5KCEm&dgotopage=B11YBH9CW1tYV11BXxh_VF0UfF5PSVdJIS1tN3V0dXJxJ2QjOCAi">Edit this Photo</a>]</div></span></div></td> <td class="sdw_right"><br /></td> </tr> <tr> <td><img src="http://www.supertopo.com/nav_img/bottom_left_sdw.gif" height="13" width="13" /></td> <td class="sdw_bottom"><br /></td> <td><img src="http://www.supertopo.com/nav_img/bottom_right_sdw.gif" height="13" width="13" /></td> </tr> </tbody></table> </div>I asked Kate, the server, what I should eat. "A Hamburger!" she replied. I looked at the menu. Only three items, the first was the burger. I saw they had IPA on tap. I was in heaven.<br /><div class="photonormal"><table valign="top" class="sdw_box" border="0" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" width="476"> <tbody><tr> <td><img src="http://www.supertopo.com/nav_img/top_left_sdw.gif" height="13" width="13" /></td> <td class="sdw_top"><br /></td> <td><img src="http://www.supertopo.com/nav_img/top_right_sdw.gif" height="13" width="13" /></td> </tr> <tr> <td class="sdw_left"><br /></td> <td class="sdw_body" width="450"><div><a title="Click to enlarge"><img src="http://www.supertopo.com/photos/11/74/238972_17654_L.jpg" name="" alt="Waiting for Godot...and a hamburger with my IPA." height="600" width="450" /></a><span class="small"><br />Waiting for Godot...and a hamburger with my IPA.<br /><div class="photo-credit">Credit: AKTrad<br />[<a href="http://www.supertopo.com/inc/photo_edit.php?dpid=Mzs4Pz4_JSQn&dgotopage=B11YBH9CW1tYV11BXxh_VF0UfF5PSVdJIS1tN3V0dXJxJ2QjOCAi">Edit this Photo</a>]</div></span></div></td> <td class="sdw_right"><br /></td> </tr> <tr> <td><img src="http://www.supertopo.com/nav_img/bottom_left_sdw.gif" height="13" width="13" /></td> <td class="sdw_bottom"><br /></td> <td><img src="http://www.supertopo.com/nav_img/bottom_right_sdw.gif" height="13" width="13" /></td> </tr> </tbody></table> </div><div class="photonormal"><table valign="top" class="sdw_box" border="0" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" width="476"> <tbody><tr> <td><img src="http://www.supertopo.com/nav_img/top_left_sdw.gif" height="13" width="13" /></td> <td class="sdw_top"><br /></td> <td><img src="http://www.supertopo.com/nav_img/top_right_sdw.gif" height="13" width="13" /></td> </tr> <tr> <td class="sdw_left"><br /></td> <td class="sdw_body" width="450"><div><a title="Click to enlarge"><img src="http://www.supertopo.com/photos/11/74/238973_31317_L.jpg" name="" alt="Paradise on earth" height="600" width="450" /></a><span class="small"><br />Paradise on earth<br /><div class="photo-credit">Credit: AKTrad<br />[<a href="http://www.supertopo.com/inc/photo_edit.php?dpid=Mzs4Pz47IyEk&dgotopage=B11YBH9CW1tYV11BXxh_VF0UfF5PSVdJIS1tN3V0dXJxJ2QjOCAi">Edit this Photo</a>]</div></span></div></td> <td class="sdw_right"><br /></td> </tr> <tr> <td><img src="http://www.supertopo.com/nav_img/bottom_left_sdw.gif" height="13" width="13" /></td> <td class="sdw_bottom"><br /></td> <td><img src="http://www.supertopo.com/nav_img/bottom_right_sdw.gif" height="13" width="13" /></td> </tr> </tbody></table> </div>The rest of Team Germany had taken a rest day, but there was no rest for Marco when he heard Carol and Jen would be along. We picked "Chasing the Sun" at the end of the road and a short 45 minute hike up the boulders. It turned out to be an excellent choice. It was Jen's first ice climb. She is a fantastic ice climber and had just started her new job as the Rocky Mtn Regional Rep for the American Alpine Club. <br /><div class="photonormal"><table valign="top" class="sdw_box" border="0" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" width="626"> <tbody><tr> <td><img src="http://www.supertopo.com/nav_img/top_left_sdw.gif" height="13" width="13" /></td> <td class="sdw_top"><br /></td> <td><img src="http://www.supertopo.com/nav_img/top_right_sdw.gif" height="13" width="13" /></td> </tr> <tr> <td class="sdw_left"><br /></td> <td class="sdw_body" width="600"><div><a title="Click to enlarge"><img src="http://www.supertopo.com/photos/11/75/238975_16317_L.jpg" name="" alt="Jen and Carol approach "Chasing the Sun"" height="450" width="600" /></a><span class="small"><br />Jen and Carol approach "Chasing the Sun"<br /><div class="photo-credit">Credit: AKTrad<br />[<a href="http://www.supertopo.com/inc/photo_edit.php?dpid=Mzs4Pz8-KCEq&dgotopage=B11YBH9CW1tYV11BXxh_VF0UfF5PSVdJIS1tN3V0dXJxJ2QjOCAi">Edit this Photo</a>]</div></span></div></td> <td class="sdw_right"><br /></td> </tr> <tr> <td><img src="http://www.supertopo.com/nav_img/bottom_left_sdw.gif" height="13" width="13" /></td> <td class="sdw_bottom"><br /></td> <td><img src="http://www.supertopo.com/nav_img/bottom_right_sdw.gif" height="13" width="13" /></td> </tr> </tbody></table> </div><div class="photonormal"><table valign="top" class="sdw_box" border="0" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" width="626"> <tbody><tr> <td><img src="http://www.supertopo.com/nav_img/top_left_sdw.gif" height="13" width="13" /></td> <td class="sdw_top"><br /></td> <td><img src="http://www.supertopo.com/nav_img/top_right_sdw.gif" height="13" width="13" /></td> </tr> <tr> <td class="sdw_left"><br /></td> <td class="sdw_body" width="600"><div><a title="Click to enlarge"><img src="http://www.supertopo.com/photos/11/75/238976_2377_L.jpg" name="" alt="A big smile seeing the ice!" height="450" width="600" /></a><span class="small"><br />A big smile seeing the ice!<br /><div class="photo-credit">Credit: AKTrad<br />[<a href="http://www.supertopo.com/inc/photo_edit.php?dpid=Mzs4Pz86JSQr&dgotopage=B11YBH9CW1tYV11BXxh_VF0UfF5PSVdJIS1tN3V0dXJxJ2QjOCAi">Edit this Photo</a>]</div></span></div></td> <td class="sdw_right"><br /></td> </tr> <tr> <td><img src="http://www.supertopo.com/nav_img/bottom_left_sdw.gif" height="13" width="13" /></td> <td class="sdw_bottom"><br /></td> <td><img src="http://www.supertopo.com/nav_img/bottom_right_sdw.gif" height="13" width="13" /></td> </tr> </tbody></table> </div>The vertical curtain of ice was bullet hard in the morning sun; it would be a perfect place to learn.<br /><div class="photonormal"><table valign="top" class="sdw_box" border="0" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" width="476"> <tbody><tr> <td><img src="http://www.supertopo.com/nav_img/top_left_sdw.gif" height="13" width="13" /></td> <td class="sdw_top"><br /></td> <td><img src="http://www.supertopo.com/nav_img/top_right_sdw.gif" height="13" width="13" /></td> </tr> <tr> <td class="sdw_left"><br /></td> <td class="sdw_body" width="450"><div><a title="Click to enlarge"><img src="http://www.supertopo.com/photos/11/75/238977_20710_L.jpg" name="" alt="The first pitch" height="600" width="450" /></a><span class="small"><br />The first pitch<br /><div class="photo-credit">Credit: AKTrad<br />[<a href="http://www.supertopo.com/inc/photo_edit.php?dpid=Mzs4Pz82IyAi&dgotopage=B11YBH9CW1tYV11BXxh_VF0UfF5PSVdJIS1tN3V0dXJxJ2QjOCAi">Edit this Photo</a>]</div></span></div></td> <td class="sdw_right"><br /></td> </tr> <tr> <td><img src="http://www.supertopo.com/nav_img/bottom_left_sdw.gif" height="13" width="13" /></td> <td class="sdw_bottom"><br /></td> <td><img src="http://www.supertopo.com/nav_img/bottom_right_sdw.gif" height="13" width="13" /></td> </tr> </tbody></table> </div>Carol led up the left hand edge with Marco. I took the right side and set up a top rope. Jen floated up the ice. I was impressed.<br /><div class="photonormal"><table valign="top" class="sdw_box" border="0" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" width="476"> <tbody><tr> <td><img src="http://www.supertopo.com/nav_img/top_left_sdw.gif" height="13" width="13" /></td> <td class="sdw_top"><br /></td> <td><img src="http://www.supertopo.com/nav_img/top_right_sdw.gif" height="13" width="13" /></td> </tr> <tr> <td class="sdw_left"><br /></td> <td class="sdw_body" width="450"><div><a title="Click to enlarge"><img src="http://www.supertopo.com/photos/11/75/238978_4590_L.jpg" name="" alt="Jen flying upward" height="600" width="450" /></a><span class="small"><br />Jen flying upward<br /><div class="photo-credit">Credit: AKTrad<br />[<a href="http://www.supertopo.com/inc/photo_edit.php?dpid=Mzs4Pzw8ICcj&dgotopage=B11YBH9CW1tYV11BXxh_VF0UfF5PSVdJIS1tN3V0dXJxJ2QjOCAi">Edit this Photo</a>]</div></span></div></td> <td class="sdw_right"><br /></td> </tr> <tr> <td><img src="http://www.supertopo.com/nav_img/bottom_left_sdw.gif" height="13" width="13" /></td> <td class="sdw_bottom"><br /></td> <td><img src="http://www.supertopo.com/nav_img/bottom_right_sdw.gif" height="13" width="13" /></td> </tr> </tbody></table> </div>Don had volunteered us to teach a clinic for beginning climbers on Saturday. Nineteen folks were supposed to be in the clinic with five instructors; twenty six showed up. It was excellent! To weed out the weak, the snow-covered road stopped several of the huge trucks and became stuck on the hill. Like wounded hippos, We abandoned the wounded ones like hippos on a riverbank, filled the rest with the crew and continued on. The greatest casualty was the Doc, who slipped on the road and snapped his humerus off at the ball. Don took him back to the hospital.<br /><div class="photonormal"><table valign="top" class="sdw_box" border="0" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" width="626"> <tbody><tr> <td><img src="http://www.supertopo.com/nav_img/top_left_sdw.gif" height="13" width="13" /></td> <td class="sdw_top"><br /></td> <td><img src="http://www.supertopo.com/nav_img/top_right_sdw.gif" height="13" width="13" /></td> </tr> <tr> <td class="sdw_left"><br /></td> <td class="sdw_body" width="600"><div><a title="Click to enlarge"><img src="http://www.supertopo.com/photos/11/75/238981_6362_L.jpg" name="" alt="Allie & beer!" height="450" width="600" /></a><span class="small"><br />Allie & beer!<br /><div class="photo-credit">Credit: AKTrad<br />[<a href="http://www.supertopo.com/inc/photo_edit.php?dpid=Mzs4Pz07IyAm&dgotopage=B11YBH9CW1tYV11BXxh_VF0UfF5PSVdJIS1tN3V0dXJxJ2QjOCAi">Edit this Photo</a>]</div></span></div></td> <td class="sdw_right"><br /></td> </tr> <tr> <td><img src="http://www.supertopo.com/nav_img/bottom_left_sdw.gif" height="13" width="13" /></td> <td class="sdw_bottom"><br /></td> <td><img src="http://www.supertopo.com/nav_img/bottom_right_sdw.gif" height="13" width="13" /></td> </tr> </tbody></table> </div>The three large climbs of grade 2 and grade 3 ice were an hour's drive and a 45 minute hike, guaranteeing that everyone who made it would be in moderate shape and warmed up. The guides set up 4 top-ropes, and we went to work with the crowd, giving everyone a chance to climb all four. It was a Wyoming Bubba event, so a huge smoky bonfire was soon glowing, warming the cold souls who roasted hot dogs.<br /><div class="photonormal"><table valign="top" class="sdw_box" border="0" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" width="476"> <tbody><tr> <td><img src="http://www.supertopo.com/nav_img/top_left_sdw.gif" height="13" width="13" /></td> <td class="sdw_top"><br /></td> <td><img src="http://www.supertopo.com/nav_img/top_right_sdw.gif" height="13" width="13" /></td> </tr> <tr> <td class="sdw_left"><br /></td> <td class="sdw_body" width="450"><div><a title="Click to enlarge"><img src="http://www.supertopo.com/photos/11/75/238980_19109_L.jpg" name="" alt="Climbers practice on the line of ice, while bystanders cook hot dogs." height="600" width="450" /></a><span class="small"><br />Climbers practice on the line of ice, while bystanders cook hot dogs.<br /><div class="photo-credit">Credit: AKTrad<br />[<a href="http://www.supertopo.com/inc/photo_edit.php?dpid=Mzs4Pz0_JSch&dgotopage=B11YBH9CW1tYV11BXxh_VF0UfF5PSVdJIS1tN3V0dXJxJ2QjOCAi">Edit this Photo</a>]</div></span></div></td> <td class="sdw_right"><br /></td> </tr> <tr> <td><img src="http://www.supertopo.com/nav_img/bottom_left_sdw.gif" height="13" width="13" /></td> <td class="sdw_bottom"><br /></td> <td><img src="http://www.supertopo.com/nav_img/bottom_right_sdw.gif" height="13" width="13" /></td> </tr> </tbody></table> </div><div class="photonormal"><table valign="top" class="sdw_box" border="0" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" width="626"> <tbody><tr> <td><img src="http://www.supertopo.com/nav_img/top_left_sdw.gif" height="13" width="13" /></td> <td class="sdw_top"><br /></td> <td><img src="http://www.supertopo.com/nav_img/top_right_sdw.gif" height="13" width="13" /></td> </tr> <tr> <td class="sdw_left"><br /></td> <td class="sdw_body" width="600"><div><a title="Click to enlarge"><img src="http://www.supertopo.com/photos/11/75/238982_26985_L.jpg" name="" alt="Shane with battle wound" height="450" width="600" /></a><span class="small"><br />Shane with battle wound<br /><div class="photo-credit">Credit: AKTrad<br />[<a href="http://www.supertopo.com/inc/photo_edit.php?dpid=Mzs4Pz03ICcn&dgotopage=B11YBH9CW1tYV11BXxh_VF0UfF5PSVdJIS1tN3V0dXJxJ2QjOCAi">Edit this Photo</a>]</div></span></div></td> <td class="sdw_right"><br /></td> </tr> <tr> <td><img src="http://www.supertopo.com/nav_img/bottom_left_sdw.gif" height="13" width="13" /></td> <td class="sdw_bottom"><br /></td> <td><img src="http://www.supertopo.com/nav_img/bottom_right_sdw.gif" height="13" width="13" /></td> </tr> </tbody></table> </div><div class="photonormal"><table valign="top" class="sdw_box" border="0" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" width="476"> <tbody><tr> <td><img src="http://www.supertopo.com/nav_img/top_left_sdw.gif" height="13" width="13" /></td> <td class="sdw_top"><br /></td> <td><img src="http://www.supertopo.com/nav_img/top_right_sdw.gif" height="13" width="13" /></td> </tr> <tr> <td class="sdw_left"><br /></td> <td class="sdw_body" width="450"><div><a title="Click to enlarge"><img src="http://www.supertopo.com/photos/11/75/238984_6944_L.jpg" name="" alt="Don arrives after medical duty on the Doc" height="600" width="450" /></a><span class="small"><br />Don arrives after medical duty on the Doc<br /><div class="photo-credit">Credit: AKTrad<br />[<a href="http://www.supertopo.com/inc/photo_edit.php?dpid=Mzs4Pzo6JScl&dgotopage=B11YBH9CW1tYV11BXxh_VF0UfF5PSVdJIS1tN3V0dXJxJ2QjOCAi">Edit this Photo</a>]</div></span></div></td> <td class="sdw_right"><br /></td> </tr> <tr> <td><img src="http://www.supertopo.com/nav_img/bottom_left_sdw.gif" height="13" width="13" /></td> <td class="sdw_bottom"><br /></td> <td><img src="http://www.supertopo.com/nav_img/bottom_right_sdw.gif" height="13" width="13" /></td> </tr> </tbody></table> </div>By 3 pm we were done, and I had a slide show to present at 8. I'm sure I had the most fun, recollecting the 1967 rescue on the North Face of the Grand Teton and the lives of my friends who lived through it with me. Looking into the audience, I saw old friends like George Lowe, John Bragg, Mary Ann Dornfeld. And new ones like my nephew's wife's brother Pete McConkie. I had a great evening slurping down the free Ranger IPA, compliments of New Belgium Brewing.<br /><div class="photonormal"><table valign="top" class="sdw_box" border="0" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" width="626"> <tbody><tr> <td><img src="http://www.supertopo.com/nav_img/top_left_sdw.gif" height="13" width="13" /></td> <td class="sdw_top"><br /></td> <td><img src="http://www.supertopo.com/nav_img/top_right_sdw.gif" height="13" width="13" /></td> </tr> <tr> <td class="sdw_left"><br /></td> <td class="sdw_body" width="600"><div><a title="Click to enlarge"><img src="http://www.supertopo.com/photos/11/75/238985_13225_L.jpg" name="" alt="The SAR folks ascend the choss and scree" height="450" width="600" /></a><span class="small"><br />The SAR folks ascend the choss and scree<br /><div class="photo-credit">Credit: AKTrad<br />[<a href="http://www.supertopo.com/inc/photo_edit.php?dpid=Mzs4Pzo2IyAq&dgotopage=B11YBH9CW1tYV11BXxh_VF0UfF5PSVdJIS1tN3V0dXJxJ2QjOCAi">Edit this Photo</a>]</div></span></div></td> <td class="sdw_right"><br /></td> </tr> <tr> <td><img src="http://www.supertopo.com/nav_img/bottom_left_sdw.gif" height="13" width="13" /></td> <td class="sdw_bottom"><br /></td> <td><img src="http://www.supertopo.com/nav_img/bottom_right_sdw.gif" height="13" width="13" /></td> </tr> </tbody></table> </div>But Sunday morning came early. Don had roped me into helping him teach a clinic on mountain rescue to the local SAR groups. We headed out in Don's huge Suburban loaded with the coolest rescue gear ever. I, who come from the era of goldline ropes, steel carabiners, Stokes litters, and bowline knots, would be helping instruct a state-of-the-art rescue school. Well, I could help them be safe. And, I'm not a total Luddite; I do use new gear!<br /><div class="photonormal"><table valign="top" class="sdw_box" border="0" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" width="626"> <tbody><tr> <td><img src="http://www.supertopo.com/nav_img/top_left_sdw.gif" height="13" width="13" /></td> <td class="sdw_top"><br /></td> <td><img src="http://www.supertopo.com/nav_img/top_right_sdw.gif" height="13" width="13" /></td> </tr> <tr> <td class="sdw_left"><br /></td> <td class="sdw_body" width="600"><div><a title="Click to enlarge"><img src="http://www.supertopo.com/photos/11/75/238986_31445_L.jpg" name="" alt="On the slick traverse to the climb" height="450" width="600" /></a><span class="small"><br />On the slick traverse to the climb<br /><div class="photo-credit">Credit: AKTrad<br />[<a href="http://www.supertopo.com/inc/photo_edit.php?dpid=Mzs4Pzs8ICcr&dgotopage=B11YBH9CW1tYV11BXxh_VF0UfF5PSVdJIS1tN3V0dXJxJ2QjOCAi">Edit this Photo</a>]</div></span></div></td> <td class="sdw_right"><br /></td> </tr> <tr> <td><img src="http://www.supertopo.com/nav_img/bottom_left_sdw.gif" height="13" width="13" /></td> <td class="sdw_bottom"><br /></td> <td><img src="http://www.supertopo.com/nav_img/bottom_right_sdw.gif" height="13" width="13" /></td> </tr> </tbody></table> </div>We scraped up a scree pile, across a somewhat dangerous traverse and down to the top of a nice 60 foot climb where Don set up a very modern tripod and pulley.<br /><div class="photonormal"><table valign="top" class="sdw_box" border="0" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" width="476"> <tbody><tr> <td><img src="http://www.supertopo.com/nav_img/top_left_sdw.gif" height="13" width="13" /></td> <td class="sdw_top"><br /></td> <td><img src="http://www.supertopo.com/nav_img/top_right_sdw.gif" height="13" width="13" /></td> </tr> <tr> <td class="sdw_left"><br /></td> <td class="sdw_body" width="450"><div><a title="Click to enlarge"><img src="http://www.supertopo.com/photos/11/75/238987_48_L.jpg" name="" alt="Working with the rescue tripod" height="600" width="450" /></a><span class="small"><br />Working with the rescue tripod<br /><div class="photo-credit">Credit: AKTrad<br />[<a href="http://www.supertopo.com/inc/photo_edit.php?dpid=Mzs4Pzs5KCMi&dgotopage=B11YBH9CW1tYV11BXxh_VF0UfF5PSVdJIS1tN3V0dXJxJ2QjOCAi">Edit this Photo</a>]</div></span></div></td> <td class="sdw_right"><br /></td> </tr> <tr> <td><img src="http://www.supertopo.com/nav_img/bottom_left_sdw.gif" height="13" width="13" /></td> <td class="sdw_bottom"><br /></td> <td><img src="http://www.supertopo.com/nav_img/bottom_right_sdw.gif" height="13" width="13" /></td> </tr> </tbody></table> </div>I'm sure I learned the most. It was a great group of folks from the surrounding communities. Everyone had a turn both lowering and raising the litter using the traditional 3 to 1 pulley system over the tripod.<br /><div class="photonormal"><table valign="top" class="sdw_box" border="0" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" width="476"> <tbody><tr> <td><img src="http://www.supertopo.com/nav_img/top_left_sdw.gif" height="13" width="13" /></td> <td class="sdw_top"><br /></td> <td><img src="http://www.supertopo.com/nav_img/top_right_sdw.gif" height="13" width="13" /></td> </tr> <tr> <td class="sdw_left"><br /></td> <td class="sdw_body" width="450"><div><a title="Click to enlarge"><img src="http://www.supertopo.com/photos/11/75/238988_18397_L.jpg" name="" alt="The folks haul on the 3:1 system" height="600" width="450" /></a><span class="small"><br />The folks haul on the 3:1 system<br /><div class="photo-credit">Credit: AKTrad<br />[<a href="http://www.supertopo.com/inc/photo_edit.php?dpid=Mzs4Pzg_JSYj&dgotopage=B11YBH9CW1tYV11BXxh_VF0UfF5PSVdJIS1tN3V0dXJxJ2QjOCAi">Edit this Photo</a>]</div></span></div></td> <td class="sdw_right"><br /></td> </tr> <tr> <td><img src="http://www.supertopo.com/nav_img/bottom_left_sdw.gif" height="13" width="13" /></td> <td class="sdw_bottom"><br /></td> <td><img src="http://www.supertopo.com/nav_img/bottom_right_sdw.gif" height="13" width="13" /></td> </tr> </tbody></table> </div>Very cool! I'll be back next year for sure, and I'll plan to spend more time searching out those big drips.Ralphhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/16555104492679454425noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2312660955738638590.post-41142837408987371312012-02-26T09:09:00.001-08:002012-02-26T09:10:51.167-08:00THE GREAT BOOK LIST<p dir="ltr" style="text-align: center; margin-top: 0pt; margin-bottom: 0pt;" id="internal-source-marker_0.2534897066806303"><span style="font-size:13px;font-family:Verdana;color:#000000;background-color:transparent;font-weight:normal;font-style:normal;font-variant:normal;text-decoration:none;vertical-align:baseline;">THE GREAT BOOK LIST</span></p><span style="font-size:13px;font-family:Verdana;color:#000000;background-color:transparent;font-weight:normal;font-style:normal;font-variant:normal;text-decoration:none;vertical-align:baseline;"></span><br /><span style="font-size:13px;font-family:Verdana;color:#000000;background-color:transparent;font-weight:normal;font-style:normal;font-variant:normal;text-decoration:none;vertical-align:baseline;"></span><br /><span style="font-size:13px;font-family:Verdana;color:#000000;background-color:transparent;font-weight:normal;font-style:normal;font-variant:normal;text-decoration:none;vertical-align:baseline;">Since I was a young boy, I have kept a list of the books I've read in a red three-ring binder where the scraps of various kinds of paper, written with a variety of pencils and pens are preserved. Amazingly, I had never looked back to review all the books until one day recently, cleaning out my office, I thumbed through the list. Suddenly I was in a time warp, traveling back through the years remembering these wonderful books and what each meant to me. Why I picked each one could take volumes; suffice to say that each seemed like a good idea at the time. Some were text books, some travel volumes, some read for school, and some just trashy novels at the beach or on a airplane.</span><br /><span style="font-size:13px;font-family:Verdana;color:#000000;background-color:transparent;font-weight:normal;font-style:normal;font-variant:normal;text-decoration:none;vertical-align:baseline;"></span><br /><span style="font-size:13px;font-family:Verdana;color:#000000;background-color:transparent;font-weight:normal;font-style:normal;font-variant:normal;text-decoration:none;vertical-align:baseline;">There were fat years and lean years. Right after my son Thor was born, I seemed to do a lot of reading, possibly while I was rocking him to sleep. Somehow I didn't put Dr. Suess's "Cat in the Hat" on my list, but I must have read it to him a hundred times. Then in 1984 when I built our log home in Denali Park in Alaska, I only had time for a few. </span><br /><span style="font-size:13px;font-family:Verdana;color:#000000;background-color:transparent;font-weight:normal;font-style:normal;font-variant:normal;text-decoration:none;vertical-align:baseline;"></span><br /><span style="font-size:13px;font-family:Verdana;color:#000000;background-color:transparent;font-weight:normal;font-style:normal;font-variant:normal;text-decoration:none;vertical-align:baseline;">My father and mother both read to me as a child: "Blueberries for Sal", "The Little Engine That Could", "Paddle to the Sea", Tree in the Trail", "Jack and the Beanstalk", "The Pokey Little Puppy", "Little Black Sambo", "Call it Courage"... Mom was a school teacher, and dad was a doctor, so they had excellent taste in a child's reading program. I wish I could remember all the titles.</span><br /><span style="font-size:13px;font-family:Verdana;color:#000000;background-color:transparent;font-weight:normal;font-style:normal;font-variant:normal;text-decoration:none;vertical-align:baseline;"></span><br /><span style="font-size:13px;font-family:Verdana;color:#000000;background-color:transparent;font-weight:normal;font-style:normal;font-variant:normal;text-decoration:none;vertical-align:baseline;">As a young boy I envied my father's library, locked in his study in the basement. He had installed the hinge with the pins on the outside of the door, and I became expert in extracting the pins with a butter knife, quickly lifting the door off the hinges, then replacing it within seconds to gain access. I loved his study: it had his great-grandfather's pistol and rifle, his college swimming medals, a beautiful glass-covered desk, and walls lined with fine books. I still remember nearly every title as my mind's eye scans the rows. Of course, to a young mind, Kinsey's "The Sexual Behavior of the Human Male" and "Sexual Behavior of the Human Female" were where I got all my early knowledge of sexuality. But the great books, T. E. Lawrence's "Seven Pillars of Wisdom", W. Somerset Maugham's "Of Human Bondage", among hundreds, were my favorites. I would take a book, slightly move each volume in the row so it appeared all the books were still there, take it to my room and read it at night. I'm sure my father never had a clue.</span><br /><span style="font-size:13px;font-family:Verdana;color:#000000;background-color:transparent;font-weight:normal;font-style:normal;font-variant:normal;text-decoration:none;vertical-align:baseline;"></span><br /><span style="font-size:13px;font-family:Verdana;color:#000000;background-color:transparent;font-weight:normal;font-style:normal;font-variant:normal;text-decoration:none;vertical-align:baseline;">From our house on 11th avenue, Bus No. 6 took me downtown to the Salt Lake City Public Library for a nickle. I strolled the stacks looking through the great outdoor books by Ernest Thompson Seton or Daniel Beard. I loved science and checked out every book in the children's section. I still remember W. Maxwell Reed's "The Sea for Sam", "The Earth for Sam", and "The Stars for Sam". Alfred P. Morgan was another favorite who wrote science books. I checked out each of them many times: "The Boy Electrician", "First Chemistry Book for Boys and Girls", "The Boys First Book of Radio and Electronics" (on through the Fourth Book...), and "An Aquarium Book for Boys and Girls". I remember buying an aquarium afterwards and having fish, hamsters, spiders, snakes, and lizards for years after, much to my mother's consternation.</span><br /><span style="font-size:13px;font-family:Verdana;color:#000000;background-color:transparent;font-weight:normal;font-style:normal;font-variant:normal;text-decoration:none;vertical-align:baseline;"></span><br /><span style="font-size:13px;font-family:Verdana;color:#000000;background-color:transparent;font-weight:normal;font-style:normal;font-variant:normal;text-decoration:none;vertical-align:baseline;">By eleven I graduated from the children's section upstairs to the adult section. Geology had become my passion, and the very best books were there: geology textbooks on sedimentology, historical geology, mineralogy. Volumes like "Dana's System of Mineralogy" which was far beyond me, but somehow it all made sense and my knowledge grew. </span><br /><span style="font-size:13px;font-family:Verdana;color:#000000;background-color:transparent;font-weight:normal;font-style:normal;font-variant:normal;text-decoration:none;vertical-align:baseline;"></span><br /><span style="font-size:13px;font-family:Verdana;color:#000000;background-color:transparent;font-weight:normal;font-style:normal;font-variant:normal;text-decoration:none;vertical-align:baseline;">Frederick H. Pough's "Field Guide to Rocks and Minerals" was the first book I bought. It cost $3.75 which I earned from mowing lawns at a dollar each. I still have that book. My library grew over the years and the geology books transitioned to mountaineering books after I discovered climbing at age 14. </span><br /><span style="font-size:13px;font-family:Verdana;color:#000000;background-color:transparent;font-weight:normal;font-style:normal;font-variant:normal;text-decoration:none;vertical-align:baseline;"></span><br /><span style="font-size:13px;font-family:Verdana;color:#000000;background-color:transparent;font-weight:normal;font-style:normal;font-variant:normal;text-decoration:none;vertical-align:baseline;">The world opened even wider when I left home and went to Finland, learning a foreign language. But my reading narrowed. As a Mormon missionary, I was limited to reading only the basic church books: the Bible, the Book of Mormon, Pearl of Great Price, and Doctrine and Covenants. Reading the Bible was a life-changing exercise. After a short way into the book, I realized I didn't believe the theology; it made no sense to me in light of everything I knew, and I spent the next several years trying to reconcile my life and beliefs with reality. My whole social fabric was the Mormon church, and leaving didn't seem to be a possibility. </span><br /><span style="font-size:13px;font-family:Verdana;color:#000000;background-color:transparent;font-weight:normal;font-style:normal;font-variant:normal;text-decoration:none;vertical-align:baseline;"></span><br /><span style="font-size:13px;font-family:Verdana;color:#000000;background-color:transparent;font-weight:normal;font-style:normal;font-variant:normal;text-decoration:none;vertical-align:baseline;">At home back in Utah, I changed my major from pre-med to Classical Greek. It was a crazy thing to do, but I was fascinated by languages, and for the next two years I took every class that the professors would teach. The Greek classics grew on my bookshelves, along with grammars, books on linguistics, commentaries, and volumes in a variety of foreign languages.</span><br /><span style="font-size:13px;font-family:Verdana;color:#000000;background-color:transparent;font-weight:normal;font-style:normal;font-variant:normal;text-decoration:none;vertical-align:baseline;"></span><br /><span style="font-size:13px;font-family:Verdana;color:#000000;background-color:transparent;font-weight:normal;font-style:normal;font-variant:normal;text-decoration:none;vertical-align:baseline;">In the fall of 1967 I moved to Baltimore for graduate school at The Johns Hopkins University studying Arabic and Near Eastern Languages. There were hundreds of school books during graduate school when I was so involved in my research and work that I never put them on the list. During the five years working on my Ph.D. I read stacks of books in Arabic which are not on the list, and I would have had to transliterate the titles into Roman script from Arabic. It is interesting that during this period I included books I had read for pleasure at home, but not books I read in my study carrel in the library.</span><br /><span style="font-size:13px;font-family:Verdana;color:#000000;background-color:transparent;font-weight:normal;font-style:normal;font-variant:normal;text-decoration:none;vertical-align:baseline;"></span><br /><span style="font-size:13px;font-family:Verdana;color:#000000;background-color:transparent;font-weight:normal;font-style:normal;font-variant:normal;text-decoration:none;vertical-align:baseline;">It was the 60's and besides my studies, I discovered the beat poets, Alan Ginsberg, Jack Kerouac, and principally Gary Snyder whose poetry seemed to speak to me. Poetry has been a passion all my life, and now the group of poets expanded: I discovered the New Directions Press, full of titles that would have been forbidden in my early life. Little by little the library grew. </span><br /><span style="font-size:13px;font-family:Verdana;color:#000000;background-color:transparent;font-weight:normal;font-style:normal;font-variant:normal;text-decoration:none;vertical-align:baseline;"></span><br /><span style="font-size:13px;font-family:Verdana;color:#000000;background-color:transparent;font-weight:normal;font-style:normal;font-variant:normal;text-decoration:none;vertical-align:baseline;">The Bollingen series of books was started in the early 40's by Mary Mellon. Many of them were source books for my Near Eastern studies, so I started to acquire those beautiful volumes. I never stopped, and still today, if I see a rare on in a used book store I haul it home. They now take up four stacked barrister bookcases.</span><br /><span style="font-size:13px;font-family:Verdana;color:#000000;background-color:transparent;font-weight:normal;font-style:normal;font-variant:normal;text-decoration:none;vertical-align:baseline;"></span><br /><span style="font-size:13px;font-family:Verdana;color:#000000;background-color:transparent;font-weight:normal;font-style:normal;font-variant:normal;text-decoration:none;vertical-align:baseline;">I loved the classics, but often they would take more time and concentration, so I developed the habit of taking the heavy (both in size and content) books on the plane or on a mountain trip, thus guaranteeing I would read the book. As I moved from home to home, I carted those books along. By now, I have a house-full of magnificent volumes. I dread ever moving again.</span><br /><span style="font-size:13px;font-family:Verdana;color:#000000;background-color:transparent;font-weight:normal;font-style:normal;font-variant:normal;text-decoration:none;vertical-align:baseline;"></span><br /><span style="font-size:13px;font-family:Verdana;color:#000000;background-color:transparent;font-weight:normal;font-style:normal;font-variant:normal;text-decoration:none;vertical-align:baseline;">Unfortunately, this is not a complete list. As I read through it, I remembered many books that I didn't write down at the time. Although it isn't perfect, it is a good cross-section of my reading life. So, I re-typed the list here, mostly so my two children can someday see what made their dad.</span><br /><p dir="ltr" style="text-align: center; margin-top: 0pt; margin-bottom: 0pt;"><span style="font-size:13px;font-family:Verdana;color:#000000;background-color:transparent;font-weight:normal;font-style:normal;font-variant:normal;text-decoration:none;vertical-align:baseline;"> </span></p><span style="font-size:13px;font-family:Verdana;color:#000000;background-color:transparent;font-weight:normal;font-style:normal;font-variant:normal;text-decoration:none;vertical-align:baseline;"></span><br /><p dir="ltr" style="text-align: center; margin-top: 0pt; margin-bottom: 0pt;"><span style="font-size:13px;font-family:Verdana;color:#000000;background-color:transparent;font-weight:normal;font-style:normal;font-variant:normal;text-decoration:none;vertical-align:baseline;">BOOKS THAT I HAVE READ</span></p><span style="font-size:13px;font-family:Verdana;color:#000000;background-color:transparent;font-weight:normal;font-style:normal;font-variant:normal;text-decoration:none;vertical-align:baseline;"></span><br /><span style="font-size:13px;font-family:Verdana;color:#000000;background-color:transparent;font-weight:bold;font-style:normal;font-variant:normal;text-decoration:none;vertical-align:baseline;">CHILDHOOD</span><br /><span style="font-size:13px;font-family:Verdana;color:#000000;background-color:transparent;font-weight:bold;font-style:normal;font-variant:normal;text-decoration:none;vertical-align:baseline;"></span><br /><span style="font-size:13px;font-family:Verdana;color:#000000;background-color:transparent;font-weight:normal;font-style:normal;font-variant:normal;text-decoration:none;vertical-align:baseline;">1943-1950</span><br /><span style="font-size:13px;font-family:Verdana;color:#000000;background-color:transparent;font-weight:normal;font-style:normal;font-variant:normal;text-decoration:none;vertical-align:baseline;">The Tree in the Trail</span><br /><span style="font-size:13px;font-family:Verdana;color:#000000;background-color:transparent;font-weight:normal;font-style:normal;font-variant:normal;text-decoration:none;vertical-align:baseline;">Seabird</span><br /><span style="font-size:13px;font-family:Verdana;color:#000000;background-color:transparent;font-weight:normal;font-style:normal;font-variant:normal;text-decoration:none;vertical-align:baseline;">Paddle-to-the-Sea</span><br /><span style="font-size:13px;font-family:Verdana;color:#000000;background-color:transparent;font-weight:normal;font-style:normal;font-variant:normal;text-decoration:none;vertical-align:baseline;">The Little Engine Who Could</span><br /><span style="font-size:13px;font-family:Verdana;color:#000000;background-color:transparent;font-weight:normal;font-style:normal;font-variant:normal;text-decoration:none;vertical-align:baseline;">Captains Courageous</span><br /><span style="font-size:13px;font-family:Verdana;color:#000000;background-color:transparent;font-weight:normal;font-style:normal;font-variant:normal;text-decoration:none;vertical-align:baseline;">Little Black Sambo</span><br /><span style="font-size:13px;font-family:Verdana;color:#000000;background-color:transparent;font-weight:normal;font-style:normal;font-variant:normal;text-decoration:none;vertical-align:baseline;">Dick and Jane</span><br /><span style="font-size:13px;font-family:Verdana;color:#000000;background-color:transparent;font-weight:normal;font-style:normal;font-variant:normal;text-decoration:none;vertical-align:baseline;">Uncle Remus Stories</span><br /><span style="font-size:13px;font-family:Verdana;color:#000000;background-color:transparent;font-weight:normal;font-style:normal;font-variant:normal;text-decoration:none;vertical-align:baseline;">Jack in the Beanstalk</span><br /><span style="font-size:13px;font-family:Verdana;color:#000000;background-color:transparent;font-weight:normal;font-style:normal;font-variant:normal;text-decoration:none;vertical-align:baseline;">Hansel and Gretel</span><br /><span style="font-size:13px;font-family:Verdana;color:#000000;background-color:transparent;font-weight:normal;font-style:normal;font-variant:normal;text-decoration:none;vertical-align:baseline;">Little Red Riding Hood</span><br /><span style="font-size:13px;font-family:Verdana;color:#000000;background-color:transparent;font-weight:normal;font-style:normal;font-variant:normal;text-decoration:none;vertical-align:baseline;">Aesop's Fables</span><br /><span style="font-size:13px;font-family:Verdana;color:#000000;background-color:transparent;font-weight:normal;font-style:normal;font-variant:normal;text-decoration:none;vertical-align:baseline;"></span><br /><span style="font-size:13px;font-family:Verdana;color:#000000;background-color:transparent;font-weight:normal;font-style:normal;font-variant:normal;text-decoration:none;vertical-align:baseline;"></span><br /><span style="font-size:13px;font-family:Verdana;color:#000000;background-color:transparent;font-weight:bold;font-style:normal;font-variant:normal;text-decoration:none;vertical-align:baseline;">GRADE SCHOOL</span><br /><span style="font-size:13px;font-family:Verdana;color:#000000;background-color:transparent;font-weight:bold;font-style:normal;font-variant:normal;text-decoration:none;vertical-align:baseline;"></span><br /><span style="font-size:13px;font-family:Verdana;color:#000000;background-color:transparent;font-weight:normal;font-style:normal;font-variant:normal;text-decoration:none;vertical-align:baseline;">1950-1956</span><br /><span style="font-size:13px;font-family:Verdana;color:#000000;background-color:transparent;font-weight:normal;font-style:normal;font-variant:normal;text-decoration:none;vertical-align:baseline;">The complete Hardy Boys series</span><br /><span style="font-size:13px;font-family:Verdana;color:#000000;background-color:transparent;font-weight:normal;font-style:normal;font-variant:normal;text-decoration:none;vertical-align:baseline;">The complete Tom Swift series</span><br /><span style="font-size:13px;font-family:Verdana;color:#000000;background-color:transparent;font-weight:normal;font-style:normal;font-variant:normal;text-decoration:none;vertical-align:baseline;">The Santa Fe Trail - Landmark Series</span><br /><span style="font-size:13px;font-family:Verdana;color:#000000;background-color:transparent;font-weight:normal;font-style:normal;font-variant:normal;text-decoration:none;vertical-align:baseline;">Kit Carson and the Wild Frontier - Landmark</span><br /><span style="font-size:13px;font-family:Verdana;color:#000000;background-color:transparent;font-weight:normal;font-style:normal;font-variant:normal;text-decoration:none;vertical-align:baseline;">Daniel Boone - Landmark</span><br /><span style="font-size:13px;font-family:Verdana;color:#000000;background-color:transparent;font-weight:normal;font-style:normal;font-variant:normal;text-decoration:none;vertical-align:baseline;">Davy Crockett - Landmark</span><br /><span style="font-size:13px;font-family:Verdana;color:#000000;background-color:transparent;font-weight:normal;font-style:normal;font-variant:normal;text-decoration:none;vertical-align:baseline;">Boy Scout Handbook</span><br /><span style="font-size:13px;font-family:Verdana;color:#000000;background-color:transparent;font-weight:normal;font-style:normal;font-variant:normal;text-decoration:none;vertical-align:baseline;">Rockets, Jets, Guided Missiles and Space Ships; Jack Coggins & Fletcher Pratt</span><br /><span style="font-size:13px;font-family:Verdana;color:#000000;background-color:transparent;font-weight:normal;font-style:normal;font-variant:normal;text-decoration:none;vertical-align:baseline;">Our Friend the Atom; Heinz Haber</span><br /><span style="font-size:13px;font-family:Verdana;color:#000000;background-color:transparent;font-weight:normal;font-style:normal;font-variant:normal;text-decoration:none;vertical-align:baseline;">Field Guide to Rocks and Minerals; Fredrick H. Pough</span><br /><span style="font-size:13px;font-family:Verdana;color:#000000;background-color:transparent;font-weight:normal;font-style:normal;font-variant:normal;text-decoration:none;vertical-align:baseline;">My Hobby is Collecting Rocks and Minerals</span><br /><span style="font-size:13px;font-family:Verdana;color:#000000;background-color:transparent;font-weight:normal;font-style:normal;font-variant:normal;text-decoration:none;vertical-align:baseline;">Trapper Jim; Edwyn Sandys</span><br /><span style="font-size:13px;font-family:Verdana;color:#000000;background-color:transparent;font-weight:normal;font-style:normal;font-variant:normal;text-decoration:none;vertical-align:baseline;">The American Boy's Book of Bugs, Butterflies, and Beetles; Daniel Beard</span><br /><span style="font-size:13px;font-family:Verdana;color:#000000;background-color:transparent;font-weight:normal;font-style:normal;font-variant:normal;text-decoration:none;vertical-align:baseline;">Shelters, Shacks, and Shanties - Daniel Beard</span><br /><span style="font-size:13px;font-family:Verdana;color:#000000;background-color:transparent;font-weight:normal;font-style:normal;font-variant:normal;text-decoration:none;vertical-align:baseline;">The Buckskin Book for Buckskin Men and Boys; Daniel Beard</span><br /><span style="font-size:13px;font-family:Verdana;color:#000000;background-color:transparent;font-weight:normal;font-style:normal;font-variant:normal;text-decoration:none;vertical-align:baseline;">The Wisdom of the Woods; Daniel Beard</span><br /><span style="font-size:13px;font-family:Verdana;color:#000000;background-color:transparent;font-weight:normal;font-style:normal;font-variant:normal;text-decoration:none;vertical-align:baseline;">Wild Animals I Have Known; Ernest Thompson Seton</span><br /><span style="font-size:13px;font-family:Verdana;color:#000000;background-color:transparent;font-weight:normal;font-style:normal;font-variant:normal;text-decoration:none;vertical-align:baseline;">Lobo, King of the Krumpa; Ernest Thompson Seton</span><br /><span style="font-size:13px;font-family:Verdana;color:#000000;background-color:transparent;font-weight:normal;font-style:normal;font-variant:normal;text-decoration:none;vertical-align:baseline;">Two Little Savages; Ernest Thompson Seton</span><br /><span style="font-size:13px;font-family:Verdana;color:#000000;background-color:transparent;font-weight:normal;font-style:normal;font-variant:normal;text-decoration:none;vertical-align:baseline;">Manual of the Woodcraft Indians; Ernest Thompson Seton</span><br /><span style="font-size:13px;font-family:Verdana;color:#000000;background-color:transparent;font-weight:normal;font-style:normal;font-variant:normal;text-decoration:none;vertical-align:baseline;">The Book of Woodcraft and Indian Lore; Ernest Thompson Seton</span><br /><span style="font-size:13px;font-family:Verdana;color:#000000;background-color:transparent;font-weight:normal;font-style:normal;font-variant:normal;text-decoration:none;vertical-align:baseline;">Rolf in the Woods; Ernest Thompson Seton</span><br /><span style="font-size:13px;font-family:Verdana;color:#000000;background-color:transparent;font-weight:normal;font-style:normal;font-variant:normal;text-decoration:none;vertical-align:baseline;">First Chemistry Book for Boys; Alfred P. Morgan</span><br /><span style="font-size:13px;font-family:Verdana;color:#000000;background-color:transparent;font-weight:normal;font-style:normal;font-variant:normal;text-decoration:none;vertical-align:baseline;">First Electrical Book for Boys; Alfred P. Morgan</span><br /><span style="font-size:13px;font-family:Verdana;color:#000000;background-color:transparent;font-weight:normal;font-style:normal;font-variant:normal;text-decoration:none;vertical-align:baseline;">The Boy Electrician; Alfred P. Morgan</span><br /><span style="font-size:13px;font-family:Verdana;color:#000000;background-color:transparent;font-weight:normal;font-style:normal;font-variant:normal;text-decoration:none;vertical-align:baseline;">The Boy's First Book of Radio and Electronics; Alfred P. Morgan</span><br /><span style="font-size:13px;font-family:Verdana;color:#000000;background-color:transparent;font-weight:normal;font-style:normal;font-variant:normal;text-decoration:none;vertical-align:baseline;">The Boy's Second Book of Radio and Electronics; Alfred P. Morgan</span><br /><span style="font-size:13px;font-family:Verdana;color:#000000;background-color:transparent;font-weight:normal;font-style:normal;font-variant:normal;text-decoration:none;vertical-align:baseline;">An Aquarium Book for Boys and Girls; Alfred P. Morgan</span><br /><span style="font-size:13px;font-family:Verdana;color:#000000;background-color:transparent;font-weight:normal;font-style:normal;font-variant:normal;text-decoration:none;vertical-align:baseline;">The Sea for Sam; W. Maxwell Reed & Wilfred Bronson</span><br /><span style="font-size:13px;font-family:Verdana;color:#000000;background-color:transparent;font-weight:normal;font-style:normal;font-variant:normal;text-decoration:none;vertical-align:baseline;">The Earth for Sam; W. Maxwell Reed & Wilfred Bronson</span><br /><span style="font-size:13px;font-family:Verdana;color:#000000;background-color:transparent;font-weight:normal;font-style:normal;font-variant:normal;text-decoration:none;vertical-align:baseline;">The Stars for Sam; W. Maxwell Reed & Wilfred Bronson</span><br /><span style="font-size:13px;font-family:Verdana;color:#000000;background-color:transparent;font-weight:normal;font-style:normal;font-variant:normal;text-decoration:none;vertical-align:baseline;">Royal Road to Romance; Richard Halliburton</span><br /><span style="font-size:13px;font-family:Verdana;color:#000000;background-color:transparent;font-weight:normal;font-style:normal;font-variant:normal;text-decoration:none;vertical-align:baseline;">The Glorious Adventrue; Richard Halliburton</span><br /><span style="font-size:13px;font-family:Verdana;color:#000000;background-color:transparent;font-weight:normal;font-style:normal;font-variant:normal;text-decoration:none;vertical-align:baseline;">Richard Halliburton's Complete Book of Marvels; Richard Halliburton</span><br /><span style="font-size:13px;font-family:Verdana;color:#000000;background-color:transparent;font-weight:normal;font-style:normal;font-variant:normal;text-decoration:none;vertical-align:baseline;">Seven League Boots; Richard Halliburton</span><br /><span style="font-size:13px;font-family:Verdana;color:#000000;background-color:transparent;font-weight:normal;font-style:normal;font-variant:normal;text-decoration:none;vertical-align:baseline;">The Boy Scout Handbook</span><br /><span style="font-size:13px;font-family:Verdana;color:#000000;background-color:transparent;font-weight:normal;font-style:normal;font-variant:normal;text-decoration:none;vertical-align:baseline;">The Story of Thomas Alva Edison</span><br /><span style="font-size:13px;font-family:Verdana;color:#000000;background-color:transparent;font-weight:normal;font-style:normal;font-variant:normal;text-decoration:none;vertical-align:baseline;">Rocks and Minerals; Herbert Zim</span><br /><span style="font-size:13px;font-family:Verdana;color:#000000;background-color:transparent;font-weight:normal;font-style:normal;font-variant:normal;text-decoration:none;vertical-align:baseline;">Reptiles and Amphibians; Herbert Zim</span><br /><span style="font-size:13px;font-family:Verdana;color:#000000;background-color:transparent;font-weight:normal;font-style:normal;font-variant:normal;text-decoration:none;vertical-align:baseline;">A Magician of Science: The Boy's Life of Steinmetz; Hammond</span><br /><span style="font-size:13px;font-family:Verdana;color:#000000;background-color:transparent;font-weight:normal;font-style:normal;font-variant:normal;text-decoration:none;vertical-align:baseline;"></span><br /><span style="font-size:13px;font-family:Verdana;color:#000000;background-color:transparent;font-weight:bold;font-style:normal;font-variant:normal;text-decoration:none;vertical-align:baseline;">JUNIOR HIGH SCHOOL</span><br /><span style="font-size:13px;font-family:Verdana;color:#000000;background-color:transparent;font-weight:bold;font-style:normal;font-variant:normal;text-decoration:none;vertical-align:baseline;"></span><br /><span style="font-size:13px;font-family:Verdana;color:#000000;background-color:transparent;font-weight:normal;font-style:normal;font-variant:normal;text-decoration:none;vertical-align:baseline;">1957</span><br /><span style="font-size:13px;font-family:Verdana;color:#000000;background-color:transparent;font-weight:normal;font-style:normal;font-variant:normal;text-decoration:none;vertical-align:baseline;">Madame Curie; Marie Curie</span><br /><span style="font-size:13px;font-family:Verdana;color:#000000;background-color:transparent;font-weight:normal;font-style:normal;font-variant:normal;text-decoration:none;vertical-align:baseline;"></span><br /><span style="font-size:13px;font-family:Verdana;color:#000000;background-color:transparent;font-weight:normal;font-style:normal;font-variant:normal;text-decoration:none;vertical-align:baseline;"></span><br /><span style="font-size:13px;font-family:Verdana;color:#000000;background-color:transparent;font-weight:normal;font-style:normal;font-variant:normal;text-decoration:none;vertical-align:baseline;">1958</span><br /><span style="font-size:13px;font-family:Verdana;color:#000000;background-color:transparent;font-weight:normal;font-style:normal;font-variant:normal;text-decoration:none;vertical-align:baseline;">Rimrock; Luke Short</span><br /><span style="font-size:13px;font-family:Verdana;color:#000000;background-color:transparent;font-weight:normal;font-style:normal;font-variant:normal;text-decoration:none;vertical-align:baseline;"></span><br /><span style="font-size:13px;font-family:Verdana;color:#000000;background-color:transparent;font-weight:normal;font-style:normal;font-variant:normal;text-decoration:none;vertical-align:baseline;">1959</span><br /><span style="font-size:13px;font-family:Verdana;color:#000000;background-color:transparent;font-weight:normal;font-style:normal;font-variant:normal;text-decoration:none;vertical-align:baseline;">The Amboy Dukes; Irving Shulman</span><br /><span style="font-size:13px;font-family:Verdana;color:#000000;background-color:transparent;font-weight:normal;font-style:normal;font-variant:normal;text-decoration:none;vertical-align:baseline;">On the Road; Jack Kerouac</span><br /><span style="font-size:13px;font-family:Verdana;color:#000000;background-color:transparent;font-weight:normal;font-style:normal;font-variant:normal;text-decoration:none;vertical-align:baseline;">To Build a Fire; Jack London</span><br /><span style="font-size:13px;font-family:Verdana;color:#000000;background-color:transparent;font-weight:normal;font-style:normal;font-variant:normal;text-decoration:none;vertical-align:baseline;"></span><br /><span style="font-size:13px;font-family:Verdana;color:#000000;background-color:transparent;font-weight:normal;font-style:normal;font-variant:normal;text-decoration:none;vertical-align:baseline;"></span><br /><span style="font-size:13px;font-family:Verdana;color:#000000;background-color:transparent;font-weight:bold;font-style:normal;font-variant:normal;text-decoration:none;vertical-align:baseline;">HIGH SCHOOL</span><br /><span style="font-size:13px;font-family:Verdana;color:#000000;background-color:transparent;font-weight:bold;font-style:normal;font-variant:normal;text-decoration:none;vertical-align:baseline;"></span><br /><span style="font-size:13px;font-family:Verdana;color:#000000;background-color:transparent;font-weight:normal;font-style:normal;font-variant:normal;text-decoration:none;vertical-align:baseline;">1959 - This list include some books from earlier lists; I must have written this as a compilation of earlier notes sometime in high school, since I certainly read several of these books before high school.</span><br /><span style="font-size:13px;font-family:Verdana;color:#000000;background-color:transparent;font-weight:normal;font-style:normal;font-variant:normal;text-decoration:none;vertical-align:baseline;"></span><br /><span style="font-size:13px;font-family:Verdana;color:#000000;background-color:transparent;font-weight:normal;font-style:normal;font-variant:normal;text-decoration:none;vertical-align:baseline;">1. Two Little Savages; Ernest Thompson Seton</span><br /><span style="font-size:13px;font-family:Verdana;color:#000000;background-color:transparent;font-weight:normal;font-style:normal;font-variant:normal;text-decoration:none;vertical-align:baseline;">2. Rolf in the Woods; Ernest Thompson Seton</span><br /><span style="font-size:13px;font-family:Verdana;color:#000000;background-color:transparent;font-weight:normal;font-style:normal;font-variant:normal;text-decoration:none;vertical-align:baseline;">3. Book of Woodcraft; Ernest Thompson Seton</span><br /><span style="font-size:13px;font-family:Verdana;color:#000000;background-color:transparent;font-weight:normal;font-style:normal;font-variant:normal;text-decoration:none;vertical-align:baseline;">4. Introduction to Mountaineering; George Allen Smith</span><br /><span style="font-size:13px;font-family:Verdana;color:#000000;background-color:transparent;font-weight:normal;font-style:normal;font-variant:normal;text-decoration:none;vertical-align:baseline;">5. Handbook of Mountaineering; Kenneth A. Henderson</span><br /><span style="font-size:13px;font-family:Verdana;color:#000000;background-color:transparent;font-weight:normal;font-style:normal;font-variant:normal;text-decoration:none;vertical-align:baseline;">5. Wild Animals I have Known; Ernest Thompson Seton</span><br /><span style="font-size:13px;font-family:Verdana;color:#000000;background-color:transparent;font-weight:normal;font-style:normal;font-variant:normal;text-decoration:none;vertical-align:baseline;">7. A Century of Mountaineering; Arnold Lunn</span><br /><span style="font-size:13px;font-family:Verdana;color:#000000;background-color:transparent;font-weight:normal;font-style:normal;font-variant:normal;text-decoration:none;vertical-align:baseline;">8. Cache Lake Country; John J. Rowlands</span><br /><span style="font-size:13px;font-family:Verdana;color:#000000;background-color:transparent;font-weight:normal;font-style:normal;font-variant:normal;text-decoration:none;vertical-align:baseline;">9. First on the Rope; Roger Frison-Roche</span><br /><span style="font-size:13px;font-family:Verdana;color:#000000;background-color:transparent;font-weight:normal;font-style:normal;font-variant:normal;text-decoration:none;vertical-align:baseline;">10. Le Grande Crevasse; Roger Frison-Roche</span><br /><span style="font-size:13px;font-family:Verdana;color:#000000;background-color:transparent;font-weight:normal;font-style:normal;font-variant:normal;text-decoration:none;vertical-align:baseline;">11. Banner in the Sky; James Ramsey Ullman</span><br /><span style="font-size:13px;font-family:Verdana;color:#000000;background-color:transparent;font-weight:normal;font-style:normal;font-variant:normal;text-decoration:none;vertical-align:baseline;">12. The White Tower; Jaes Ramsey Ullman</span><br /><span style="font-size:13px;font-family:Verdana;color:#000000;background-color:transparent;font-weight:normal;font-style:normal;font-variant:normal;text-decoration:none;vertical-align:baseline;">13. On Climbing; Robert Charles Evans</span><br /><span style="font-size:13px;font-family:Verdana;color:#000000;background-color:transparent;font-weight:normal;font-style:normal;font-variant:normal;text-decoration:none;vertical-align:baseline;">14. The Ascent of Everest; Sir John Hunt</span><br /><span style="font-size:13px;font-family:Verdana;color:#000000;background-color:transparent;font-weight:normal;font-style:normal;font-variant:normal;text-decoration:none;vertical-align:baseline;">15. Annapurna; Maurice herzog</span><br /><span style="font-size:13px;font-family:Verdana;color:#000000;background-color:transparent;font-weight:normal;font-style:normal;font-variant:normal;text-decoration:none;vertical-align:baseline;">16. Nanga Parbat; Dr. Carl Herlingkoffer</span><br /><span style="font-size:13px;font-family:Verdana;color:#000000;background-color:transparent;font-weight:normal;font-style:normal;font-variant:normal;text-decoration:none;vertical-align:baseline;">17. On Top of the World; Patricia Petzoldt</span><br /><span style="font-size:13px;font-family:Verdana;color:#000000;background-color:transparent;font-weight:normal;font-style:normal;font-variant:normal;text-decoration:none;vertical-align:baseline;">18. Lonely Challenge; Hermann Buhl</span><br /><span style="font-size:13px;font-family:Verdana;color:#000000;background-color:transparent;font-weight:normal;font-style:normal;font-variant:normal;text-decoration:none;vertical-align:baseline;">19. East of Everest; Edmund Hillary and Charles Evans</span><br /><span style="font-size:13px;font-family:Verdana;color:#000000;background-color:transparent;font-weight:normal;font-style:normal;font-variant:normal;text-decoration:none;vertical-align:baseline;">20. Everest: Kingdom of Adventure; James Ramsey Ullman</span><br /><span style="font-size:13px;font-family:Verdana;color:#000000;background-color:transparent;font-weight:normal;font-style:normal;font-variant:normal;text-decoration:none;vertical-align:baseline;">21. Five Miles High; Robert Bates</span><br /><span style="font-size:13px;font-family:Verdana;color:#000000;background-color:transparent;font-weight:normal;font-style:normal;font-variant:normal;text-decoration:none;vertical-align:baseline;">22. Puman Claw; Ronald Clark</span><br /><span style="font-size:13px;font-family:Verdana;color:#000000;background-color:transparent;font-weight:normal;font-style:normal;font-variant:normal;text-decoration:none;vertical-align:baseline;">23. Boy and a Pack;</span><br /><span style="font-size:13px;font-family:Verdana;color:#000000;background-color:transparent;font-weight:normal;font-style:normal;font-variant:normal;text-decoration:none;vertical-align:baseline;">24. Great Tales and Poems of Edgar Allan Poe</span><br /><span style="font-size:13px;font-family:Verdana;color:#000000;background-color:transparent;font-weight:normal;font-style:normal;font-variant:normal;text-decoration:none;vertical-align:baseline;">25. Aku Aku; Thor Hyerdahl</span><br /><span style="font-size:13px;font-family:Verdana;color:#000000;background-color:transparent;font-weight:normal;font-style:normal;font-variant:normal;text-decoration:none;vertical-align:baseline;">26. The Pearl; John Steinbeck</span><br /><span style="font-size:13px;font-family:Verdana;color:#000000;background-color:transparent;font-weight:normal;font-style:normal;font-variant:normal;text-decoration:none;vertical-align:baseline;">27. Of Mice and Men; John Steinbeck</span><br /><span style="font-size:13px;font-family:Verdana;color:#000000;background-color:transparent;font-weight:normal;font-style:normal;font-variant:normal;text-decoration:none;vertical-align:baseline;">28. The Red Pony; John Steinbeck</span><br /><span style="font-size:13px;font-family:Verdana;color:#000000;background-color:transparent;font-weight:normal;font-style:normal;font-variant:normal;text-decoration:none;vertical-align:baseline;">29. The Count of Monte Cristo; Alexandre Dumas</span><br /><span style="font-size:13px;font-family:Verdana;color:#000000;background-color:transparent;font-weight:normal;font-style:normal;font-variant:normal;text-decoration:none;vertical-align:baseline;">30. The Last of the Mohicans; James Fennimore Cooper</span><br /><span style="font-size:13px;font-family:Verdana;color:#000000;background-color:transparent;font-weight:normal;font-style:normal;font-variant:normal;text-decoration:none;vertical-align:baseline;">31. Belaying the Leader; Sierra Club</span><br /><span style="font-size:13px;font-family:Verdana;color:#000000;background-color:transparent;font-weight:normal;font-style:normal;font-variant:normal;text-decoration:none;vertical-align:baseline;">32. The Good Earth; Pearl Buck</span><br /><span style="font-size:13px;font-family:Verdana;color:#000000;background-color:transparent;font-weight:normal;font-style:normal;font-variant:normal;text-decoration:none;vertical-align:baseline;">33. The Subterraneans; Jack Kerouac</span><br /><span style="font-size:13px;font-family:Verdana;color:#000000;background-color:transparent;font-weight:normal;font-style:normal;font-variant:normal;text-decoration:none;vertical-align:baseline;">34. My Brother was an Only Child; Jack Douglas</span><br /><span style="font-size:13px;font-family:Verdana;color:#000000;background-color:transparent;font-weight:normal;font-style:normal;font-variant:normal;text-decoration:none;vertical-align:baseline;">35. The Homecoming Game; Howard Nemerov</span><br /><span style="font-size:13px;font-family:Verdana;color:#000000;background-color:transparent;font-weight:normal;font-style:normal;font-variant:normal;text-decoration:none;vertical-align:baseline;">36. The Age of Consent; Norman Lindsay</span><br /><span style="font-size:13px;font-family:Verdana;color:#000000;background-color:transparent;font-weight:normal;font-style:normal;font-variant:normal;text-decoration:none;vertical-align:baseline;">37. Your Own Book of Campcraft; Catherine T. Hammet</span><br /><span style="font-size:13px;font-family:Verdana;color:#000000;background-color:transparent;font-weight:normal;font-style:normal;font-variant:normal;text-decoration:none;vertical-align:baseline;">38. Brave New World; Aldous Hexley</span><br /><span style="font-size:13px;font-family:Verdana;color:#000000;background-color:transparent;font-weight:normal;font-style:normal;font-variant:normal;text-decoration:none;vertical-align:baseline;">39. Science Fiction Omnibus; Groff Conklin</span><br /><span style="font-size:13px;font-family:Verdana;color:#000000;background-color:transparent;font-weight:normal;font-style:normal;font-variant:normal;text-decoration:none;vertical-align:baseline;">40. Rimrock; Luke Short</span><br /><span style="font-size:13px;font-family:Verdana;color:#000000;background-color:transparent;font-weight:normal;font-style:normal;font-variant:normal;text-decoration:none;vertical-align:baseline;">41. Flint; Gill Dodge</span><br /><span style="font-size:13px;font-family:Verdana;color:#000000;background-color:transparent;font-weight:normal;font-style:normal;font-variant:normal;text-decoration:none;vertical-align:baseline;">42. The Long Rifle; Stewart Edward White</span><br /><span style="font-size:13px;font-family:Verdana;color:#000000;background-color:transparent;font-weight:normal;font-style:normal;font-variant:normal;text-decoration:none;vertical-align:baseline;">43. The Boats; Seymour Krim</span><br /><span style="font-size:13px;font-family:Verdana;color:#000000;background-color:transparent;font-weight:normal;font-style:normal;font-variant:normal;text-decoration:none;vertical-align:baseline;">44. Our Friend the Atom; Walt Disney</span><br /><span style="font-size:13px;font-family:Verdana;color:#000000;background-color:transparent;font-weight:normal;font-style:normal;font-variant:normal;text-decoration:none;vertical-align:baseline;">45. The Beat Generation; Albert Zugsmith</span><br /><span style="font-size:13px;font-family:Verdana;color:#000000;background-color:transparent;font-weight:normal;font-style:normal;font-variant:normal;text-decoration:none;vertical-align:baseline;">46. The Lovely Lady; D.H. Lawrence</span><br /><span style="font-size:13px;font-family:Verdana;color:#000000;background-color:transparent;font-weight:normal;font-style:normal;font-variant:normal;text-decoration:none;vertical-align:baseline;">47. White Fang; Jack London</span><br /><span style="font-size:13px;font-family:Verdana;color:#000000;background-color:transparent;font-weight:normal;font-style:normal;font-variant:normal;text-decoration:none;vertical-align:baseline;">48. The Big Sky; A.B. Guthrie, Jr.</span><br /><span style="font-size:13px;font-family:Verdana;color:#000000;background-color:transparent;font-weight:normal;font-style:normal;font-variant:normal;text-decoration:none;vertical-align:baseline;">49. On the Road; Jack Kerouac</span><br /><span style="font-size:13px;font-family:Verdana;color:#000000;background-color:transparent;font-weight:normal;font-style:normal;font-variant:normal;text-decoration:none;vertical-align:baseline;">50. The Way West; A.B. Guthrie, Jr.</span><br /><span style="font-size:13px;font-family:Verdana;color:#000000;background-color:transparent;font-weight:normal;font-style:normal;font-variant:normal;text-decoration:none;vertical-align:baseline;">51. Complete Sherlock Holmes; Sir Arthur Connan Doyle</span><br /><span style="font-size:13px;font-family:Verdana;color:#000000;background-color:transparent;font-weight:normal;font-style:normal;font-variant:normal;text-decoration:none;vertical-align:baseline;">52. Rockets, Jets, Guided Missles and Space Shps; Wiley Ley</span><br /><span style="font-size:13px;font-family:Verdana;color:#000000;background-color:transparent;font-weight:normal;font-style:normal;font-variant:normal;text-decoration:none;vertical-align:baseline;">53. The Wizard of Oz; L. Frank Baum</span><br /><span style="font-size:13px;font-family:Verdana;color:#000000;background-color:transparent;font-weight:normal;font-style:normal;font-variant:normal;text-decoration:none;vertical-align:baseline;">54. Boy Scout Handbook</span><br /><span style="font-size:13px;font-family:Verdana;color:#000000;background-color:transparent;font-weight:normal;font-style:normal;font-variant:normal;text-decoration:none;vertical-align:baseline;">55. Electronics for Young People; Jeanne Bendick</span><br /><span style="font-size:13px;font-family:Verdana;color:#000000;background-color:transparent;font-weight:normal;font-style:normal;font-variant:normal;text-decoration:none;vertical-align:baseline;">56. Identification and Qualitative Analysis of Minerals; Orsino C. Smith</span><br /><span style="font-size:13px;font-family:Verdana;color:#000000;background-color:transparent;font-weight:normal;font-style:normal;font-variant:normal;text-decoration:none;vertical-align:baseline;">57. How to Know the Minerals and Rocks; Richard M. Pearl</span><br /><span style="font-size:13px;font-family:Verdana;color:#000000;background-color:transparent;font-weight:normal;font-style:normal;font-variant:normal;text-decoration:none;vertical-align:baseline;">58. Woodland Tales; Ernest Thompson Seton</span><br /><span style="font-size:13px;font-family:Verdana;color:#000000;background-color:transparent;font-weight:normal;font-style:normal;font-variant:normal;text-decoration:none;vertical-align:baseline;">59. Woodcraft; Bernard Sterling Mason</span><br /><span style="font-size:13px;font-family:Verdana;color:#000000;background-color:transparent;font-weight:normal;font-style:normal;font-variant:normal;text-decoration:none;vertical-align:baseline;">60. Roping; Bernard Sterling Mason</span><br /><span style="font-size:13px;font-family:Verdana;color:#000000;background-color:transparent;font-weight:normal;font-style:normal;font-variant:normal;text-decoration:none;vertical-align:baseline;">61. Manual of the Woodcraft Indians; Ernest Thompson Seton</span><br /><span style="font-size:13px;font-family:Verdana;color:#000000;background-color:transparent;font-weight:normal;font-style:normal;font-variant:normal;text-decoration:none;vertical-align:baseline;">63. Woodmanship; Bernard S. Mason</span><br /><span style="font-size:13px;font-family:Verdana;color:#000000;background-color:transparent;font-weight:normal;font-style:normal;font-variant:normal;text-decoration:none;vertical-align:baseline;">64. Earth is Room Enough; Isaac Asimov</span><br /><span style="font-size:13px;font-family:Verdana;color:#000000;background-color:transparent;font-weight:normal;font-style:normal;font-variant:normal;text-decoration:none;vertical-align:baseline;">65. Treasury of Science Fiction Classics</span><br /><span style="font-size:13px;font-family:Verdana;color:#000000;background-color:transparent;font-weight:normal;font-style:normal;font-variant:normal;text-decoration:none;vertical-align:baseline;">66. Hamster Guide; Dr. G. Edgar Folk</span><br /><span style="font-size:13px;font-family:Verdana;color:#000000;background-color:transparent;font-weight:normal;font-style:normal;font-variant:normal;text-decoration:none;vertical-align:baseline;">67. Pets; Alfred P Morgan</span><br /><span style="font-size:13px;font-family:Verdana;color:#000000;background-color:transparent;font-weight:normal;font-style:normal;font-variant:normal;text-decoration:none;vertical-align:baseline;">68. First Aid; Red Cross</span><br /><span style="font-size:13px;font-family:Verdana;color:#000000;background-color:transparent;font-weight:normal;font-style:normal;font-variant:normal;text-decoration:none;vertical-align:baseline;">69. Life Saving and Water Safety; Red Cross</span><br /><span style="font-size:13px;font-family:Verdana;color:#000000;background-color:transparent;font-weight:normal;font-style:normal;font-variant:normal;text-decoration:none;vertical-align:baseline;">70. Traplines and Trails</span><br /><span style="font-size:13px;font-family:Verdana;color:#000000;background-color:transparent;font-weight:normal;font-style:normal;font-variant:normal;text-decoration:none;vertical-align:baseline;">71. Adventures of Tom Sawyer; Mark Twain</span><br /><span style="font-size:13px;font-family:Verdana;color:#000000;background-color:transparent;font-weight:normal;font-style:normal;font-variant:normal;text-decoration:none;vertical-align:baseline;">72. Adventures of Huckelberry Finn; Mark Twain</span><br /><span style="font-size:13px;font-family:Verdana;color:#000000;background-color:transparent;font-weight:normal;font-style:normal;font-variant:normal;text-decoration:none;vertical-align:baseline;">73. The World We Live In; Lincoln Barnett</span><br /><span style="font-size:13px;font-family:Verdana;color:#000000;background-color:transparent;font-weight:normal;font-style:normal;font-variant:normal;text-decoration:none;vertical-align:baseline;">74. Camping and Woodcraft; Horace Kephart</span><br /><span style="font-size:13px;font-family:Verdana;color:#000000;background-color:transparent;font-weight:normal;font-style:normal;font-variant:normal;text-decoration:none;vertical-align:baseline;">75. New Way of the Wilderness; Calvin Rutstrum</span><br /><span style="font-size:13px;font-family:Verdana;color:#000000;background-color:transparent;font-weight:normal;font-style:normal;font-variant:normal;text-decoration:none;vertical-align:baseline;">76. Field Guide to Rocks and Minerals; Fredrick H. Pugh</span><br /><span style="font-size:13px;font-family:Verdana;color:#000000;background-color:transparent;font-weight:normal;font-style:normal;font-variant:normal;text-decoration:none;vertical-align:baseline;">77. What Makes it Tick</span><br /><span style="font-size:13px;font-family:Verdana;color:#000000;background-color:transparent;font-weight:normal;font-style:normal;font-variant:normal;text-decoration:none;vertical-align:baseline;">78. Boys Book of Chemistry; Alfred Powell Morgan</span><br /><span style="font-size:13px;font-family:Verdana;color:#000000;background-color:transparent;font-weight:normal;font-style:normal;font-variant:normal;text-decoration:none;vertical-align:baseline;">79. Boys Book of Radio; Alfred Powell Morgan</span><br /><span style="font-size:13px;font-family:Verdana;color:#000000;background-color:transparent;font-weight:normal;font-style:normal;font-variant:normal;text-decoration:none;vertical-align:baseline;">80. Boys Book of Electricity; Alfred P. Morgan</span><br /><span style="font-size:13px;font-family:Verdana;color:#000000;background-color:transparent;font-weight:normal;font-style:normal;font-variant:normal;text-decoration:none;vertical-align:baseline;">81. Trapper Jim</span><br /><span style="font-size:13px;font-family:Verdana;color:#000000;background-color:transparent;font-weight:normal;font-style:normal;font-variant:normal;text-decoration:none;vertical-align:baseline;">82. Lives of Game Animals, Vol. 2; Ernest Thompson Seton</span><br /><span style="font-size:13px;font-family:Verdana;color:#000000;background-color:transparent;font-weight:normal;font-style:normal;font-variant:normal;text-decoration:none;vertical-align:baseline;">83. Thomas Alva Edison</span><br /><span style="font-size:13px;font-family:Verdana;color:#000000;background-color:transparent;font-weight:normal;font-style:normal;font-variant:normal;text-decoration:none;vertical-align:baseline;">84. Charles Steinmetz, the Mathematial Wizzard</span><br /><span style="font-size:13px;font-family:Verdana;color:#000000;background-color:transparent;font-weight:normal;font-style:normal;font-variant:normal;text-decoration:none;vertical-align:baseline;">85. Mr. Wizard's Science Experiments; Don Herbert</span><br /><span style="font-size:13px;font-family:Verdana;color:#000000;background-color:transparent;font-weight:normal;font-style:normal;font-variant:normal;text-decoration:none;vertical-align:baseline;">86. Skiing for the Millions</span><br /><span style="font-size:13px;font-family:Verdana;color:#000000;background-color:transparent;font-weight:normal;font-style:normal;font-variant:normal;text-decoration:none;vertical-align:baseline;">87. Facts of Life and Love for Teen Agers; Evelyn Millis Duval</span><br /><span style="font-size:13px;font-family:Verdana;color:#000000;background-color:transparent;font-weight:normal;font-style:normal;font-variant:normal;text-decoration:none;vertical-align:baseline;">88. Animals of Yesterday</span><br /><span style="font-size:13px;font-family:Verdana;color:#000000;background-color:transparent;font-weight:normal;font-style:normal;font-variant:normal;text-decoration:none;vertical-align:baseline;">89. Danger Dinosaurs</span><br /><span style="font-size:13px;font-family:Verdana;color:#000000;background-color:transparent;font-weight:normal;font-style:normal;font-variant:normal;text-decoration:none;vertical-align:baseline;">90. Boy Scouts in the Wilderness</span><br /><span style="font-size:13px;font-family:Verdana;color:#000000;background-color:transparent;font-weight:normal;font-style:normal;font-variant:normal;text-decoration:none;vertical-align:baseline;">91. Chief Black Hawk</span><br /><span style="font-size:13px;font-family:Verdana;color:#000000;background-color:transparent;font-weight:normal;font-style:normal;font-variant:normal;text-decoration:none;vertical-align:baseline;">92. Kit Carson</span><br /><span style="font-size:13px;font-family:Verdana;color:#000000;background-color:transparent;font-weight:normal;font-style:normal;font-variant:normal;text-decoration:none;vertical-align:baseline;">93. Daniel Boone</span><br /><span style="font-size:13px;font-family:Verdana;color:#000000;background-color:transparent;font-weight:normal;font-style:normal;font-variant:normal;text-decoration:none;vertical-align:baseline;">94. Fur Trappers and Traders</span><br /><span style="font-size:13px;font-family:Verdana;color:#000000;background-color:transparent;font-weight:normal;font-style:normal;font-variant:normal;text-decoration:none;vertical-align:baseline;">95. Magic</span><br /><span style="font-size:13px;font-family:Verdana;color:#000000;background-color:transparent;font-weight:normal;font-style:normal;font-variant:normal;text-decoration:none;vertical-align:baseline;">96. First Rifle</span><br /><span style="font-size:13px;font-family:Verdana;color:#000000;background-color:transparent;font-weight:normal;font-style:normal;font-variant:normal;text-decoration:none;vertical-align:baseline;">97. 101 Card Tricks</span><br /><span style="font-size:13px;font-family:Verdana;color:#000000;background-color:transparent;font-weight:normal;font-style:normal;font-variant:normal;text-decoration:none;vertical-align:baseline;">98. Houdini's Magic</span><br /><span style="font-size:13px;font-family:Verdana;color:#000000;background-color:transparent;font-weight:normal;font-style:normal;font-variant:normal;text-decoration:none;vertical-align:baseline;">99. Where Town Begins</span><br /><span style="font-size:13px;font-family:Verdana;color:#000000;background-color:transparent;font-weight:normal;font-style:normal;font-variant:normal;text-decoration:none;vertical-align:baseline;">100. Camp Management; Bernard S. Mason</span><br /><span style="font-size:13px;font-family:Verdana;color:#000000;background-color:transparent;font-weight:normal;font-style:normal;font-variant:normal;text-decoration:none;vertical-align:baseline;">101. Book of Indian Crafts and Customs; Bernard S. Mason</span><br /><span style="font-size:13px;font-family:Verdana;color:#000000;background-color:transparent;font-weight:normal;font-style:normal;font-variant:normal;text-decoration:none;vertical-align:baseline;">102. Indian Lore</span><br /><span style="font-size:13px;font-family:Verdana;color:#000000;background-color:transparent;font-weight:normal;font-style:normal;font-variant:normal;text-decoration:none;vertical-align:baseline;">103. Indian Sign Language; Iron Eyes Cody</span><br /><span style="font-size:13px;font-family:Verdana;color:#000000;background-color:transparent;font-weight:normal;font-style:normal;font-variant:normal;text-decoration:none;vertical-align:baseline;">104. Indian Sign Language; Willian Tomkins</span><br /><span style="font-size:13px;font-family:Verdana;color:#000000;background-color:transparent;font-weight:normal;font-style:normal;font-variant:normal;text-decoration:none;vertical-align:baseline;">105. Indian Sign Language; Robert Hofsinde (Gray Wolf)</span><br /><span style="font-size:13px;font-family:Verdana;color:#000000;background-color:transparent;font-weight:normal;font-style:normal;font-variant:normal;text-decoration:none;vertical-align:baseline;">106. Hopis</span><br /><span style="font-size:13px;font-family:Verdana;color:#000000;background-color:transparent;font-weight:normal;font-style:normal;font-variant:normal;text-decoration:none;vertical-align:baseline;">107. The Lone Woodsman; Warren Hastings Miller</span><br /><span style="font-size:13px;font-family:Verdana;color:#000000;background-color:transparent;font-weight:normal;font-style:normal;font-variant:normal;text-decoration:none;vertical-align:baseline;">108. The High Trail; Vivian Breck</span><br /><span style="font-size:13px;font-family:Verdana;color:#000000;background-color:transparent;font-weight:normal;font-style:normal;font-variant:normal;text-decoration:none;vertical-align:baseline;">109. Explorer Manual</span><br /><span style="font-size:13px;font-family:Verdana;color:#000000;background-color:transparent;font-weight:normal;font-style:normal;font-variant:normal;text-decoration:none;vertical-align:baseline;">110. Bugs, Beetles, and Butterflies; Daniel Cartier Beard</span><br /><span style="font-size:13px;font-family:Verdana;color:#000000;background-color:transparent;font-weight:normal;font-style:normal;font-variant:normal;text-decoration:none;vertical-align:baseline;">111. How to Know the Butterflies;</span><br /><span style="font-size:13px;font-family:Verdana;color:#000000;background-color:transparent;font-weight:normal;font-style:normal;font-variant:normal;text-decoration:none;vertical-align:baseline;">112. Catcher in the Rye; J.D. Salinger</span><br /><span style="font-size:13px;font-family:Verdana;color:#000000;background-color:transparent;font-weight:normal;font-style:normal;font-variant:normal;text-decoration:none;vertical-align:baseline;">113. Kon Tiki; Thor Hyerdahl</span><br /><span style="font-size:13px;font-family:Verdana;color:#000000;background-color:transparent;font-weight:normal;font-style:normal;font-variant:normal;text-decoration:none;vertical-align:baseline;">114. Starlight and Storm; Gaston Rebuffat</span><br /><span style="font-size:13px;font-family:Verdana;color:#000000;background-color:transparent;font-weight:normal;font-style:normal;font-variant:normal;text-decoration:none;vertical-align:baseline;">115. Ivanhoe; Sir Walter Scott</span><br /><span style="font-size:13px;font-family:Verdana;color:#000000;background-color:transparent;font-weight:normal;font-style:normal;font-variant:normal;text-decoration:none;vertical-align:baseline;">116. Raymond Lee Ditmars; L.N. Wood</span><br /><span style="font-size:13px;font-family:Verdana;color:#000000;background-color:transparent;font-weight:normal;font-style:normal;font-variant:normal;text-decoration:none;vertical-align:baseline;">117. The Worlds Love Poetry; Michael Rheta Martin</span><br /><span style="font-size:13px;font-family:Verdana;color:#000000;background-color:transparent;font-weight:normal;font-style:normal;font-variant:normal;text-decoration:none;vertical-align:baseline;">118. Samson Agonistes; John Milton</span><br /><span style="font-size:13px;font-family:Verdana;color:#000000;background-color:transparent;font-weight:normal;font-style:normal;font-variant:normal;text-decoration:none;vertical-align:baseline;">119. Nine Short Stories; J.D. Salinger</span><br /><span style="font-size:13px;font-family:Verdana;color:#000000;background-color:transparent;font-weight:normal;font-style:normal;font-variant:normal;text-decoration:none;vertical-align:baseline;">120. A Tale of Two Cities; Charles Dickens</span><br /><span style="font-size:13px;font-family:Verdana;color:#000000;background-color:transparent;font-weight:normal;font-style:normal;font-variant:normal;text-decoration:none;vertical-align:baseline;">121. The White Spider; Heinrich Harrer</span><br /><span style="font-size:13px;font-family:Verdana;color:#000000;background-color:transparent;font-weight:normal;font-style:normal;font-variant:normal;text-decoration:none;vertical-align:baseline;">122. Mont Blanc to Everest; Gaston Rebuffat</span><br /><span style="font-size:13px;font-family:Verdana;color:#000000;background-color:transparent;font-weight:normal;font-style:normal;font-variant:normal;text-decoration:none;vertical-align:baseline;">123. High Adventure; Bob and Ira Spring</span><br /><span style="font-size:13px;font-family:Verdana;color:#000000;background-color:transparent;font-weight:normal;font-style:normal;font-variant:normal;text-decoration:none;vertical-align:baseline;">124. Caves of Adventure; Haroun Tazeiff</span><br /><span style="font-size:13px;font-family:Verdana;color:#000000;background-color:transparent;font-weight:normal;font-style:normal;font-variant:normal;text-decoration:none;vertical-align:baseline;">125. Crime and Punishment; Fydor Dostoevsky</span><br /><span style="font-size:13px;font-family:Verdana;color:#000000;background-color:transparent;font-weight:normal;font-style:normal;font-variant:normal;text-decoration:none;vertical-align:baseline;">126. Lady Chatterly's Lover; D.H. Lawrence</span><br /><span style="font-size:13px;font-family:Verdana;color:#000000;background-color:transparent;font-weight:normal;font-style:normal;font-variant:normal;text-decoration:none;vertical-align:baseline;">127. Rakaposhi; Mike Banks</span><br /><span style="font-size:13px;font-family:Verdana;color:#000000;background-color:transparent;font-weight:normal;font-style:normal;font-variant:normal;text-decoration:none;vertical-align:baseline;">128. When the Mountain Fell; C.F. Ramuz</span><br /><span style="font-size:13px;font-family:Verdana;color:#000000;background-color:transparent;font-weight:normal;font-style:normal;font-variant:normal;text-decoration:none;vertical-align:baseline;">129. Neige et Roc; Gaston Rebuffat</span><br /><span style="font-size:13px;font-family:Verdana;color:#000000;background-color:transparent;font-weight:normal;font-style:normal;font-variant:normal;text-decoration:none;vertical-align:baseline;">130. Mountain Search and Rescue Operations</span><br /><span style="font-size:13px;font-family:Verdana;color:#000000;background-color:transparent;font-weight:normal;font-style:normal;font-variant:normal;text-decoration:none;vertical-align:baseline;">131. Climbers Guide to the Teton Range; Leigh Ortenberger</span><br /><span style="font-size:13px;font-family:Verdana;color:#000000;background-color:transparent;font-weight:normal;font-style:normal;font-variant:normal;text-decoration:none;vertical-align:baseline;">132. Mountaineering: The Freedom of the Hills; Harvy Manning</span><br /><span style="font-size:13px;font-family:Verdana;color:#000000;background-color:transparent;font-weight:normal;font-style:normal;font-variant:normal;text-decoration:none;vertical-align:baseline;">133. Ropes, Knots and Slings for the Climber; Walt Wheelock</span><br /><span style="font-size:13px;font-family:Verdana;color:#000000;background-color:transparent;font-weight:normal;font-style:normal;font-variant:normal;text-decoration:none;vertical-align:baseline;">134. Walden; H.D. Thoreau</span><br /><span style="font-size:13px;font-family:Verdana;color:#000000;background-color:transparent;font-weight:normal;font-style:normal;font-variant:normal;text-decoration:none;vertical-align:baseline;">135. Georgia Boy; Erskine Caldwell</span><br /><span style="font-size:13px;font-family:Verdana;color:#000000;background-color:transparent;font-weight:normal;font-style:normal;font-variant:normal;text-decoration:none;vertical-align:baseline;">136. Were Two Worlds Meet; Fosco Maraini</span><br /><span style="font-size:13px;font-family:Verdana;color:#000000;background-color:transparent;font-weight:normal;font-style:normal;font-variant:normal;text-decoration:none;vertical-align:baseline;">137. Karakoram; Fosco Maraini</span><br /><span style="font-size:13px;font-family:Verdana;color:#000000;background-color:transparent;font-weight:normal;font-style:normal;font-variant:normal;text-decoration:none;vertical-align:baseline;">138. The Perfumed Garden; Richard Francis Burton</span><br /><span style="font-size:13px;font-family:Verdana;color:#000000;background-color:transparent;font-weight:normal;font-style:normal;font-variant:normal;text-decoration:none;vertical-align:baseline;">139. The Kama Sutra; Richard Francis Burton</span><br /><span style="font-size:13px;font-family:Verdana;color:#000000;background-color:transparent;font-weight:normal;font-style:normal;font-variant:normal;text-decoration:none;vertical-align:baseline;">140. The Lake Regions of Central Africa; Sir Richard Francis Burton</span><br /><span style="font-size:13px;font-family:Verdana;color:#000000;background-color:transparent;font-weight:normal;font-style:normal;font-variant:normal;text-decoration:none;vertical-align:baseline;">141. The Playground of Europe; Leslie Stephen</span><br /><span style="font-size:13px;font-family:Verdana;color:#000000;background-color:transparent;font-weight:normal;font-style:normal;font-variant:normal;text-decoration:none;vertical-align:baseline;">143. The Cid</span><br /><span style="font-size:13px;font-family:Verdana;color:#000000;background-color:transparent;font-weight:normal;font-style:normal;font-variant:normal;text-decoration:none;vertical-align:baseline;">144. Stories from the Arabian Nights; Burton</span><br /><span style="font-size:13px;font-family:Verdana;color:#000000;background-color:transparent;font-weight:normal;font-style:normal;font-variant:normal;text-decoration:none;vertical-align:baseline;">145. Samson Agonisties; John Milton</span><br /><span style="font-size:13px;font-family:Verdana;color:#000000;background-color:transparent;font-weight:normal;font-style:normal;font-variant:normal;text-decoration:none;vertical-align:baseline;">146. Romeo and Juliette; Shakespeare</span><br /><span style="font-size:13px;font-family:Verdana;color:#000000;background-color:transparent;font-weight:normal;font-style:normal;font-variant:normal;text-decoration:none;vertical-align:baseline;">147. Macbeth; Shakespeare</span><br /><span style="font-size:13px;font-family:Verdana;color:#000000;background-color:transparent;font-weight:normal;font-style:normal;font-variant:normal;text-decoration:none;vertical-align:baseline;"></span><br /><span style="font-size:13px;font-family:Verdana;color:#000000;background-color:transparent;font-weight:bold;font-style:normal;font-variant:normal;text-decoration:none;vertical-align:baseline;">FINLAND</span><br /><span style="font-size:13px;font-family:Verdana;color:#000000;background-color:transparent;font-weight:bold;font-style:normal;font-variant:normal;text-decoration:none;vertical-align:baseline;"></span><br /><span style="font-size:13px;font-family:Verdana;color:#000000;background-color:transparent;font-weight:normal;font-style:normal;font-variant:normal;text-decoration:none;vertical-align:baseline;">1962</span><br /><span style="font-size:13px;font-family:Verdana;color:#000000;background-color:transparent;font-weight:normal;font-style:normal;font-variant:normal;text-decoration:none;vertical-align:baseline;">The Bible</span><br /><span style="font-size:13px;font-family:Verdana;color:#000000;background-color:transparent;font-weight:normal;font-style:normal;font-variant:normal;text-decoration:none;vertical-align:baseline;">The Book of Mormon</span><br /><span style="font-size:13px;font-family:Verdana;color:#000000;background-color:transparent;font-weight:normal;font-style:normal;font-variant:normal;text-decoration:none;vertical-align:baseline;"></span><br /><span style="font-size:13px;font-family:Verdana;color:#000000;background-color:transparent;font-weight:normal;font-style:normal;font-variant:normal;text-decoration:none;vertical-align:baseline;">1963</span><br /><span style="font-size:13px;font-family:Verdana;color:#000000;background-color:transparent;font-weight:normal;font-style:normal;font-variant:normal;text-decoration:none;vertical-align:baseline;">The Pearl of Great Price</span><br /><span style="font-size:13px;font-family:Verdana;color:#000000;background-color:transparent;font-weight:normal;font-style:normal;font-variant:normal;text-decoration:none;vertical-align:baseline;">The Doctrine and Covenants</span><br /><span style="font-size:13px;font-family:Verdana;color:#000000;background-color:transparent;font-weight:normal;font-style:normal;font-variant:normal;text-decoration:none;vertical-align:baseline;">A Marvelous Work and a Wonder</span><br /><span style="font-size:13px;font-family:Verdana;color:#000000;background-color:transparent;font-weight:normal;font-style:normal;font-variant:normal;text-decoration:none;vertical-align:baseline;"></span><br /><span style="font-size:13px;font-family:Verdana;color:#000000;background-color:transparent;font-weight:normal;font-style:normal;font-variant:normal;text-decoration:none;vertical-align:baseline;">1964</span><br /><span style="font-size:13px;font-family:Verdana;color:#000000;background-color:transparent;font-weight:normal;font-style:normal;font-variant:normal;text-decoration:none;vertical-align:baseline;">Lehi in the Desert and The World of the Jaredites</span><br /><span style="font-size:13px;font-family:Verdana;color:#000000;background-color:transparent;font-weight:normal;font-style:normal;font-variant:normal;text-decoration:none;vertical-align:baseline;">An Approach to the Book of Mormon</span><br /><span style="font-size:13px;font-family:Verdana;color:#000000;background-color:transparent;font-weight:normal;font-style:normal;font-variant:normal;text-decoration:none;vertical-align:baseline;">Science and Religion; Sydney B. Sperry</span><br /><span style="font-size:13px;font-family:Verdana;color:#000000;background-color:transparent;font-weight:normal;font-style:normal;font-variant:normal;text-decoration:none;vertical-align:baseline;">Journeys to the Lake Regions of Central Africa; Richard F. Burton</span><br /><span style="font-size:13px;font-family:Verdana;color:#000000;background-color:transparent;font-weight:normal;font-style:normal;font-variant:normal;text-decoration:none;vertical-align:baseline;">Pilgrimage to Mecca and Al-Medina; Richard Frances Burton</span><br /><span style="font-size:13px;font-family:Verdana;color:#000000;background-color:transparent;font-weight:normal;font-style:normal;font-variant:normal;text-decoration:none;vertical-align:baseline;">The Story of Language; Mario Pei</span><br /><span style="font-size:13px;font-family:Verdana;color:#000000;background-color:transparent;font-weight:normal;font-style:normal;font-variant:normal;text-decoration:none;vertical-align:baseline;">Himalayan Valloitus; Matti A. Jokinen</span><br /><span style="font-size:13px;font-family:Verdana;color:#000000;background-color:transparent;font-weight:normal;font-style:normal;font-variant:normal;text-decoration:none;vertical-align:baseline;">Alppien Seinamilla; Matti A. Jokinen</span><br /><span style="font-size:13px;font-family:Verdana;color:#000000;background-color:transparent;font-weight:normal;font-style:normal;font-variant:normal;text-decoration:none;vertical-align:baseline;"></span><br /><span style="font-size:13px;font-family:Verdana;color:#000000;background-color:transparent;font-weight:bold;font-style:normal;font-variant:normal;text-decoration:none;vertical-align:baseline;">UNDERGRADUATE - UNIVERSITY OF UTAH</span><br /><span style="font-size:13px;font-family:Verdana;color:#000000;background-color:transparent;font-weight:bold;font-style:normal;font-variant:normal;text-decoration:none;vertical-align:baseline;"></span><br /><span style="font-size:13px;font-family:Verdana;color:#000000;background-color:transparent;font-weight:normal;font-style:normal;font-variant:normal;text-decoration:none;vertical-align:baseline;">1965</span><br /><span style="font-size:13px;font-family:Verdana;color:#000000;background-color:transparent;font-weight:normal;font-style:normal;font-variant:normal;text-decoration:none;vertical-align:baseline;">The Odyssey; Homer</span><br /><span style="font-size:13px;font-family:Verdana;color:#000000;background-color:transparent;font-weight:normal;font-style:normal;font-variant:normal;text-decoration:none;vertical-align:baseline;">The Iliad; Homer</span><br /><span style="font-size:13px;font-family:Verdana;color:#000000;background-color:transparent;font-weight:normal;font-style:normal;font-variant:normal;text-decoration:none;vertical-align:baseline;">Oedipus Rex; Sophocles</span><br /><span style="font-size:13px;font-family:Verdana;color:#000000;background-color:transparent;font-weight:normal;font-style:normal;font-variant:normal;text-decoration:none;vertical-align:baseline;">Agamemnon; Aeschylus</span><br /><span style="font-size:13px;font-family:Verdana;color:#000000;background-color:transparent;font-weight:normal;font-style:normal;font-variant:normal;text-decoration:none;vertical-align:baseline;">Beowulf</span><br /><span style="font-size:13px;font-family:Verdana;color:#000000;background-color:transparent;font-weight:normal;font-style:normal;font-variant:normal;text-decoration:none;vertical-align:baseline;">The Song of Roland</span><br /><span style="font-size:13px;font-family:Verdana;color:#000000;background-color:transparent;font-weight:normal;font-style:normal;font-variant:normal;text-decoration:none;vertical-align:baseline;">Song of the Cid</span><br /><span style="font-size:13px;font-family:Verdana;color:#000000;background-color:transparent;font-weight:normal;font-style:normal;font-variant:normal;text-decoration:none;vertical-align:baseline;">Canterbury Tales; Chaucer</span><br /><span style="font-size:13px;font-family:Verdana;color:#000000;background-color:transparent;font-weight:normal;font-style:normal;font-variant:normal;text-decoration:none;vertical-align:baseline;">Hamlet; Shakespeare</span><br /><span style="font-size:13px;font-family:Verdana;color:#000000;background-color:transparent;font-weight:normal;font-style:normal;font-variant:normal;text-decoration:none;vertical-align:baseline;">Great Spanish Short Stories</span><br /><span style="font-size:13px;font-family:Verdana;color:#000000;background-color:transparent;font-weight:normal;font-style:normal;font-variant:normal;text-decoration:none;vertical-align:baseline;">Great German Short Stories</span><br /><span style="font-size:13px;font-family:Verdana;color:#000000;background-color:transparent;font-weight:normal;font-style:normal;font-variant:normal;text-decoration:none;vertical-align:baseline;">Great French Short Stories</span><br /><span style="font-size:13px;font-family:Verdana;color:#000000;background-color:transparent;font-weight:normal;font-style:normal;font-variant:normal;text-decoration:none;vertical-align:baseline;">Great American Short Stories</span><br /><span style="font-size:13px;font-family:Verdana;color:#000000;background-color:transparent;font-weight:normal;font-style:normal;font-variant:normal;text-decoration:none;vertical-align:baseline;">Death in Venice; Thomas Mann</span><br /><span style="font-size:13px;font-family:Verdana;color:#000000;background-color:transparent;font-weight:normal;font-style:normal;font-variant:normal;text-decoration:none;vertical-align:baseline;">Metamorphosis; Franz Kafka</span><br /><span style="font-size:13px;font-family:Verdana;color:#000000;background-color:transparent;font-weight:normal;font-style:normal;font-variant:normal;text-decoration:none;vertical-align:baseline;">Phaedra; Jean Racine</span><br /><span style="font-size:13px;font-family:Verdana;color:#000000;background-color:transparent;font-weight:normal;font-style:normal;font-variant:normal;text-decoration:none;vertical-align:baseline;">Michael Karvajalka; Mika Waltari</span><br /><span style="font-size:13px;font-family:Verdana;color:#000000;background-color:transparent;font-weight:normal;font-style:normal;font-variant:normal;text-decoration:none;vertical-align:baseline;">Horses, Hitches, and Rocky Trails; Joe Back</span><br /><span style="font-size:13px;font-family:Verdana;color:#000000;background-color:transparent;font-weight:normal;font-style:normal;font-variant:normal;text-decoration:none;vertical-align:baseline;">Beginning Cairo Arabic; Sami A. Hanna</span><br /><span style="font-size:13px;font-family:Verdana;color:#000000;background-color:transparent;font-weight:normal;font-style:normal;font-variant:normal;text-decoration:none;vertical-align:baseline;">Introduction to Greek; Crosby and Schaeffer</span><br /><span style="font-size:13px;font-family:Verdana;color:#000000;background-color:transparent;font-weight:normal;font-style:normal;font-variant:normal;text-decoration:none;vertical-align:baseline;">The Homeric Odyssey; Denys Page</span><br /><span style="font-size:13px;font-family:Verdana;color:#000000;background-color:transparent;font-weight:normal;font-style:normal;font-variant:normal;text-decoration:none;vertical-align:baseline;">Homeric Greek; Clyde Pharr</span><br /><span style="font-size:13px;font-family:Verdana;color:#000000;background-color:transparent;font-weight:normal;font-style:normal;font-variant:normal;text-decoration:none;vertical-align:baseline;">History and the Homeric Iliad; Denys Page</span><br /><span style="font-size:13px;font-family:Verdana;color:#000000;background-color:transparent;font-weight:normal;font-style:normal;font-variant:normal;text-decoration:none;vertical-align:baseline;">Conquistadors of the Useless; Lionel Terray</span><br /><span style="font-size:13px;font-family:Verdana;color:#000000;background-color:transparent;font-weight:normal;font-style:normal;font-variant:normal;text-decoration:none;vertical-align:baseline;">Americans on Everest; James Ramsey Ullman</span><br /><span style="font-size:13px;font-family:Verdana;color:#000000;background-color:transparent;font-weight:normal;font-style:normal;font-variant:normal;text-decoration:none;vertical-align:baseline;"></span><br /><span style="font-size:13px;font-family:Verdana;color:#000000;background-color:transparent;font-weight:normal;font-style:normal;font-variant:normal;text-decoration:none;vertical-align:baseline;">1966</span><br /><span style="font-size:13px;font-family:Verdana;color:#000000;background-color:transparent;font-weight:normal;font-style:normal;font-variant:normal;text-decoration:none;vertical-align:baseline;">Introduction to Descriptive Linguistics; Gleason</span><br /><span style="font-size:13px;font-family:Verdana;color:#000000;background-color:transparent;font-weight:normal;font-style:normal;font-variant:normal;text-decoration:none;vertical-align:baseline;">Historical Linguistics; Wilfred P. Lehmann</span><br /><span style="font-size:13px;font-family:Verdana;color:#000000;background-color:transparent;font-weight:normal;font-style:normal;font-variant:normal;text-decoration:none;vertical-align:baseline;">A Companion to Homer; Wace & Stubbings</span><br /><span style="font-size:13px;font-family:Verdana;color:#000000;background-color:transparent;font-weight:normal;font-style:normal;font-variant:normal;text-decoration:none;vertical-align:baseline;">The Discovery of Language; Holger Pederson</span><br /><span style="font-size:13px;font-family:Verdana;color:#000000;background-color:transparent;font-weight:normal;font-style:normal;font-variant:normal;text-decoration:none;vertical-align:baseline;">Homer and the Heroic Tradition; Cedric A. Whitman</span><br /><span style="font-size:13px;font-family:Verdana;color:#000000;background-color:transparent;font-weight:normal;font-style:normal;font-variant:normal;text-decoration:none;vertical-align:baseline;">The Bacchae; Euripides (in Greek)</span><br /><span style="font-size:13px;font-family:Verdana;color:#000000;background-color:transparent;font-weight:normal;font-style:normal;font-variant:normal;text-decoration:none;vertical-align:baseline;">Discontinuity in Greek Civilization; Rhys Carpenter</span><br /><span style="font-size:13px;font-family:Verdana;color:#000000;background-color:transparent;font-weight:normal;font-style:normal;font-variant:normal;text-decoration:none;vertical-align:baseline;">A Study of Writing; Gelb</span><br /><span style="font-size:13px;font-family:Verdana;color:#000000;background-color:transparent;font-weight:normal;font-style:normal;font-variant:normal;text-decoration:none;vertical-align:baseline;">The Sumerians; Samuel Noah Kramer</span><br /><span style="font-size:13px;font-family:Verdana;color:#000000;background-color:transparent;font-weight:normal;font-style:normal;font-variant:normal;text-decoration:none;vertical-align:baseline;">Homer; Odyssey X</span><br /><span style="font-size:13px;font-family:Verdana;color:#000000;background-color:transparent;font-weight:normal;font-style:normal;font-variant:normal;text-decoration:none;vertical-align:baseline;">Ajax; Sophocles (in Greek)</span><br /><span style="font-size:13px;font-family:Verdana;color:#000000;background-color:transparent;font-weight:normal;font-style:normal;font-variant:normal;text-decoration:none;vertical-align:baseline;">Crito; Plato (in Greek)</span><br /><span style="font-size:13px;font-family:Verdana;color:#000000;background-color:transparent;font-weight:normal;font-style:normal;font-variant:normal;text-decoration:none;vertical-align:baseline;">Thesmophoriazusae; Aristophanes (in Greek)</span><br /><span style="font-size:13px;font-family:Verdana;color:#000000;background-color:transparent;font-weight:normal;font-style:normal;font-variant:normal;text-decoration:none;vertical-align:baseline;">Novum Testamentum Gracae (in Greek)</span><br /><span style="font-size:13px;font-family:Verdana;color:#000000;background-color:transparent;font-weight:normal;font-style:normal;font-variant:normal;text-decoration:none;vertical-align:baseline;">Anabasis Book 1; Zenophon (in Greek)</span><br /><span style="font-size:13px;font-family:Verdana;color:#000000;background-color:transparent;font-weight:normal;font-style:normal;font-variant:normal;text-decoration:none;vertical-align:baseline;">Apology of Socrates; Plato (in Greek)</span><br /><span style="font-size:13px;font-family:Verdana;color:#000000;background-color:transparent;font-weight:normal;font-style:normal;font-variant:normal;text-decoration:none;vertical-align:baseline;">Republic 1; Plato; Adam (in Greek)</span><br /><span style="font-size:13px;font-family:Verdana;color:#000000;background-color:transparent;font-weight:normal;font-style:normal;font-variant:normal;text-decoration:none;vertical-align:baseline;">History of Rome to AD 565; Boak and Sinnigen</span><br /><span style="font-size:13px;font-family:Verdana;color:#000000;background-color:transparent;font-weight:normal;font-style:normal;font-variant:normal;text-decoration:none;vertical-align:baseline;">I Choose to Climb; Christian Bonington</span><br /><span style="font-size:13px;font-family:Verdana;color:#000000;background-color:transparent;font-weight:normal;font-style:normal;font-variant:normal;text-decoration:none;vertical-align:baseline;">Handbook of Greek Literature; H J. Rose</span><br /><span style="font-size:13px;font-family:Verdana;color:#000000;background-color:transparent;font-weight:normal;font-style:normal;font-variant:normal;text-decoration:none;vertical-align:baseline;">The Face of the Ancient Orient; Sabattino Moscatti</span><br /><span style="font-size:13px;font-family:Verdana;color:#000000;background-color:transparent;font-weight:normal;font-style:normal;font-variant:normal;text-decoration:none;vertical-align:baseline;"></span><br /><span style="font-size:13px;font-family:Verdana;color:#000000;background-color:transparent;font-weight:bold;font-style:normal;font-variant:normal;text-decoration:none;vertical-align:baseline;">GRADUATE SCHOOL - THE JOHNS HOPKINS UNIVERSITY</span><br /><span style="font-size:13px;font-family:Verdana;color:#000000;background-color:transparent;font-weight:bold;font-style:normal;font-variant:normal;text-decoration:none;vertical-align:baseline;"></span><br /><span style="font-size:13px;font-family:Verdana;color:#000000;background-color:transparent;font-weight:normal;font-style:normal;font-variant:normal;text-decoration:none;vertical-align:baseline;">1967</span><br /><span style="font-size:13px;font-family:Verdana;color:#000000;background-color:transparent;font-weight:normal;font-style:normal;font-variant:normal;text-decoration:none;vertical-align:baseline;">Grammar of the Arabic Language; Wright</span><br /><span style="font-size:13px;font-family:Verdana;color:#000000;background-color:transparent;font-weight:normal;font-style:normal;font-variant:normal;text-decoration:none;vertical-align:baseline;">Aetheopic Grammar</span><br /><span style="font-size:13px;font-family:Verdana;color:#000000;background-color:transparent;font-weight:normal;font-style:normal;font-variant:normal;text-decoration:none;vertical-align:baseline;">New Testament (excerpts in Ge'ez, old Ethiopic language)</span><br /><span style="font-size:13px;font-family:Verdana;color:#000000;background-color:transparent;font-weight:normal;font-style:normal;font-variant:normal;text-decoration:none;vertical-align:baseline;">Ugaritic Grammar; Cyrus Gordon</span><br /><span style="font-size:13px;font-family:Verdana;color:#000000;background-color:transparent;font-weight:normal;font-style:normal;font-variant:normal;text-decoration:none;vertical-align:baseline;">Ugaritic Texts; Cyrus Gordon</span><br /><span style="font-size:13px;font-family:Verdana;color:#000000;background-color:transparent;font-weight:normal;font-style:normal;font-variant:normal;text-decoration:none;vertical-align:baseline;">Arabic Literature; H.A.R. Gibb</span><br /><span style="font-size:13px;font-family:Verdana;color:#000000;background-color:transparent;font-weight:normal;font-style:normal;font-variant:normal;text-decoration:none;vertical-align:baseline;">Decipherment of Linear B; John Chadwick</span><br /><span style="font-size:13px;font-family:Verdana;color:#000000;background-color:transparent;font-weight:normal;font-style:normal;font-variant:normal;text-decoration:none;vertical-align:baseline;">Ugarit and Minoan Crete; Cyrus Gordon</span><br /><span style="font-size:13px;font-family:Verdana;color:#000000;background-color:transparent;font-weight:normal;font-style:normal;font-variant:normal;text-decoration:none;vertical-align:baseline;">Ancient Mesopotamia; Oppenheim</span><br /><span style="font-size:13px;font-family:Verdana;color:#000000;background-color:transparent;font-weight:normal;font-style:normal;font-variant:normal;text-decoration:none;vertical-align:baseline;">Seven Years in Tibet; Heinrich Harrer</span><br /><span style="font-size:13px;font-family:Verdana;color:#000000;background-color:transparent;font-weight:normal;font-style:normal;font-variant:normal;text-decoration:none;vertical-align:baseline;">The Hard Years; Joe Brown</span><br /><span style="font-size:13px;font-family:Verdana;color:#000000;background-color:transparent;font-weight:normal;font-style:normal;font-variant:normal;text-decoration:none;vertical-align:baseline;"></span><br /><span style="font-size:13px;font-family:Verdana;color:#000000;background-color:transparent;font-weight:normal;font-style:normal;font-variant:normal;text-decoration:none;vertical-align:baseline;">1968</span><br /><span style="font-size:13px;font-family:Verdana;color:#000000;background-color:transparent;font-weight:normal;font-style:normal;font-variant:normal;text-decoration:none;vertical-align:baseline;">Desert Solitaire; Edward Abbey</span><br /><span style="font-size:13px;font-family:Verdana;color:#000000;background-color:transparent;font-weight:normal;font-style:normal;font-variant:normal;text-decoration:none;vertical-align:baseline;">Genesis: The NJV Translation</span><br /><span style="font-size:13px;font-family:Verdana;color:#000000;background-color:transparent;font-weight:normal;font-style:normal;font-variant:normal;text-decoration:none;vertical-align:baseline;">The Biblical Period from Abraham to Ezra; William Foxwell Albright</span><br /><span style="font-size:13px;font-family:Verdana;color:#000000;background-color:transparent;font-weight:normal;font-style:normal;font-variant:normal;text-decoration:none;vertical-align:baseline;">Ancient Egyptian Religion; Frankfort</span><br /><span style="font-size:13px;font-family:Verdana;color:#000000;background-color:transparent;font-weight:normal;font-style:normal;font-variant:normal;text-decoration:none;vertical-align:baseline;">Essays in Old Testament History and Religion; Albrecht Alt</span><br /><span style="font-size:13px;font-family:Verdana;color:#000000;background-color:transparent;font-weight:normal;font-style:normal;font-variant:normal;text-decoration:none;vertical-align:baseline;">From the Stone Age to Christianity; William Foxwell Albright</span><br /><span style="font-size:13px;font-family:Verdana;color:#000000;background-color:transparent;font-weight:normal;font-style:normal;font-variant:normal;text-decoration:none;vertical-align:baseline;">The Bible and the Ancient Near East; G. Ernest Wright</span><br /><span style="font-size:13px;font-family:Verdana;color:#000000;background-color:transparent;font-weight:normal;font-style:normal;font-variant:normal;text-decoration:none;vertical-align:baseline;">Siddhartha; Herman Hesse</span><br /><span style="font-size:13px;font-family:Verdana;color:#000000;background-color:transparent;font-weight:normal;font-style:normal;font-variant:normal;text-decoration:none;vertical-align:baseline;">Demian; Herman Hesse</span><br /><span style="font-size:13px;font-family:Verdana;color:#000000;background-color:transparent;font-weight:normal;font-style:normal;font-variant:normal;text-decoration:none;vertical-align:baseline;">Direttissima; Gillman and Haston</span><br /><span style="font-size:13px;font-family:Verdana;color:#000000;background-color:transparent;font-weight:normal;font-style:normal;font-variant:normal;text-decoration:none;vertical-align:baseline;">The Mycenaean World; John Chadwick</span><br /><span style="font-size:13px;font-family:Verdana;color:#000000;background-color:transparent;font-weight:normal;font-style:normal;font-variant:normal;text-decoration:none;vertical-align:baseline;"></span><br /><span style="font-size:13px;font-family:Verdana;color:#000000;background-color:transparent;font-weight:normal;font-style:normal;font-variant:normal;text-decoration:none;vertical-align:baseline;">1969</span><br /><span style="font-size:13px;font-family:Verdana;color:#000000;background-color:transparent;font-weight:normal;font-style:normal;font-variant:normal;text-decoration:none;vertical-align:baseline;">Islamic Law; Schact</span><br /><span style="font-size:13px;font-family:Verdana;color:#000000;background-color:transparent;font-weight:normal;font-style:normal;font-variant:normal;text-decoration:none;vertical-align:baseline;">History of the Arabs; Philip K. Hitti</span><br /><span style="font-size:13px;font-family:Verdana;color:#000000;background-color:transparent;font-weight:normal;font-style:normal;font-variant:normal;text-decoration:none;vertical-align:baseline;">Knots;R.D. Laing</span><br /><span style="font-size:13px;font-family:Verdana;color:#000000;background-color:transparent;font-weight:normal;font-style:normal;font-variant:normal;text-decoration:none;vertical-align:baseline;">The Politics of Experience; R.D. Laing</span><br /><span style="font-size:13px;font-family:Verdana;color:#000000;background-color:transparent;font-weight:normal;font-style:normal;font-variant:normal;text-decoration:none;vertical-align:baseline;">The Back Country; Gary Snyder</span><br /><span style="font-size:13px;font-family:Verdana;color:#000000;background-color:transparent;font-weight:normal;font-style:normal;font-variant:normal;text-decoration:none;vertical-align:baseline;">Earth House Hold; Gary Snyder</span><br /><span style="font-size:13px;font-family:Verdana;color:#000000;background-color:transparent;font-weight:normal;font-style:normal;font-variant:normal;text-decoration:none;vertical-align:baseline;">Egyptian Grammar; Gardiner</span><br /><span style="font-size:13px;font-family:Verdana;color:#000000;background-color:transparent;font-weight:normal;font-style:normal;font-variant:normal;text-decoration:none;vertical-align:baseline;"></span><br /><span style="font-size:13px;font-family:Verdana;color:#000000;background-color:transparent;font-weight:normal;font-style:normal;font-variant:normal;text-decoration:none;vertical-align:baseline;">1970</span><br /><span style="font-size:13px;font-family:Verdana;color:#000000;background-color:transparent;font-weight:normal;font-style:normal;font-variant:normal;text-decoration:none;vertical-align:baseline;">Pole, Paddle, and Portage; Bill Riviere</span><br /><span style="font-size:13px;font-family:Verdana;color:#000000;background-color:transparent;font-weight:normal;font-style:normal;font-variant:normal;text-decoration:none;vertical-align:baseline;">Rocky Mountain Warden; Frank Caulkins</span><br /><span style="font-size:13px;font-family:Verdana;color:#000000;background-color:transparent;font-weight:normal;font-style:normal;font-variant:normal;text-decoration:none;vertical-align:baseline;">Basic Rockcraft; Royal Robbins</span><br /><span style="font-size:13px;font-family:Verdana;color:#000000;background-color:transparent;font-weight:normal;font-style:normal;font-variant:normal;text-decoration:none;vertical-align:baseline;">Mountaineering; Alan Blackshaw</span><br /><span style="font-size:13px;font-family:Verdana;color:#000000;background-color:transparent;font-weight:normal;font-style:normal;font-variant:normal;text-decoration:none;vertical-align:baseline;">Word Alchemy; Lenore Kandel</span><br /><span style="font-size:13px;font-family:Verdana;color:#000000;background-color:transparent;font-weight:normal;font-style:normal;font-variant:normal;text-decoration:none;vertical-align:baseline;">Romel Drives Deep into Egypt; Richard Brautigan</span><br /><span style="font-size:13px;font-family:Verdana;color:#000000;background-color:transparent;font-weight:normal;font-style:normal;font-variant:normal;text-decoration:none;vertical-align:baseline;"></span><br /><span style="font-size:13px;font-family:Verdana;color:#000000;background-color:transparent;font-weight:bold;font-style:normal;font-variant:normal;text-decoration:none;vertical-align:baseline;">TETON YEARS</span><br /><span style="font-size:13px;font-family:Verdana;color:#000000;background-color:transparent;font-weight:bold;font-style:normal;font-variant:normal;text-decoration:none;vertical-align:baseline;"></span><br /><span style="font-size:13px;font-family:Verdana;color:#000000;background-color:transparent;font-weight:normal;font-style:normal;font-variant:normal;text-decoration:none;vertical-align:baseline;">1971</span><br /><span style="font-size:13px;font-family:Verdana;color:#000000;background-color:transparent;font-weight:normal;font-style:normal;font-variant:normal;text-decoration:none;vertical-align:baseline;">The Subterraneans; Jack Kerouac</span><br /><span style="font-size:13px;font-family:Verdana;color:#000000;background-color:transparent;font-weight:normal;font-style:normal;font-variant:normal;text-decoration:none;vertical-align:baseline;">Zen in the Art of Archery; Eugen Herrigel</span><br /><span style="font-size:13px;font-family:Verdana;color:#000000;background-color:transparent;font-weight:normal;font-style:normal;font-variant:normal;text-decoration:none;vertical-align:baseline;">A First Greek Course; Donaldson</span><br /><span style="font-size:13px;font-family:Verdana;color:#000000;background-color:transparent;font-weight:normal;font-style:normal;font-variant:normal;text-decoration:none;vertical-align:baseline;">ABC's of Reading; Ezra Pound</span><br /><span style="font-size:13px;font-family:Verdana;color:#000000;background-color:transparent;font-weight:normal;font-style:normal;font-variant:normal;text-decoration:none;vertical-align:baseline;">The Spell of the Yukon; Robert W. Service</span><br /><span style="font-size:13px;font-family:Verdana;color:#000000;background-color:transparent;font-weight:normal;font-style:normal;font-variant:normal;text-decoration:none;vertical-align:baseline;">One Man's Mountains; Tom Patey</span><br /><span style="font-size:13px;font-family:Verdana;color:#000000;background-color:transparent;font-weight:normal;font-style:normal;font-variant:normal;text-decoration:none;vertical-align:baseline;">Don Whillans: Portrait of a Mountaineer; Don Whillans</span><br /><span style="font-size:13px;font-family:Verdana;color:#000000;background-color:transparent;font-weight:normal;font-style:normal;font-variant:normal;text-decoration:none;vertical-align:baseline;">Justine; Lawrence Durrell</span><br /><span style="font-size:13px;font-family:Verdana;color:#000000;background-color:transparent;font-weight:normal;font-style:normal;font-variant:normal;text-decoration:none;vertical-align:baseline;">Clea; Lawrence Durrell</span><br /><span style="font-size:13px;font-family:Verdana;color:#000000;background-color:transparent;font-weight:normal;font-style:normal;font-variant:normal;text-decoration:none;vertical-align:baseline;">Balthazar; Lawrence Durrell</span><br /><span style="font-size:13px;font-family:Verdana;color:#000000;background-color:transparent;font-weight:normal;font-style:normal;font-variant:normal;text-decoration:none;vertical-align:baseline;">Mountolive; Lawrence Durrell</span><br /><span style="font-size:13px;font-family:Verdana;color:#000000;background-color:transparent;font-weight:normal;font-style:normal;font-variant:normal;text-decoration:none;vertical-align:baseline;">Man Meets Dog; Konrad Lorenz</span><br /><span style="font-size:13px;font-family:Verdana;color:#000000;background-color:transparent;font-weight:normal;font-style:normal;font-variant:normal;text-decoration:none;vertical-align:baseline;"></span><br /><span style="font-size:13px;font-family:Verdana;color:#000000;background-color:transparent;font-weight:normal;font-style:normal;font-variant:normal;text-decoration:none;vertical-align:baseline;">1972</span><br /><span style="font-size:13px;font-family:Verdana;color:#000000;background-color:transparent;font-weight:normal;font-style:normal;font-variant:normal;text-decoration:none;vertical-align:baseline;">Trails Plowed Under; Charles M. Russell</span><br /><span style="font-size:13px;font-family:Verdana;color:#000000;background-color:transparent;font-weight:normal;font-style:normal;font-variant:normal;text-decoration:none;vertical-align:baseline;">Die Morgenland Fahrt; Herman Hesse</span><br /><span style="font-size:13px;font-family:Verdana;color:#000000;background-color:transparent;font-weight:normal;font-style:normal;font-variant:normal;text-decoration:none;vertical-align:baseline;">Strange News from Another Star; Herman Hesse</span><br /><span style="font-size:13px;font-family:Verdana;color:#000000;background-color:transparent;font-weight:normal;font-style:normal;font-variant:normal;text-decoration:none;vertical-align:baseline;">Myths and Texts; Gary Snyder</span><br /><span style="font-size:13px;font-family:Verdana;color:#000000;background-color:transparent;font-weight:normal;font-style:normal;font-variant:normal;text-decoration:none;vertical-align:baseline;">Riprap and Cold Mountain Poems; Gary Snyder</span><br /><span style="font-size:13px;font-family:Verdana;color:#000000;background-color:transparent;font-weight:normal;font-style:normal;font-variant:normal;text-decoration:none;vertical-align:baseline;">The First Third; Neal Cassidy</span><br /><span style="font-size:13px;font-family:Verdana;color:#000000;background-color:transparent;font-weight:normal;font-style:normal;font-variant:normal;text-decoration:none;vertical-align:baseline;">Introduction to Zen Buddhism; D. T. Suzuki</span><br /><span style="font-size:13px;font-family:Verdana;color:#000000;background-color:transparent;font-weight:normal;font-style:normal;font-variant:normal;text-decoration:none;vertical-align:baseline;">The Bhavagad Gita</span><br /><span style="font-size:13px;font-family:Verdana;color:#000000;background-color:transparent;font-weight:normal;font-style:normal;font-variant:normal;text-decoration:none;vertical-align:baseline;">Immortal Poems; Oscar Williams</span><br /><span style="font-size:13px;font-family:Verdana;color:#000000;background-color:transparent;font-weight:normal;font-style:normal;font-variant:normal;text-decoration:none;vertical-align:baseline;"></span><br /><span style="font-size:13px;font-family:Verdana;color:#000000;background-color:transparent;font-weight:normal;font-style:normal;font-variant:normal;text-decoration:none;vertical-align:baseline;">1973</span><br /><span style="font-size:13px;font-family:Verdana;color:#000000;background-color:transparent;font-weight:normal;font-style:normal;font-variant:normal;text-decoration:none;vertical-align:baseline;">The Message of the Joseph Smith Papyri; Hugh Nibley</span><br /><span style="font-size:13px;font-family:Verdana;color:#000000;background-color:transparent;font-weight:normal;font-style:normal;font-variant:normal;text-decoration:none;vertical-align:baseline;">Good Medicine; Charles M. Russell</span><br /><span style="font-size:13px;font-family:Verdana;color:#000000;background-color:transparent;font-weight:normal;font-style:normal;font-variant:normal;text-decoration:none;vertical-align:baseline;">No Second Place Winner; Jordan</span><br /><span style="font-size:13px;font-family:Verdana;color:#000000;background-color:transparent;font-weight:normal;font-style:normal;font-variant:normal;text-decoration:none;vertical-align:baseline;">Pistol Shooter's Treasury;</span><br /><span style="font-size:13px;font-family:Verdana;color:#000000;background-color:transparent;font-weight:normal;font-style:normal;font-variant:normal;text-decoration:none;vertical-align:baseline;">The Avalanche Handbook; USFS</span><br /><span style="font-size:13px;font-family:Verdana;color:#000000;background-color:transparent;font-weight:normal;font-style:normal;font-variant:normal;text-decoration:none;vertical-align:baseline;">A Century of Mountaineering; Alfred Lunn</span><br /><span style="font-size:13px;font-family:Verdana;color:#000000;background-color:transparent;font-weight:normal;font-style:normal;font-variant:normal;text-decoration:none;vertical-align:baseline;">Regarding Wave; Gary Snyder</span><br /><span style="font-size:13px;font-family:Verdana;color:#000000;background-color:transparent;font-weight:normal;font-style:normal;font-variant:normal;text-decoration:none;vertical-align:baseline;">Field Guide to Snow Crystals;</span><br /><span style="font-size:13px;font-family:Verdana;color:#000000;background-color:transparent;font-weight:normal;font-style:normal;font-variant:normal;text-decoration:none;vertical-align:baseline;">In High Places; Dougal Haston</span><br /><span style="font-size:13px;font-family:Verdana;color:#000000;background-color:transparent;font-weight:normal;font-style:normal;font-variant:normal;text-decoration:none;vertical-align:baseline;"></span><br /><span style="font-size:13px;font-family:Verdana;color:#000000;background-color:transparent;font-weight:normal;font-style:normal;font-variant:normal;text-decoration:none;vertical-align:baseline;">1974</span><br /><span style="font-size:13px;font-family:Verdana;color:#000000;background-color:transparent;font-weight:normal;font-style:normal;font-variant:normal;text-decoration:none;vertical-align:baseline;">Fast and Fancy Revolver Shooting;</span><br /><span style="font-size:13px;font-family:Verdana;color:#000000;background-color:transparent;font-weight:normal;font-style:normal;font-variant:normal;text-decoration:none;vertical-align:baseline;">Sixguns; Elmer Keith</span><br /><span style="font-size:13px;font-family:Verdana;color:#000000;background-color:transparent;font-weight:normal;font-style:normal;font-variant:normal;text-decoration:none;vertical-align:baseline;">Complete Book of Combat Handgunning</span><br /><span style="font-size:13px;font-family:Verdana;color:#000000;background-color:transparent;font-weight:normal;font-style:normal;font-variant:normal;text-decoration:none;vertical-align:baseline;">Mount Analogue; Rene Daumal</span><br /><span style="font-size:13px;font-family:Verdana;color:#000000;background-color:transparent;font-weight:normal;font-style:normal;font-variant:normal;text-decoration:none;vertical-align:baseline;">Pilgrim at Tinker Creek; Annie Dillard</span><br /><span style="font-size:13px;font-family:Verdana;color:#000000;background-color:transparent;font-weight:normal;font-style:normal;font-variant:normal;text-decoration:none;vertical-align:baseline;">Turtle Island; Gary Snyder</span><br /><span style="font-size:13px;font-family:Verdana;color:#000000;background-color:transparent;font-weight:normal;font-style:normal;font-variant:normal;text-decoration:none;vertical-align:baseline;">Downward Bound; Warren Harding</span><br /><span style="font-size:13px;font-family:Verdana;color:#000000;background-color:transparent;font-weight:normal;font-style:normal;font-variant:normal;text-decoration:none;vertical-align:baseline;">Advanced Rockcraft; Royal Robbins</span><br /><span style="font-size:13px;font-family:Verdana;color:#000000;background-color:transparent;font-weight:normal;font-style:normal;font-variant:normal;text-decoration:none;vertical-align:baseline;"></span><br /><span style="font-size:13px;font-family:Verdana;color:#000000;background-color:transparent;font-weight:normal;font-style:normal;font-variant:normal;text-decoration:none;vertical-align:baseline;">1975</span><br /><span style="font-size:13px;font-family:Verdana;color:#000000;background-color:transparent;font-weight:normal;font-style:normal;font-variant:normal;text-decoration:none;vertical-align:baseline;">Byways in Handweaving; Mary Meigs Atwater</span><br /><span style="font-size:13px;font-family:Verdana;color:#000000;background-color:transparent;font-weight:normal;font-style:normal;font-variant:normal;text-decoration:none;vertical-align:baseline;">The Long Death; Andrist</span><br /><span style="font-size:13px;font-family:Verdana;color:#000000;background-color:transparent;font-weight:normal;font-style:normal;font-variant:normal;text-decoration:none;vertical-align:baseline;">Sun Chief; Simmons</span><br /><span style="font-size:13px;font-family:Verdana;color:#000000;background-color:transparent;font-weight:normal;font-style:normal;font-variant:normal;text-decoration:none;vertical-align:baseline;">Great Tom; T.S. Matthews</span><br /><span style="font-size:13px;font-family:Verdana;color:#000000;background-color:transparent;font-weight:normal;font-style:normal;font-variant:normal;text-decoration:none;vertical-align:baseline;">The Mont Blanc Massif; Gaston Rebuffat</span><br /><span style="font-size:13px;font-family:Verdana;color:#000000;background-color:transparent;font-weight:normal;font-style:normal;font-variant:normal;text-decoration:none;vertical-align:baseline;">Climbing in North America; Chris Jones</span><br /><span style="font-size:13px;font-family:Verdana;color:#000000;background-color:transparent;font-weight:normal;font-style:normal;font-variant:normal;text-decoration:none;vertical-align:baseline;">Mountain Search and Rescue Techniques; W.G. May</span><br /><span style="font-size:13px;font-family:Verdana;color:#000000;background-color:transparent;font-weight:normal;font-style:normal;font-variant:normal;text-decoration:none;vertical-align:baseline;">Modern Snow and Ice Techniques; Bill March</span><br /><span style="font-size:13px;font-family:Verdana;color:#000000;background-color:transparent;font-weight:normal;font-style:normal;font-variant:normal;text-decoration:none;vertical-align:baseline;">The Long Death; Ralph K. Andrist</span><br /><span style="font-size:13px;font-family:Verdana;color:#000000;background-color:transparent;font-weight:normal;font-style:normal;font-variant:normal;text-decoration:none;vertical-align:baseline;">Bury My Heart at Wounded Knee; Dee Brown</span><br /><span style="font-size:13px;font-family:Verdana;color:#000000;background-color:transparent;font-weight:normal;font-style:normal;font-variant:normal;text-decoration:none;vertical-align:baseline;">Passage to India; Gary Snyder</span><br /><span style="font-size:13px;font-family:Verdana;color:#000000;background-color:transparent;font-weight:normal;font-style:normal;font-variant:normal;text-decoration:none;vertical-align:baseline;">Slickrock; Edward Abbey</span><br /><span style="font-size:13px;font-family:Verdana;color:#000000;background-color:transparent;font-weight:normal;font-style:normal;font-variant:normal;text-decoration:none;vertical-align:baseline;">The Tao of Physics; Fritjof Capra</span><br /><span style="font-size:13px;font-family:Verdana;color:#000000;background-color:transparent;font-weight:normal;font-style:normal;font-variant:normal;text-decoration:none;vertical-align:baseline;"></span><br /><span style="font-size:13px;font-family:Verdana;color:#000000;background-color:transparent;font-weight:normal;font-style:normal;font-variant:normal;text-decoration:none;vertical-align:baseline;">1976</span><br /><span style="font-size:13px;font-family:Verdana;color:#000000;background-color:transparent;font-weight:normal;font-style:normal;font-variant:normal;text-decoration:none;vertical-align:baseline;">A Cabinet Maker's Notebook; James Krenov</span><br /><span style="font-size:13px;font-family:Verdana;color:#000000;background-color:transparent;font-weight:normal;font-style:normal;font-variant:normal;text-decoration:none;vertical-align:baseline;">The People of the Lake; Richard Leakey</span><br /><span style="font-size:13px;font-family:Verdana;color:#000000;background-color:transparent;font-weight:normal;font-style:normal;font-variant:normal;text-decoration:none;vertical-align:baseline;">The Immense Journey; Loren Eisley</span><br /><span style="font-size:13px;font-family:Verdana;color:#000000;background-color:transparent;font-weight:normal;font-style:normal;font-variant:normal;text-decoration:none;vertical-align:baseline;">The Invisible Pyramid; Loren Eisley</span><br /><span style="font-size:13px;font-family:Verdana;color:#000000;background-color:transparent;font-weight:normal;font-style:normal;font-variant:normal;text-decoration:none;vertical-align:baseline;">The Unexpected Universe; Loren Eisley</span><br /><span style="font-size:13px;font-family:Verdana;color:#000000;background-color:transparent;font-weight:normal;font-style:normal;font-variant:normal;text-decoration:none;vertical-align:baseline;">The Firmament of Time; Loren Eisley</span><br /><span style="font-size:13px;font-family:Verdana;color:#000000;background-color:transparent;font-weight:normal;font-style:normal;font-variant:normal;text-decoration:none;vertical-align:baseline;">The Night Country; Loren Eisley</span><br /><span style="font-size:13px;font-family:Verdana;color:#000000;background-color:transparent;font-weight:normal;font-style:normal;font-variant:normal;text-decoration:none;vertical-align:baseline;"></span><br /><span style="font-size:13px;font-family:Verdana;color:#000000;background-color:transparent;font-weight:normal;font-style:normal;font-variant:normal;text-decoration:none;vertical-align:baseline;">1977</span><br /><span style="font-size:13px;font-family:Verdana;color:#000000;background-color:transparent;font-weight:normal;font-style:normal;font-variant:normal;text-decoration:none;vertical-align:baseline;">The Fine art of Cabinet Making; James Krenov</span><br /><span style="font-size:13px;font-family:Verdana;color:#000000;background-color:transparent;font-weight:normal;font-style:normal;font-variant:normal;text-decoration:none;vertical-align:baseline;">The Oresteia; Aeschylus (Lattimore trans.)</span><br /><span style="font-size:13px;font-family:Verdana;color:#000000;background-color:transparent;font-weight:normal;font-style:normal;font-variant:normal;text-decoration:none;vertical-align:baseline;">All the Strange Hours; Loren Eisley</span><br /><span style="font-size:13px;font-family:Verdana;color:#000000;background-color:transparent;font-weight:normal;font-style:normal;font-variant:normal;text-decoration:none;vertical-align:baseline;">Mount Analog; Rene Daumal</span><br /><span style="font-size:13px;font-family:Verdana;color:#000000;background-color:transparent;font-weight:normal;font-style:normal;font-variant:normal;text-decoration:none;vertical-align:baseline;">Climb to the Lost World; Hamish MacInnes</span><br /><span style="font-size:13px;font-family:Verdana;color:#000000;background-color:transparent;font-weight:normal;font-style:normal;font-variant:normal;text-decoration:none;vertical-align:baseline;">Black Sun; Edward Abbey</span><br /><span style="font-size:13px;font-family:Verdana;color:#000000;background-color:transparent;font-weight:normal;font-style:normal;font-variant:normal;text-decoration:none;vertical-align:baseline;"></span><br /><span style="font-size:13px;font-family:Verdana;color:#000000;background-color:transparent;font-weight:normal;font-style:normal;font-variant:normal;text-decoration:none;vertical-align:baseline;">1978</span><br /><span style="font-size:13px;font-family:Verdana;color:#000000;background-color:transparent;font-weight:normal;font-style:normal;font-variant:normal;text-decoration:none;vertical-align:baseline;">The Honorable Schoolboy; John Le Carre</span><br /><span style="font-size:13px;font-family:Verdana;color:#000000;background-color:transparent;font-weight:normal;font-style:normal;font-variant:normal;text-decoration:none;vertical-align:baseline;">Tristes Tropiques; Claude Levi-Strauss</span><br /><span style="font-size:13px;font-family:Verdana;color:#000000;background-color:transparent;font-weight:normal;font-style:normal;font-variant:normal;text-decoration:none;vertical-align:baseline;">Green Hills of Africa; Ernest Hemingway</span><br /><span style="font-size:13px;font-family:Verdana;color:#000000;background-color:transparent;font-weight:normal;font-style:normal;font-variant:normal;text-decoration:none;vertical-align:baseline;">Hostage to the Devil</span><br /><span style="font-size:13px;font-family:Verdana;color:#000000;background-color:transparent;font-weight:normal;font-style:normal;font-variant:normal;text-decoration:none;vertical-align:baseline;">Zen and the Art of Motorcycle maintenance; Robert J. Pirsig</span><br /><span style="font-size:13px;font-family:Verdana;color:#000000;background-color:transparent;font-weight:normal;font-style:normal;font-variant:normal;text-decoration:none;vertical-align:baseline;">The Rise and Fall of the Third Reich; William Shirer</span><br /><span style="font-size:13px;font-family:Verdana;color:#000000;background-color:transparent;font-weight:normal;font-style:normal;font-variant:normal;text-decoration:none;vertical-align:baseline;">The Ultimate Athlete</span><br /><span style="font-size:13px;font-family:Verdana;color:#000000;background-color:transparent;font-weight:normal;font-style:normal;font-variant:normal;text-decoration:none;vertical-align:baseline;">Nothing Venture, Nothing Won; Sir Edmund Hillary</span><br /><span style="font-size:13px;font-family:Verdana;color:#000000;background-color:transparent;font-weight:normal;font-style:normal;font-variant:normal;text-decoration:none;vertical-align:baseline;">Origins of Consciousness</span><br /><span style="font-size:13px;font-family:Verdana;color:#000000;background-color:transparent;font-weight:normal;font-style:normal;font-variant:normal;text-decoration:none;vertical-align:baseline;">Colossus of Marousi; Henry Miller</span><br /><span style="font-size:13px;font-family:Verdana;color:#000000;background-color:transparent;font-weight:normal;font-style:normal;font-variant:normal;text-decoration:none;vertical-align:baseline;">How the Experts Ski</span><br /><span style="font-size:13px;font-family:Verdana;color:#000000;background-color:transparent;font-weight:normal;font-style:normal;font-variant:normal;text-decoration:none;vertical-align:baseline;">Cross Country Book</span><br /><span style="font-size:13px;font-family:Verdana;color:#000000;background-color:transparent;font-weight:normal;font-style:normal;font-variant:normal;text-decoration:none;vertical-align:baseline;">Pilgrim at Tinker Creek; Annie Dillard</span><br /><span style="font-size:13px;font-family:Verdana;color:#000000;background-color:transparent;font-weight:normal;font-style:normal;font-variant:normal;text-decoration:none;vertical-align:baseline;">Galaxies</span><br /><span style="font-size:13px;font-family:Verdana;color:#000000;background-color:transparent;font-weight:normal;font-style:normal;font-variant:normal;text-decoration:none;vertical-align:baseline;">Cambridge Encyclopedia of Astronomy</span><br /><span style="font-size:13px;font-family:Verdana;color:#000000;background-color:transparent;font-weight:normal;font-style:normal;font-variant:normal;text-decoration:none;vertical-align:baseline;">Flounder; Gunter Grass</span><br /><span style="font-size:13px;font-family:Verdana;color:#000000;background-color:transparent;font-weight:normal;font-style:normal;font-variant:normal;text-decoration:none;vertical-align:baseline;">The Pound Era; Hugh Kenner</span><br /><span style="font-size:13px;font-family:Verdana;color:#000000;background-color:transparent;font-weight:normal;font-style:normal;font-variant:normal;text-decoration:none;vertical-align:baseline;">God of the Fathers</span><br /><span style="font-size:13px;font-family:Verdana;color:#000000;background-color:transparent;font-weight:normal;font-style:normal;font-variant:normal;text-decoration:none;vertical-align:baseline;">Downhill Cross Country</span><br /><span style="font-size:13px;font-family:Verdana;color:#000000;background-color:transparent;font-weight:normal;font-style:normal;font-variant:normal;text-decoration:none;vertical-align:baseline;">Origins; Richard Leakey</span><br /><span style="font-size:13px;font-family:Verdana;color:#000000;background-color:transparent;font-weight:normal;font-style:normal;font-variant:normal;text-decoration:none;vertical-align:baseline;">Riders of the Purple Sage; Zane Gray</span><br /><span style="font-size:13px;font-family:Verdana;color:#000000;background-color:transparent;font-weight:normal;font-style:normal;font-variant:normal;text-decoration:none;vertical-align:baseline;">The Uses of Enchantment</span><br /><span style="font-size:13px;font-family:Verdana;color:#000000;background-color:transparent;font-weight:normal;font-style:normal;font-variant:normal;text-decoration:none;vertical-align:baseline;">The Magus; John Fowles</span><br /><span style="font-size:13px;font-family:Verdana;color:#000000;background-color:transparent;font-weight:normal;font-style:normal;font-variant:normal;text-decoration:none;vertical-align:baseline;">The Nigger of the Narcissus; Joseph Conrad</span><br /><span style="font-size:13px;font-family:Verdana;color:#000000;background-color:transparent;font-weight:normal;font-style:normal;font-variant:normal;text-decoration:none;vertical-align:baseline;">Arnold; Arnold Schwartzenegger</span><br /><span style="font-size:13px;font-family:Verdana;color:#000000;background-color:transparent;font-weight:normal;font-style:normal;font-variant:normal;text-decoration:none;vertical-align:baseline;">Positive Addiction</span><br /><span style="font-size:13px;font-family:Verdana;color:#000000;background-color:transparent;font-weight:normal;font-style:normal;font-variant:normal;text-decoration:none;vertical-align:baseline;">Daniel Martin; John Fowles</span><br /><span style="font-size:13px;font-family:Verdana;color:#000000;background-color:transparent;font-weight:normal;font-style:normal;font-variant:normal;text-decoration:none;vertical-align:baseline;">Soldier Taylor Tinker Spy;</span><br /><span style="font-size:13px;font-family:Verdana;color:#000000;background-color:transparent;font-weight:normal;font-style:normal;font-variant:normal;text-decoration:none;vertical-align:baseline;">Aeschylus: the Oresteia</span><br /><span style="font-size:13px;font-family:Verdana;color:#000000;background-color:transparent;font-weight:normal;font-style:normal;font-variant:normal;text-decoration:none;vertical-align:baseline;">Sophocles: the Oedipus Trilogy</span><br /><span style="font-size:13px;font-family:Verdana;color:#000000;background-color:transparent;font-weight:normal;font-style:normal;font-variant:normal;text-decoration:none;vertical-align:baseline;">The Second Ring of Power; Carlos Castaneda</span><br /><span style="font-size:13px;font-family:Verdana;color:#000000;background-color:transparent;font-weight:normal;font-style:normal;font-variant:normal;text-decoration:none;vertical-align:baseline;">Ishi Means Man; Thomas Merton</span><br /><span style="font-size:13px;font-family:Verdana;color:#000000;background-color:transparent;font-weight:normal;font-style:normal;font-variant:normal;text-decoration:none;vertical-align:baseline;">Summits and Secrets; Kurt Diemberger</span><br /><span style="font-size:13px;font-family:Verdana;color:#000000;background-color:transparent;font-weight:normal;font-style:normal;font-variant:normal;text-decoration:none;vertical-align:baseline;">Mont Blanc to Everest</span><br /><span style="font-size:13px;font-family:Verdana;color:#000000;background-color:transparent;font-weight:normal;font-style:normal;font-variant:normal;text-decoration:none;vertical-align:baseline;">The Old Ways; Gary Snyder</span><br /><span style="font-size:13px;font-family:Verdana;color:#000000;background-color:transparent;font-weight:normal;font-style:normal;font-variant:normal;text-decoration:none;vertical-align:baseline;">Shadow Boxer</span><br /><span style="font-size:13px;font-family:Verdana;color:#000000;background-color:transparent;font-weight:normal;font-style:normal;font-variant:normal;text-decoration:none;vertical-align:baseline;">Justine</span><br /><span style="font-size:13px;font-family:Verdana;color:#000000;background-color:transparent;font-weight:normal;font-style:normal;font-variant:normal;text-decoration:none;vertical-align:baseline;">The Life of Ezra Pound</span><br /><span style="font-size:13px;font-family:Verdana;color:#000000;background-color:transparent;font-weight:normal;font-style:normal;font-variant:normal;text-decoration:none;vertical-align:baseline;">Relativity and Common Sense</span><br /><span style="font-size:13px;font-family:Verdana;color:#000000;background-color:transparent;font-weight:normal;font-style:normal;font-variant:normal;text-decoration:none;vertical-align:baseline;">The Seventh Seal; Ingmar Bergman</span><br /><span style="font-size:13px;font-family:Verdana;color:#000000;background-color:transparent;font-weight:normal;font-style:normal;font-variant:normal;text-decoration:none;vertical-align:baseline;">The Magic Years</span><br /><span style="font-size:13px;font-family:Verdana;color:#000000;background-color:transparent;font-weight:normal;font-style:normal;font-variant:normal;text-decoration:none;vertical-align:baseline;">Odyssey</span><br /><span style="font-size:13px;font-family:Verdana;color:#000000;background-color:transparent;font-weight:normal;font-style:normal;font-variant:normal;text-decoration:none;vertical-align:baseline;">Dragons of Eden; Carl Sagan</span><br /><span style="font-size:13px;font-family:Verdana;color:#000000;background-color:transparent;font-weight:normal;font-style:normal;font-variant:normal;text-decoration:none;vertical-align:baseline;">Caldwell on Cross Country;</span><br /><span style="font-size:13px;font-family:Verdana;color:#000000;background-color:transparent;font-weight:normal;font-style:normal;font-variant:normal;text-decoration:none;vertical-align:baseline;">Climbing Ice; Yvon Chouinard</span><br /><span style="font-size:13px;font-family:Verdana;color:#000000;background-color:transparent;font-weight:normal;font-style:normal;font-variant:normal;text-decoration:none;vertical-align:baseline;"></span><br /><span style="font-size:13px;font-family:Verdana;color:#000000;background-color:transparent;font-weight:normal;font-style:normal;font-variant:normal;text-decoration:none;vertical-align:baseline;">1979</span><br /><span style="font-size:13px;font-family:Verdana;color:#000000;background-color:transparent;font-weight:normal;font-style:normal;font-variant:normal;text-decoration:none;vertical-align:baseline;">Black Powder Guide</span><br /><span style="font-size:13px;font-family:Verdana;color:#000000;background-color:transparent;font-weight:normal;font-style:normal;font-variant:normal;text-decoration:none;vertical-align:baseline;">X Beidler: Vigilante; </span><br /><span style="font-size:13px;font-family:Verdana;color:#000000;background-color:transparent;font-weight:normal;font-style:normal;font-variant:normal;text-decoration:none;vertical-align:baseline;">The Ithaca Hawken</span><br /><span style="font-size:13px;font-family:Verdana;color:#000000;background-color:transparent;font-weight:normal;font-style:normal;font-variant:normal;text-decoration:none;vertical-align:baseline;">Journal of a Trapper</span><br /><span style="font-size:13px;font-family:Verdana;color:#000000;background-color:transparent;font-weight:normal;font-style:normal;font-variant:normal;text-decoration:none;vertical-align:baseline;">Daisy Miller</span><br /><span style="font-size:13px;font-family:Verdana;color:#000000;background-color:transparent;font-weight:normal;font-style:normal;font-variant:normal;text-decoration:none;vertical-align:baseline;">The World of Odysseus</span><br /><span style="font-size:13px;font-family:Verdana;color:#000000;background-color:transparent;font-weight:normal;font-style:normal;font-variant:normal;text-decoration:none;vertical-align:baseline;">Herr Nightengale and the Satin Woman; William Kotzwinkle</span><br /><span style="font-size:13px;font-family:Verdana;color:#000000;background-color:transparent;font-weight:normal;font-style:normal;font-variant:normal;text-decoration:none;vertical-align:baseline;">Relativity and Common Sense; Herman Bondi</span><br /><span style="font-size:13px;font-family:Verdana;color:#000000;background-color:transparent;font-weight:normal;font-style:normal;font-variant:normal;text-decoration:none;vertical-align:baseline;">Fifth Business; Robertson Davies</span><br /><span style="font-size:13px;font-family:Verdana;color:#000000;background-color:transparent;font-weight:normal;font-style:normal;font-variant:normal;text-decoration:none;vertical-align:baseline;">Manticore; Robertson Davies</span><br /><span style="font-size:13px;font-family:Verdana;color:#000000;background-color:transparent;font-weight:normal;font-style:normal;font-variant:normal;text-decoration:none;vertical-align:baseline;">World of Wonders; obertson Davies</span><br /><span style="font-size:13px;font-family:Verdana;color:#000000;background-color:transparent;font-weight:normal;font-style:normal;font-variant:normal;text-decoration:none;vertical-align:baseline;">Maltese Falcon; Dashiell Hammett</span><br /><span style="font-size:13px;font-family:Verdana;color:#000000;background-color:transparent;font-weight:normal;font-style:normal;font-variant:normal;text-decoration:none;vertical-align:baseline;">Burning Moon;</span><br /><span style="font-size:13px;font-family:Verdana;color:#000000;background-color:transparent;font-weight:normal;font-style:normal;font-variant:normal;text-decoration:none;vertical-align:baseline;">Temples, Tombs and Hieroglyphs; Barbara Mertz</span><br /><span style="font-size:13px;font-family:Verdana;color:#000000;background-color:transparent;font-weight:normal;font-style:normal;font-variant:normal;text-decoration:none;vertical-align:baseline;">The Big Walls; Reinhold Messner</span><br /><span style="font-size:13px;font-family:Verdana;color:#000000;background-color:transparent;font-weight:normal;font-style:normal;font-variant:normal;text-decoration:none;vertical-align:baseline;">The Lonely Victory; Peter Habeler</span><br /><span style="font-size:13px;font-family:Verdana;color:#000000;background-color:transparent;font-weight:normal;font-style:normal;font-variant:normal;text-decoration:none;vertical-align:baseline;">People of the Lake; Richard Leakey</span><br /><span style="font-size:13px;font-family:Verdana;color:#000000;background-color:transparent;font-weight:normal;font-style:normal;font-variant:normal;text-decoration:none;vertical-align:baseline;"></span><br /><span style="font-size:13px;font-family:Verdana;color:#000000;background-color:transparent;font-weight:normal;font-style:normal;font-variant:normal;text-decoration:none;vertical-align:baseline;">1980</span><br /><span style="font-size:13px;font-family:Verdana;color:#000000;background-color:transparent;font-weight:normal;font-style:normal;font-variant:normal;text-decoration:none;vertical-align:baseline;">The Way to Rainy Mountain; N. Scott Momaday</span><br /><span style="font-size:13px;font-family:Verdana;color:#000000;background-color:transparent;font-weight:normal;font-style:normal;font-variant:normal;text-decoration:none;vertical-align:baseline;">The Gourd Dancer; N. Scott Momaday</span><br /><span style="font-size:13px;font-family:Verdana;color:#000000;background-color:transparent;font-weight:normal;font-style:normal;font-variant:normal;text-decoration:none;vertical-align:baseline;">Ultraviolet Catastrophe</span><br /><span style="font-size:13px;font-family:Verdana;color:#000000;background-color:transparent;font-weight:normal;font-style:normal;font-variant:normal;text-decoration:none;vertical-align:baseline;">Egypt Before the Pharoahs;</span><br /><span style="font-size:13px;font-family:Verdana;color:#000000;background-color:transparent;font-weight:normal;font-style:normal;font-variant:normal;text-decoration:none;vertical-align:baseline;">The Lonely Victory</span><br /><span style="font-size:13px;font-family:Verdana;color:#000000;background-color:transparent;font-weight:normal;font-style:normal;font-variant:normal;text-decoration:none;vertical-align:baseline;">The Ice Experience</span><br /><span style="font-size:13px;font-family:Verdana;color:#000000;background-color:transparent;font-weight:normal;font-style:normal;font-variant:normal;text-decoration:none;vertical-align:baseline;">Songs for Gaia</span><br /><span style="font-size:13px;font-family:Verdana;color:#000000;background-color:transparent;font-weight:normal;font-style:normal;font-variant:normal;text-decoration:none;vertical-align:baseline;">Jogging</span><br /><span style="font-size:13px;font-family:Verdana;color:#000000;background-color:transparent;font-weight:normal;font-style:normal;font-variant:normal;text-decoration:none;vertical-align:baseline;">The Gemini Contenders</span><br /><span style="font-size:13px;font-family:Verdana;color:#000000;background-color:transparent;font-weight:normal;font-style:normal;font-variant:normal;text-decoration:none;vertical-align:baseline;">Know Your Hamster</span><br /><span style="font-size:13px;font-family:Verdana;color:#000000;background-color:transparent;font-weight:normal;font-style:normal;font-variant:normal;text-decoration:none;vertical-align:baseline;">Lives of a Cell; Thomas</span><br /><span style="font-size:13px;font-family:Verdana;color:#000000;background-color:transparent;font-weight:normal;font-style:normal;font-variant:normal;text-decoration:none;vertical-align:baseline;">Memories, Dreams and Reflections; Carl Jung</span><br /><span style="font-size:13px;font-family:Verdana;color:#000000;background-color:transparent;font-weight:normal;font-style:normal;font-variant:normal;text-decoration:none;vertical-align:baseline;">Birds;</span><br /><span style="font-size:13px;font-family:Verdana;color:#000000;background-color:transparent;font-weight:normal;font-style:normal;font-variant:normal;text-decoration:none;vertical-align:baseline;">A River Runs Through It; Norman McLean</span><br /><span style="font-size:13px;font-family:Verdana;color:#000000;background-color:transparent;font-weight:normal;font-style:normal;font-variant:normal;text-decoration:none;vertical-align:baseline;">Green mansions; W.H. Hudson</span><br /><span style="font-size:13px;font-family:Verdana;color:#000000;background-color:transparent;font-weight:normal;font-style:normal;font-variant:normal;text-decoration:none;vertical-align:baseline;">The Girl Who Loved Wild Horses</span><br /><span style="font-size:13px;font-family:Verdana;color:#000000;background-color:transparent;font-weight:normal;font-style:normal;font-variant:normal;text-decoration:none;vertical-align:baseline;">The Stranger; Albert Camus</span><br /><span style="font-size:13px;font-family:Verdana;color:#000000;background-color:transparent;font-weight:normal;font-style:normal;font-variant:normal;text-decoration:none;vertical-align:baseline;">The Fall; Albert Camus</span><br /><span style="font-size:13px;font-family:Verdana;color:#000000;background-color:transparent;font-weight:normal;font-style:normal;font-variant:normal;text-decoration:none;vertical-align:baseline;">A Prince of Our Discontent</span><br /><span style="font-size:13px;font-family:Verdana;color:#000000;background-color:transparent;font-weight:normal;font-style:normal;font-variant:normal;text-decoration:none;vertical-align:baseline;">The Tempest; Shakespeare</span><br /><span style="font-size:13px;font-family:Verdana;color:#000000;background-color:transparent;font-weight:normal;font-style:normal;font-variant:normal;text-decoration:none;vertical-align:baseline;">Lone Star Ranger; Zane Gray</span><br /><span style="font-size:13px;font-family:Verdana;color:#000000;background-color:transparent;font-weight:normal;font-style:normal;font-variant:normal;text-decoration:none;vertical-align:baseline;">The Monkey Wrench Gang; Edward Abbey</span><br /><span style="font-size:13px;font-family:Verdana;color:#000000;background-color:transparent;font-weight:normal;font-style:normal;font-variant:normal;text-decoration:none;vertical-align:baseline;">Skeeter Skelton on Handguns 1980</span><br /><span style="font-size:13px;font-family:Verdana;color:#000000;background-color:transparent;font-weight:normal;font-style:normal;font-variant:normal;text-decoration:none;vertical-align:baseline;">Jeff Cooper on Handguns</span><br /><span style="font-size:13px;font-family:Verdana;color:#000000;background-color:transparent;font-weight:normal;font-style:normal;font-variant:normal;text-decoration:none;vertical-align:baseline;">Stones of Silence; George Schaller</span><br /><span style="font-size:13px;font-family:Verdana;color:#000000;background-color:transparent;font-weight:normal;font-style:normal;font-variant:normal;text-decoration:none;vertical-align:baseline;"></span><br /><span style="font-size:13px;font-family:Verdana;color:#000000;background-color:transparent;font-weight:bold;font-style:normal;font-variant:normal;text-decoration:none;vertical-align:baseline;">ALASKA</span><br /><span style="font-size:13px;font-family:Verdana;color:#000000;background-color:transparent;font-weight:bold;font-style:normal;font-variant:normal;text-decoration:none;vertical-align:baseline;"></span><br /><span style="font-size:13px;font-family:Verdana;color:#000000;background-color:transparent;font-weight:normal;font-style:normal;font-variant:normal;text-decoration:none;vertical-align:baseline;">1981</span><br /><span style="font-size:13px;font-family:Verdana;color:#000000;background-color:transparent;font-weight:normal;font-style:normal;font-variant:normal;text-decoration:none;vertical-align:baseline;">A Season in Hell; Rimbaud</span><br /><span style="font-size:13px;font-family:Verdana;color:#000000;background-color:transparent;font-weight:normal;font-style:normal;font-variant:normal;text-decoration:none;vertical-align:baseline;">Nevada</span><br /><span style="font-size:13px;font-family:Verdana;color:#000000;background-color:transparent;font-weight:normal;font-style:normal;font-variant:normal;text-decoration:none;vertical-align:baseline;">The Splendid Art of Opera; Ethan Mordden</span><br /><span style="font-size:13px;font-family:Verdana;color:#000000;background-color:transparent;font-weight:normal;font-style:normal;font-variant:normal;text-decoration:none;vertical-align:baseline;">Real Property; Sarah Davidson</span><br /><span style="font-size:13px;font-family:Verdana;color:#000000;background-color:transparent;font-weight:normal;font-style:normal;font-variant:normal;text-decoration:none;vertical-align:baseline;">Loose Change; Sarah Davidson</span><br /><span style="font-size:13px;font-family:Verdana;color:#000000;background-color:transparent;font-weight:normal;font-style:normal;font-variant:normal;text-decoration:none;vertical-align:baseline;">Tropic of Cancer; Henry Miller</span><br /><span style="font-size:13px;font-family:Verdana;color:#000000;background-color:transparent;font-weight:normal;font-style:normal;font-variant:normal;text-decoration:none;vertical-align:baseline;">The Snow Leopard; Peter mathiesson</span><br /><span style="font-size:13px;font-family:Verdana;color:#000000;background-color:transparent;font-weight:normal;font-style:normal;font-variant:normal;text-decoration:none;vertical-align:baseline;">Cross Country Cat</span><br /><span style="font-size:13px;font-family:Verdana;color:#000000;background-color:transparent;font-weight:normal;font-style:normal;font-variant:normal;text-decoration:none;vertical-align:baseline;">The Tree of Idleness; Laurence Durrell</span><br /><span style="font-size:13px;font-family:Verdana;color:#000000;background-color:transparent;font-weight:normal;font-style:normal;font-variant:normal;text-decoration:none;vertical-align:baseline;">The Cave Home of Peking Man</span><br /><span style="font-size:13px;font-family:Verdana;color:#000000;background-color:transparent;font-weight:normal;font-style:normal;font-variant:normal;text-decoration:none;vertical-align:baseline;">The Night of the Grizzlies</span><br /><span style="font-size:13px;font-family:Verdana;color:#000000;background-color:transparent;font-weight:normal;font-style:normal;font-variant:normal;text-decoration:none;vertical-align:baseline;">Stones of Silence; George Schaller</span><br /><span style="font-size:13px;font-family:Verdana;color:#000000;background-color:transparent;font-weight:normal;font-style:normal;font-variant:normal;text-decoration:none;vertical-align:baseline;">Training of a Zen Buddhist Monk; D. T. Suzuki</span><br /><span style="font-size:13px;font-family:Verdana;color:#000000;background-color:transparent;font-weight:normal;font-style:normal;font-variant:normal;text-decoration:none;vertical-align:baseline;">The Camera; Time-Life</span><br /><span style="font-size:13px;font-family:Verdana;color:#000000;background-color:transparent;font-weight:normal;font-style:normal;font-variant:normal;text-decoration:none;vertical-align:baseline;">The Secret Revolution; John Russell</span><br /><span style="font-size:13px;font-family:Verdana;color:#000000;background-color:transparent;font-weight:normal;font-style:normal;font-variant:normal;text-decoration:none;vertical-align:baseline;">On the Heights; Walter Bonatti</span><br /><span style="font-size:13px;font-family:Verdana;color:#000000;background-color:transparent;font-weight:normal;font-style:normal;font-variant:normal;text-decoration:none;vertical-align:baseline;">The Frog Prince; Maurice Girodias</span><br /><span style="font-size:13px;font-family:Verdana;color:#000000;background-color:transparent;font-weight:normal;font-style:normal;font-variant:normal;text-decoration:none;vertical-align:baseline;">The Family of Man; Edward Steichen</span><br /><span style="font-size:13px;font-family:Verdana;color:#000000;background-color:transparent;font-weight:normal;font-style:normal;font-variant:normal;text-decoration:none;vertical-align:baseline;">Light and Film; Time-Life</span><br /><span style="font-size:13px;font-family:Verdana;color:#000000;background-color:transparent;font-weight:normal;font-style:normal;font-variant:normal;text-decoration:none;vertical-align:baseline;">The Success and Failure of Picasso; john Berger</span><br /><span style="font-size:13px;font-family:Verdana;color:#000000;background-color:transparent;font-weight:normal;font-style:normal;font-variant:normal;text-decoration:none;vertical-align:baseline;">The Emancipation of Color; John Russell</span><br /><span style="font-size:13px;font-family:Verdana;color:#000000;background-color:transparent;font-weight:normal;font-style:normal;font-variant:normal;text-decoration:none;vertical-align:baseline;">Holy the Firm: Annie Dillard</span><br /><span style="font-size:13px;font-family:Verdana;color:#000000;background-color:transparent;font-weight:normal;font-style:normal;font-variant:normal;text-decoration:none;vertical-align:baseline;">Mountains Without Handrails; Joseph Sax</span><br /><span style="font-size:13px;font-family:Verdana;color:#000000;background-color:transparent;font-weight:normal;font-style:normal;font-variant:normal;text-decoration:none;vertical-align:baseline;">Man in the Holocene; Max Frisch</span><br /><span style="font-size:13px;font-family:Verdana;color:#000000;background-color:transparent;font-weight:normal;font-style:normal;font-variant:normal;text-decoration:none;vertical-align:baseline;">Rosshalde; Hermann Hesse</span><br /><span style="font-size:13px;font-family:Verdana;color:#000000;background-color:transparent;font-weight:normal;font-style:normal;font-variant:normal;text-decoration:none;vertical-align:baseline;">Delta of Venus; Anais Nin</span><br /><span style="font-size:13px;font-family:Verdana;color:#000000;background-color:transparent;font-weight:normal;font-style:normal;font-variant:normal;text-decoration:none;vertical-align:baseline;">The Print; Time-Life</span><br /><span style="font-size:13px;font-family:Verdana;color:#000000;background-color:transparent;font-weight:normal;font-style:normal;font-variant:normal;text-decoration:none;vertical-align:baseline;">I Heard the Owl Call My Name</span><br /><span style="font-size:13px;font-family:Verdana;color:#000000;background-color:transparent;font-weight:normal;font-style:normal;font-variant:normal;text-decoration:none;vertical-align:baseline;">Coming Into the Country; John McPhee</span><br /><span style="font-size:13px;font-family:Verdana;color:#000000;background-color:transparent;font-weight:normal;font-style:normal;font-variant:normal;text-decoration:none;vertical-align:baseline;">Going to Extremes; Joe McGinnis</span><br /><span style="font-size:13px;font-family:Verdana;color:#000000;background-color:transparent;font-weight:normal;font-style:normal;font-variant:normal;text-decoration:none;vertical-align:baseline;">Kantishna-Mining Assessment</span><br /><span style="font-size:13px;font-family:Verdana;color:#000000;background-color:transparent;font-weight:normal;font-style:normal;font-variant:normal;text-decoration:none;vertical-align:baseline;">The History of English</span><br /><span style="font-size:13px;font-family:Verdana;color:#000000;background-color:transparent;font-weight:normal;font-style:normal;font-variant:normal;text-decoration:none;vertical-align:baseline;">The Girzzly; Enos Mills</span><br /><span style="font-size:13px;font-family:Verdana;color:#000000;background-color:transparent;font-weight:normal;font-style:normal;font-variant:normal;text-decoration:none;vertical-align:baseline;">High and Wild; Galen Rowell</span><br /><span style="font-size:13px;font-family:Verdana;color:#000000;background-color:transparent;font-weight:normal;font-style:normal;font-variant:normal;text-decoration:none;vertical-align:baseline;">Twilight of the Young; Kurt Mehnert</span><br /><span style="font-size:13px;font-family:Verdana;color:#000000;background-color:transparent;font-weight:normal;font-style:normal;font-variant:normal;text-decoration:none;vertical-align:baseline;">Man and His Symbols; Carl Jung</span><br /><span style="font-size:13px;font-family:Verdana;color:#000000;background-color:transparent;font-weight:normal;font-style:normal;font-variant:normal;text-decoration:none;vertical-align:baseline;">The Maltese Circle; Robert Ludlum</span><br /><span style="font-size:13px;font-family:Verdana;color:#000000;background-color:transparent;font-weight:normal;font-style:normal;font-variant:normal;text-decoration:none;vertical-align:baseline;">About Looking; John Berger</span><br /><span style="font-size:13px;font-family:Verdana;color:#000000;background-color:transparent;font-weight:normal;font-style:normal;font-variant:normal;text-decoration:none;vertical-align:baseline;">The Premar Experiments; Robert H. Rimmer</span><br /><span style="font-size:13px;font-family:Verdana;color:#000000;background-color:transparent;font-weight:normal;font-style:normal;font-variant:normal;text-decoration:none;vertical-align:baseline;">On Photography; Susan Sontag</span><br /><span style="font-size:13px;font-family:Verdana;color:#000000;background-color:transparent;font-weight:normal;font-style:normal;font-variant:normal;text-decoration:none;vertical-align:baseline;">A Dirty Way to Die; Jim Saddler</span><br /><span style="font-size:13px;font-family:Verdana;color:#000000;background-color:transparent;font-weight:normal;font-style:normal;font-variant:normal;text-decoration:none;vertical-align:baseline;">History as Nightmare; John Russell</span><br /><span style="font-size:13px;font-family:Verdana;color:#000000;background-color:transparent;font-weight:normal;font-style:normal;font-variant:normal;text-decoration:none;vertical-align:baseline;">Illuminations; Benjamin</span><br /><span style="font-size:13px;font-family:Verdana;color:#000000;background-color:transparent;font-weight:normal;font-style:normal;font-variant:normal;text-decoration:none;vertical-align:baseline;">Reality Reassembled; John Russell</span><br /><span style="font-size:13px;font-family:Verdana;color:#000000;background-color:transparent;font-weight:normal;font-style:normal;font-variant:normal;text-decoration:none;vertical-align:baseline;">Starlight and Storm; Gaston Rebuffat</span><br /><span style="font-size:13px;font-family:Verdana;color:#000000;background-color:transparent;font-weight:normal;font-style:normal;font-variant:normal;text-decoration:none;vertical-align:baseline;">A New Look at the Dinosaurs; Alan Charig</span><br /><span style="font-size:13px;font-family:Verdana;color:#000000;background-color:transparent;font-weight:normal;font-style:normal;font-variant:normal;text-decoration:none;vertical-align:baseline;">Olympus OM Camera Manual; Lou Jacobs, Jr.</span><br /><span style="font-size:13px;font-family:Verdana;color:#000000;background-color:transparent;font-weight:normal;font-style:normal;font-variant:normal;text-decoration:none;vertical-align:baseline;">Darwin's Century; Loren Eisley</span><br /><span style="font-size:13px;font-family:Verdana;color:#000000;background-color:transparent;font-weight:normal;font-style:normal;font-variant:normal;text-decoration:none;vertical-align:baseline;">Black Spring; Henry Miller</span><br /><span style="font-size:13px;font-family:Verdana;color:#000000;background-color:transparent;font-weight:normal;font-style:normal;font-variant:normal;text-decoration:none;vertical-align:baseline;">Cows, Pigs, Wars and Witches; Frank Harris</span><br /><span style="font-size:13px;font-family:Verdana;color:#000000;background-color:transparent;font-weight:normal;font-style:normal;font-variant:normal;text-decoration:none;vertical-align:baseline;">Gowland's Guide</span><br /><span style="font-size:13px;font-family:Verdana;color:#000000;background-color:transparent;font-weight:normal;font-style:normal;font-variant:normal;text-decoration:none;vertical-align:baseline;">The Cosmopolitan Eye; John Russell</span><br /><span style="font-size:13px;font-family:Verdana;color:#000000;background-color:transparent;font-weight:normal;font-style:normal;font-variant:normal;text-decoration:none;vertical-align:baseline;">Orient Express; Graham greene</span><br /><span style="font-size:13px;font-family:Verdana;color:#000000;background-color:transparent;font-weight:normal;font-style:normal;font-variant:normal;text-decoration:none;vertical-align:baseline;">Traverse of the Gods; Bob Langley</span><br /><span style="font-size:13px;font-family:Verdana;color:#000000;background-color:transparent;font-weight:normal;font-style:normal;font-variant:normal;text-decoration:none;vertical-align:baseline;">The World Guide to Beer</span><br /><span style="font-size:13px;font-family:Verdana;color:#000000;background-color:transparent;font-weight:normal;font-style:normal;font-variant:normal;text-decoration:none;vertical-align:baseline;">Winter Count; Barry Lopez</span><br /><span style="font-size:13px;font-family:Verdana;color:#000000;background-color:transparent;font-weight:normal;font-style:normal;font-variant:normal;text-decoration:none;vertical-align:baseline;">Avedon, Photographs 1947-1977; Richard Avedon</span><br /><span style="font-size:13px;font-family:Verdana;color:#000000;background-color:transparent;font-weight:normal;font-style:normal;font-variant:normal;text-decoration:none;vertical-align:baseline;">The Pirate; Harold Robbins</span><br /><span style="font-size:13px;font-family:Verdana;color:#000000;background-color:transparent;font-weight:normal;font-style:normal;font-variant:normal;text-decoration:none;vertical-align:baseline;">Lucy; Donald Johansson</span><br /><span style="font-size:13px;font-family:Verdana;color:#000000;background-color:transparent;font-weight:normal;font-style:normal;font-variant:normal;text-decoration:none;vertical-align:baseline;">Ascent; Steck, Roper</span><br /><span style="font-size:13px;font-family:Verdana;color:#000000;background-color:transparent;font-weight:normal;font-style:normal;font-variant:normal;text-decoration:none;vertical-align:baseline;">The Postman Always Rings Twice; James M. Cain</span><br /><span style="font-size:13px;font-family:Verdana;color:#000000;background-color:transparent;font-weight:normal;font-style:normal;font-variant:normal;text-decoration:none;vertical-align:baseline;">Your Child's Self Esteem</span><br /><span style="font-size:13px;font-family:Verdana;color:#000000;background-color:transparent;font-weight:normal;font-style:normal;font-variant:normal;text-decoration:none;vertical-align:baseline;">Stories Cops Only Tell Each Other</span><br /><span style="font-size:13px;font-family:Verdana;color:#000000;background-color:transparent;font-weight:normal;font-style:normal;font-variant:normal;text-decoration:none;vertical-align:baseline;">Slocums Revenge; Jake Logan</span><br /><span style="font-size:13px;font-family:Verdana;color:#000000;background-color:transparent;font-weight:normal;font-style:normal;font-variant:normal;text-decoration:none;vertical-align:baseline;">The Natural History of the Chorus Girl; Derek and Jukia Parker</span><br /><span style="font-size:13px;font-family:Verdana;color:#000000;background-color:transparent;font-weight:normal;font-style:normal;font-variant:normal;text-decoration:none;vertical-align:baseline;">Track of the Snake; Gene Shelton</span><br /><span style="font-size:13px;font-family:Verdana;color:#000000;background-color:transparent;font-weight:normal;font-style:normal;font-variant:normal;text-decoration:none;vertical-align:baseline;">An Alternative Art; John Russell</span><br /><span style="font-size:13px;font-family:Verdana;color:#000000;background-color:transparent;font-weight:normal;font-style:normal;font-variant:normal;text-decoration:none;vertical-align:baseline;">Deborah: A Wilderness Narrative; David Roberts</span><br /><span style="font-size:13px;font-family:Verdana;color:#000000;background-color:transparent;font-weight:normal;font-style:normal;font-variant:normal;text-decoration:none;vertical-align:baseline;">Georgia O'Keef</span><br /><span style="font-size:13px;font-family:Verdana;color:#000000;background-color:transparent;font-weight:normal;font-style:normal;font-variant:normal;text-decoration:none;vertical-align:baseline;">Thinking Back; Wm. M. Hurst</span><br /><span style="font-size:13px;font-family:Verdana;color:#000000;background-color:transparent;font-weight:normal;font-style:normal;font-variant:normal;text-decoration:none;vertical-align:baseline;">Druekes Chess Primer</span><br /><span style="font-size:13px;font-family:Verdana;color:#000000;background-color:transparent;font-weight:normal;font-style:normal;font-variant:normal;text-decoration:none;vertical-align:baseline;">Where the Bufflao Begin</span><br /><span style="font-size:13px;font-family:Verdana;color:#000000;background-color:transparent;font-weight:normal;font-style:normal;font-variant:normal;text-decoration:none;vertical-align:baseline;">The Honorable Schoolboy; John Le Carre</span><br /><span style="font-size:13px;font-family:Verdana;color:#000000;background-color:transparent;font-weight:normal;font-style:normal;font-variant:normal;text-decoration:none;vertical-align:baseline;"></span><br /><span style="font-size:13px;font-family:Verdana;color:#000000;background-color:transparent;font-weight:normal;font-style:normal;font-variant:normal;text-decoration:none;vertical-align:baseline;">1982</span><br /><span style="font-size:13px;font-family:Verdana;color:#000000;background-color:transparent;font-weight:normal;font-style:normal;font-variant:normal;text-decoration:none;vertical-align:baseline;">Environmental Assessment and Development Concept Plan, Park Road Corridor</span><br /><span style="font-size:13px;font-family:Verdana;color:#000000;background-color:transparent;font-weight:normal;font-style:normal;font-variant:normal;text-decoration:none;vertical-align:baseline;">Folktales in Homer's Odyssey; Denys Page</span><br /><span style="font-size:13px;font-family:Verdana;color:#000000;background-color:transparent;font-weight:normal;font-style:normal;font-variant:normal;text-decoration:none;vertical-align:baseline;">Women and Other Visions; photographs by Judy Dater, Jack Welpott</span><br /><span style="font-size:13px;font-family:Verdana;color:#000000;background-color:transparent;font-weight:normal;font-style:normal;font-variant:normal;text-decoration:none;vertical-align:baseline;">Call of the Wild; Jack London</span><br /><span style="font-size:13px;font-family:Verdana;color:#000000;background-color:transparent;font-weight:normal;font-style:normal;font-variant:normal;text-decoration:none;vertical-align:baseline;">Sphinx; Robin Cook</span><br /><span style="font-size:13px;font-family:Verdana;color:#000000;background-color:transparent;font-weight:normal;font-style:normal;font-variant:normal;text-decoration:none;vertical-align:baseline;">Sled Dogs of Denali; Sandy Kogl</span><br /><span style="font-size:13px;font-family:Verdana;color:#000000;background-color:transparent;font-weight:normal;font-style:normal;font-variant:normal;text-decoration:none;vertical-align:baseline;">Desert Notes; Barry Lopez</span><br /><span style="font-size:13px;font-family:Verdana;color:#000000;background-color:transparent;font-weight:normal;font-style:normal;font-variant:normal;text-decoration:none;vertical-align:baseline;">The Minnesota Connection; Al Palmquist</span><br /><span style="font-size:13px;font-family:Verdana;color:#000000;background-color:transparent;font-weight:normal;font-style:normal;font-variant:normal;text-decoration:none;vertical-align:baseline;">Animal Farm; George Orwell</span><br /><span style="font-size:13px;font-family:Verdana;color:#000000;background-color:transparent;font-weight:normal;font-style:normal;font-variant:normal;text-decoration:none;vertical-align:baseline;">Chess is an Easy Game; Fred Reinfeld</span><br /><span style="font-size:13px;font-family:Verdana;color:#000000;background-color:transparent;font-weight:normal;font-style:normal;font-variant:normal;text-decoration:none;vertical-align:baseline;">The Ninja; Eric Van Lustbader</span><br /><span style="font-size:13px;font-family:Verdana;color:#000000;background-color:transparent;font-weight:normal;font-style:normal;font-variant:normal;text-decoration:none;vertical-align:baseline;">The Dominion of the Dream; John russell</span><br /><span style="font-size:13px;font-family:Verdana;color:#000000;background-color:transparent;font-weight:normal;font-style:normal;font-variant:normal;text-decoration:none;vertical-align:baseline;">The One-Shot Kid; Nelson Nye</span><br /><span style="font-size:13px;font-family:Verdana;color:#000000;background-color:transparent;font-weight:normal;font-style:normal;font-variant:normal;text-decoration:none;vertical-align:baseline;">Modern man in Search of a Soul; Carl Jung</span><br /><span style="font-size:13px;font-family:Verdana;color:#000000;background-color:transparent;font-weight:normal;font-style:normal;font-variant:normal;text-decoration:none;vertical-align:baseline;">A World Remodelled; John Russell</span><br /><span style="font-size:13px;font-family:Verdana;color:#000000;background-color:transparent;font-weight:normal;font-style:normal;font-variant:normal;text-decoration:none;vertical-align:baseline;">The Realm of the Green Buddha; Ludwig Koch-Isenburg</span><br /><span style="font-size:13px;font-family:Verdana;color:#000000;background-color:transparent;font-weight:normal;font-style:normal;font-variant:normal;text-decoration:none;vertical-align:baseline;">Los Onze Mille Verges; Apollinaire</span><br /><span style="font-size:13px;font-family:Verdana;color:#000000;background-color:transparent;font-weight:normal;font-style:normal;font-variant:normal;text-decoration:none;vertical-align:baseline;">The Law Enforcement Handgun Digest; jack Lewis</span><br /><span style="font-size:13px;font-family:Verdana;color:#000000;background-color:transparent;font-weight:normal;font-style:normal;font-variant:normal;text-decoration:none;vertical-align:baseline;">The White Hotel; D.M. Thomas</span><br /><span style="font-size:13px;font-family:Verdana;color:#000000;background-color:transparent;font-weight:normal;font-style:normal;font-variant:normal;text-decoration:none;vertical-align:baseline;">Ever Since Darwin; Stephen jay Gould</span><br /><span style="font-size:13px;font-family:Verdana;color:#000000;background-color:transparent;font-weight:normal;font-style:normal;font-variant:normal;text-decoration:none;vertical-align:baseline;">Good News; Edward Abbey</span><br /><span style="font-size:13px;font-family:Verdana;color:#000000;background-color:transparent;font-weight:normal;font-style:normal;font-variant:normal;text-decoration:none;vertical-align:baseline;">Heller With a Gun; Louis Lamore</span><br /><span style="font-size:13px;font-family:Verdana;color:#000000;background-color:transparent;font-weight:normal;font-style:normal;font-variant:normal;text-decoration:none;vertical-align:baseline;">License Renewed; John Gardner</span><br /><span style="font-size:13px;font-family:Verdana;color:#000000;background-color:transparent;font-weight:normal;font-style:normal;font-variant:normal;text-decoration:none;vertical-align:baseline;">Happy Days; Samuel Beckett</span><br /><span style="font-size:13px;font-family:Verdana;color:#000000;background-color:transparent;font-weight:normal;font-style:normal;font-variant:normal;text-decoration:none;vertical-align:baseline;">Raiders of Spanish Peaks; Zane Grey</span><br /><span style="font-size:13px;font-family:Verdana;color:#000000;background-color:transparent;font-weight:normal;font-style:normal;font-variant:normal;text-decoration:none;vertical-align:baseline;">He Rode Alone; Steve Frazee</span><br /><span style="font-size:13px;font-family:Verdana;color:#000000;background-color:transparent;font-weight:normal;font-style:normal;font-variant:normal;text-decoration:none;vertical-align:baseline;">A majority of Scoundrels; Don Berry</span><br /><span style="font-size:13px;font-family:Verdana;color:#000000;background-color:transparent;font-weight:normal;font-style:normal;font-variant:normal;text-decoration:none;vertical-align:baseline;">Dangerous River; R.M. Patterson</span><br /><span style="font-size:13px;font-family:Verdana;color:#000000;background-color:transparent;font-weight:normal;font-style:normal;font-variant:normal;text-decoration:none;vertical-align:baseline;">Trails Plowed Under: C.M. Russell</span><br /><span style="font-size:13px;font-family:Verdana;color:#000000;background-color:transparent;font-weight:normal;font-style:normal;font-variant:normal;text-decoration:none;vertical-align:baseline;">The Brave Cowboy; Edward Abbey</span><br /><span style="font-size:13px;font-family:Verdana;color:#000000;background-color:transparent;font-weight:normal;font-style:normal;font-variant:normal;text-decoration:none;vertical-align:baseline;">Annie Oakley and Buffalo Bill's Wild West; Isabell S. Sayers</span><br /><span style="font-size:13px;font-family:Verdana;color:#000000;background-color:transparent;font-weight:normal;font-style:normal;font-variant:normal;text-decoration:none;vertical-align:baseline;">Bucksiin Run; Louis Lamour</span><br /><span style="font-size:13px;font-family:Verdana;color:#000000;background-color:transparent;font-weight:normal;font-style:normal;font-variant:normal;text-decoration:none;vertical-align:baseline;">Shibumi; Trevinian</span><br /><span style="font-size:13px;font-family:Verdana;color:#000000;background-color:transparent;font-weight:normal;font-style:normal;font-variant:normal;text-decoration:none;vertical-align:baseline;">heart of Darkness and The Secret Sharer; Joseph Conrad</span><br /><span style="font-size:13px;font-family:Verdana;color:#000000;background-color:transparent;font-weight:normal;font-style:normal;font-variant:normal;text-decoration:none;vertical-align:baseline;">Complete Book of Combat Hangunning; Chuck Taylor</span><br /><span style="font-size:13px;font-family:Verdana;color:#000000;background-color:transparent;font-weight:normal;font-style:normal;font-variant:normal;text-decoration:none;vertical-align:baseline;">50 Years of Alpinism; Riccardo Cassin</span><br /><span style="font-size:13px;font-family:Verdana;color:#000000;background-color:transparent;font-weight:normal;font-style:normal;font-variant:normal;text-decoration:none;vertical-align:baseline;">The Osterman Weekend; Robert Ludlum</span><br /><span style="font-size:13px;font-family:Verdana;color:#000000;background-color:transparent;font-weight:normal;font-style:normal;font-variant:normal;text-decoration:none;vertical-align:baseline;">Skeeter Skelton on Handguns;</span><br /><span style="font-size:13px;font-family:Verdana;color:#000000;background-color:transparent;font-weight:normal;font-style:normal;font-variant:normal;text-decoration:none;vertical-align:baseline;"></span><br /><span style="font-size:13px;font-family:Verdana;color:#000000;background-color:transparent;font-weight:normal;font-style:normal;font-variant:normal;text-decoration:none;vertical-align:baseline;">1983</span><br /><span style="font-size:13px;font-family:Verdana;color:#000000;background-color:transparent;font-weight:normal;font-style:normal;font-variant:normal;text-decoration:none;vertical-align:baseline;">Shike, Time of the Dragons; Robert Shea</span><br /><span style="font-size:13px;font-family:Verdana;color:#000000;background-color:transparent;font-weight:normal;font-style:normal;font-variant:normal;text-decoration:none;vertical-align:baseline;">Down the River; Edward Abbey</span><br /><span style="font-size:13px;font-family:Verdana;color:#000000;background-color:transparent;font-weight:normal;font-style:normal;font-variant:normal;text-decoration:none;vertical-align:baseline;">Sharon, by Herself</span><br /><span style="font-size:13px;font-family:Verdana;color:#000000;background-color:transparent;font-weight:normal;font-style:normal;font-variant:normal;text-decoration:none;vertical-align:baseline;">Winter News; John Haines</span><br /><span style="font-size:13px;font-family:Verdana;color:#000000;background-color:transparent;font-weight:normal;font-style:normal;font-variant:normal;text-decoration:none;vertical-align:baseline;">Designing Houses; Les Walker and Jeff Milstein</span><br /><span style="font-size:13px;font-family:Verdana;color:#000000;background-color:transparent;font-weight:normal;font-style:normal;font-variant:normal;text-decoration:none;vertical-align:baseline;">The Last Great Race; Tim Jones</span><br /><span style="font-size:13px;font-family:Verdana;color:#000000;background-color:transparent;font-weight:normal;font-style:normal;font-variant:normal;text-decoration:none;vertical-align:baseline;">Nunaga; Duncan Pryde</span><br /><span style="font-size:13px;font-family:Verdana;color:#000000;background-color:transparent;font-weight:normal;font-style:normal;font-variant:normal;text-decoration:none;vertical-align:baseline;">Ax Handles; Gary Snyder</span><br /><span style="font-size:13px;font-family:Verdana;color:#000000;background-color:transparent;font-weight:normal;font-style:normal;font-variant:normal;text-decoration:none;vertical-align:baseline;">A Logbuilder's Handbook; Drew Langsner</span><br /><span style="font-size:13px;font-family:Verdana;color:#000000;background-color:transparent;font-weight:normal;font-style:normal;font-variant:normal;text-decoration:none;vertical-align:baseline;">How to Design and Independent Power System; Terrance D. Paul</span><br /><span style="font-size:13px;font-family:Verdana;color:#000000;background-color:transparent;font-weight:normal;font-style:normal;font-variant:normal;text-decoration:none;vertical-align:baseline;">Guns of Horse Range; Nelson Nye</span><br /><span style="font-size:13px;font-family:Verdana;color:#000000;background-color:transparent;font-weight:normal;font-style:normal;font-variant:normal;text-decoration:none;vertical-align:baseline;">Lisa - Portrait of a Lady; Robert Maplethorp</span><br /><span style="font-size:13px;font-family:Verdana;color:#000000;background-color:transparent;font-weight:normal;font-style:normal;font-variant:normal;text-decoration:none;vertical-align:baseline;">Low Cost Pole Building Construction</span><br /><span style="font-size:13px;font-family:Verdana;color:#000000;background-color:transparent;font-weight:normal;font-style:normal;font-variant:normal;text-decoration:none;vertical-align:baseline;">Seppala: Alaskan Dog Driver, Ricker</span><br /><span style="font-size:13px;font-family:Verdana;color:#000000;background-color:transparent;font-weight:normal;font-style:normal;font-variant:normal;text-decoration:none;vertical-align:baseline;">Stiletto; Harold Robbins</span><br /><span style="font-size:13px;font-family:Verdana;color:#000000;background-color:transparent;font-weight:normal;font-style:normal;font-variant:normal;text-decoration:none;vertical-align:baseline;">Refuge; Terry Tempest Williams</span><br /><span style="font-size:13px;font-family:Verdana;color:#000000;background-color:transparent;font-weight:normal;font-style:normal;font-variant:normal;text-decoration:none;vertical-align:baseline;">The World of the Odyssey; M.I. Finley</span><br /><span style="font-size:13px;font-family:Verdana;color:#000000;background-color:transparent;font-weight:normal;font-style:normal;font-variant:normal;text-decoration:none;vertical-align:baseline;"></span><br /><span style="font-size:13px;font-family:Verdana;color:#000000;background-color:transparent;font-weight:normal;font-style:normal;font-variant:normal;text-decoration:none;vertical-align:baseline;">1984</span><br /><span style="font-size:13px;font-family:Verdana;color:#000000;background-color:transparent;font-weight:normal;font-style:normal;font-variant:normal;text-decoration:none;vertical-align:baseline;">Training and Racing Sled Dogs; George Attla</span><br /><span style="font-size:13px;font-family:Verdana;color:#000000;background-color:transparent;font-weight:normal;font-style:normal;font-variant:normal;text-decoration:none;vertical-align:baseline;">Nutritional Requirements for Sled Dogs</span><br /><span style="font-size:13px;font-family:Verdana;color:#000000;background-color:transparent;font-weight:normal;font-style:normal;font-variant:normal;text-decoration:none;vertical-align:baseline;">Secrets of long Distance Racing and Training; Rick Swenson</span><br /><span style="font-size:13px;font-family:Verdana;color:#000000;background-color:transparent;font-weight:normal;font-style:normal;font-variant:normal;text-decoration:none;vertical-align:baseline;">Training Lead Dogs; Lee Fishback</span><br /><span style="font-size:13px;font-family:Verdana;color:#000000;background-color:transparent;font-weight:normal;font-style:normal;font-variant:normal;text-decoration:none;vertical-align:baseline;">Racing Alaska Sled Dogs; Bill Vaudrin</span><br /><span style="font-size:13px;font-family:Verdana;color:#000000;background-color:transparent;font-weight:normal;font-style:normal;font-variant:normal;text-decoration:none;vertical-align:baseline;">Son of the Morning Star; Evan S. Connell</span><br /><span style="font-size:13px;font-family:Verdana;color:#000000;background-color:transparent;font-weight:normal;font-style:normal;font-variant:normal;text-decoration:none;vertical-align:baseline;"></span><br /><span style="font-size:13px;font-family:Verdana;color:#000000;background-color:transparent;font-weight:normal;font-style:normal;font-variant:normal;text-decoration:none;vertical-align:baseline;">1985</span><br /><span style="font-size:13px;font-family:Verdana;color:#000000;background-color:transparent;font-weight:normal;font-style:normal;font-variant:normal;text-decoration:none;vertical-align:baseline;">This House of Sky; Ivan Doig</span><br /><span style="font-size:13px;font-family:Verdana;color:#000000;background-color:transparent;font-weight:normal;font-style:normal;font-variant:normal;text-decoration:none;vertical-align:baseline;">Axe Handles; Gary Snyder</span><br /><span style="font-size:13px;font-family:Verdana;color:#000000;background-color:transparent;font-weight:normal;font-style:normal;font-variant:normal;text-decoration:none;vertical-align:baseline;">Temples, Tombs and Hieroglyphs; Barbara Mertz</span><br /><span style="font-size:13px;font-family:Verdana;color:#000000;background-color:transparent;font-weight:normal;font-style:normal;font-variant:normal;text-decoration:none;vertical-align:baseline;">River Notes; Barry Lopez</span><br /><span style="font-size:13px;font-family:Verdana;color:#000000;background-color:transparent;font-weight:normal;font-style:normal;font-variant:normal;text-decoration:none;vertical-align:baseline;">Mawson's Will; Lennard Bickel</span><br /><span style="font-size:13px;font-family:Verdana;color:#000000;background-color:transparent;font-weight:normal;font-style:normal;font-variant:normal;text-decoration:none;vertical-align:baseline;"></span><br /><span style="font-size:13px;font-family:Verdana;color:#000000;background-color:transparent;font-weight:normal;font-style:normal;font-variant:normal;text-decoration:none;vertical-align:baseline;">1986</span><br /><span style="font-size:13px;font-family:Verdana;color:#000000;background-color:transparent;font-weight:normal;font-style:normal;font-variant:normal;text-decoration:none;vertical-align:baseline;">In Patagonia; Bruce Chatwin</span><br /><span style="font-size:13px;font-family:Verdana;color:#000000;background-color:transparent;font-weight:normal;font-style:normal;font-variant:normal;text-decoration:none;vertical-align:baseline;">Making of the Atomic Bomb; Richard Rhoades</span><br /><span style="font-size:13px;font-family:Verdana;color:#000000;background-color:transparent;font-weight:normal;font-style:normal;font-variant:normal;text-decoration:none;vertical-align:baseline;">The Creative Explosion; John E. Pfeiffer</span><br /><span style="font-size:13px;font-family:Verdana;color:#000000;background-color:transparent;font-weight:normal;font-style:normal;font-variant:normal;text-decoration:none;vertical-align:baseline;">Dog Puncher on the Yukon; Arthur T. Walden</span><br /><span style="font-size:13px;font-family:Verdana;color:#000000;background-color:transparent;font-weight:normal;font-style:normal;font-variant:normal;text-decoration:none;vertical-align:baseline;"></span><br /><span style="font-size:13px;font-family:Verdana;color:#000000;background-color:transparent;font-weight:normal;font-style:normal;font-variant:normal;text-decoration:none;vertical-align:baseline;">1987</span><br /><span style="font-size:13px;font-family:Verdana;color:#000000;background-color:transparent;font-weight:normal;font-style:normal;font-variant:normal;text-decoration:none;vertical-align:baseline;">Deva; Michael Tobias</span><br /><span style="font-size:13px;font-family:Verdana;color:#000000;background-color:transparent;font-weight:normal;font-style:normal;font-variant:normal;text-decoration:none;vertical-align:baseline;">The Seductions of Natalie Bach; William Luvaas</span><br /><span style="font-size:13px;font-family:Verdana;color:#000000;background-color:transparent;font-weight:normal;font-style:normal;font-variant:normal;text-decoration:none;vertical-align:baseline;">In Patagonia; Bruce Chatwin</span><br /><span style="font-size:13px;font-family:Verdana;color:#000000;background-color:transparent;font-weight:normal;font-style:normal;font-variant:normal;text-decoration:none;vertical-align:baseline;">A Whack on the Side of the Head</span><br /><span style="font-size:13px;font-family:Verdana;color:#000000;background-color:transparent;font-weight:normal;font-style:normal;font-variant:normal;text-decoration:none;vertical-align:baseline;">Getting to Yes; Roger Fisher, William Ury</span><br /><span style="font-size:13px;font-family:Verdana;color:#000000;background-color:transparent;font-weight:normal;font-style:normal;font-variant:normal;text-decoration:none;vertical-align:baseline;">The Magic Mountain; Thomas Mann</span><br /><span style="font-size:13px;font-family:Verdana;color:#000000;background-color:transparent;font-weight:normal;font-style:normal;font-variant:normal;text-decoration:none;vertical-align:baseline;">Annapurna; Maurice Herzog</span><br /><span style="font-size:13px;font-family:Verdana;color:#000000;background-color:transparent;font-weight:normal;font-style:normal;font-variant:normal;text-decoration:none;vertical-align:baseline;">Lines and Shadows; Joseph Wambaugh</span><br /><span style="font-size:13px;font-family:Verdana;color:#000000;background-color:transparent;font-weight:normal;font-style:normal;font-variant:normal;text-decoration:none;vertical-align:baseline;">Echoes in the Darkness; Joseph Wambaugh</span><br /><span style="font-size:13px;font-family:Verdana;color:#000000;background-color:transparent;font-weight:normal;font-style:normal;font-variant:normal;text-decoration:none;vertical-align:baseline;">Fawcett on Rock; Ron Fawcett</span><br /><span style="font-size:13px;font-family:Verdana;color:#000000;background-color:transparent;font-weight:normal;font-style:normal;font-variant:normal;text-decoration:none;vertical-align:baseline;"></span><br /><span style="font-size:13px;font-family:Verdana;color:#000000;background-color:transparent;font-weight:normal;font-style:normal;font-variant:normal;text-decoration:none;vertical-align:baseline;">1988</span><br /><span style="font-size:13px;font-family:Verdana;color:#000000;background-color:transparent;font-weight:normal;font-style:normal;font-variant:normal;text-decoration:none;vertical-align:baseline;">Man's Fate; Andre Malraux</span><br /><span style="font-size:13px;font-family:Verdana;color:#000000;background-color:transparent;font-weight:normal;font-style:normal;font-variant:normal;text-decoration:none;vertical-align:baseline;">Hamlet; Shakespeare</span><br /><span style="font-size:13px;font-family:Verdana;color:#000000;background-color:transparent;font-weight:normal;font-style:normal;font-variant:normal;text-decoration:none;vertical-align:baseline;">The Tempest; Shakespeare</span><br /><span style="font-size:13px;font-family:Verdana;color:#000000;background-color:transparent;font-weight:normal;font-style:normal;font-variant:normal;text-decoration:none;vertical-align:baseline;">Starting from Scratch; Rita Mae Brown</span><br /><span style="font-size:13px;font-family:Verdana;color:#000000;background-color:transparent;font-weight:normal;font-style:normal;font-variant:normal;text-decoration:none;vertical-align:baseline;">A Brief History of Time; Stephen Hawking</span><br /><span style="font-size:13px;font-family:Verdana;color:#000000;background-color:transparent;font-weight:normal;font-style:normal;font-variant:normal;text-decoration:none;vertical-align:baseline;">My Life of High Adventure; Grant Pearson</span><br /><span style="font-size:13px;font-family:Verdana;color:#000000;background-color:transparent;font-weight:normal;font-style:normal;font-variant:normal;text-decoration:none;vertical-align:baseline;">Left Out in the Rain; Gary Snyder</span><br /><span style="font-size:13px;font-family:Verdana;color:#000000;background-color:transparent;font-weight:normal;font-style:normal;font-variant:normal;text-decoration:none;vertical-align:baseline;">Ascent; Steck & Roper</span><br /><span style="font-size:13px;font-family:Verdana;color:#000000;background-color:transparent;font-weight:normal;font-style:normal;font-variant:normal;text-decoration:none;vertical-align:baseline;">A Dream of White Horses; Edwin Drummond</span><br /><span style="font-size:13px;font-family:Verdana;color:#000000;background-color:transparent;font-weight:normal;font-style:normal;font-variant:normal;text-decoration:none;vertical-align:baseline;"></span><br /><span style="font-size:13px;font-family:Verdana;color:#000000;background-color:transparent;font-weight:normal;font-style:normal;font-variant:normal;text-decoration:none;vertical-align:baseline;">1989</span><br /><span style="font-size:13px;font-family:Verdana;color:#000000;background-color:transparent;font-weight:normal;font-style:normal;font-variant:normal;text-decoration:none;vertical-align:baseline;">The Making of the Atomic Bomb; Richard Rhodes</span><br /><span style="font-size:13px;font-family:Verdana;color:#000000;background-color:transparent;font-weight:normal;font-style:normal;font-variant:normal;text-decoration:none;vertical-align:baseline;">The Fate of the Earth; Johnathan Schell</span><br /><span style="font-size:13px;font-family:Verdana;color:#000000;background-color:transparent;font-weight:normal;font-style:normal;font-variant:normal;text-decoration:none;vertical-align:baseline;">Zen and the Art of Motorcycle Maintenance; Pirsig</span><br /><span style="font-size:13px;font-family:Verdana;color:#000000;background-color:transparent;font-weight:normal;font-style:normal;font-variant:normal;text-decoration:none;vertical-align:baseline;">Giri</span><br /><span style="font-size:13px;font-family:Verdana;color:#000000;background-color:transparent;font-weight:normal;font-style:normal;font-variant:normal;text-decoration:none;vertical-align:baseline;">The Starship and the Canoe; Kenneth Brower</span><br /><span style="font-size:13px;font-family:Verdana;color:#000000;background-color:transparent;font-weight:normal;font-style:normal;font-variant:normal;text-decoration:none;vertical-align:baseline;">Artificial Climbing Walls; BMC</span><br /><span style="font-size:13px;font-family:Verdana;color:#000000;background-color:transparent;font-weight:normal;font-style:normal;font-variant:normal;text-decoration:none;vertical-align:baseline;">Buddhism; I.G. Edmonds</span><br /><span style="font-size:13px;font-family:Verdana;color:#000000;background-color:transparent;font-weight:normal;font-style:normal;font-variant:normal;text-decoration:none;vertical-align:baseline;">Oedipus the King; Sophocles; Trans Stephen berg, diskin Clay</span><br /><span style="font-size:13px;font-family:Verdana;color:#000000;background-color:transparent;font-weight:normal;font-style:normal;font-variant:normal;text-decoration:none;vertical-align:baseline;">The Gnostic Gospels; Elaine Pagels</span><br /><span style="font-size:13px;font-family:Verdana;color:#000000;background-color:transparent;font-weight:normal;font-style:normal;font-variant:normal;text-decoration:none;vertical-align:baseline;">Sportklettern Heute; Wolfgang Gullich</span><br /><span style="font-size:13px;font-family:Verdana;color:#000000;background-color:transparent;font-weight:normal;font-style:normal;font-variant:normal;text-decoration:none;vertical-align:baseline;">Midsummer Nights Dream; Shakespeare</span><br /><span style="font-size:13px;font-family:Verdana;color:#000000;background-color:transparent;font-weight:normal;font-style:normal;font-variant:normal;text-decoration:none;vertical-align:baseline;">Thomas Mann; Henry Hatfield</span><br /><span style="font-size:13px;font-family:Verdana;color:#000000;background-color:transparent;font-weight:normal;font-style:normal;font-variant:normal;text-decoration:none;vertical-align:baseline;">The Bone People; Keri hulme</span><br /><span style="font-size:13px;font-family:Verdana;color:#000000;background-color:transparent;font-weight:normal;font-style:normal;font-variant:normal;text-decoration:none;vertical-align:baseline;">Muhammed at mecca; W. montgomery Watt</span><br /><span style="font-size:13px;font-family:Verdana;color:#000000;background-color:transparent;font-weight:normal;font-style:normal;font-variant:normal;text-decoration:none;vertical-align:baseline;">Bobby Fischer Teaches Chess</span><br /><span style="font-size:13px;font-family:Verdana;color:#000000;background-color:transparent;font-weight:normal;font-style:normal;font-variant:normal;text-decoration:none;vertical-align:baseline;">Gorilla Monsoon; John Long</span><br /><span style="font-size:13px;font-family:Verdana;color:#000000;background-color:transparent;font-weight:normal;font-style:normal;font-variant:normal;text-decoration:none;vertical-align:baseline;">Ascent; Jeremy Bernstein</span><br /><span style="font-size:13px;font-family:Verdana;color:#000000;background-color:transparent;font-weight:normal;font-style:normal;font-variant:normal;text-decoration:none;vertical-align:baseline;"></span><br /><span style="font-size:13px;font-family:Verdana;color:#000000;background-color:transparent;font-weight:normal;font-style:normal;font-variant:normal;text-decoration:none;vertical-align:baseline;">1990</span><br /><span style="font-size:13px;font-family:Verdana;color:#000000;background-color:transparent;font-weight:normal;font-style:normal;font-variant:normal;text-decoration:none;vertical-align:baseline;">Temples, tombs, and Hieroglyphs; Barbara Mertz</span><br /><span style="font-size:13px;font-family:Verdana;color:#000000;background-color:transparent;font-weight:normal;font-style:normal;font-variant:normal;text-decoration:none;vertical-align:baseline;">The Late Summer Passion of a Woman of Mind; Rebecca Goldstein</span><br /><span style="font-size:13px;font-family:Verdana;color:#000000;background-color:transparent;font-weight:normal;font-style:normal;font-variant:normal;text-decoration:none;vertical-align:baseline;">The Whales in Lake Tanganyika; Lennart Hagerfors</span><br /><span style="font-size:13px;font-family:Verdana;color:#000000;background-color:transparent;font-weight:normal;font-style:normal;font-variant:normal;text-decoration:none;vertical-align:baseline;">Principles of the New Chess; Bruce Panofsky</span><br /><span style="font-size:13px;font-family:Verdana;color:#000000;background-color:transparent;font-weight:normal;font-style:normal;font-variant:normal;text-decoration:none;vertical-align:baseline;">Surely You're Joking, Mr. Feynman; Richard Feynman</span><br /><span style="font-size:13px;font-family:Verdana;color:#000000;background-color:transparent;font-weight:normal;font-style:normal;font-variant:normal;text-decoration:none;vertical-align:baseline;">Zen in the Arot of Archery; Eugen Herrigel (second reading)</span><br /><span style="font-size:13px;font-family:Verdana;color:#000000;background-color:transparent;font-weight:normal;font-style:normal;font-variant:normal;text-decoration:none;vertical-align:baseline;">Skinwalker; Tony Hillerman</span><br /><span style="font-size:13px;font-family:Verdana;color:#000000;background-color:transparent;font-weight:normal;font-style:normal;font-variant:normal;text-decoration:none;vertical-align:baseline;">The Native People of Alaska; steven J. Langdon</span><br /><span style="font-size:13px;font-family:Verdana;color:#000000;background-color:transparent;font-weight:normal;font-style:normal;font-variant:normal;text-decoration:none;vertical-align:baseline;">In Mad Love and War; Joy Harjo</span><br /><span style="font-size:13px;font-family:Verdana;color:#000000;background-color:transparent;font-weight:normal;font-style:normal;font-variant:normal;text-decoration:none;vertical-align:baseline;">A Fools Progress; Edward Abbey</span><br /><span style="font-size:13px;font-family:Verdana;color:#000000;background-color:transparent;font-weight:normal;font-style:normal;font-variant:normal;text-decoration:none;vertical-align:baseline;">Animal Dreams; Barbara Kingsolver</span><br /><span style="font-size:13px;font-family:Verdana;color:#000000;background-color:transparent;font-weight:normal;font-style:normal;font-variant:normal;text-decoration:none;vertical-align:baseline;">The Island Within; Richard K. Nelson</span><br /><span style="font-size:13px;font-family:Verdana;color:#000000;background-color:transparent;font-weight:normal;font-style:normal;font-variant:normal;text-decoration:none;vertical-align:baseline;">Eskimos and Aleuts; Don Dumond</span><br /><span style="font-size:13px;font-family:Verdana;color:#000000;background-color:transparent;font-weight:normal;font-style:normal;font-variant:normal;text-decoration:none;vertical-align:baseline;">Ancient Men of the Arctic; J. Louis Giddings</span><br /><span style="font-size:13px;font-family:Verdana;color:#000000;background-color:transparent;font-weight:normal;font-style:normal;font-variant:normal;text-decoration:none;vertical-align:baseline;">Crossroads of Continents; Smithsonian</span><br /><span style="font-size:13px;font-family:Verdana;color:#000000;background-color:transparent;font-weight:normal;font-style:normal;font-variant:normal;text-decoration:none;vertical-align:baseline;">Skinny Legs and All; Tom Robbins</span><br /><span style="font-size:13px;font-family:Verdana;color:#000000;background-color:transparent;font-weight:normal;font-style:normal;font-variant:normal;text-decoration:none;vertical-align:baseline;">Perspectives in Linguistics; John T. Waterman</span><br /><span style="font-size:13px;font-family:Verdana;color:#000000;background-color:transparent;font-weight:normal;font-style:normal;font-variant:normal;text-decoration:none;vertical-align:baseline;">The Great Journey; Brian Fagan</span><br /><span style="font-size:13px;font-family:Verdana;color:#000000;background-color:transparent;font-weight:normal;font-style:normal;font-variant:normal;text-decoration:none;vertical-align:baseline;">hamito-Semitic Linguistics; I.M. Diakonov</span><br /><span style="font-size:13px;font-family:Verdana;color:#000000;background-color:transparent;font-weight:normal;font-style:normal;font-variant:normal;text-decoration:none;vertical-align:baseline;">Language and myth; Ernst Cassirer</span><br /><span style="font-size:13px;font-family:Verdana;color:#000000;background-color:transparent;font-weight:normal;font-style:normal;font-variant:normal;text-decoration:none;vertical-align:baseline;">The Closing of the American Mind; Alan Bloom</span><br /><span style="font-size:13px;font-family:Verdana;color:#000000;background-color:transparent;font-weight:normal;font-style:normal;font-variant:normal;text-decoration:none;vertical-align:baseline;">Peoples of the Earth; Brian Fagan</span><br /><span style="font-size:13px;font-family:Verdana;color:#000000;background-color:transparent;font-weight:normal;font-style:normal;font-variant:normal;text-decoration:none;vertical-align:baseline;">The Golden Orange; Joseph Wambaugh</span><br /><span style="font-size:13px;font-family:Verdana;color:#000000;background-color:transparent;font-weight:normal;font-style:normal;font-variant:normal;text-decoration:none;vertical-align:baseline;"></span><br /><span style="font-size:13px;font-family:Verdana;color:#000000;background-color:transparent;font-weight:normal;font-style:normal;font-variant:normal;text-decoration:none;vertical-align:baseline;">1991</span><br /><span style="font-size:13px;font-family:Verdana;color:#000000;background-color:transparent;font-weight:normal;font-style:normal;font-variant:normal;text-decoration:none;vertical-align:baseline;">Bad Behavior; Mary Gaitskill</span><br /><span style="font-size:13px;font-family:Verdana;color:#000000;background-color:transparent;font-weight:normal;font-style:normal;font-variant:normal;text-decoration:none;vertical-align:baseline;">Danseus de Roc; Catherine Destiville</span><br /><span style="font-size:13px;font-family:Verdana;color:#000000;background-color:transparent;font-weight:normal;font-style:normal;font-variant:normal;text-decoration:none;vertical-align:baseline;">The Franhine Affair; Josephine Tey</span><br /><span style="font-size:13px;font-family:Verdana;color:#000000;background-color:transparent;font-weight:normal;font-style:normal;font-variant:normal;text-decoration:none;vertical-align:baseline;">Focault's Pendulum; Umberto Eco</span><br /><span style="font-size:13px;font-family:Verdana;color:#000000;background-color:transparent;font-weight:normal;font-style:normal;font-variant:normal;text-decoration:none;vertical-align:baseline;">Norht Slope Inupiaq Grammar; MacLean</span><br /><span style="font-size:13px;font-family:Verdana;color:#000000;background-color:transparent;font-weight:normal;font-style:normal;font-variant:normal;text-decoration:none;vertical-align:baseline;">Archeology and Language; Colin Renfrew</span><br /><span style="font-size:13px;font-family:Verdana;color:#000000;background-color:transparent;font-weight:normal;font-style:normal;font-variant:normal;text-decoration:none;vertical-align:baseline;">FLying to Nowhere; John Fuller</span><br /><span style="font-size:13px;font-family:Verdana;color:#000000;background-color:transparent;font-weight:normal;font-style:normal;font-variant:normal;text-decoration:none;vertical-align:baseline;">Night Train to Turkestan</span><br /><span style="font-size:13px;font-family:Verdana;color:#000000;background-color:transparent;font-weight:normal;font-style:normal;font-variant:normal;text-decoration:none;vertical-align:baseline;">Hayduke Lives; Edward Abbey</span><br /><span style="font-size:13px;font-family:Verdana;color:#000000;background-color:transparent;font-weight:normal;font-style:normal;font-variant:normal;text-decoration:none;vertical-align:baseline;">The Apology; Plato</span><br /><span style="font-size:13px;font-family:Verdana;color:#000000;background-color:transparent;font-weight:normal;font-style:normal;font-variant:normal;text-decoration:none;vertical-align:baseline;">The Thief of Time; Tony Hillerman</span><br /><span style="font-size:13px;font-family:Verdana;color:#000000;background-color:transparent;font-weight:normal;font-style:normal;font-variant:normal;text-decoration:none;vertical-align:baseline;">Coyote Waits; Tony Hillerman</span><br /><span style="font-size:13px;font-family:Verdana;color:#000000;background-color:transparent;font-weight:normal;font-style:normal;font-variant:normal;text-decoration:none;vertical-align:baseline;">Talking God; Tony Hillerman</span><br /><span style="font-size:13px;font-family:Verdana;color:#000000;background-color:transparent;font-weight:normal;font-style:normal;font-variant:normal;text-decoration:none;vertical-align:baseline;">Tune in the World; ARRL</span><br /><span style="font-size:13px;font-family:Verdana;color:#000000;background-color:transparent;font-weight:normal;font-style:normal;font-variant:normal;text-decoration:none;vertical-align:baseline;">Moveable Feast; Ernest Hemingway</span><br /><span style="font-size:13px;font-family:Verdana;color:#000000;background-color:transparent;font-weight:normal;font-style:normal;font-variant:normal;text-decoration:none;vertical-align:baseline;">Captured</span><br /><span style="font-size:13px;font-family:Verdana;color:#000000;background-color:transparent;font-weight:normal;font-style:normal;font-variant:normal;text-decoration:none;vertical-align:baseline;">The Claiming ofSleeping Beauty; Anne Roquelaure</span><br /><span style="font-size:13px;font-family:Verdana;color:#000000;background-color:transparent;font-weight:normal;font-style:normal;font-variant:normal;text-decoration:none;vertical-align:baseline;">The Men's Room; Ann Oakley</span><br /><span style="font-size:13px;font-family:Verdana;color:#000000;background-color:transparent;font-weight:normal;font-style:normal;font-variant:normal;text-decoration:none;vertical-align:baseline;">The Spirit of Zen; Alan Watts</span><br /><span style="font-size:13px;font-family:Verdana;color:#000000;background-color:transparent;font-weight:normal;font-style:normal;font-variant:normal;text-decoration:none;vertical-align:baseline;">Iron John; Robert Bly</span><br /><span style="font-size:13px;font-family:Verdana;color:#000000;background-color:transparent;font-weight:normal;font-style:normal;font-variant:normal;text-decoration:none;vertical-align:baseline;">The Practice of the Wild; Gary Snyder</span><br /><span style="font-size:13px;font-family:Verdana;color:#000000;background-color:transparent;font-weight:normal;font-style:normal;font-variant:normal;text-decoration:none;vertical-align:baseline;">Tho the Top of Denali; Bill Sherwonit</span><br /><span style="font-size:13px;font-family:Verdana;color:#000000;background-color:transparent;font-weight:normal;font-style:normal;font-variant:normal;text-decoration:none;vertical-align:baseline;">Beauty's Punishment; Ann (Rice) Roquelaure</span><br /><span style="font-size:13px;font-family:Verdana;color:#000000;background-color:transparent;font-weight:normal;font-style:normal;font-variant:normal;text-decoration:none;vertical-align:baseline;">Free Spirit; Reinhold Messner</span><br /><span style="font-size:13px;font-family:Verdana;color:#000000;background-color:transparent;font-weight:normal;font-style:normal;font-variant:normal;text-decoration:none;vertical-align:baseline;">Forzen in Time; Owen Beattie; John Geiger</span><br /><span style="font-size:13px;font-family:Verdana;color:#000000;background-color:transparent;font-weight:normal;font-style:normal;font-variant:normal;text-decoration:none;vertical-align:baseline;">Murder on the Iditarod Trail; Sue Henry</span><br /><span style="font-size:13px;font-family:Verdana;color:#000000;background-color:transparent;font-weight:normal;font-style:normal;font-variant:normal;text-decoration:none;vertical-align:baseline;">Fearful Symmetry; Anthony Zee</span><br /><span style="font-size:13px;font-family:Verdana;color:#000000;background-color:transparent;font-weight:normal;font-style:normal;font-variant:normal;text-decoration:none;vertical-align:baseline;">The New Genesis; Williams, Smart, Smith</span><br /><span style="font-size:13px;font-family:Verdana;color:#000000;background-color:transparent;font-weight:normal;font-style:normal;font-variant:normal;text-decoration:none;vertical-align:baseline;">The Endless Knot; Kurt Diemberger</span><br /><span style="font-size:13px;font-family:Verdana;color:#000000;background-color:transparent;font-weight:normal;font-style:normal;font-variant:normal;text-decoration:none;vertical-align:baseline;">We Aspired: The Last Innocent Americans; Pete Sinclair</span><br /><span style="font-size:13px;font-family:Verdana;color:#000000;background-color:transparent;font-weight:normal;font-style:normal;font-variant:normal;text-decoration:none;vertical-align:baseline;">The Journey from Eden; Brian Fagan</span><br /><span style="font-size:13px;font-family:Verdana;color:#000000;background-color:transparent;font-weight:normal;font-style:normal;font-variant:normal;text-decoration:none;vertical-align:baseline;"></span><br /><span style="font-size:13px;font-family:Verdana;color:#000000;background-color:transparent;font-weight:normal;font-style:normal;font-variant:normal;text-decoration:none;vertical-align:baseline;">1992</span><br /><span style="font-size:13px;font-family:Verdana;color:#000000;background-color:transparent;font-weight:normal;font-style:normal;font-variant:normal;text-decoration:none;vertical-align:baseline;">An Old Man's Toy; Anthony Zee</span><br /><span style="font-size:13px;font-family:Verdana;color:#000000;background-color:transparent;font-weight:normal;font-style:normal;font-variant:normal;text-decoration:none;vertical-align:baseline;">Jurassic park; Michael Chrichton</span><br /><span style="font-size:13px;font-family:Verdana;color:#000000;background-color:transparent;font-weight:normal;font-style:normal;font-variant:normal;text-decoration:none;vertical-align:baseline;">Sliver; Ira Levine</span><br /><span style="font-size:13px;font-family:Verdana;color:#000000;background-color:transparent;font-weight:normal;font-style:normal;font-variant:normal;text-decoration:none;vertical-align:baseline;">Life Above the Jungle Floor; Donald Perry</span><br /><span style="font-size:13px;font-family:Verdana;color:#000000;background-color:transparent;font-weight:normal;font-style:normal;font-variant:normal;text-decoration:none;vertical-align:baseline;">When the Mountain Fell; C.F. Ramuz</span><br /><span style="font-size:13px;font-family:Verdana;color:#000000;background-color:transparent;font-weight:normal;font-style:normal;font-variant:normal;text-decoration:none;vertical-align:baseline;">Pleasures; Lonnie Barbach</span><br /><span style="font-size:13px;font-family:Verdana;color:#000000;background-color:transparent;font-weight:normal;font-style:normal;font-variant:normal;text-decoration:none;vertical-align:baseline;">The sumerians; Samuel Noah Kramer</span><br /><span style="font-size:13px;font-family:Verdana;color:#000000;background-color:transparent;font-weight:normal;font-style:normal;font-variant:normal;text-decoration:none;vertical-align:baseline;">The Way of the Wolf; David Mech</span><br /><span style="font-size:13px;font-family:Verdana;color:#000000;background-color:transparent;font-weight:normal;font-style:normal;font-variant:normal;text-decoration:none;vertical-align:baseline;">Love and Empire; Eric Orsenna</span><br /><span style="font-size:13px;font-family:Verdana;color:#000000;background-color:transparent;font-weight:normal;font-style:normal;font-variant:normal;text-decoration:none;vertical-align:baseline;">No Nature: New and Selected Poems; Gary Snyder</span><br /><span style="font-size:13px;font-family:Verdana;color:#000000;background-color:transparent;font-weight:normal;font-style:normal;font-variant:normal;text-decoration:none;vertical-align:baseline;">Damage; Josephine Hart</span><br /><span style="font-size:13px;font-family:Verdana;color:#000000;background-color:transparent;font-weight:normal;font-style:normal;font-variant:normal;text-decoration:none;vertical-align:baseline;">The Old Man and the Sea; Ernest Hemingway</span><br /><span style="font-size:13px;font-family:Verdana;color:#000000;background-color:transparent;font-weight:normal;font-style:normal;font-variant:normal;text-decoration:none;vertical-align:baseline;">Flammes de Pierre; Anne Sauvy</span><br /><span style="font-size:13px;font-family:Verdana;color:#000000;background-color:transparent;font-weight:normal;font-style:normal;font-variant:normal;text-decoration:none;vertical-align:baseline;">Mer de Glace; Allison Fell</span><br /><span style="font-size:13px;font-family:Verdana;color:#000000;background-color:transparent;font-weight:normal;font-style:normal;font-variant:normal;text-decoration:none;vertical-align:baseline;"></span><br /><span style="font-size:13px;font-family:Verdana;color:#000000;background-color:transparent;font-weight:normal;font-style:normal;font-variant:normal;text-decoration:none;vertical-align:baseline;">1993</span><br /><span style="font-size:13px;font-family:Verdana;color:#000000;background-color:transparent;font-weight:normal;font-style:normal;font-variant:normal;text-decoration:none;vertical-align:baseline;">The Magic Mountain; Thomas Mann</span><br /><span style="font-size:13px;font-family:Verdana;color:#000000;background-color:transparent;font-weight:normal;font-style:normal;font-variant:normal;text-decoration:none;vertical-align:baseline;">Truman; David McCullough</span><br /><span style="font-size:13px;font-family:Verdana;color:#000000;background-color:transparent;font-weight:normal;font-style:normal;font-variant:normal;text-decoration:none;vertical-align:baseline;">Tales From the Steep; John Long</span><br /><span style="font-size:13px;font-family:Verdana;color:#000000;background-color:transparent;font-weight:normal;font-style:normal;font-variant:normal;text-decoration:none;vertical-align:baseline;">The Oedipus Cycle; Sophocles</span><br /><span style="font-size:13px;font-family:Verdana;color:#000000;background-color:transparent;font-weight:normal;font-style:normal;font-variant:normal;text-decoration:none;vertical-align:baseline;"></span><br /><span style="font-size:13px;font-family:Verdana;color:#000000;background-color:transparent;font-weight:normal;font-style:normal;font-variant:normal;text-decoration:none;vertical-align:baseline;">1994</span><br /><span style="font-size:13px;font-family:Verdana;color:#000000;background-color:transparent;font-weight:normal;font-style:normal;font-variant:normal;text-decoration:none;vertical-align:baseline;">After the Ice Age; E. C. Pielou</span><br /><span style="font-size:13px;font-family:Verdana;color:#000000;background-color:transparent;font-weight:normal;font-style:normal;font-variant:normal;text-decoration:none;vertical-align:baseline;">The Great Journey; Bryan Fagan</span><br /><span style="font-size:13px;font-family:Verdana;color:#000000;background-color:transparent;font-weight:normal;font-style:normal;font-variant:normal;text-decoration:none;vertical-align:baseline;">Spirits of the Air; Kurt Diemberger</span><br /><span style="font-size:13px;font-family:Verdana;color:#000000;background-color:transparent;font-weight:normal;font-style:normal;font-variant:normal;text-decoration:none;vertical-align:baseline;">Siddhartha; Herman Hesse (2nd reading)</span><br /><span style="font-size:13px;font-family:Verdana;color:#000000;background-color:transparent;font-weight:normal;font-style:normal;font-variant:normal;text-decoration:none;vertical-align:baseline;"></span><br /><span style="font-size:13px;font-family:Verdana;color:#000000;background-color:transparent;font-weight:normal;font-style:normal;font-variant:normal;text-decoration:none;vertical-align:baseline;">1995</span><br /><span style="font-size:13px;font-family:Verdana;color:#000000;background-color:transparent;font-weight:normal;font-style:normal;font-variant:normal;text-decoration:none;vertical-align:baseline;">Blood Meridian; Cormac McCarthy</span><br /><span style="font-size:13px;font-family:Verdana;color:#000000;background-color:transparent;font-weight:normal;font-style:normal;font-variant:normal;text-decoration:none;vertical-align:baseline;">All the Pretty Horses; Cormac McCarthy</span><br /><span style="font-size:13px;font-family:Verdana;color:#000000;background-color:transparent;font-weight:normal;font-style:normal;font-variant:normal;text-decoration:none;vertical-align:baseline;">A Place in Space; Gary Snyder</span><br /><span style="font-size:13px;font-family:Verdana;color:#000000;background-color:transparent;font-weight:normal;font-style:normal;font-variant:normal;text-decoration:none;vertical-align:baseline;">Introduction to Psychoanalysis; Sigmund Freud</span><br /><span style="font-size:13px;font-family:Verdana;color:#000000;background-color:transparent;font-weight:normal;font-style:normal;font-variant:normal;text-decoration:none;vertical-align:baseline;"></span><br /><span style="font-size:13px;font-family:Verdana;color:#000000;background-color:transparent;font-weight:normal;font-style:normal;font-variant:normal;text-decoration:none;vertical-align:baseline;">1996</span><br /><span style="font-size:13px;font-family:Verdana;color:#000000;background-color:transparent;font-weight:normal;font-style:normal;font-variant:normal;text-decoration:none;vertical-align:baseline;">Mountains and Rivers Without End; Gary Snyder</span><br /><span style="font-size:13px;font-family:Verdana;color:#000000;background-color:transparent;font-weight:normal;font-style:normal;font-variant:normal;text-decoration:none;vertical-align:baseline;">The Cosmic Frontiers of General Relativity; Kaufman</span><br /><span style="font-size:13px;font-family:Verdana;color:#000000;background-color:transparent;font-weight:normal;font-style:normal;font-variant:normal;text-decoration:none;vertical-align:baseline;">The Crossing; Cormac McCarthy</span><br /><span style="font-size:13px;font-family:Verdana;color:#000000;background-color:transparent;font-weight:normal;font-style:normal;font-variant:normal;text-decoration:none;vertical-align:baseline;"></span><br /><span style="font-size:13px;font-family:Verdana;color:#000000;background-color:transparent;font-weight:normal;font-style:normal;font-variant:normal;text-decoration:none;vertical-align:baseline;">1997</span><br /><span style="font-size:13px;font-family:Verdana;color:#000000;background-color:transparent;font-weight:normal;font-style:normal;font-variant:normal;text-decoration:none;vertical-align:baseline;">The Abstract Wild; Jack Turner</span><br /><span style="font-size:13px;font-family:Verdana;color:#000000;background-color:transparent;font-weight:normal;font-style:normal;font-variant:normal;text-decoration:none;vertical-align:baseline;">The Passion of the Western Mind; Richard Tarnas</span><br /><span style="font-size:13px;font-family:Verdana;color:#000000;background-color:transparent;font-weight:normal;font-style:normal;font-variant:normal;text-decoration:none;vertical-align:baseline;">Paradise Lost; John Milton (Third reading)</span><br /><span style="font-size:13px;font-family:Verdana;color:#000000;background-color:transparent;font-weight:normal;font-style:normal;font-variant:normal;text-decoration:none;vertical-align:baseline;">Origins; Richard Leakey</span><br /><span style="font-size:13px;font-family:Verdana;color:#000000;background-color:transparent;font-weight:normal;font-style:normal;font-variant:normal;text-decoration:none;vertical-align:baseline;"></span><br /><span style="font-size:13px;font-family:Verdana;color:#000000;background-color:transparent;font-weight:normal;font-style:normal;font-variant:normal;text-decoration:none;vertical-align:baseline;">1998</span><br /><span style="font-size:13px;font-family:Verdana;color:#000000;background-color:transparent;font-weight:normal;font-style:normal;font-variant:normal;text-decoration:none;vertical-align:baseline;">On the Road; Jack Kerouac (Third reading)</span><br /><span style="font-size:13px;font-family:Verdana;color:#000000;background-color:transparent;font-weight:normal;font-style:normal;font-variant:normal;text-decoration:none;vertical-align:baseline;">The Dharma Bums; Jack Kerouac</span><br /><span style="font-size:13px;font-family:Verdana;color:#000000;background-color:transparent;font-weight:normal;font-style:normal;font-variant:normal;text-decoration:none;vertical-align:baseline;">Wonderful Life; Steven J. Gould</span><br /><span style="font-size:13px;font-family:Verdana;color:#000000;background-color:transparent;font-weight:normal;font-style:normal;font-variant:normal;text-decoration:none;vertical-align:baseline;">Free Spirit; Reinhold Messner</span><br /><span style="font-size:13px;font-family:Verdana;color:#000000;background-color:transparent;font-weight:normal;font-style:normal;font-variant:normal;text-decoration:none;vertical-align:baseline;">The Crystal Horizon; Reinhold Messner</span><br /><span style="font-size:13px;font-family:Verdana;color:#000000;background-color:transparent;font-weight:normal;font-style:normal;font-variant:normal;text-decoration:none;vertical-align:baseline;">Glen Exum: Never a Bad Word or a Twisted Rope; Charlie Craighead</span><br /><span style="font-size:13px;font-family:Verdana;color:#000000;background-color:transparent;font-weight:normal;font-style:normal;font-variant:normal;text-decoration:none;vertical-align:baseline;"></span><br /><span style="font-size:13px;font-family:Verdana;color:#000000;background-color:transparent;font-weight:normal;font-style:normal;font-variant:normal;text-decoration:none;vertical-align:baseline;">1999</span><br /><span style="font-size:13px;font-family:Verdana;color:#000000;background-color:transparent;font-weight:normal;font-style:normal;font-variant:normal;text-decoration:none;vertical-align:baseline;">The Rise of Theodore Roosevelt; Edmund Morris</span><br /><span style="font-size:13px;font-family:Verdana;color:#000000;background-color:transparent;font-weight:normal;font-style:normal;font-variant:normal;text-decoration:none;vertical-align:baseline;">Zen and Japanese Culture; Suzuki</span><br /><span style="font-size:13px;font-family:Verdana;color:#000000;background-color:transparent;font-weight:normal;font-style:normal;font-variant:normal;text-decoration:none;vertical-align:baseline;">Refiners Fire; Brooks</span><br /><span style="font-size:13px;font-family:Verdana;color:#000000;background-color:transparent;font-weight:normal;font-style:normal;font-variant:normal;text-decoration:none;vertical-align:baseline;">The Mammary Plays; Paula Vogel</span><br /><span style="font-size:13px;font-family:Verdana;color:#000000;background-color:transparent;font-weight:normal;font-style:normal;font-variant:normal;text-decoration:none;vertical-align:baseline;">Extreme Alpinism; Mark Twight</span><br /><span style="font-size:13px;font-family:Verdana;color:#000000;background-color:transparent;font-weight:normal;font-style:normal;font-variant:normal;text-decoration:none;vertical-align:baseline;"></span><br /><span style="font-size:13px;font-family:Verdana;color:#000000;background-color:transparent;font-weight:normal;font-style:normal;font-variant:normal;text-decoration:none;vertical-align:baseline;">2000</span><br /><span style="font-size:13px;font-family:Verdana;color:#000000;background-color:transparent;font-weight:normal;font-style:normal;font-variant:normal;text-decoration:none;vertical-align:baseline;">Theodore Rex; Edmund Morris</span><br /><span style="font-size:13px;font-family:Verdana;color:#000000;background-color:transparent;font-weight:normal;font-style:normal;font-variant:normal;text-decoration:none;vertical-align:baseline;">The Hero With A Thousand Faces; Joseph Campbell</span><br /><span style="font-size:13px;font-family:Verdana;color:#000000;background-color:transparent;font-weight:normal;font-style:normal;font-variant:normal;text-decoration:none;vertical-align:baseline;">The Mythic Image; Joseph Campbell</span><br /><span style="font-size:13px;font-family:Verdana;color:#000000;background-color:transparent;font-weight:normal;font-style:normal;font-variant:normal;text-decoration:none;vertical-align:baseline;">Hermann Buhl: Climbing Without Compromise; Reinhold Messner</span><br /><span style="font-size:13px;font-family:Verdana;color:#000000;background-color:transparent;font-weight:normal;font-style:normal;font-variant:normal;text-decoration:none;vertical-align:baseline;"></span><br /><span style="font-size:13px;font-family:Verdana;color:#000000;background-color:transparent;font-weight:normal;font-style:normal;font-variant:normal;text-decoration:none;vertical-align:baseline;">2001</span><br /><span style="font-size:13px;font-family:Verdana;color:#000000;background-color:transparent;font-weight:normal;font-style:normal;font-variant:normal;text-decoration:none;vertical-align:baseline;">The Origins of Life; John Maynard Smith</span><br /><span style="font-size:13px;font-family:Verdana;color:#000000;background-color:transparent;font-weight:normal;font-style:normal;font-variant:normal;text-decoration:none;vertical-align:baseline;">The Beak of the Finch; Johnathan Weiner</span><br /><span style="font-size:13px;font-family:Verdana;color:#000000;background-color:transparent;font-weight:normal;font-style:normal;font-variant:normal;text-decoration:none;vertical-align:baseline;"></span><br /><span style="font-size:13px;font-family:Verdana;color:#000000;background-color:transparent;font-weight:normal;font-style:normal;font-variant:normal;text-decoration:none;vertical-align:baseline;">2002</span><br /><span style="font-size:13px;font-family:Verdana;color:#000000;background-color:transparent;font-weight:normal;font-style:normal;font-variant:normal;text-decoration:none;vertical-align:baseline;">A Bend in the River; V.S. Naipaul</span><br /><span style="font-size:13px;font-family:Verdana;color:#000000;background-color:transparent;font-weight:normal;font-style:normal;font-variant:normal;text-decoration:none;vertical-align:baseline;">The Raw and the Cooked; Jim Harrison</span><br /><span style="font-size:13px;font-family:Verdana;color:#000000;background-color:transparent;font-weight:normal;font-style:normal;font-variant:normal;text-decoration:none;vertical-align:baseline;">Zen and the Art of Motorcycle Maintenance; Robert M. Pirsig (Second Reading)</span><br /><span style="font-size:13px;font-family:Verdana;color:#000000;background-color:transparent;font-weight:normal;font-style:normal;font-variant:normal;text-decoration:none;vertical-align:baseline;">The Odyssey; Fitzgerald Trans. of Homer</span><br /><span style="font-size:13px;font-family:Verdana;color:#000000;background-color:transparent;font-weight:normal;font-style:normal;font-variant:normal;text-decoration:none;vertical-align:baseline;">Kiss or Kill; Mark Twight</span><br /><span style="font-size:13px;font-family:Verdana;color:#000000;background-color:transparent;font-weight:normal;font-style:normal;font-variant:normal;text-decoration:none;vertical-align:baseline;">The Second Death of George Leigh Mallory; Reinhold Messner</span><br /><span style="font-size:13px;font-family:Verdana;color:#000000;background-color:transparent;font-weight:normal;font-style:normal;font-variant:normal;text-decoration:none;vertical-align:baseline;"></span><br /><span style="font-size:13px;font-family:Verdana;color:#000000;background-color:transparent;font-weight:normal;font-style:normal;font-variant:normal;text-decoration:none;vertical-align:baseline;">2003</span><br /><span style="font-size:13px;font-family:Verdana;color:#000000;background-color:transparent;font-weight:normal;font-style:normal;font-variant:normal;text-decoration:none;vertical-align:baseline;">Fishing Bamboo; Gierach</span><br /><span style="font-size:13px;font-family:Verdana;color:#000000;background-color:transparent;font-weight:normal;font-style:normal;font-variant:normal;text-decoration:none;vertical-align:baseline;">Cod; Mark Kurlansky</span><br /><span style="font-size:13px;font-family:Verdana;color:#000000;background-color:transparent;font-weight:normal;font-style:normal;font-variant:normal;text-decoration:none;vertical-align:baseline;">Climbing Free; Lynn Hill</span><br /><span style="font-size:13px;font-family:Verdana;color:#000000;background-color:transparent;font-weight:normal;font-style:normal;font-variant:normal;text-decoration:none;vertical-align:baseline;"></span><br /><span style="font-size:13px;font-family:Verdana;color:#000000;background-color:transparent;font-weight:normal;font-style:normal;font-variant:normal;text-decoration:none;vertical-align:baseline;">2004</span><br /><span style="font-size:13px;font-family:Verdana;color:#000000;background-color:transparent;font-weight:normal;font-style:normal;font-variant:normal;text-decoration:none;vertical-align:baseline;">The Inferno; Dante (Ciardi)</span><br /><span style="font-size:13px;font-family:Verdana;color:#000000;background-color:transparent;font-weight:normal;font-style:normal;font-variant:normal;text-decoration:none;vertical-align:baseline;">Purgatory; Dante (Ciardi)</span><br /><span style="font-size:13px;font-family:Verdana;color:#000000;background-color:transparent;font-weight:normal;font-style:normal;font-variant:normal;text-decoration:none;vertical-align:baseline;">Longitude; Dava Sobel</span><br /><span style="font-size:13px;font-family:Verdana;color:#000000;background-color:transparent;font-weight:normal;font-style:normal;font-variant:normal;text-decoration:none;vertical-align:baseline;"></span><br /><span style="font-size:13px;font-family:Verdana;color:#000000;background-color:transparent;font-weight:normal;font-style:normal;font-variant:normal;text-decoration:none;vertical-align:baseline;">2005</span><br /><span style="font-size:13px;font-family:Verdana;color:#000000;background-color:transparent;font-weight:normal;font-style:normal;font-variant:normal;text-decoration:none;vertical-align:baseline;">Paradiso; Dante (Ciardi)</span><br /><span style="font-size:13px;font-family:Verdana;color:#000000;background-color:transparent;font-weight:normal;font-style:normal;font-variant:normal;text-decoration:none;vertical-align:baseline;">Starting from Scratch; Rita Mae Brown</span><br /><span style="font-size:13px;font-family:Verdana;color:#000000;background-color:transparent;font-weight:normal;font-style:normal;font-variant:normal;text-decoration:none;vertical-align:baseline;">Last of the Mohicans; James Fenimore Cooper</span><br /><span style="font-size:13px;font-family:Verdana;color:#000000;background-color:transparent;font-weight:normal;font-style:normal;font-variant:normal;text-decoration:none;vertical-align:baseline;">Women; Annie Leibovitz</span><br /><span style="font-size:13px;font-family:Verdana;color:#000000;background-color:transparent;font-weight:normal;font-style:normal;font-variant:normal;text-decoration:none;vertical-align:baseline;">Annie Leibovitz</span><br /><span style="font-size:13px;font-family:Verdana;color:#000000;background-color:transparent;font-weight:normal;font-style:normal;font-variant:normal;text-decoration:none;vertical-align:baseline;">Danger on the Peaks; Gary Snyder</span><br /><span style="font-size:13px;font-family:Verdana;color:#000000;background-color:transparent;font-weight:normal;font-style:normal;font-variant:normal;text-decoration:none;vertical-align:baseline;">No Country for Old Men; Cormac McCarthy</span><br /><span style="font-size:13px;font-family:Verdana;color:#000000;background-color:transparent;font-weight:normal;font-style:normal;font-variant:normal;text-decoration:none;vertical-align:baseline;"></span><br /><span style="font-size:13px;font-family:Verdana;color:#000000;background-color:transparent;font-weight:normal;font-style:normal;font-variant:normal;text-decoration:none;vertical-align:baseline;">2006</span><br /><span style="font-size:13px;font-family:Verdana;color:#000000;background-color:transparent;font-weight:normal;font-style:normal;font-variant:normal;text-decoration:none;vertical-align:baseline;">The World is Flat; Thomas L. Friedman</span><br /><span style="font-size:13px;font-family:Verdana;color:#000000;background-color:transparent;font-weight:normal;font-style:normal;font-variant:normal;text-decoration:none;vertical-align:baseline;">Flammes de Pierre; Anne Sauvy</span><br /><span style="font-size:13px;font-family:Verdana;color:#000000;background-color:transparent;font-weight:normal;font-style:normal;font-variant:normal;text-decoration:none;vertical-align:baseline;">The Fools Progress; Edward Abbey (Second Reading)</span><br /><span style="font-size:13px;font-family:Verdana;color:#000000;background-color:transparent;font-weight:normal;font-style:normal;font-variant:normal;text-decoration:none;vertical-align:baseline;">The Diversity of Life; Edward O. Wilson</span><br /><span style="font-size:13px;font-family:Verdana;color:#000000;background-color:transparent;font-weight:normal;font-style:normal;font-variant:normal;text-decoration:none;vertical-align:baseline;">The Road; Cormac McCarthy</span><br /><span style="font-size:13px;font-family:Verdana;color:#000000;background-color:transparent;font-weight:normal;font-style:normal;font-variant:normal;text-decoration:none;vertical-align:baseline;">A Fool's Progress; Edward Abbey (2nd Reading)</span><br /><span style="font-size:13px;font-family:Verdana;color:#000000;background-color:transparent;font-weight:normal;font-style:normal;font-variant:normal;text-decoration:none;vertical-align:baseline;"></span><br /><span style="font-size:13px;font-family:Verdana;color:#000000;background-color:transparent;font-weight:normal;font-style:normal;font-variant:normal;text-decoration:none;vertical-align:baseline;">2007</span><br /><span style="font-size:13px;font-family:Verdana;color:#000000;background-color:transparent;font-weight:normal;font-style:normal;font-variant:normal;text-decoration:none;vertical-align:baseline;">Night Driving; Dick Dorworth</span><br /><span style="font-size:13px;font-family:Verdana;color:#000000;background-color:transparent;font-weight:normal;font-style:normal;font-variant:normal;text-decoration:none;vertical-align:baseline;">The Botany of Desire; Michael Pollan</span><br /><span style="font-size:13px;font-family:Verdana;color:#000000;background-color:transparent;font-weight:normal;font-style:normal;font-variant:normal;text-decoration:none;vertical-align:baseline;">On the Road: The Original Scroll; Jack Kerouac</span><br /><span style="font-size:13px;font-family:Verdana;color:#000000;background-color:transparent;font-weight:normal;font-style:normal;font-variant:normal;text-decoration:none;vertical-align:baseline;">Angle of Repose; Wallace Stegner</span><br /><span style="font-size:13px;font-family:Verdana;color:#000000;background-color:transparent;font-weight:normal;font-style:normal;font-variant:normal;text-decoration:none;vertical-align:baseline;">Alice Waters and Chez Panise; Thomas McNamee</span><br /><span style="font-size:13px;font-family:Verdana;color:#000000;background-color:transparent;font-weight:normal;font-style:normal;font-variant:normal;text-decoration:none;vertical-align:baseline;">Dancing at the Rascal Fair; Ivan Doig</span><br /><span style="font-size:13px;font-family:Verdana;color:#000000;background-color:transparent;font-weight:normal;font-style:normal;font-variant:normal;text-decoration:none;vertical-align:baseline;">Reading Like a Writer; Francine Prose</span><br /><span style="font-size:13px;font-family:Verdana;color:#000000;background-color:transparent;font-weight:normal;font-style:normal;font-variant:normal;text-decoration:none;vertical-align:baseline;">Red; Terry Tempest Williams</span><br /><span style="font-size:13px;font-family:Verdana;color:#000000;background-color:transparent;font-weight:normal;font-style:normal;font-variant:normal;text-decoration:none;vertical-align:baseline;"></span><br /><span style="font-size:13px;font-family:Verdana;color:#000000;background-color:transparent;font-weight:normal;font-style:normal;font-variant:normal;text-decoration:none;vertical-align:baseline;">2008</span><br /><span style="font-size:13px;font-family:Verdana;color:#000000;background-color:transparent;font-weight:normal;font-style:normal;font-variant:normal;text-decoration:none;vertical-align:baseline;">A Mapmakers Dream; James Cowan</span><br /><span style="font-size:13px;font-family:Verdana;color:#000000;background-color:transparent;font-weight:normal;font-style:normal;font-variant:normal;text-decoration:none;vertical-align:baseline;">Blink; Malcolm Gladwell</span><br /><span style="font-size:13px;font-family:Verdana;color:#000000;background-color:transparent;font-weight:normal;font-style:normal;font-variant:normal;text-decoration:none;vertical-align:baseline;">The Bush Tragedy; Jacob Weisberg</span><br /><span style="font-size:13px;font-family:Verdana;color:#000000;background-color:transparent;font-weight:normal;font-style:normal;font-variant:normal;text-decoration:none;vertical-align:baseline;">Slip of the Knife; Denise Mina</span><br /><span style="font-size:13px;font-family:Verdana;color:#000000;background-color:transparent;font-weight:normal;font-style:normal;font-variant:normal;text-decoration:none;vertical-align:baseline;">The Omnivores Dilemma; Michael Pollan</span><br /><span style="font-size:13px;font-family:Verdana;color:#000000;background-color:transparent;font-weight:normal;font-style:normal;font-variant:normal;text-decoration:none;vertical-align:baseline;">Bicycling Beyond the Divide; Daryl Farmer</span><br /><span style="font-size:13px;font-family:Verdana;color:#000000;background-color:transparent;font-weight:normal;font-style:normal;font-variant:normal;text-decoration:none;vertical-align:baseline;">The Life and Times of the Thunderbolt Kid; Bill Bryson</span><br /><span style="font-size:13px;font-family:Verdana;color:#000000;background-color:transparent;font-weight:normal;font-style:normal;font-variant:normal;text-decoration:none;vertical-align:baseline;">Seasons of Mangoes and Brainfire; Carolyne Wright</span><br /><span style="font-size:13px;font-family:Verdana;color:#000000;background-color:transparent;font-weight:normal;font-style:normal;font-variant:normal;text-decoration:none;vertical-align:baseline;">The Raw and the Cooked; Jim Harrison</span><br /><span style="font-size:13px;font-family:Verdana;color:#000000;background-color:transparent;font-weight:normal;font-style:normal;font-variant:normal;text-decoration:none;vertical-align:baseline;">The Cartography of Water; Jim Burwell</span><br /><span style="font-size:13px;font-family:Verdana;color:#000000;background-color:transparent;font-weight:normal;font-style:normal;font-variant:normal;text-decoration:none;vertical-align:baseline;">Insatiable; Gael Greene</span><br /><span style="font-size:13px;font-family:Verdana;color:#000000;background-color:transparent;font-weight:normal;font-style:normal;font-variant:normal;text-decoration:none;vertical-align:baseline;">Sex and Sunsets; Tim Sandlin</span><br /><span style="font-size:13px;font-family:Verdana;color:#000000;background-color:transparent;font-weight:normal;font-style:normal;font-variant:normal;text-decoration:none;vertical-align:baseline;">In Defense of Food; Michael Pollan</span><br /><span style="font-size:13px;font-family:Verdana;color:#000000;background-color:transparent;font-weight:normal;font-style:normal;font-variant:normal;text-decoration:none;vertical-align:baseline;">The Age of American Unreason; Susan Jacoby</span><br /><span style="font-size:13px;font-family:Verdana;color:#000000;background-color:transparent;font-weight:normal;font-style:normal;font-variant:normal;text-decoration:none;vertical-align:baseline;">Three Cups of Tea; Greg Mortenson</span><br /><span style="font-size:13px;font-family:Verdana;color:#000000;background-color:transparent;font-weight:normal;font-style:normal;font-variant:normal;text-decoration:none;vertical-align:baseline;">Beowulf; Seamus Heaney translation</span><br /><span style="font-size:13px;font-family:Verdana;color:#000000;background-color:transparent;font-weight:normal;font-style:normal;font-variant:normal;text-decoration:none;vertical-align:baseline;">The Last Season; Eric Blehm</span><br /><span style="font-size:13px;font-family:Verdana;color:#000000;background-color:transparent;font-weight:normal;font-style:normal;font-variant:normal;text-decoration:none;vertical-align:baseline;">Bonk; Mary Roach</span><br /><span style="font-size:13px;font-family:Verdana;color:#000000;background-color:transparent;font-weight:normal;font-style:normal;font-variant:normal;text-decoration:none;vertical-align:baseline;">Escape from Lucania; David Roberts</span><br /><span style="font-size:13px;font-family:Verdana;color:#000000;background-color:transparent;font-weight:normal;font-style:normal;font-variant:normal;text-decoration:none;vertical-align:baseline;">The Enchantress of Florence; Salman Rushdie</span><br /><span style="font-size:13px;font-family:Verdana;color:#000000;background-color:transparent;font-weight:normal;font-style:normal;font-variant:normal;text-decoration:none;vertical-align:baseline;">Trespass; Amy Irvine</span><br /><span style="font-size:13px;font-family:Verdana;color:#000000;background-color:transparent;font-weight:normal;font-style:normal;font-variant:normal;text-decoration:none;vertical-align:baseline;">The Audacity of Hope; Barack Obama</span><br /><span style="font-size:13px;font-family:Verdana;color:#000000;background-color:transparent;font-weight:normal;font-style:normal;font-variant:normal;text-decoration:none;vertical-align:baseline;"></span><br /><span style="font-size:13px;font-family:Verdana;color:#000000;background-color:transparent;font-weight:normal;font-style:normal;font-variant:normal;text-decoration:none;vertical-align:baseline;">2009</span><br /><span style="font-size:13px;font-family:Verdana;color:#000000;background-color:transparent;font-weight:normal;font-style:normal;font-variant:normal;text-decoration:none;vertical-align:baseline;">The Inferno; Dante (Hollander)</span><br /><span style="font-size:13px;font-family:Verdana;color:#000000;background-color:transparent;font-weight:normal;font-style:normal;font-variant:normal;text-decoration:none;vertical-align:baseline;">The Ladies No. 1 Detective Agency; Alexander McCall Smith</span><br /><span style="font-size:13px;font-family:Verdana;color:#000000;background-color:transparent;font-weight:normal;font-style:normal;font-variant:normal;text-decoration:none;vertical-align:baseline;">The Elegant Universe; Brian Greene</span><br /><span style="font-size:13px;font-family:Verdana;color:#000000;background-color:transparent;font-weight:normal;font-style:normal;font-variant:normal;text-decoration:none;vertical-align:baseline;">The Lightness of Being; Frank Wilczek</span><br /><span style="font-size:13px;font-family:Verdana;color:#000000;background-color:transparent;font-weight:normal;font-style:normal;font-variant:normal;text-decoration:none;vertical-align:baseline;">Devil Bones; Kathy Reichs</span><br /><span style="font-size:13px;font-family:Verdana;color:#000000;background-color:transparent;font-weight:normal;font-style:normal;font-variant:normal;text-decoration:none;vertical-align:baseline;">The Sun Also Rises; Ernest Hemingway</span><br /><span style="font-size:13px;font-family:Verdana;color:#000000;background-color:transparent;font-weight:normal;font-style:normal;font-variant:normal;text-decoration:none;vertical-align:baseline;">Blue Heaven; C.J. Box</span><br /><span style="font-size:13px;font-family:Verdana;color:#000000;background-color:transparent;font-weight:normal;font-style:normal;font-variant:normal;text-decoration:none;vertical-align:baseline;">Winterkill; C.J. Box</span><br /><span style="font-size:13px;font-family:Verdana;color:#000000;background-color:transparent;font-weight:normal;font-style:normal;font-variant:normal;text-decoration:none;vertical-align:baseline;">Big Sur; Jack Kerouac</span><br /><span style="font-size:13px;font-family:Verdana;color:#000000;background-color:transparent;font-weight:normal;font-style:normal;font-variant:normal;text-decoration:none;vertical-align:baseline;">The Raw and the Cooked; Jim Harrison (second reading)</span><br /><span style="font-size:13px;font-family:Verdana;color:#000000;background-color:transparent;font-weight:normal;font-style:normal;font-variant:normal;text-decoration:none;vertical-align:baseline;">Letter to a Christian Nation; Sam Harris</span><br /><span style="font-size:13px;font-family:Verdana;color:#000000;background-color:transparent;font-weight:normal;font-style:normal;font-variant:normal;text-decoration:none;vertical-align:baseline;">The Gospel of Judas; Rodolphe Kasser</span><br /><span style="font-size:13px;font-family:Verdana;color:#000000;background-color:transparent;font-weight:normal;font-style:normal;font-variant:normal;text-decoration:none;vertical-align:baseline;">Misquoting Jesus; Ehrman</span><br /><span style="font-size:13px;font-family:Verdana;color:#000000;background-color:transparent;font-weight:normal;font-style:normal;font-variant:normal;text-decoration:none;vertical-align:baseline;">A Poetry Handbook; Mary Oliver</span><br /><span style="font-size:13px;font-family:Verdana;color:#000000;background-color:transparent;font-weight:normal;font-style:normal;font-variant:normal;text-decoration:none;vertical-align:baseline;">The Sounds of Poetry; Robert Pinsky</span><br /><span style="font-size:13px;font-family:Verdana;color:#000000;background-color:transparent;font-weight:normal;font-style:normal;font-variant:normal;text-decoration:none;vertical-align:baseline;">Look Out; Gary Snyder</span><br /><span style="font-size:13px;font-family:Verdana;color:#000000;background-color:transparent;font-weight:normal;font-style:normal;font-variant:normal;text-decoration:none;vertical-align:baseline;">Red; Terry Tempest Williams</span><br /><span style="font-size:13px;font-family:Verdana;color:#000000;background-color:transparent;font-weight:normal;font-style:normal;font-variant:normal;text-decoration:none;vertical-align:baseline;"></span><br /><span style="font-size:13px;font-family:Verdana;color:#000000;background-color:transparent;font-weight:normal;font-style:normal;font-variant:normal;text-decoration:none;vertical-align:baseline;">2010</span><br /><span style="font-size:13px;font-family:Verdana;color:#000000;background-color:transparent;font-weight:normal;font-style:normal;font-variant:normal;text-decoration:none;vertical-align:baseline;">Basin and Range; John McPhee</span><br /><span style="font-size:13px;font-family:Verdana;color:#000000;background-color:transparent;font-weight:normal;font-style:normal;font-variant:normal;text-decoration:none;vertical-align:baseline;">High Infatuation; Steph Davis</span><br /><span style="font-size:13px;font-family:Verdana;color:#000000;background-color:transparent;font-weight:normal;font-style:normal;font-variant:normal;text-decoration:none;vertical-align:baseline;">The Tale of the Unknown Island; Jose Saramago</span><br /><span style="font-size:13px;font-family:Verdana;color:#000000;background-color:transparent;font-weight:normal;font-style:normal;font-variant:normal;text-decoration:none;vertical-align:baseline;">Made By Hand; Tom Fidgen</span><br /><span style="font-size:13px;font-family:Verdana;color:#000000;background-color:transparent;font-weight:normal;font-style:normal;font-variant:normal;text-decoration:none;vertical-align:baseline;">For Whom the Bell Tolls; Ernest Hemingway</span><br /><span style="font-size:13px;font-family:Verdana;color:#000000;background-color:transparent;font-weight:normal;font-style:normal;font-variant:normal;text-decoration:none;vertical-align:baseline;">The Big Burn; Timothy Egan</span><br /><span style="font-size:13px;font-family:Verdana;color:#000000;background-color:transparent;font-weight:normal;font-style:normal;font-variant:normal;text-decoration:none;vertical-align:baseline;">Hotel du Lac; Anita Brookner</span><br /><span style="font-size:13px;font-family:Verdana;color:#000000;background-color:transparent;font-weight:normal;font-style:normal;font-variant:normal;text-decoration:none;vertical-align:baseline;">The Race; Dave Shields</span><br /><span style="font-size:13px;font-family:Verdana;color:#000000;background-color:transparent;font-weight:normal;font-style:normal;font-variant:normal;text-decoration:none;vertical-align:baseline;">Bob Dylan Revisited</span><br /><span style="font-size:13px;font-family:Verdana;color:#000000;background-color:transparent;font-weight:normal;font-style:normal;font-variant:normal;text-decoration:none;vertical-align:baseline;">The English Major; Jim Harrison</span><br /><span style="font-size:13px;font-family:Verdana;color:#000000;background-color:transparent;font-weight:normal;font-style:normal;font-variant:normal;text-decoration:none;vertical-align:baseline;">Born to Run; Christopher McDougall</span><br /><span style="font-size:13px;font-family:Verdana;color:#000000;background-color:transparent;font-weight:normal;font-style:normal;font-variant:normal;text-decoration:none;vertical-align:baseline;">Infidel: My Life; Ayaan Hirsi Ali</span><br /><span style="font-size:13px;font-family:Verdana;color:#000000;background-color:transparent;font-weight:normal;font-style:normal;font-variant:normal;text-decoration:none;vertical-align:baseline;">Sun and Steel; Yukio Mishima</span><br /><span style="font-size:13px;font-family:Verdana;color:#000000;background-color:transparent;font-weight:normal;font-style:normal;font-variant:normal;text-decoration:none;vertical-align:baseline;">A Streetcar Named Desire; Tennessee Williams</span><br /><span style="font-size:13px;font-family:Verdana;color:#000000;background-color:transparent;font-weight:normal;font-style:normal;font-variant:normal;text-decoration:none;vertical-align:baseline;">Being Wrong; Kathryn Schulz</span><br /><span style="font-size:13px;font-family:Verdana;color:#000000;background-color:transparent;font-weight:normal;font-style:normal;font-variant:normal;text-decoration:none;vertical-align:baseline;">Temperament; Jacob Isacoff</span><br /><span style="font-size:13px;font-family:Verdana;color:#000000;background-color:transparent;font-weight:normal;font-style:normal;font-variant:normal;text-decoration:none;vertical-align:baseline;">The Glass Menagerie; Tennessee Williams</span><br /><span style="font-size:13px;font-family:Verdana;color:#000000;background-color:transparent;font-weight:normal;font-style:normal;font-variant:normal;text-decoration:none;vertical-align:baseline;">Cheri; Collette</span><br /><span style="font-size:13px;font-family:Verdana;color:#000000;background-color:transparent;font-weight:normal;font-style:normal;font-variant:normal;text-decoration:none;vertical-align:baseline;">The End of Cheri; Collette</span><br /><span style="font-size:13px;font-family:Verdana;color:#000000;background-color:transparent;font-weight:normal;font-style:normal;font-variant:normal;text-decoration:none;vertical-align:baseline;">Climbing and Self Rescue; Loomis & Tyson</span><br /><span style="font-size:13px;font-family:Verdana;color:#000000;background-color:transparent;font-weight:normal;font-style:normal;font-variant:normal;text-decoration:none;vertical-align:baseline;">The Venetian's Wife; Nick Bantock</span><br /><span style="font-size:13px;font-family:Verdana;color:#000000;background-color:transparent;font-weight:normal;font-style:normal;font-variant:normal;text-decoration:none;vertical-align:baseline;">Waiting for Godot; Samuel Beckett</span><br /><span style="font-size:13px;font-family:Verdana;color:#000000;background-color:transparent;font-weight:normal;font-style:normal;font-variant:normal;text-decoration:none;vertical-align:baseline;">400 Wood Boxes;</span><br /><span style="font-size:13px;font-family:Verdana;color:#000000;background-color:transparent;font-weight:normal;font-style:normal;font-variant:normal;text-decoration:none;vertical-align:baseline;">Beowulf on the Beach; Jack Murnaugh</span><br /><span style="font-size:13px;font-family:Verdana;color:#000000;background-color:transparent;font-weight:normal;font-style:normal;font-variant:normal;text-decoration:none;vertical-align:baseline;">The Girl with the Dragon Tattoo; Stieg Larsson</span><br /><span style="font-size:13px;font-family:Verdana;color:#000000;background-color:transparent;font-weight:normal;font-style:normal;font-variant:normal;text-decoration:none;vertical-align:baseline;">My Canyonlands; Kent Frost</span><br /><span style="font-size:13px;font-family:Verdana;color:#000000;background-color:transparent;font-weight:normal;font-style:normal;font-variant:normal;text-decoration:none;vertical-align:baseline;">Ultimate Field Guide to Photography; National Geographic</span><br /><span style="font-size:13px;font-family:Verdana;color:#000000;background-color:transparent;font-weight:normal;font-style:normal;font-variant:normal;text-decoration:none;vertical-align:baseline;">Drawing on the Right Side of the Brain</span><br /><span style="font-size:13px;font-family:Verdana;color:#000000;background-color:transparent;font-weight:normal;font-style:normal;font-variant:normal;text-decoration:none;vertical-align:baseline;">Crack Climbing; Lisa Gnade, Steve Petro</span><br /><span style="font-size:13px;font-family:Verdana;color:#000000;background-color:transparent;font-weight:normal;font-style:normal;font-variant:normal;text-decoration:none;vertical-align:baseline;">Finders Keepers; Craig Childs</span><br /><span style="font-size:13px;font-family:Verdana;color:#000000;background-color:transparent;font-weight:normal;font-style:normal;font-variant:normal;text-decoration:none;vertical-align:baseline;">Shop Class as Soulcraft; Matthew B. Crawford</span><br /><span style="font-size:13px;font-family:Verdana;color:#000000;background-color:transparent;font-weight:normal;font-style:normal;font-variant:normal;text-decoration:none;vertical-align:baseline;">The Girl Who Played With Fire; Stieg Larsson</span><br /><span style="font-size:13px;font-family:Verdana;color:#000000;background-color:transparent;font-weight:normal;font-style:normal;font-variant:normal;text-decoration:none;vertical-align:baseline;">The Girl Who Kicked the Hornet's Nest; Stieg Larsson</span><br /><span style="font-size:13px;font-family:Verdana;color:#000000;background-color:transparent;font-weight:normal;font-style:normal;font-variant:normal;text-decoration:none;vertical-align:baseline;">Soul of Nowhere; Craig Childs</span><br /><span style="font-size:13px;font-family:Verdana;color:#000000;background-color:transparent;font-weight:normal;font-style:normal;font-variant:normal;text-decoration:none;vertical-align:baseline;">In Search of the Old Ones; David Roberts</span><br /><span style="font-size:13px;font-family:Verdana;color:#000000;background-color:transparent;font-weight:normal;font-style:normal;font-variant:normal;text-decoration:none;vertical-align:baseline;">The Secret Knowledge of Water; Craig Childs</span><br /><span style="font-size:13px;font-family:Verdana;color:#000000;background-color:transparent;font-weight:normal;font-style:normal;font-variant:normal;text-decoration:none;vertical-align:baseline;">God is Not Great; Christopher Hitchens</span><br /><span style="font-size:13px;font-family:Verdana;color:#000000;background-color:transparent;font-weight:normal;font-style:normal;font-variant:normal;text-decoration:none;vertical-align:baseline;">Woodshop Lust; David Thiel</span><br /><span style="font-size:13px;font-family:Verdana;color:#000000;background-color:transparent;font-weight:normal;font-style:normal;font-variant:normal;text-decoration:none;vertical-align:baseline;">Desert Quartette; Terry Tempest Williams</span><br /><span style="font-size:13px;font-family:Verdana;color:#000000;background-color:transparent;font-weight:normal;font-style:normal;font-variant:normal;text-decoration:none;vertical-align:baseline;"></span><br /><span style="font-size:13px;font-family:Verdana;color:#000000;background-color:transparent;font-weight:normal;font-style:normal;font-variant:normal;text-decoration:underline;vertical-align:baseline;">2011</span><br /><span style="font-size:13px;font-family:Verdana;color:#000000;background-color:transparent;font-weight:normal;font-style:normal;font-variant:normal;text-decoration:underline;vertical-align:baseline;"></span><br /><span style="font-size:13px;font-family:Verdana;color:#000000;background-color:transparent;font-weight:normal;font-style:normal;font-variant:normal;text-decoration:none;vertical-align:baseline;">Just Kids; Patti Smith</span><br /><span style="font-size:13px;font-family:Verdana;color:#000000;background-color:transparent;font-weight:normal;font-style:normal;font-variant:normal;text-decoration:none;vertical-align:baseline;">Desert Towers; Steve Crusher Bartlett</span><br /><span style="font-size:13px;font-family:Verdana;color:#000000;background-color:transparent;font-weight:normal;font-style:normal;font-variant:normal;text-decoration:none;vertical-align:baseline;">House of Rain; Craig Childs</span><br /><span style="font-size:13px;font-family:Verdana;color:#000000;background-color:transparent;font-weight:normal;font-style:normal;font-variant:normal;text-decoration:none;vertical-align:baseline;">Auguries of Innocence; Patti Smith</span><br /><span style="font-size:13px;font-family:Verdana;color:#000000;background-color:transparent;font-weight:normal;font-style:normal;font-variant:normal;text-decoration:none;vertical-align:baseline;">Creative Nature and Outdoor Photography; Brenda Tharp</span><br /><span style="font-size:13px;font-family:Verdana;color:#000000;background-color:transparent;font-weight:normal;font-style:normal;font-variant:normal;text-decoration:none;vertical-align:baseline;">Galen Rowell's Inner Game of Outdoor Photography; Galen Rowell</span><br /><span style="font-size:13px;font-family:Verdana;color:#000000;background-color:transparent;font-weight:normal;font-style:normal;font-variant:normal;text-decoration:none;vertical-align:baseline;">The Workshop; Scott Gibson</span><br /><span style="font-size:13px;font-family:Verdana;color:#000000;background-color:transparent;font-weight:normal;font-style:normal;font-variant:normal;text-decoration:none;vertical-align:baseline;">The Way Out: A true story of ruin and survival"; Craig Childs</span><br /><span style="font-size:13px;font-family:Verdana;color:#000000;background-color:transparent;font-weight:normal;font-style:normal;font-variant:normal;text-decoration:none;vertical-align:baseline;">The Coral Sea; Patti Smith</span><br /><span style="font-size:13px;font-family:Verdana;color:#000000;background-color:transparent;font-weight:normal;font-style:normal;font-variant:normal;text-decoration:none;vertical-align:baseline;">James Krenov, Worker in Wood; James Krenov</span><br /><span style="font-size:13px;font-family:Verdana;color:#000000;background-color:transparent;font-weight:normal;font-style:normal;font-variant:normal;text-decoration:none;vertical-align:baseline;">The List; James P. Sweeney</span><br /><span style="font-size:13px;font-family:Verdana;color:#000000;background-color:transparent;font-weight:normal;font-style:normal;font-variant:normal;text-decoration:none;vertical-align:baseline;">The Art of Fine Tools; Sandor Nagyszalanczy</span><br /><span style="font-size:13px;font-family:Verdana;color:#000000;background-color:transparent;font-weight:normal;font-style:normal;font-variant:normal;text-decoration:none;vertical-align:baseline;">Blanket Chests; Scott Gibson & Peter Turner</span><br /><span style="font-size:13px;font-family:Verdana;color:#000000;background-color:transparent;font-weight:normal;font-style:normal;font-variant:normal;text-decoration:none;vertical-align:baseline;">Workshop Idea Book; Andy Rae</span><br /><span style="font-size:13px;font-family:Verdana;color:#000000;background-color:transparent;font-weight:normal;font-style:normal;font-variant:normal;text-decoration:none;vertical-align:baseline;">One Thousand Years of Solitude; Gabriel Garcia Marquez</span><br /><span style="font-size:13px;font-family:Verdana;color:#000000;background-color:transparent;font-weight:normal;font-style:normal;font-variant:normal;text-decoration:none;vertical-align:baseline;">The Age of Wonder; Richard Holmes</span><br /><span style="font-size:13px;font-family:Verdana;color:#000000;background-color:transparent;font-weight:normal;font-style:normal;font-variant:normal;text-decoration:none;vertical-align:baseline;">The Disappearing Spoon; Sam Kean</span><br /><span style="font-size:13px;font-family:Verdana;color:#000000;background-color:transparent;font-weight:normal;font-style:normal;font-variant:normal;text-decoration:none;vertical-align:baseline;">Beautiful and Pointless: A Guide to Modern Poetry; David Orr</span><br /><span style="font-size:13px;font-family:Verdana;color:#000000;background-color:transparent;font-weight:normal;font-style:normal;font-variant:normal;text-decoration:none;vertical-align:baseline;">The Handplane Book; Garrett Hack</span><br /><span style="font-size:13px;font-family:Verdana;color:#000000;background-color:transparent;font-weight:normal;font-style:normal;font-variant:normal;text-decoration:none;vertical-align:baseline;">Enough About Love; Herve Le Tellier</span><br /><span style="font-size:13px;font-family:Verdana;color:#000000;background-color:transparent;font-weight:normal;font-style:normal;font-variant:normal;text-decoration:none;vertical-align:baseline;">Sweet Bird of Youth; Tennessee Williams</span><br /><span style="font-size:13px;font-family:Verdana;color:#000000;background-color:transparent;font-weight:normal;font-style:normal;font-variant:normal;text-decoration:none;vertical-align:baseline;">The Tempest; Shakespeare</span><br /><span style="font-size:13px;font-family:Verdana;color:#000000;background-color:transparent;font-weight:normal;font-style:normal;font-variant:normal;text-decoration:none;vertical-align:baseline;">Animal, Vegetable, Miracle; Barbara Kingsolver</span><br /><span style="font-size:13px;font-family:Verdana;color:#000000;background-color:transparent;font-weight:normal;font-style:normal;font-variant:normal;text-decoration:none;vertical-align:baseline;">Women; Charles Bukowski</span><br /><span style="font-size:13px;font-family:Verdana;color:#000000;background-color:transparent;font-weight:normal;font-style:normal;font-variant:normal;text-decoration:none;vertical-align:baseline;">27 Wagons Full of Cotton; Tennessee Williams</span><br /><span style="font-size:13px;font-family:Verdana;color:#000000;background-color:transparent;font-weight:normal;font-style:normal;font-variant:normal;text-decoration:none;vertical-align:baseline;">The Greater Journey: Americans in Paris; David McCullough</span><br /><span style="font-size:13px;font-family:Verdana;color:#000000;background-color:transparent;font-weight:normal;font-style:normal;font-variant:normal;text-decoration:none;vertical-align:baseline;">Life; Keith Richards</span><br /><span style="font-size:13px;font-family:Verdana;color:#000000;background-color:transparent;font-weight:normal;font-style:normal;font-variant:normal;text-decoration:none;vertical-align:baseline;">The Sense of an Ending; Julian Barnes</span><br /><span style="font-size:13px;font-family:Verdana;color:#000000;background-color:transparent;font-weight:normal;font-style:normal;font-variant:normal;text-decoration:none;vertical-align:baseline;">The New York Regional Mormon Singles Haloween Dance; Elna Baker</span><br /><span style="font-size:13px;font-family:Verdana;color:#000000;background-color:transparent;font-weight:normal;font-style:normal;font-variant:normal;text-decoration:none;vertical-align:baseline;"></span><br /><span style="font-size:13px;font-family:Verdana;color:#000000;background-color:transparent;font-weight:normal;font-style:normal;font-variant:normal;text-decoration:underline;vertical-align:baseline;">2012</span><br /><span style="font-size:13px;font-family:Verdana;color:#000000;background-color:transparent;font-weight:normal;font-style:normal;font-variant:normal;text-decoration:underline;vertical-align:baseline;"></span><br /><span style="font-size:13px;font-family:Verdana;color:#000000;background-color:transparent;font-weight:normal;font-style:normal;font-variant:normal;text-decoration:none;vertical-align:baseline;">The Swerve: How the World Became Modern; Stephen Greenblatt</span><br /><span style="font-size:13px;font-family:Verdana;color:#000000;background-color:transparent;font-weight:normal;font-style:normal;font-variant:normal;text-decoration:none;vertical-align:baseline;">House of Holes; Nicholson Baker</span><br /><span style="font-size:13px;font-family:Verdana;color:#000000;background-color:transparent;font-weight:normal;font-style:normal;font-variant:normal;text-decoration:none;vertical-align:baseline;">Anais Nin; House of Incest</span><br /><span style="font-size:13px;font-family:Verdana;color:#000000;background-color:transparent;font-weight:normal;font-style:normal;font-variant:normal;text-decoration:none;vertical-align:baseline;">Katy Sukel; Dirty Minds<br />Joseph Conrad; Heart of Darkness and The Secret Sharer (3rd Reading)<br /></span>Ralphhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/16555104492679454425noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2312660955738638590.post-44485162867602398582011-12-20T15:50:00.000-08:002011-12-22T22:33:07.737-08:00Climbing with the JacksonsIt's a rare treat to climb with Renny Jackson. And even rarer to climb with Catherine. Now, there is a third member: Jane. This October we arranged to meet in Indian Creek, best crack climbing in the world.<br /><br />Renny and I go way back: both of us are from Salt Lake City, we both worked as climbing rangers in the Tetons at Jenny Lake, and we are now both retired from the National Park Service. Renny worked in the Tetons for years, but in the early 90's he and his wife Catherine moved to Talkeetna, Alaska, where he worked on Denali for a few years. I had just left my post in Denali, so we missed each other there. Catherine Cullinane was the first woman to guide for the Exum Guide Service in the Tetons, so she holds her own in the climbing world. I'm always the junior partner (although older) when I climb with those two! This summer, Renny and his daughter Jane climbed Denali together. This launched her into the climbing world, and she took to it with a vengeance. In a few short months, she rocked upward in her skill level; check out the photos below.<br /><br />On my fall road trip through Salt Lake City I passed by the Kimbrough's home on my way south to the desert. Paul, Peter, Tom, Barb and others were still up with the lights on at 9:30 pm, so I stopped in for a beer. There was so much energy among the young climbers and skiers; I was hoping some would rub off. They were psyched to climb, so we arranged to find each other during the next weeks in Indian Creek. I would be there, camped at Creek Pasture, as always.<br /><div style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhVdOTzfuZGO4K5PX99YXPBmQCg1tzbb8-1Ju-7bOSmqEbDWUC-c1hCb2wDT4rgzaNiHwjdgX9D4d5q4BbDaQvm9Pocbh-MXt1E58Gv0uRPkKKC1UErJwEFoo483mADSSjzN2Tc4ZWOYO0/s1600/IMG_5235.jpg"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 320px; height: 240px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhVdOTzfuZGO4K5PX99YXPBmQCg1tzbb8-1Ju-7bOSmqEbDWUC-c1hCb2wDT4rgzaNiHwjdgX9D4d5q4BbDaQvm9Pocbh-MXt1E58Gv0uRPkKKC1UErJwEFoo483mADSSjzN2Tc4ZWOYO0/s320/IMG_5235.jpg" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5688676872177388754" border="0" /></a></div><div style="text-align: center;">South and North Six Shooter seen from the Second Meat Wall in Indian Creek<br /><div style="text-align: left;"><br />At "The Creek", we chose 'The Second Meat Wall' as a climbing area; it would be out of the hot sun through most of the day. We wandered north along the wall looking for an opening; most of the good climbs were already taken by the early risers. Chris and I made our way along until the vestige of the trail disappeared. An owl flew into a tree above us and we stopped to look. The owl didn't seem bothered and sat on the tree for a while; then it flew up a few more feet to a perch on the cliff. Neither of us had seen it before, so we sat down and watched it for quite a while. Chris later identified it as a Long Eared Owl, supposedly a more secretive species, but it hug around for us. Maybe we were encroaching on its territory, and it was just trying to outwait us.<br /><br />It was cool in the shade, but we were wearing fairly skimpy climbing clothing, meaning expendable. The sandstone rips everything to shreds, including skin, knees, elbows, and hands. We wrapped adhesive tape around our knuckles, put on our climbing harnesses, and decided who would lead the first climb: "Two Timer". Jane was eager to lead; we were eager to follow. I was amazed that in a few short months she had risen from a novice to the strongest member of our party. While Renny belayed Jane up the climb, Catherine and I roamed around taking photos. Renny called up helpful advice on climbing technique and ways to protect the climb. It must be difficult watching a daughter engage in a dangerous sport. My ex-wife said that after a while she couldn't watch the kids climb with me. As I looked at Catherine and Renny I could understand that feeling.<br /></div></div><div style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjtt-nC2rkmQK0hGK7NOcQLAFjWVxXqeKbQFJHyICnQxP8tHfrPGfiS-9_Esf4VWTzCq4Li4Cu1daUE3Qea3QuKOLyaOct2sw-C0E6y1ySURxwF2aV9O7qj5rDn7Ql7qwlC7PqhH1juoX8/s1600/IMG_5215.jpg"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 240px; height: 320px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjtt-nC2rkmQK0hGK7NOcQLAFjWVxXqeKbQFJHyICnQxP8tHfrPGfiS-9_Esf4VWTzCq4Li4Cu1daUE3Qea3QuKOLyaOct2sw-C0E6y1ySURxwF2aV9O7qj5rDn7Ql7qwlC7PqhH1juoX8/s320/IMG_5215.jpg" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5688675118348884226" border="0" /></a></div><div style="text-align: center;">Jane puts on her climbing shoes; Renny gets ready to belay her,<br />a typical father-daughter activity<br /></div><br /><div style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhkpx9nMDXvkbx7UMtGX0jVrZ410VobVc9oueTEVtqnUJeD6JFhug1KxveLCZBoZQ49rA5HwePw_ClJXO3c16j8jT4QyN1Q3Zh-5rPA9CC-0ICeVluJbKSg1LPmSkOSCwglfdMlNzWh5IA/s1600/IMG_5253.jpg"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 240px; height: 320px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhkpx9nMDXvkbx7UMtGX0jVrZ410VobVc9oueTEVtqnUJeD6JFhug1KxveLCZBoZQ49rA5HwePw_ClJXO3c16j8jT4QyN1Q3Zh-5rPA9CC-0ICeVluJbKSg1LPmSkOSCwglfdMlNzWh5IA/s320/IMG_5253.jpg" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5688682518721915090" border="0" /></a></div><div style="text-align: center;">Jane gears up for the climb<br /><div style="text-align: left;"><br /></div><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiKvBdPWxFDN7nq2EdzS_wQ5iqJySXnaASyOIkvdLprJTdjH_VuLo7fm-qlkeUUqXGAKt1J-pyoLnL8Cic2E7sUMfOKKMNnGf4_jxQbyej381GZpMgjNiltyKcf-Ej1aIa_b9ZyrQHsLGg/s1600/IMG_5254.jpg"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 320px; height: 240px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiKvBdPWxFDN7nq2EdzS_wQ5iqJySXnaASyOIkvdLprJTdjH_VuLo7fm-qlkeUUqXGAKt1J-pyoLnL8Cic2E7sUMfOKKMNnGf4_jxQbyej381GZpMgjNiltyKcf-Ej1aIa_b9ZyrQHsLGg/s320/IMG_5254.jpg" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5688683650185828002" border="0" /></a></div><div style="text-align: center;">And checks the quick-draws: carabiners on nylon slings<br /><div style="text-align: left;"><br />Jane moved quickly up the crack system as though she had been climbing these walls for years. I was amazed at her fluid and confident motions. I'd been climbing for 54 years, yet she made it look so effortless. <br /><div style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg9uWjcwJzj2BZHho1AimVVu1_pNZMXAX6Jn71_1Vt7ah4NToswTzUXg-uoquMS2Kgyhyphenhyphen_eI7uFKnCqiJeGq8VwykdfAXtony7KNrGJhvdlXsXUZ2YJPisnJcWiJ31SWjWlgfgx_VBKLaY/s1600/IMG_5219.jpg"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 240px; height: 320px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg9uWjcwJzj2BZHho1AimVVu1_pNZMXAX6Jn71_1Vt7ah4NToswTzUXg-uoquMS2Kgyhyphenhyphen_eI7uFKnCqiJeGq8VwykdfAXtony7KNrGJhvdlXsXUZ2YJPisnJcWiJ31SWjWlgfgx_VBKLaY/s320/IMG_5219.jpg" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5688675137779915266" border="0" /></a></div><div style="text-align: center;">Jane makes the first moves up the cliff<br /><div style="text-align: left;"><br /></div></div><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiM_kdi6j7bjiF0zTURNGRLKTPhXgX5XeC6NpF6vzTXRfaCXX5hwcWjo3O0o41WgMaP3BlXAGk4_dm51mGfKXn0MLTVB6YIWYZwH_lPvQPUKgR_DH42830PDXiCx6TeHEhg8333J5izM04/s1600/IMG_5218.jpg"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 240px; height: 320px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiM_kdi6j7bjiF0zTURNGRLKTPhXgX5XeC6NpF6vzTXRfaCXX5hwcWjo3O0o41WgMaP3BlXAGk4_dm51mGfKXn0MLTVB6YIWYZwH_lPvQPUKgR_DH42830PDXiCx6TeHEhg8333J5izM04/s320/IMG_5218.jpg" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5688675121858228530" border="0" /></a><br /><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiecho6aSlhHO22ISMT133dyswfpT3gvQ00JNVUMKeepnCycSZyl0OGF0HGeJW8sinelFSCSUNa-6FMG8fXjQbkpOL11HFt5PW0ORMrZAd-ymmR2RCFGYJ3axxNvhV4AvPx-yDXyil0GRk/s1600/IMG_5222.jpg"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 240px; height: 320px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiecho6aSlhHO22ISMT133dyswfpT3gvQ00JNVUMKeepnCycSZyl0OGF0HGeJW8sinelFSCSUNa-6FMG8fXjQbkpOL11HFt5PW0ORMrZAd-ymmR2RCFGYJ3axxNvhV4AvPx-yDXyil0GRk/s320/IMG_5222.jpg" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5688676014432595058" border="0" /></a>It wasn't easy, but she seemed to figure out every move, stemming on some of the fine holds to the left, climbing the crack directly when possible. <br /><div style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiLi40KHwgtIgZyBilScR4SOhKhxs4WHYHrWosYjoyHjNAoFP15HvuBX2ixCMvzOpnSP3xIk1s6FI1AAFV_DvpEnlsHm_54afywENz2ROZVywFhywFp0x6SFd8E4pqqf1g7eJWFbDhHkXw/s1600/IMG_5225.jpg"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 240px; height: 320px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiLi40KHwgtIgZyBilScR4SOhKhxs4WHYHrWosYjoyHjNAoFP15HvuBX2ixCMvzOpnSP3xIk1s6FI1AAFV_DvpEnlsHm_54afywENz2ROZVywFhywFp0x6SFd8E4pqqf1g7eJWFbDhHkXw/s320/IMG_5225.jpg" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5688676016088687586" border="0" /></a></div><div style="text-align: center;">Moving up into the pure crack; a little overhanging in places, and very smooth<br /><div style="text-align: left;"><br /><br /></div></div><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiA2eIce8lpMz7OmIRfvi4-b6pcHtmOV5t_bBssJ2O_4q3ZXXIofOF9B_RttjbzXJpL-kF4b4SIG0qWIuo9ehETUEwRCqVjRgLEsMEUaHUjMU4TZi6LpkBrgWAcWjdAxF1eeuIyYBz8NTg/s1600/IMG_5240.jpg"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 240px; height: 320px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiA2eIce8lpMz7OmIRfvi4-b6pcHtmOV5t_bBssJ2O_4q3ZXXIofOF9B_RttjbzXJpL-kF4b4SIG0qWIuo9ehETUEwRCqVjRgLEsMEUaHUjMU4TZi6LpkBrgWAcWjdAxF1eeuIyYBz8NTg/s320/IMG_5240.jpg" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5688676016590186146" border="0" /></a>As she slipped the cams into the cracks, she seemed to have it all down: the crack climbing technique, the body position, the ease of placing protection. I marveled. Renny issued constructive advice. <br /><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiUOsw88cWMDzV-wOL80R_AX66YrCPZWw69Npu5RjjLBcxBSQea2NPb3Qf8xvFcN3vUqthjmmjW08SigdwGMQufUejXW0vcfJzsEz4syFLiCb21tdWuHBd7UjJLk-FODrUe_ccJX_3FTA0/s1600/IMG_5234.jpg"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 240px; height: 320px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiUOsw88cWMDzV-wOL80R_AX66YrCPZWw69Npu5RjjLBcxBSQea2NPb3Qf8xvFcN3vUqthjmmjW08SigdwGMQufUejXW0vcfJzsEz4syFLiCb21tdWuHBd7UjJLk-FODrUe_ccJX_3FTA0/s320/IMG_5234.jpg" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5688676022331690978" border="0" /></a>As she neared the top of the hundred-plus-foot crack, it got harder; Renny and Catherine called up encouraging thoughts. The crack narrowed, and I remembered how difficult it seemed to me when I climbed it. She laid back against the wall, fitting her smaller fingers into the crack. That's a very Euro approach to the wall, but it worked. If I try it, I only get too tired and eventually flail. <br /><div style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiHS1Z2HLSAsEdcrgBRHop9XXHOn5R5G25HumFMZPLo4IkCqYZ36jsph64JHrERACWzoHp5wGwtoNagJ_cXy50shDzBMRCTXYoC0iJuGAnBQBVJL0b9yeHgGsT1uOoLdhjxwxO6cnvDRy4/s1600/IMG_5249.jpg"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 240px; height: 320px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiHS1Z2HLSAsEdcrgBRHop9XXHOn5R5G25HumFMZPLo4IkCqYZ36jsph64JHrERACWzoHp5wGwtoNagJ_cXy50shDzBMRCTXYoC0iJuGAnBQBVJL0b9yeHgGsT1uOoLdhjxwxO6cnvDRy4/s320/IMG_5249.jpg" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5688676874737874642" border="0" /></a></div><div style="text-align: center;">Jane at the layback<br /><div style="text-align: left;"><br />As Jane called down a little desperate, I worried, then she figured it out, slid in a small cam, and moved up into the crack without using the layback technique. I was impressed. Maybe her fingers were smaller than mine, I rationalized.<br /></div></div><div style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjFCXl3QMK3SGoQSJZFKByTckVEAiwnVQYT0jp_WbSxGJJocyrkfkqsAFSq5yZoITJfk7PGuvBHKeckOiRa5qt6Lfpgq6Ez7Fo3_EgoS0_qV8F7QIoct-fHFIl7oUPWB9PEqA9KFNtnYdk/s1600/IMG_5237.jpg"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 240px; height: 320px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjFCXl3QMK3SGoQSJZFKByTckVEAiwnVQYT0jp_WbSxGJJocyrkfkqsAFSq5yZoITJfk7PGuvBHKeckOiRa5qt6Lfpgq6Ez7Fo3_EgoS0_qV8F7QIoct-fHFIl7oUPWB9PEqA9KFNtnYdk/s320/IMG_5237.jpg" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5688676871592519730" border="0" /></a></div><div style="text-align: center;">Nearing the finish line<br /><div style="text-align: left;"><br />Then she was at the top. Renny lowered her, left the rope through the anchors, and gave everyone else a turn at the climb.<br /></div></div><div style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEimLm8oBE5nyuO8l5ZsVN0IFrUvQ_Xw5oKdENUO7wm2_O73SbTwTEySoXiE9MSxj2vxDcKCQ5e8O9A417Ii5tXsQXtuZs7XedVgre0dYnICwrxCD9n8xsiapwCzyrvSGtWLt8JhZbq7Xvs/s1600/IMG_5243.jpg"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 240px; height: 320px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEimLm8oBE5nyuO8l5ZsVN0IFrUvQ_Xw5oKdENUO7wm2_O73SbTwTEySoXiE9MSxj2vxDcKCQ5e8O9A417Ii5tXsQXtuZs7XedVgre0dYnICwrxCD9n8xsiapwCzyrvSGtWLt8JhZbq7Xvs/s320/IMG_5243.jpg" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5688676869926744450" border="0" /></a></div><div style="text-align: center;">Renny getting a kinked neck from looking up at Jane<br /></div><br /><div style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjIFYB3d3Nytb_3N5dnT8Upx0nbenFfGkq7JXgD0VJwh4-IKgSczLUPh1U__OAE9YmyY-RVxCLPY9PONR0w31fvndC6t8NDCIY6Ohj6CC5__2m22x52Fozv09BFL1I_SwAQzR_UnBwdaiI/s1600/IMG_5251.jpg"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 240px; height: 320px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjIFYB3d3Nytb_3N5dnT8Upx0nbenFfGkq7JXgD0VJwh4-IKgSczLUPh1U__OAE9YmyY-RVxCLPY9PONR0w31fvndC6t8NDCIY6Ohj6CC5__2m22x52Fozv09BFL1I_SwAQzR_UnBwdaiI/s320/IMG_5251.jpg" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5688676880325558994" border="0" /></a></div><div style="text-align: center;">Mission accomplished!<br /></div><br /><div style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj8q8IKgLAMQqxNX_mT2JSb-cwzjNb0IBeoZa1OROEBGgitF8o3Ufjf4O8RPDVXo_UroKIhhtizhUduCEbxd9xI2sovKemRqXzd9Fq7JppqEd1iB5tuiF6Kwk6nB99FXvx6lfuquRBV_4U/s1600/IMG_5255.jpg"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 240px; height: 320px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj8q8IKgLAMQqxNX_mT2JSb-cwzjNb0IBeoZa1OROEBGgitF8o3Ufjf4O8RPDVXo_UroKIhhtizhUduCEbxd9xI2sovKemRqXzd9Fq7JppqEd1iB5tuiF6Kwk6nB99FXvx6lfuquRBV_4U/s320/IMG_5255.jpg" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5688682522758922034" border="0" /></a></div><div style="text-align: center;">Check out those legs<br /><div style="text-align: left;"><br /></div></div><div style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgnmzIRZwSUdNy_uNG0DyToNHRSA_NXuYZafbysGyDUrw9kMjmGOgKoLDsy5HXmp3Lvape5Wx-YTHdO7OyanbECIqGPtkA5ASkVMXSXpJpZMlk1GF5zPSHFSZytLk-4hv7IvqKg5d1TRME/s1600/IMG_5216.jpg"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 240px; height: 320px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgnmzIRZwSUdNy_uNG0DyToNHRSA_NXuYZafbysGyDUrw9kMjmGOgKoLDsy5HXmp3Lvape5Wx-YTHdO7OyanbECIqGPtkA5ASkVMXSXpJpZMlk1GF5zPSHFSZytLk-4hv7IvqKg5d1TRME/s320/IMG_5216.jpg" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5688675121548942802" border="0" /></a></div><div style="text-align: center;">Catherine capturing it all on the camera<br /></div><br />First, Catherine breezed up the climb. I watched her technique, always trying to learn something new, even at my advanced age. She made it look easy, but I knew it to be difficult. The breeze blew; Renny was still in a down jacket. <br /></div></div><div style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjFCs973ZJGOfX19teglRb7QIBu-REcMETh7PVAwRiQUY9qstafXGvtzlJ3fOi6zwNJ6BEZJwDLnQut9td-xgWwpA7hklvkN-JON_Atf8Km_qyBc_iP_2HtuY82JsBt9Uub61E_FW1aj_Y/s1600/IMG_5264.jpg"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 240px; height: 320px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjFCs973ZJGOfX19teglRb7QIBu-REcMETh7PVAwRiQUY9qstafXGvtzlJ3fOi6zwNJ6BEZJwDLnQut9td-xgWwpA7hklvkN-JON_Atf8Km_qyBc_iP_2HtuY82JsBt9Uub61E_FW1aj_Y/s320/IMG_5264.jpg" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5688683175080228066" border="0" /></a></div><div style="text-align: center;">Catherine's turn<br /><div style="text-align: left;"><br /></div><div style="text-align: left;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjFEMtwM4R9HXFKh87DPWeAHFljBRNk4QaTW9aDsHNh1KpCfCk9OD3IgHi11MFaaed2kObYVUaxqHhELIESC3g6RoTPw70fcVPpl_GgWDzCBpVEqdbtHw32MY0Rdr2W-XIjxq8Iwj9aQBE/s1600/IMG_5262.jpg"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 240px; height: 320px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjFEMtwM4R9HXFKh87DPWeAHFljBRNk4QaTW9aDsHNh1KpCfCk9OD3IgHi11MFaaed2kObYVUaxqHhELIESC3g6RoTPw70fcVPpl_GgWDzCBpVEqdbtHw32MY0Rdr2W-XIjxq8Iwj9aQBE/s320/IMG_5262.jpg" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5688682532616489570" border="0" /></a></div></div><div style="text-align: center;">Cruising upward...<br /><br /></div><div style="text-align: left;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhdJd23FgDnXC7J354y869j50SGLY6KPh0l4BlvzTX1m9SKbZxJ2OIFzaRuDAWgWjFDxDrw_VxfTRC0Kkxfp1b8LjkEbmuEcDgk7AlHAkd_29ZUaBBu6HrJZlcq5u_5IxJ_5EM1auK36q4/s1600/IMG_5267.jpg"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 240px; height: 320px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhdJd23FgDnXC7J354y869j50SGLY6KPh0l4BlvzTX1m9SKbZxJ2OIFzaRuDAWgWjFDxDrw_VxfTRC0Kkxfp1b8LjkEbmuEcDgk7AlHAkd_29ZUaBBu6HrJZlcq5u_5IxJ_5EM1auK36q4/s320/IMG_5267.jpg" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5689093225780653202" border="0" /></a></div><div style="text-align: center;">At the crux<br /><div style="text-align: left;">Every once in a while I darted right around the corner to snag one of the other nearby climbs. Eventually one opened up and I got in a lead. It wasn't too hard, but it had a tricky section about two thirds of the way up. Next it was Chris's turn. She had come to Indian Creek with me a few years ago and unfortunately gotten a taste of the brutal crack climbing on the red Wingate sandstone. Somehow it gets in your system and you can't get it out. This year she had come with her friend Noel. It was his first experience on the splitter cracks, and he couldn't get enough of it. Today he followed some other friends while we climbed with the Jackson family.<br /></div></div><div style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjjyu2U-IGyzVNFdtMxYMYdphxqXNJ52makQWH2M0PTXoKNUNFBe-8z2nZAxk3dtYd52cwp9yvl_1L7Rie37GyZlITnHevwTvqTZNdzw2f-grvTSRW3bKYRCu71Exg1Jun68o4pCnHXHYI/s1600/IMG_5217.jpg"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 240px; height: 320px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjjyu2U-IGyzVNFdtMxYMYdphxqXNJ52makQWH2M0PTXoKNUNFBe-8z2nZAxk3dtYd52cwp9yvl_1L7Rie37GyZlITnHevwTvqTZNdzw2f-grvTSRW3bKYRCu71Exg1Jun68o4pCnHXHYI/s320/IMG_5217.jpg" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5688675123426655506" border="0" /></a></div><div style="text-align: center;">Chris at rest<br /><br /><div style="text-align: left;">I was amazed at how well Chris was climbing, having not been her for quite a while. Lots of stamina, nice technique, and lots of perseverance pushed her ever higher on the climb. Over the next few days she continued to tick off climb after climb.<br /></div></div><div style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhZ9R-RG7zeQA4yiR8EhG612YyIYuLlAaO-jB0Ryr7a2XXkBt2aBDt3Ki2mHumS3lS21f0lM7IMy0rLvDa8bU6l83STfTOQKkewr0Ix5l_oAn-mMkP5iZYVSsbZX3uoU2-f1OQ52cbt4Sw/s1600/IMG_5256.jpg"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 240px; height: 320px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhZ9R-RG7zeQA4yiR8EhG612YyIYuLlAaO-jB0Ryr7a2XXkBt2aBDt3Ki2mHumS3lS21f0lM7IMy0rLvDa8bU6l83STfTOQKkewr0Ix5l_oAn-mMkP5iZYVSsbZX3uoU2-f1OQ52cbt4Sw/s320/IMG_5256.jpg" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5688682521675166322" border="0" /></a></div><div style="text-align: center;">Chris at work<br /><div style="text-align: left;"><br />I couldn't help photographing all day. My favorites were of the knees, brutalized in the cracks after weeks of climbing, wedging, scraping, and grunting upwards. I joked that the women would never find a boyfriend with knees like that. Well, maybe they'd find just the right kind!<br /></div></div><div style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgKV1DlWHRFethy2oKsyqXF42P2WdxJKTbMCoRo0jCOGyWVzsEb7Ypn88JAPHT3YwKEdib96RLR9E6FanBRu9_EGZSloKMULQoD1rPIPA1pGgxNAOwv2Gz_gZvdjZskbd7-vo_SXlL5zQ0/s1600/IMG_5266.jpg"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 320px; height: 240px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgKV1DlWHRFethy2oKsyqXF42P2WdxJKTbMCoRo0jCOGyWVzsEb7Ypn88JAPHT3YwKEdib96RLR9E6FanBRu9_EGZSloKMULQoD1rPIPA1pGgxNAOwv2Gz_gZvdjZskbd7-vo_SXlL5zQ0/s320/IMG_5266.jpg" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5688683182810302002" border="0" /></a></div><div style="text-align: center;">And check out those knees!<br /><div style="text-align: left;"><br />In the evening, we drove to Cottonwood Creek along the Beef Basin road where the Jacksons and their friends, Peter Popinchalk and other young folks were camping. What a crew!! Just as I had expected, I had been energized by their enthusiasm.<br /></div></div><div style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhwGcABJBxJMQhJHDnMa275xgUnqiqaGWp6BCD1lJjra5vzPU0HWzuRA6I1GCV6yoVeTVcOydFrP7iMjjiyuVEPN9-l3x7jaYqxjOX2gwcQG_gSwRotRYaSNnV3gvqc-kzkiFNqoYff_ZY/s1600/IMG_5272.jpg"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 320px; height: 240px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhwGcABJBxJMQhJHDnMa275xgUnqiqaGWp6BCD1lJjra5vzPU0HWzuRA6I1GCV6yoVeTVcOydFrP7iMjjiyuVEPN9-l3x7jaYqxjOX2gwcQG_gSwRotRYaSNnV3gvqc-kzkiFNqoYff_ZY/s320/IMG_5272.jpg" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5688683186918788642" border="0" /></a></div><div style="text-align: center;">The team: L to R, Renny, Catherine, Chris, Jane's friend , Peter, Jane<br /></div>Ralphhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/16555104492679454425noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2312660955738638590.post-22856306981644675502011-12-14T19:25:00.000-08:002011-12-20T15:29:06.568-08:00CHASING THE ANASAZI THROUGH BEEF BASINMystery attends the Anasazi peoples who lived in the Four Corners area from about 700 AD until they suddenly left in the 1300's AD. Who were they? Why did they leave? Were they killed, or did they migrate? Where did they go and what has become of them? Among the many theories proposed, the one I believe is the simplest and most convincing is that the Hopi and Zuni are the modern descendents.<br /><br />Since I was a young boy, I have been fascinated by the anthropology and archeology of the early peoples in these lands. In college, I had the good fortune to take an introduction to anthropology taught by professor Jesse D. Jennings, the world authority on the Anasazi at the time. Later, in Alaska, I studied and worked with the finest archeologists on the peoples of Alaska. Now, later in life, I had found myself camping and climbing in the midst of the some of the finest archeological resources in the Southwest.<br /><br />Last summer I discovered a new writer: Craig Childs, whose books on the Southwest were not only authoritative, but also works of literature. I read everything he wrote and dreamed of the summer months when I could follow one or two of his itineraries to the world of the Anasazi. After spending the previous two weeks rock climbing, my body was craving a rest, so I asked my good friend Chris if she was interested in a brief intermission to search for Anasazi ruins in Beef Basin.<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhs5YXs3E8s-MG__j2pbZ31_5Qs0UL9pNTDWKmYFy4I49QOXERLk3abgRuejNoL7arjvnLPJZIkG1ytw9Vn_Hr_qF7peoob_frawPrf84mDVsCEwAn08khnOuB3LBk6bbcW-hbvJEuXGXk/s1600/IMG_5375.jpg"><br /></a> <div style="text-align: right;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgzYKUby8APgzRR_Q2WQ0wR26ZHxLE9rmSPffJFiWowV7ApgMCLSA5xBG_jnK1Axaunl8emzn5tuUx2nhM_vxdn62B1QPL0gv8oST4cO_b5w8F7Ueq8cC1HLpvpPts3Um0O8DwrmXawZz4/s1600/IMG_5353.jpg"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 320px; height: 240px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgzYKUby8APgzRR_Q2WQ0wR26ZHxLE9rmSPffJFiWowV7ApgMCLSA5xBG_jnK1Axaunl8emzn5tuUx2nhM_vxdn62B1QPL0gv8oST4cO_b5w8F7Ueq8cC1HLpvpPts3Um0O8DwrmXawZz4/s320/IMG_5353.jpg" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5686618555245553698" border="0" /></a></div> <div style="text-align: center;">Looking north from the Beef Basin road into the Indian Creek drainage<br /></div><br />Chris had just spent the previous month on the San Juan river assisting her niece on a geological survey and was keen to go with me in search of ancient culture. Our other climbing partner, Noel had opted to take Chris' car and join the younger crowd who were climbing hard cracks in Indian Creek. We took my 'new' truck up the narrow dirt road the 38 miles into Beef Basin. At an average speed of about 15 mph over rocks, powder-dry dirt, and steep cliffs, it took us about 2 1/2 hours to reach our destination. We drove up to a wide spot in the road at the mouth of Ruin Canyon, parked the truck, and decided to walk the remainder of the road to avoid scraping all the paint of the sides of the truck. As we walked the few more miles, small granaries and dwellings appeared in the cliff bands above. <br /><div style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhvngTiSgnFbG2BsstkxGs7CSlseYzKSQHiyUqCr5FAza9Ch0cOzuhbo6LuNM0UYsaB_Zgv5apobrtgH3Cwg-hsLIqOH-zERK_u8V95h-MgzOYSQl7o-99puEMRxKeCZSmw_k-eFy7GwQ0/s1600/IMG_5355.jpg"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 320px; height: 240px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhvngTiSgnFbG2BsstkxGs7CSlseYzKSQHiyUqCr5FAza9Ch0cOzuhbo6LuNM0UYsaB_Zgv5apobrtgH3Cwg-hsLIqOH-zERK_u8V95h-MgzOYSQl7o-99puEMRxKeCZSmw_k-eFy7GwQ0/s320/IMG_5355.jpg" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5686618559959083474" border="0" /></a></div> <div style="text-align: center;">A small cliff dwelling nestled in the cliffs<br /></div><br />Then we spotted "Hilltop Ruin", directly west and on top of a small knoll. We looked for a level spot, set up camp under a juniper tree at the base of the hill and headed up the trail in the late afternoon sunlight.<br /><div style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjrwxkhX5CJX5kJfuSvqKNeqek_efTRlpVNm0XZzp-eajGicpzVXwQFcnr7OtUHjbx8gXNsyKGrbQppvtbhMyFpLsAnn6iZ50yqEuCmlTDEbfqPLCsk17kAJYRVXBYFpayL6zNH-l2dl2Q/s1600/IMG_5369.jpg"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 320px; height: 240px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjrwxkhX5CJX5kJfuSvqKNeqek_efTRlpVNm0XZzp-eajGicpzVXwQFcnr7OtUHjbx8gXNsyKGrbQppvtbhMyFpLsAnn6iZ50yqEuCmlTDEbfqPLCsk17kAJYRVXBYFpayL6zNH-l2dl2Q/s320/IMG_5369.jpg" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5686620136896460898" border="0" /></a></div> <div style="text-align: center;">Hilltop house<br /> <div style="text-align: left;"><br />As opposed to most of the cliff dwellings nestled in defensible niches among the cliff bands, Hilltop House sits out in the open on top of a beautiful forested knoll. It made me wonder if the function of this edifice might be more cultural or ceremonial than domestic. Many of the larger hilltop ruins in the Southwest have a ceremonial 'Kiva' attached, indicating some religious use for the building. The stones on more than half of this structure had fallen down and were laying around the perimeter, so I couldn't get a good idea of how the building all fit together.<br /> </div> </div> <div style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjQB-jwKrcx4nwZjWQIZQdD3oXLdG7TDTgCFSaNsB8eUdrSvG4gCEHpSOi2eYHuk-YaAY25u9BVwHe02RoaZg0MG5DpqQfas7kj6LDoZpQqNge5pEz7C0frbpOswv9s-Ttn3i1En5wE0Ts/s1600/IMG_5367.jpg"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 320px; height: 240px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjQB-jwKrcx4nwZjWQIZQdD3oXLdG7TDTgCFSaNsB8eUdrSvG4gCEHpSOi2eYHuk-YaAY25u9BVwHe02RoaZg0MG5DpqQfas7kj6LDoZpQqNge5pEz7C0frbpOswv9s-Ttn3i1En5wE0Ts/s320/IMG_5367.jpg" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5686620123436341250" border="0" /></a></div> <div style="text-align: center;">Fallen buildings exist as a pile of sandstone blocks<br /> <div style="text-align: left;"><br />Chris and I walked around the ruins marveling at the workmanship and detail still remaining at the site. Each of the sandstone slabs fit very closely without much trimming; no cement or mud was used to fill in between the stones, but it would likely have been quite a buffer against the wind, if not against the cold. The walls looked to be about 18" thick, two stories tall.<br /> </div> </div> <div style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhwQpYnBTBpOywSjRpjaZ6eETRNQbTiacCCZSy1Io7CIvchiPt4Y-d-JG0c64Fo6f4srolvjkkaHM1wpkljEG2T555A0fIjw9DlHUJdMrIKbjOroYjBdboamc50G2z-Rye3SEbP-Cs6fto/s1600/IMG_5366.jpg"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 320px; height: 240px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhwQpYnBTBpOywSjRpjaZ6eETRNQbTiacCCZSy1Io7CIvchiPt4Y-d-JG0c64Fo6f4srolvjkkaHM1wpkljEG2T555A0fIjw9DlHUJdMrIKbjOroYjBdboamc50G2z-Rye3SEbP-Cs6fto/s320/IMG_5366.jpg" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5686620119707730754" border="0" /></a></div> <div style="text-align: center;">No mortar and still standing after 700 years<br /> <div style="text-align: left;"><br />I wondered what my home might look like in 700 years if I just abandoned it. Likely only an overgrown cement foundation would be the only thing left. The panorama from the hilltop gave on a beautiful vista of cliffs, mountains, and canyons below.<br /> </div> </div> <div style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgzkE5k_Bb3JQ8pdXIZdSUam8fEOXmT3fr-_GdlEVE6L4_N4GyvTxbmCUzjDgi7Tr5ktbVYmlJbnt387aYobre4xtZ6Y4YnpdAnU4ylRE9bFoHSmv4J2MzvtnDzoMDE2qZyxApCyNmEWbs/s1600/IMG_5372.jpg"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 320px; height: 240px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgzkE5k_Bb3JQ8pdXIZdSUam8fEOXmT3fr-_GdlEVE6L4_N4GyvTxbmCUzjDgi7Tr5ktbVYmlJbnt387aYobre4xtZ6Y4YnpdAnU4ylRE9bFoHSmv4J2MzvtnDzoMDE2qZyxApCyNmEWbs/s320/IMG_5372.jpg" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5686620141125908914" border="0" /></a></div> <div style="text-align: center;">Chris at Hilltop ruin<br /></div> <a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjdVcOCpB_0r_Q7LrrTyg2yIPPJGVxl_rXZci4wSK6gyq0gALzhc9wRlIiF2rL99xY5nDqsqwZ0pL3n3j4qSWDfQYsUyKZ9oKROgShvpZUgEW8-09Kh2Nc72P2A3qfdgO2H22xMUNrzJUM/s1600/IMG_5358.jpg"><br /></a><br /><div style="text-align: right;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh6c7jzEeSmk1rbN8dQLrMadw1439YHwYx-Jx19a4vNfo5-wumCDHPEVwGXBT7a3enxGer_yF-72dEDAPA3mjBhRZar5K3fE8GMWgqViLceL6vY7Pm5T2Vz9n14ZEK1qqHsDiZxLV4sLJI/s1600/IMG_5356.jpg"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 320px; height: 240px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh6c7jzEeSmk1rbN8dQLrMadw1439YHwYx-Jx19a4vNfo5-wumCDHPEVwGXBT7a3enxGer_yF-72dEDAPA3mjBhRZar5K3fE8GMWgqViLceL6vY7Pm5T2Vz9n14ZEK1qqHsDiZxLV4sLJI/s320/IMG_5356.jpg" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5686618559440388642" border="0" /></a></div> <div style="text-align: center;">We walked around, checking every angle<br /> <div style="text-align: left;"><br /> </div> </div> <a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgzYKUby8APgzRR_Q2WQ0wR26ZHxLE9rmSPffJFiWowV7ApgMCLSA5xBG_jnK1Axaunl8emzn5tuUx2nhM_vxdn62B1QPL0gv8oST4cO_b5w8F7Ueq8cC1HLpvpPts3Um0O8DwrmXawZz4/s1600/IMG_5353.jpg"><br /></a> <div style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjdVcOCpB_0r_Q7LrrTyg2yIPPJGVxl_rXZci4wSK6gyq0gALzhc9wRlIiF2rL99xY5nDqsqwZ0pL3n3j4qSWDfQYsUyKZ9oKROgShvpZUgEW8-09Kh2Nc72P2A3qfdgO2H22xMUNrzJUM/s1600/IMG_5358.jpg"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 320px; height: 240px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjdVcOCpB_0r_Q7LrrTyg2yIPPJGVxl_rXZci4wSK6gyq0gALzhc9wRlIiF2rL99xY5nDqsqwZ0pL3n3j4qSWDfQYsUyKZ9oKROgShvpZUgEW8-09Kh2Nc72P2A3qfdgO2H22xMUNrzJUM/s320/IMG_5358.jpg" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5686618563588082882" border="0" /></a></div> <div style="text-align: center;">Compare Chris to the height and thickness of the walls<br /> <div style="text-align: left;"><br /> <br /> </div> </div> <div style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEinbRHijILngpnSU9h9uAlhtR9ut-v15QX4t5qQ8xjEEUj7m8io5L3XSrDlnTU43T6_RbqE1bl9gH476SkZ0_m54m033zjYV-z0ZQkTzQtUEDpabCim1yMctzWdTDkY75FNShl6Xsrngcw/s1600/IMG_5359.jpg"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 320px; height: 240px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEinbRHijILngpnSU9h9uAlhtR9ut-v15QX4t5qQ8xjEEUj7m8io5L3XSrDlnTU43T6_RbqE1bl9gH476SkZ0_m54m033zjYV-z0ZQkTzQtUEDpabCim1yMctzWdTDkY75FNShl6Xsrngcw/s320/IMG_5359.jpg" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5686618571792559666" border="0" /></a></div> <div style="text-align: center;">Yours Truly at the ruin<br /> <div style="text-align: left;"><br />We walked down the trail a few hundred yards to the camp on the lumpy sagebrush flat under a huge juniper tree. The sun had only an hour left before setting, so dinner would be next. I went in search of two rocks we could sit on. Other than hiking back up the hill several times, I found only two small ones for stools.<br /> </div> </div> <div style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjRwDOWS8qujskQwVBrQ7-CC1JHmJCm00b3aedveTivXi_UCce0LNy1rDOuxPzF5dYCKzYlqB2pbKYCUP6D9tVVKd-4duRJvyoyXXluR-vFk4UVX6RitBxsLX6umE64tSQxthID0Vufip4/s1600/IMG_5375.jpg"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 320px; height: 240px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjRwDOWS8qujskQwVBrQ7-CC1JHmJCm00b3aedveTivXi_UCce0LNy1rDOuxPzF5dYCKzYlqB2pbKYCUP6D9tVVKd-4duRJvyoyXXluR-vFk4UVX6RitBxsLX6umE64tSQxthID0Vufip4/s320/IMG_5375.jpg" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5686621903798536722" border="0" /></a></div> <div style="text-align: center;">Chris at camp<br /> <div style="text-align: left;"><br />Chris had volunteered to be the chef on this trip. So, dinner started off with a tin of tiny clams in olive oil on crackers, washed down with a red wine. Then a risotto with a spinach topping: quite the fare for a camping trip, all cooked on a tiny propane backpacking stove. Life on the trail is good!<br /> </div> </div> <div style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjujQKYFDc51YUTwi-vttv9Fsaad0h0hfXjWymiImzIJv4B01wJj2IjCI20iH2H5bpXOKAJ-f4CBvOKoVFdLFih1QgTVjzOJto1ugGRyZEeMNi1Ns-ahFdwa__e-NZbxhOxVMlWmj4IBns/s1600/IMG_5374.jpg"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 320px; height: 240px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjujQKYFDc51YUTwi-vttv9Fsaad0h0hfXjWymiImzIJv4B01wJj2IjCI20iH2H5bpXOKAJ-f4CBvOKoVFdLFih1QgTVjzOJto1ugGRyZEeMNi1Ns-ahFdwa__e-NZbxhOxVMlWmj4IBns/s320/IMG_5374.jpg" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5686620889141099714" border="0" /></a></div> <div style="text-align: center;">Chris, the gourmet chef with fine wine and clams<br /> <br /> <div style="text-align: left;">After a cold night in my light summer sleeping bag, I truly welcomed the sun and warmth. We wandered across the sagebrush to find the first sunlight as it hit the slope a hundred yards to the west, clutching our coffee cups. Chris brought the stove, and using a tree as a cupboard, had us caffeinated in a few minutes. Within an hour it was T-shirt weather again. We picked up our camping gear, packed our packs, and headed back down to trail to the truck.<br /> <br />Driving west on the 10-mile loop around Beef Basin, we searched the cliffs and hilltops for more ruins. Since they are all visited regularly, every spur road seemed to hold some cultural artifact.<br /> </div> </div> <div style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjW4dEyYbe1lZLuwvHOieP6Lhn_mvwdnhztnBKPOXOx_xcoxSVJAecKpVA3oGdDMmtcgliigItiGD1p6_Oyj7uGqY6kk-JxpRkCePUekYE31bFKzuKF3FycMenv6ECv4p_OS1OIeXqqWSQ/s1600/IMG_5378.jpg"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 320px; height: 240px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjW4dEyYbe1lZLuwvHOieP6Lhn_mvwdnhztnBKPOXOx_xcoxSVJAecKpVA3oGdDMmtcgliigItiGD1p6_Oyj7uGqY6kk-JxpRkCePUekYE31bFKzuKF3FycMenv6ECv4p_OS1OIeXqqWSQ/s320/IMG_5378.jpg" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5686620891648861730" border="0" /></a></div> <div style="text-align: center;">A small granary on the rim<br /> <br /> <div style="text-align: left;">We hiked to the top of another hill and found a small granary used to hold the corn (maize) for the winter months. They were everywhere. About half way around, I hiked up another hill which held promise of a larger ruin and found a long house-like structure, mostly fallen into the ground. It also sat with a stunning vista of the surrounding desert and mountains. Whether some group of families lived here, or whether this was a cultural center, I didn't know, but I could envision myself waking up, walking out to the porch and reading the morning paper with a cup of coffee. I wondered if earlier settlers to the area used these structures as camps while they herded cattle.<br /> </div> </div> <div style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiSvRjbas1KXS-pL3NsANEQ5qbok4JSQDKK63hzHuZ5w3T6jYkdmvHYb67p43-ZWPNhMaddUGTuCiDPCp3RkOiLSX4CqW14iYYE6d1OGWN03_XkE5DQ4-ModxzlKX-Rm7vKJRrYO6fIT2c/s1600/IMG_5379.jpg"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 320px; height: 240px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiSvRjbas1KXS-pL3NsANEQ5qbok4JSQDKK63hzHuZ5w3T6jYkdmvHYb67p43-ZWPNhMaddUGTuCiDPCp3RkOiLSX4CqW14iYYE6d1OGWN03_XkE5DQ4-ModxzlKX-Rm7vKJRrYO6fIT2c/s320/IMG_5379.jpg" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5686620897962979362" border="0" /></a></div> <div style="text-align: center;">This large ruin is just a few feet above the road<br /> <div style="text-align: left;"><br />The day was flawless. The sun was warm. The desert made me feel at home. It was tough to leave. Following the dirt road around, we drove slowly looking for more artifacts from the past. Mostly I looked at every inch of the road, full of huge rocks, slickrock, holes, and ditches ready to take the bottom out of a car. My truck was just the ticket for negotiating the place, but even in it, I rarely drove over 15 mph. We arrived back at the Pasture Creek Campground in Indian Creek just at supper time, having traveled about 80 miles. It felt like a thousand miles and a thousand years back.<br /> </div> </div> <div style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhGNA7K5m9oiRWR-gTZNEm1DXhE4fNlYE5FHjIGz_uP11C2EJZilzzHh_7taq6U7NVizGTK0pTYuKL6ziw1gJdOewTcaA2FwNeO4bTPaqk1ZtHzo0MYiB0LvdGFsWTO8oJVbi0ecM7pSnY/s1600/IMG_5381.jpg"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 320px; height: 240px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhGNA7K5m9oiRWR-gTZNEm1DXhE4fNlYE5FHjIGz_uP11C2EJZilzzHh_7taq6U7NVizGTK0pTYuKL6ziw1gJdOewTcaA2FwNeO4bTPaqk1ZtHzo0MYiB0LvdGFsWTO8oJVbi0ecM7pSnY/s320/IMG_5381.jpg" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5686620896254740242" border="0" /></a></div> <div style="text-align: center;">You could almost put a roof on and move in<br /></div>Ralphhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/16555104492679454425noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2312660955738638590.post-60441995258781142082011-12-12T22:08:00.000-08:002011-12-14T11:49:00.033-08:00Into the Fiery FurnaceIt seemed like a great alternative to dying. The morning started great. We drove 50 miles from Indian Creek to climb the Unbalanced Rock in Arches National Park. After climbing seventy feet up a wide crack without finding a single spot to place any climbing gear to protect us from a fall, my common sense kicked in, and we descended. It was a rare event for me. Safe on the ground, Noel suggested we visit the Fiery Furnace instead of climbing. We stopped at the visitor center, paid our fee and watched the mandatory film on proper travel techniques in the delicate desert. The drive through the park was beautiful on the cold, clear, windy morning.<br /><br /><div style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj5CRjDmJqc6HHyPKWBcsj_1EsovAwNVjeChvtVg7d23Ri1dHrgH2ET2ofhLVA6OdugIzuFcBeleFr1NMKBRCLPh2nrMzBkL0B98oVPZ18DC93X9epOE8LG6bpjdFLzaZyyzmfzhGQ236U/s1600/IMG_5347.jpg"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 320px; height: 240px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj5CRjDmJqc6HHyPKWBcsj_1EsovAwNVjeChvtVg7d23Ri1dHrgH2ET2ofhLVA6OdugIzuFcBeleFr1NMKBRCLPh2nrMzBkL0B98oVPZ18DC93X9epOE8LG6bpjdFLzaZyyzmfzhGQ236U/s320/IMG_5347.jpg" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5685499999923767058" border="0" /></a>The Fiery Furnace<br /></div><br />Driving north on the Arches park road, the fins and towers of the Fiery Furnace appear as crenelated fortress barring the way. However, looking at the geologic landscape you can see how enormous salt domes, underlying the red sandstone strata were dissolved leaving a series of huge valleys over hundreds of miles along the Colorado Plateau. <br /><br /><div style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjcfG4jYednBas1Iiug5hQzlWDMrlqQ7i9WgNBeFXuKcE32oCz_hp5NNGGiePIXMDAIaaQRN6RFl1WFjcNv-eUOYXkEWiAianpETTAPffEJJ2pf2RTTgQUfRNTKjsXVRu8qk42iH4SPGiI/s1600/IMG_5345.jpg"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 320px; height: 240px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjcfG4jYednBas1Iiug5hQzlWDMrlqQ7i9WgNBeFXuKcE32oCz_hp5NNGGiePIXMDAIaaQRN6RFl1WFjcNv-eUOYXkEWiAianpETTAPffEJJ2pf2RTTgQUfRNTKjsXVRu8qk42iH4SPGiI/s320/IMG_5345.jpg" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5685500006075027426" border="0" /></a>The creation of a salt valley<br /> <div style="text-align: left;"><br /> </div> </div> The red fins of the Fiery Furnace and the area northeast of Salt Valley are carved out of Slick Rock sandstone. The Slick Rock formed during the Jurassic Period, about 150 million years ago. During the Jurassic, the Colorado Plateau experienced extensive eolian (wind deposited) sand seas, called ergs. The region was located at the same latitude as today’s trade wind belt: hot winds sweep in a south-westerly direction towards the equator, drying up any moisture along the way. This is the same latitude as the Sahara and Arabian deserts. During the Jurassic Period, the climate of the Colorado Plateau would have been like the Sahara. As the earth's tectonic plates moved during the Jurassic, South America was separating from Texas coast; Europe and Africa were drifting from North America. High mountains to the west of the Colorado Plateau were depositing tremendous volumes of sand into the basin that would become Arches and Canyonlands National parks. Today, the Arabian Desert is 30% covered by sand. The deserts in the Jurassic period, the time of the dinosaurs, were formed over 40 million years, and the volume of sand was staggering by comparison. The Slick Rock sandstone cliffs are 200 to 350 feet thick.<br /><br /><div style="text-align: center;"><div style="text-align: left;"><div style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjFzPTChZid5xbEXu9rwD52xNx1N9fvRMGNIin1DKQd6UXoxgU9K0fKgwE2eY39CxzDf6mXdaO-Yv5hJIagwtk2r-c_cVc2176q7MPmwdO4N9FXytRR7JiXP4ONdROQROnrpT2mno9zKhg/s1600/IMG_5301.jpg"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 320px; height: 240px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjFzPTChZid5xbEXu9rwD52xNx1N9fvRMGNIin1DKQd6UXoxgU9K0fKgwE2eY39CxzDf6mXdaO-Yv5hJIagwtk2r-c_cVc2176q7MPmwdO4N9FXytRR7JiXP4ONdROQROnrpT2mno9zKhg/s320/IMG_5301.jpg" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5685503670082266546" border="0" /></a>The Slick Rock sandstone formation. <br />Looking southeast across the Furnace into Arches backcountry<br /> <div style="text-align: left;"><br /> The parking lot was packed, but we found a spot next to a park ranger's car. The rangers take park visitors on guided hikes through the furnace, but we opted to explore on our own. Besides, we had Noel, our expert, having been here once before.<br /><br /> </div> </div> </div></div> <div style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgKidkDZJIeoApH8kKN0JqsBRCBWRRsx_rW7WHxsXU3HQhDg4EA6TJ1s_BBxNJDilEvg9K1vCrpDCzms0kROHQ4TOnrNJQhS2uOGYrozSUIrC3HiHzc7wnLOVo9eYP610QOePk9pSF72tE/s1600/IMG_5288.jpg"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 320px; height: 240px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgKidkDZJIeoApH8kKN0JqsBRCBWRRsx_rW7WHxsXU3HQhDg4EA6TJ1s_BBxNJDilEvg9K1vCrpDCzms0kROHQ4TOnrNJQhS2uOGYrozSUIrC3HiHzc7wnLOVo9eYP610QOePk9pSF72tE/s320/IMG_5288.jpg" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5685504168245612546" border="0" /></a>Noel descends the Slick Rock into the labyrinth<br /></div><br />As the salt domes underneath the sandstone dissolved, the rock cracked into thousands of joints (cracks), towers, and fins. The trail led to the bottom of the canyons, where it broke into a true labyrinth of thin joints. The air was cool, since the sun rarely reaches to the bottom of the cliffs and pinnacles. <br /><br /><div style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgQGO_GUHnAMajQsJyF4U4qcb47oK-YHrX-FXbDDkvrBv0ZUXg5j1AVnYgs4YgyCJhKnvo4NocxNbHfQI-b2DEspCjsoeLz_1yoX_zmwFA5A-fSug3fpFEq7WbC9cfK-ucUQjIzBjxYAUY/s1600/IMG_5289.jpg"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 320px; height: 240px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgQGO_GUHnAMajQsJyF4U4qcb47oK-YHrX-FXbDDkvrBv0ZUXg5j1AVnYgs4YgyCJhKnvo4NocxNbHfQI-b2DEspCjsoeLz_1yoX_zmwFA5A-fSug3fpFEq7WbC9cfK-ucUQjIzBjxYAUY/s320/IMG_5289.jpg" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5685504161916725570" border="0" /></a> Chris on the 'trail-less' approach into the maze<br /><div style="text-align: left;"><br />We followed Noel down the rock, avoiding the cryptobiotic soil where bacteria have hardened the fine silt to prevent it from blowing away. Footprints destroy this tiny fortress and allow the sand to disappear in the wind. We kept to the rock and gravel creek bottoms. From time to time I'd check to see if I was leaving tracks. Not many!<br /><br /></div></div> <div style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEithSbdgWRxXtULMqY3OMuMyvkpZg1SAgSxVV3eK-A3Diz3oSUV4HHhEFqd4gwiYWVOG7QjpzXw9oH6LClYAAtaTiHG5vK92gf2hm3Zr-UGuAI_0arMsXv7n0mEg7WkAOrMMvVNkCVWkRA/s1600/IMG_5299.jpg"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 240px; height: 320px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEithSbdgWRxXtULMqY3OMuMyvkpZg1SAgSxVV3eK-A3Diz3oSUV4HHhEFqd4gwiYWVOG7QjpzXw9oH6LClYAAtaTiHG5vK92gf2hm3Zr-UGuAI_0arMsXv7n0mEg7WkAOrMMvVNkCVWkRA/s320/IMG_5299.jpg" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5685503677709571314" border="0" /></a>Old juniper trees are irresistibly photogenic<br /></div> <br /> My camera stayed at the ready. Every few feet looked new, and I wanted to take pictures from every viewpoint. The stubby junipers, called cedar trees by my grandfather, are the largest plant. From time to time a bit of color from a late blooming flower would catch my eye.<br /><br /> <div style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgt-c2lPWbZGlnkchKYxZrv-X9TOfpcNnh1mDPi2Gv5XPUXJrO0WoURf3DPdjLmwwp8saTTHhC5tGZMl4Z2toh80lvMTidTSccyYvviAFd1cJ0wE-48fD44-AYOoseTMhA3s6FbIB1b6hs/s1600/IMG_5305.jpg"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 240px; height: 320px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgt-c2lPWbZGlnkchKYxZrv-X9TOfpcNnh1mDPi2Gv5XPUXJrO0WoURf3DPdjLmwwp8saTTHhC5tGZMl4Z2toh80lvMTidTSccyYvviAFd1cJ0wE-48fD44-AYOoseTMhA3s6FbIB1b6hs/s320/IMG_5305.jpg" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5685503671828351186" border="0" /></a>Peeking through a joint into the sun<br /> <div style="text-align: left;"><br /> The joints and canyons narrowed. I looked up and saw a darker blue sky. Where the sun shone directly in, it looked like a floodlight compared to the darkness at the bottom.<br /> </div> </div> <div style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi8gzkcqiANdWOOTTMkmYrSYC_jnNwvbmV0tg5PIxZrf3lwWioBHtgHlyI_UeKxD8BlSQXTYNfmUltZq03BzzOP7-PkHTcZCDqruk-r3pNc0DpjiOdBgII8u-QxRjqoVN9g7S9CXhltMvM/s1600/IMG_5309.jpg"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 240px; height: 320px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi8gzkcqiANdWOOTTMkmYrSYC_jnNwvbmV0tg5PIxZrf3lwWioBHtgHlyI_UeKxD8BlSQXTYNfmUltZq03BzzOP7-PkHTcZCDqruk-r3pNc0DpjiOdBgII8u-QxRjqoVN9g7S9CXhltMvM/s320/IMG_5309.jpg" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5685503666188044242" border="0" /></a>A park ranger interprets the landscape to a guided group<br /> <div style="text-align: left;"><br /> As we clambered over the huge boulders, wending our way from maze to maze, we heard voices, the only folks we met during the entire afternoon we spent in the Furnace. It was a ranger-led group. I tried to be friendly, but it was apparent from her comments to us that the ranger felt we were intruding on her territory. I thought of how the park service has changed during the 41 years of my career. She didn't know me, and I didn't say a word. <br /><br /> </div> </div> <div style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjy4uaFKKb5D_aik5FDMMBJj3iwdwt-NFfq18FtvTBxDARzNuS-9reDOsNfUr_zKifNok4LfO1YgrYHMQav2KmbBidNDhehKo3DsZ1pu0-NHGywFch803pcbF59Gh-EaImD1aLRWpR3SVs/s1600/IMG_5290.jpg"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 240px; height: 320px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjy4uaFKKb5D_aik5FDMMBJj3iwdwt-NFfq18FtvTBxDARzNuS-9reDOsNfUr_zKifNok4LfO1YgrYHMQav2KmbBidNDhehKo3DsZ1pu0-NHGywFch803pcbF59Gh-EaImD1aLRWpR3SVs/s320/IMG_5290.jpg" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5685503682812699874" border="0" /></a>Yours Truly in the depths<br /></div> <br /> Time flew by. I was mesmerized by the landscape and lost track of both time and location. It didn't matter, because water flows downhill, and we could always follow a waterway to a bigger one until we found the way out.<br /><br /> <div style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgzuWeswY2jxFqEawFKCVTFVdPeuaURThIxap31WrexzF-mqjnnFL1DOi1SSllP7ooYgs2qhqAn5rWnybSLhLKM_mEHmFMmbywiFMd1FYgMgDx11OEoERZ5cwayJ_PWUdOtoAAD7QZz2Ok/s1600/IMG_5312.jpg"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 320px; height: 240px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgzuWeswY2jxFqEawFKCVTFVdPeuaURThIxap31WrexzF-mqjnnFL1DOi1SSllP7ooYgs2qhqAn5rWnybSLhLKM_mEHmFMmbywiFMd1FYgMgDx11OEoERZ5cwayJ_PWUdOtoAAD7QZz2Ok/s320/IMG_5312.jpg" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5685502743625959954" border="0" /></a>Phallic towers ring the Furnace<br /></div> <br /> Chris and Noel seemed to be enjoying the area as much as I was. We were three climbers, now reduced to tourists, having stepped back 150 million years in geologic time and back to childhood in our enthusiasm and curiosity.<br /><br /> <div style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiz0_ik9mvd6s1OsiVcLPQgXZ3TtEJD5D4gJEozq1wFa2HrJyghzB6cpi0BCW6ZFhcSLJGXt2jP5t_vZdmUHPgoiqD1UyxrRBeearuYxJU1IedFlFNq0pyBEDFiYruHQHo3_aObSjnzgOc/s1600/IMG_5315.jpg"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 240px; height: 320px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiz0_ik9mvd6s1OsiVcLPQgXZ3TtEJD5D4gJEozq1wFa2HrJyghzB6cpi0BCW6ZFhcSLJGXt2jP5t_vZdmUHPgoiqD1UyxrRBeearuYxJU1IedFlFNq0pyBEDFiYruHQHo3_aObSjnzgOc/s320/IMG_5315.jpg" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5685502741759931314" border="0" /></a>Noel and Chris on the sandy bottoms<br /> <div style="text-align: left;"><br /> Chris and Noel are excellent traveling companions, up for anything, full of life and adventure. We could have been crying in our beer to be defeated on a climb, but now we had forgotten the bad experience of the morning and were fascinated by the landscape, the narrow canyon walls, the plants, the rock, the lizards, and the scrambling.<br /> <br /> </div> </div> <div style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjHE0fhG2QfyOz889YtsceWH3XJX1f7jjzvG0rlVf7ZdFTJbOvn0Pt9zvs5qcXFAZys0DVTXrYUNFtMQGqzP-WSW8lIII_DKoFdyFEbyEfEXGM9yQ-5XJeK411uUyt0MozvyzP9HE_wMh0/s1600/IMG_5317.jpg"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 320px; height: 240px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjHE0fhG2QfyOz889YtsceWH3XJX1f7jjzvG0rlVf7ZdFTJbOvn0Pt9zvs5qcXFAZys0DVTXrYUNFtMQGqzP-WSW8lIII_DKoFdyFEbyEfEXGM9yQ-5XJeK411uUyt0MozvyzP9HE_wMh0/s320/IMG_5317.jpg" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5685502730896473506" border="0" /></a>Noel<br /> <div style="text-align: left;"><br /> I had a tendency to climb up things; at one point I climbed high up a canyon for a view and got my bearings. The afternoon sun gave me a warm welcome, and I bathed in its light for several minutes before made my way back down into the grotto.<br /><br /> </div> </div> <div style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjjG3AaUfhYw71_QMzsCYaPpUqIltnMgUDkC9acTAhYbFWPY9m3ogx3b18tcj5LDdqwoI_0-mX7JyikeAeW-oHQzhzpOfhcVbtIQYRjfKaumhWmNpx0VXSCriQqkd39QA38F59udEcGwQc/s1600/IMG_5320.jpg"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 240px; height: 320px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjjG3AaUfhYw71_QMzsCYaPpUqIltnMgUDkC9acTAhYbFWPY9m3ogx3b18tcj5LDdqwoI_0-mX7JyikeAeW-oHQzhzpOfhcVbtIQYRjfKaumhWmNpx0VXSCriQqkd39QA38F59udEcGwQc/s320/IMG_5320.jpg" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5685502727071442594" border="0" /></a>A huge monolith towers above Noel and Chris<br /> <div style="text-align: left;"><br /> As I climbed down, we noticed a thin crack that led to the bottom of a joint. I slithered down to the ground, turned around and photographed Chris and Noel as they descended the chimney.<br /><br /> </div> </div> <div style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgifQmUldGuPPWSUprGfwP6-D8nM50IpG1JRyA0X2sIiedkp54GDmTtzVe2ZHGvN5RRKftQjZaG6QHBX8y-64ltqDTEuhUM-BrxrH8epBPSJSrbw2M_GlfPv2I9i_hra0KKdxgJXaAaxFo/s1600/IMG_5311.jpg"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 240px; height: 320px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgifQmUldGuPPWSUprGfwP6-D8nM50IpG1JRyA0X2sIiedkp54GDmTtzVe2ZHGvN5RRKftQjZaG6QHBX8y-64ltqDTEuhUM-BrxrH8epBPSJSrbw2M_GlfPv2I9i_hra0KKdxgJXaAaxFo/s320/IMG_5311.jpg" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5685502746157026002" border="0" /></a>Chris climbs down a chimney-like tunnel<br /> <div style="text-align: left;"><br /> We quickly moved into another corridor and found huge pillars and towers. Climbing over boulders and chockstones, we found ourselves ascending into the Rabbit Ears slot. Huge towers looked like rabbit ears, how appropriate.<br /><br /> </div> </div> <div style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEheBkax7vQqMlYDNkD_wjI-ycRuEpLJn628pLab9kStgexmIZwAyMxpEOW8bGGcOraoD3Vju_KuOZj0mlUngsxj5qILTgUv9iLQDd_nQFqGyRxtHXyixDDbiChOsRZKn7sRZt-OWcweH_4/s1600/IMG_5331.jpg"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 240px; height: 320px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEheBkax7vQqMlYDNkD_wjI-ycRuEpLJn628pLab9kStgexmIZwAyMxpEOW8bGGcOraoD3Vju_KuOZj0mlUngsxj5qILTgUv9iLQDd_nQFqGyRxtHXyixDDbiChOsRZKn7sRZt-OWcweH_4/s320/IMG_5331.jpg" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5685501949906232898" border="0" /></a>Climbing over a chockstone and dropping into a joint<br /> <div style="text-align: left;"><br /> The light pouring through the cracks looked almost fluorescent. It was hard to keep our eyes tuned for the darker tunnels if we stared straight into the bright sky, such was the contrast in light values.<br /> </div> </div> <div style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiWrycEXeHWrgMGv425YJQ5zR93gUjo35Tt55pPp8g52Uh-c9-JQf2q8RQyY3vuoayQTgk-1CABLTfrigpnKF187Ao4cX2uHdcZ6jvpw5FTOt_lO5N4LajTO5LMfHWCosx-jT-InckLv78/s1600/IMG_5333.jpg"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 240px; height: 320px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiWrycEXeHWrgMGv425YJQ5zR93gUjo35Tt55pPp8g52Uh-c9-JQf2q8RQyY3vuoayQTgk-1CABLTfrigpnKF187Ao4cX2uHdcZ6jvpw5FTOt_lO5N4LajTO5LMfHWCosx-jT-InckLv78/s320/IMG_5333.jpg" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5685501942121160674" border="0" /></a>The distance between the walls narrows, and the sun is excluded<br /> <div style="text-align: left;"><br /> Every turn brought a new vista; I couldn't stop taking photographs. Each tower was magnificent, so my portfolio of sandstone towers grew exponentially as the day wore on. <br /> </div> </div> <div style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjard6dBro1RYsnKlIldJYhGjqkOOo00k1njmRNWbxyIFs56H_9dMc9ORZT-elHJsEkXT7aiYzpXMRPdWq65WlrlYASnQ1pEjXNVBEr0ED1c1gZp96_SKbta8DK0Ju4SCstiJCwKmwrTkQ/s1600/IMG_5339.jpg"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 240px; height: 320px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjard6dBro1RYsnKlIldJYhGjqkOOo00k1njmRNWbxyIFs56H_9dMc9ORZT-elHJsEkXT7aiYzpXMRPdWq65WlrlYASnQ1pEjXNVBEr0ED1c1gZp96_SKbta8DK0Ju4SCstiJCwKmwrTkQ/s320/IMG_5339.jpg" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5685501940379292402" border="0" /></a>Another tower rises into the sun<br /> <div style="text-align: left;"><br /> It all seemed so static, yet looking at the size of the boulders choking the way forward, you could see that when a tower topples over, or an arch falls, it must be catastrophic. I looked up to see if there were any danger here. It just looked beautiful. During a storm, flood waters fill these joints and cracks with a wall of water, washing everything in their path. Watching the weather before a canyoneering trip is the most important preparation for the event. Over the years I've watched and read of boy scouts and other folks who have been washed away in such floods. It's a terrifying prospect. The sky looked blue above, a comfort.<br /><br /> </div> </div> <div style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjhKSd-M0BrB9GONQugnkzxJVtRzlHrbK-Mnw88CfOoLQlAkv0SH8N5tmSL0F4T22e1XTxEgGw9VhyDzxHcRvkCU61azQOgYMYp3Mpwu08GE09XQolSg93XCH417WJPXLt2CD_VtPTYeoY/s1600/IMG_5329.jpg"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 240px; height: 320px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjhKSd-M0BrB9GONQugnkzxJVtRzlHrbK-Mnw88CfOoLQlAkv0SH8N5tmSL0F4T22e1XTxEgGw9VhyDzxHcRvkCU61azQOgYMYp3Mpwu08GE09XQolSg93XCH417WJPXLt2CD_VtPTYeoY/s320/IMG_5329.jpg" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5685501952854039746" border="0" /></a>Noel climbs over a giant boulder to gain entrance into another corridor<br /></div> <a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj5CRjDmJqc6HHyPKWBcsj_1EsovAwNVjeChvtVg7d23Ri1dHrgH2ET2ofhLVA6OdugIzuFcBeleFr1NMKBRCLPh2nrMzBkL0B98oVPZ18DC93X9epOE8LG6bpjdFLzaZyyzmfzhGQ236U/s1600/IMG_5347.jpg"><br /></a>From time to time we would dead end in a wall of rock, or a slot would narrow beyond our ability to continue, so we would turn around and find another route, a true labyrinth. Looking up we could see a double arch, like a giant pair of eyes looking at us. I wanted to climb up and out an eyeball, but the rock was steep and overhanging in parts.<br /><br /> <div style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhF01K52xCZlaxvkrKXEqxbTXxZd2OpdVjK7oF94vdpZF_UVDWtm9DQpwkGqKcsWNrd-Jl4WunmoHtJvZjzsUsZ-7vmXdcmomCAR6LgIVoom2u_R-Z9vk1FvBaBtCUObTFQISg5qCvudKY/s1600/IMG_5342.jpg"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 320px; height: 240px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhF01K52xCZlaxvkrKXEqxbTXxZd2OpdVjK7oF94vdpZF_UVDWtm9DQpwkGqKcsWNrd-Jl4WunmoHtJvZjzsUsZ-7vmXdcmomCAR6LgIVoom2u_R-Z9vk1FvBaBtCUObTFQISg5qCvudKY/s320/IMG_5342.jpg" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5685500016477655202" border="0" /></a>Double arch<br /> <div style="text-align: left;">Even thought the desert is very dry, water would pool into small basins and remain a drinking spot for insects and wildlife. I loved the reflection in this pool and wondered how deep it might be. I thought of Craig Childs, the Colorado author who wrote one of my favorite books: "The Secret Knowledge of Water", about finding water such as this in an otherwise dessicated landscape. What would this water taste like if I were desperate and out of liquid?<br /><br /> <div style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhbibjXf-0vMyj6vlxg9yqpACgVqlhyphenhyphenBvGpYH6PSyxlP2M-JHuBAuIMgzAPuI4FgJrgPE8c-B6CLdCOUeUC3EutjNeHg9ouqJOfclgR_m5LklhBMIKcoTdjiM2jI12FdzzSe6oNh1ubn9c/s1600/IMG_5344.jpg"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 320px; height: 240px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhbibjXf-0vMyj6vlxg9yqpACgVqlhyphenhyphenBvGpYH6PSyxlP2M-JHuBAuIMgzAPuI4FgJrgPE8c-B6CLdCOUeUC3EutjNeHg9ouqJOfclgR_m5LklhBMIKcoTdjiM2jI12FdzzSe6oNh1ubn9c/s320/IMG_5344.jpg" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5685500012481315138" border="0" /></a>A rare pool of water<br /> <div style="text-align: left;"><br /> Time seemed to get away from us; before we knew it, it was late afternoon, and we had more vistas to visit. We tried to find our way out, made only one false turn, and little by little, tracks in the sand and features we remembered guided us back to the car. Had I done only this, it would have been a full day. However Chris and Noel wanted to see sunset from an arch. We drove to Delicate Arch, however the 3-mile hike would be just a tad too long to reach before sunset. So we drove to Window Arch. A cool breeze was still blowing, but a dozen or so folks were at the arch for the same reason; all had their cameras ready. Two German men ran by in shorts, no shirts, apparently oblivious to the beauty, but trying to impress their girlfriends how tough they were. They quickly descended, missing the sunset.<br /><br /> </div> </div> </div> </div> <div style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjQ48F_rfqsV6GmYL7FB1aWF29_EnJrp0e4IbD8HC2Zf85l6d8E-EUd3dwU38o9hKRGvcFeRPNCkk7TSgzRxn3nBv73Gl2J0Urf3mvqQcUb63jqQeu6xBXVluHN-E3SBrzM__QA5w1-B40/s1600/IMG_5348.jpg"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 320px; height: 240px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjQ48F_rfqsV6GmYL7FB1aWF29_EnJrp0e4IbD8HC2Zf85l6d8E-EUd3dwU38o9hKRGvcFeRPNCkk7TSgzRxn3nBv73Gl2J0Urf3mvqQcUb63jqQeu6xBXVluHN-E3SBrzM__QA5w1-B40/s320/IMG_5348.jpg" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5685500006740806370" border="0" /></a>Chris stands under South Window arch<br /> <div style="text-align: left;"><br /> A ten minute walk to the top set us up for a view through Turret Arch as the sun sank. I looked for the "Green Flash" in the west as the final rays of the sun disappeared. A perfect ending to a fine day in the desert.<br /> </div> </div> <div style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgVY5eSdQasRLszL3MD91EnzebvSI-zhCTSM7-lUp8cKu9vdQeGpw0LYNSYGPssC9ITOgEIceRScWIrreQmzrC4i5aanzD5RKxTosD4BA1xV9b2rI26CO3ShbnZVrNEBchaeflqWU4JUN4/s1600/IMG_5352.jpg"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 320px; height: 240px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgVY5eSdQasRLszL3MD91EnzebvSI-zhCTSM7-lUp8cKu9vdQeGpw0LYNSYGPssC9ITOgEIceRScWIrreQmzrC4i5aanzD5RKxTosD4BA1xV9b2rI26CO3ShbnZVrNEBchaeflqWU4JUN4/s320/IMG_5352.jpg" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5685501934929839522" border="0" /></a>Sunset near Turret arch</div>Ralphhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/16555104492679454425noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2312660955738638590.post-33538713940415615992011-12-08T17:04:00.000-08:002011-12-08T21:17:57.621-08:00Hamburger Rock Service Project<div style="text-align: center;"><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjAt2-5A4YfBzHVAIzpciQ8qKFoVpixmQAPzX8o05s8s-kHVReVHKIq7zyTAXcFJfaQrk6RLgLZxQeK9LEKPEzpoxJ0kllhQdy1Ecshz33zuTSybkowu73TOD22kUjVDR_B436Ky_eugxU/s1600/IMG_4964.JPG"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 320px; height: 240px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjAt2-5A4YfBzHVAIzpciQ8qKFoVpixmQAPzX8o05s8s-kHVReVHKIq7zyTAXcFJfaQrk6RLgLZxQeK9LEKPEzpoxJ0kllhQdy1Ecshz33zuTSybkowu73TOD22kUjVDR_B436Ky_eugxU/s320/IMG_4964.JPG" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5683980098730472514" border="0" /></a>North Six Shooter, just south of Hamburger Rock Campground<br /></div><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjpNNwfZMKigvocNNVDpx1g84POZufYLtaFXJv5ZyNjhNcRKzWco57fJoWkDy8SxpZKRfihD1EqYnYjloS4RQPW7QLPjQGyf3dqADwKZqTE8HAjhdTbKlzW31yQK-oldaSHDP-jRTq3J5Q/s1600/IMG_5211.jpg"><br /></a>Hamburger Rock, a flat rock perched in the middle of the Indian Creek plain, is a Mecca for climbers, campers, and off-road vehicle enthusiasts. Its dust-bowl campground with the vast panorama of sandstone cliffs and and the needles of Canyonlands National park, was also in serious need of care.<br /><br /><span class="st">Bob Leaver, the Recreation Planner, at the BLM, Monticello Field Office, in southeastern Utah</span> has been the driving force for upgrading the facilities for climbers, tourists, and ORV users in the area. Over the past few years he has worked with The Friends of Indian Creek, a devoted group of folks who have raised money and provided toilet facilities at the campsites. To learn more about this group see: http://friendsofindiancreek.org/ They also have a nice Facebook site: http://www.facebook.com/friendsofindiancreek?ref=ts&sk=wall<br /><br />This summer, working with funds from the Friends group and the BLM itself, three vault toilets were installed at Creek Pasture Campground where many rock climbers stay and one at Hamburger Rock. Each fall during National Lands Day, the American Alpine Club has worked with Bob to do a service project in the area. Jim Donini, past president of the Club, has organized the climbers for the work. For more on Public Lands Day: http://www.publiclandsday.org/<br /><br /><div style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgDXhBuq6sbxjib6KKH7ccm5Y4U-qiyt3kzUxF4nD-HHszPh-g9toUoENPI3DOCJLzGpuUur-HyDz_2pDmqNwKZqiR_vf1_j6fUKIWOvOIilQo5n_QU-z6Zs5EvXXZE_EdKWmfyjTA-k7w/s1600/IMG_5194.jpg"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 320px; height: 240px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgDXhBuq6sbxjib6KKH7ccm5Y4U-qiyt3kzUxF4nD-HHszPh-g9toUoENPI3DOCJLzGpuUur-HyDz_2pDmqNwKZqiR_vf1_j6fUKIWOvOIilQo5n_QU-z6Zs5EvXXZE_EdKWmfyjTA-k7w/s320/IMG_5194.jpg" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5683946579684929522" border="0" /></a>Jim Donini confers with Bob Leaver<br /><div style="text-align: left;"><br />I spent the previous week saving campsites at Creek Pasture for the 70 or so folks who had promised to participate in the project. Jim and his wife Angela arrived on Thursday, loaded with food and supplies. Saturday morning, Bob Leaver met us at our campground and led us to the worksite where he and two other BLM employees had hauled two trailers full of logs, shovels, and tools.<br /><br />Bob looked familiar. After a brief discussion, we discovered we had both worked for the National Park Service in Alaska in the mid-80's. Small World!!! He and the crew pulled the equipment up while we volunteers unloaded the supplies at three work stations. As a first priority, Bob dressed us in public "Public Lands Day" T-shirts. Very cool! We broke into four groups. One small contingent of mostly young and very strong folks went to the "4 X 4 Wall" about 10 miles away to build a new trail. The rest of us formed three teams for the campsite work.<br /><br />The first project was a reclamation of a short road that led diagonally through the site of the new rest room. The crew gathered native plants, sticks, and dirt to replace the compacted dirt of the road. After digging and scarifying the site, folks carefully replanted the bushes and plants. Then they took the dry sagebrush branches and stuck them in the ground to discourage people and animals from disturbing or walking on the newly rehabilitated soil.<br /></div></div><br /><div style="text-align: center;"><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg5PFGeXCkEcWlHR0a0IyYmqX9UOF8UR8LEYbdt-wK6SChv0bH2jbW0CGWFN9lbTntFuHPErTSZOcPWy9s529i72g5oIXJoZff71dq0zPAzhIOOHNqL-6V6-gmbOhEUacrQyE9KIyfOS4Y/s1600/IMG_5200.jpg"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 320px; height: 240px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg5PFGeXCkEcWlHR0a0IyYmqX9UOF8UR8LEYbdt-wK6SChv0bH2jbW0CGWFN9lbTntFuHPErTSZOcPWy9s529i72g5oIXJoZff71dq0zPAzhIOOHNqL-6V6-gmbOhEUacrQyE9KIyfOS4Y/s320/IMG_5200.jpg" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5683946945728190706" border="0" /></a>The Reclamation project on the old road<br /></div><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjKJOpzOhoIiGQj1ybscLFMlIjU8X0IR8vR_vqTtHR0PSCgPAN1e_QYlULhO757p-Pa5Kg38Ea491o_v7dywWaDSRAMhkzu68gIhH5jaNe2BP89TqZWR73tNryaaEKRi311lwzEOZ2FG_A/s1600/IMG_5198.jpg"><br /></a>The second project was to build a 'buck and rail' fence to discourage the formation of a spiderweb of social trails leading to the restroom, and harden one trail in the middle. This involved the use of power tools; I volunteered. We cut 4" logs into appropriate sizes according to a jig, drilled holes, and bolted the sawbucks together, then laid the 12' rails and bolted them to the bucks.<br /><div style="text-align: center;"><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhSGr5z0O1oScvdUDk6id5uRjGCfFPSY5UYocFy2Naa2A2PfZh7mCWpcal8bx2ICIY0mIZF7QFlWCf299tLbqwM2vCq5KRWmlJT8uhGAhVRaJRa2pz5xBqkK6VVQabfi6N_HfASTdZKheE/s1600/IMG_5187.jpg"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 320px; height: 240px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhSGr5z0O1oScvdUDk6id5uRjGCfFPSY5UYocFy2Naa2A2PfZh7mCWpcal8bx2ICIY0mIZF7QFlWCf299tLbqwM2vCq5KRWmlJT8uhGAhVRaJRa2pz5xBqkK6VVQabfi6N_HfASTdZKheE/s320/IMG_5187.jpg" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5683946569931875906" border="0" /></a>Cutting the bucks on the chop saw<br /><div style="text-align: left;"><br />The cool of the morning was wearing off, and the sun started to cook us. The battery-powered drills were no match for the big bits and large logs, so we used the generator and a cord-powered drill. Nothing seemed to slow the crew down.<br /></div></div><div style="text-align: center;"><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiihQXTsC2RdFbRsx1Insl7aAs6rfgdHScY6SMAXIJ1oYhiuFzw1DUTJQ6iq7XmDUHLE0Yix-MJCjJOLGIt4ISzP_-HVEVsfCYRDb9ztrOczDDFwGeYI4A4jeOMf32lB6aEDit3iMZUuTo/s1600/IMG_5186.jpg"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 320px; height: 240px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiihQXTsC2RdFbRsx1Insl7aAs6rfgdHScY6SMAXIJ1oYhiuFzw1DUTJQ6iq7XmDUHLE0Yix-MJCjJOLGIt4ISzP_-HVEVsfCYRDb9ztrOczDDFwGeYI4A4jeOMf32lB6aEDit3iMZUuTo/s320/IMG_5186.jpg" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5683946571119945906" border="0" /></a>Using the jig to build the bucks<br /></div><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEijR86UrmUa1CJ_AafR5qWYjIRYHWaqRSddsboW31m8Sz6FvwX6vJq0-O5bm0yNzs72H4iWa5xZDPOCoxajjdHCPAmQl28w308vD6eiH3U22bFwk2yRBVVF-HWNYSnbzPved3YjHO1qYNs/s1600/IMG_5186.JPG"><br /></a>The work went quickly; the fruits of our labors grew by the yard. Everyone I met was totally into the job, full of energy, and capable of any job. I'm sure the BLM was happy to see so much transpire in such a short time. <br /><div style="text-align: center;"><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi0z61QGV4cqvFiiwa1RpgL4T6oRFQH9uEdbVBa-7Tw-XOPJa_c4iWjeyNazyFmHovs0D83X-W4dFK1YOPHB35jRjtLhUBJg7PkFYaT_t5kJ_HDCvQy08Z0o3w8PlUHxHG8u5LZB977LFE/s1600/IMG_5198.JPG"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 320px; height: 240px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi0z61QGV4cqvFiiwa1RpgL4T6oRFQH9uEdbVBa-7Tw-XOPJa_c4iWjeyNazyFmHovs0D83X-W4dFK1YOPHB35jRjtLhUBJg7PkFYaT_t5kJ_HDCvQy08Z0o3w8PlUHxHG8u5LZB977LFE/s320/IMG_5198.JPG" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5683942443977643778" border="0" /></a>Bolting the rails to the bucks<br /><div style="text-align: left;"><br />To facilitate orderly travel, we lined the correct path with rocks to direct the campers along to the rest room. Lifting the rocks in the heat of the day, I thought of Cool Hand Luke. <br /></div></div><div style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhM9CNA3kbFQNhYMx4VE5Gr-IkmCHxUf2i1ji8g9MGAUOcj82uOSibUXlD81cy5lpYOWjO6o4RDN6zZ1fSolH6Jy1CPFpzCDsYkJkbbcTvGe64Im8ncq2eiNpc30Tx5oGUkyBkfaC3GkX0/s1600/IMG_5207.jpg"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 320px; height: 240px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhM9CNA3kbFQNhYMx4VE5Gr-IkmCHxUf2i1ji8g9MGAUOcj82uOSibUXlD81cy5lpYOWjO6o4RDN6zZ1fSolH6Jy1CPFpzCDsYkJkbbcTvGe64Im8ncq2eiNpc30Tx5oGUkyBkfaC3GkX0/s320/IMG_5207.jpg" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5683947626752680770" border="0" /></a>The completed buck and rail fence<br /><div style="text-align: left;"><br />Lunch time, everyone hid under a 'hamburger-like' rock to avoid the direct sun. It was a time to meet new folks, renew friendships, and get rehydrated. As I looked around, I noticed a number of really good friends I hadn't seen in a long time. <br /></div></div><div style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgUTDaC97myvujoUi8YS-Rn-5RlvE102wxLitBJEBVn5Omh20e0tXY89iLv6RHDbNKH8w1tlhiYkpMAEdQSiaou1vZb2Zy1OheRpApYstZ5NFjP-0aIQE5WJXL9k36z6EAfcuue6zs4hKA/s1600/IMG_5196.jpg"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 240px; height: 320px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgUTDaC97myvujoUi8YS-Rn-5RlvE102wxLitBJEBVn5Omh20e0tXY89iLv6RHDbNKH8w1tlhiYkpMAEdQSiaou1vZb2Zy1OheRpApYstZ5NFjP-0aIQE5WJXL9k36z6EAfcuue6zs4hKA/s320/IMG_5196.jpg" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5683942432989581058" border="0" /></a>Mike Munger<br /><div style="text-align: left;"><br />It was fun to catch up, but as the afternoon sun is a scorcher, and the hot desert dessicates you quickly, we wanted to finish all of the projects quickly.<br /></div></div><div style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj8G9JVlHR_139D9jlPGOGS2Oqm_1njKZS3LeVTdaRt3t08tnOGPL6lAqTA5iRft_y7Ex0CcoevKSWUiyeISpQdxG_HAkzsKneX3ous3xm-ZvtHg1_a6yOCHyuBCODCzNZogU0KwZyaGiA/s1600/IMG_5188.jpg"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 240px; height: 320px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj8G9JVlHR_139D9jlPGOGS2Oqm_1njKZS3LeVTdaRt3t08tnOGPL6lAqTA5iRft_y7Ex0CcoevKSWUiyeISpQdxG_HAkzsKneX3ous3xm-ZvtHg1_a6yOCHyuBCODCzNZogU0KwZyaGiA/s320/IMG_5188.jpg" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5683950282989313986" border="0" /></a>Mary Ann Dornfeld and Jack Tackle take lunch<br /><div style="text-align: left;"><br /></div></div>We finished the fence, so I walked around to the third crew to lend a hand. My friend Marshall Ralph was working on a ten pad, a flat spot to pitch a tent. The volunteers built a square frame out of 4" treated timbers. The ground is uneven and rocky, so the BLM had hauled in a pile of sand; the crew shoveled sand into the frame and leveled the ground for the tent site.<br /><div style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgaJBSoCRtVqkQonhlgnxFOMD_luXgGkpwOSe0ka0JPmmmQ8WbuKzcma-jGZxXmThaAIevuZlru8PamG_7M_SKj65h3A7eHT529kPRA2hHXpTUbdfmG-zXU60ZqmG5iHfLOl6KXug05ygM/s1600/IMG_5202.jpg"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 320px; height: 240px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgaJBSoCRtVqkQonhlgnxFOMD_luXgGkpwOSe0ka0JPmmmQ8WbuKzcma-jGZxXmThaAIevuZlru8PamG_7M_SKj65h3A7eHT529kPRA2hHXpTUbdfmG-zXU60ZqmG5iHfLOl6KXug05ygM/s320/IMG_5202.jpg" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5683947799407618850" border="0" /></a>At work on the tent pad<br /><div style="text-align: left;"><br />I had known Marshall 38 years before, and our last trip was likely a week-long 100-mile XC ski trip through Yellowstone in 1973 or 74. We had reconnected the previous evening by accident around a campfire. His son Jeff was a fine rock climber and had dragged Marshall along with him to Indian Creek. What a treat for us two geezers to reunite!<br /></div><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh2hpgXKxLezwHJrusZzPkQ_BihRiIJs_N9sU3yEiZfgFPdKRgKJIHeb5h658Gnt6E_c6kh1b0AGKeSGh3_EAg1u3yDXxvhkfbxGMqd0R5YsZ4Y5XkeDmnECmAlpuXANVFUACxixq_i6l0/s1600/IMG_5205.jpg"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 240px; height: 320px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh2hpgXKxLezwHJrusZzPkQ_BihRiIJs_N9sU3yEiZfgFPdKRgKJIHeb5h658Gnt6E_c6kh1b0AGKeSGh3_EAg1u3yDXxvhkfbxGMqd0R5YsZ4Y5XkeDmnECmAlpuXANVFUACxixq_i6l0/s320/IMG_5205.jpg" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5683948183378242050" border="0" /></a>Marshall Ralph<br /><div style="text-align: left;"><br />The tent pads looked great. I walked around the rock, thinking about how much a group of people can do if they just put their minds and backs into it.<br /></div></div><div style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj1gZnhj-5P7CAqJxRVI1mtocqmML4SqrXuJFZ_bSoet92qxn6362JhLnghPRvNx-hg_zoLZaNx9e0NAWsxqQGMvxujrAYTiN5OXCiAIwLBoeRKpCuKbNzj0tM6ZrVBXxsUQ4UBWJtxDVY/s1600/IMG_5201.jpg"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 320px; height: 240px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj1gZnhj-5P7CAqJxRVI1mtocqmML4SqrXuJFZ_bSoet92qxn6362JhLnghPRvNx-hg_zoLZaNx9e0NAWsxqQGMvxujrAYTiN5OXCiAIwLBoeRKpCuKbNzj0tM6ZrVBXxsUQ4UBWJtxDVY/s320/IMG_5201.jpg" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5683947617553067506" border="0" /></a>The completed tent pad<br /><div style="text-align: left;"><br />After the circle of campsites around the rock knoll had been stabilized with the tent pads, we all moved to the giant dirt pile and spent the next half hour shoveling it into a trailer and moving it to the last campsites.<br /></div><div style="text-align: left;"><div style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgKQ4JiH10dbQevz0V__nRbc0R2zPF6jntFzQQ2RWWYLJD3QZ03CP02vjj2LU09JHW7ibQwQTn8_p8-8jZT4YBnnTZmJ_yf6eMR175diI3uQaAKE6c3i6e2mRL4vtxTS__VYyfbKkCe_uc/s1600/IMG_5208.jpg"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 320px; height: 240px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgKQ4JiH10dbQevz0V__nRbc0R2zPF6jntFzQQ2RWWYLJD3QZ03CP02vjj2LU09JHW7ibQwQTn8_p8-8jZT4YBnnTZmJ_yf6eMR175diI3uQaAKE6c3i6e2mRL4vtxTS__VYyfbKkCe_uc/s320/IMG_5208.jpg" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5683947632045416530" border="0" /></a>Even Bob digs in to move the gravel<br /></div><br />I think everyone was proud of the effort. We loaded up the trailers, tied down the loads, and Bob passed out a few more shirts, paper binoculars, and other goodies. We waved good-bye to the BLM crew who had now become good friends. We felt like a bath. <br /></div></div><div style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhlssm3Z7sSGEV0NMFD7ydAJhhZmUywA2-0PEHz-tkZieP-GKLZriSpw0ceZbKVYiu8vr_vRRaR4svmIMHD66l02Pafm7mtXYQGKp9k2UH5GffIJVi_oA128EBxNW4ClW053RU3Psa5n-k/s1600/IMG_5190.jpg"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 240px; height: 320px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhlssm3Z7sSGEV0NMFD7ydAJhhZmUywA2-0PEHz-tkZieP-GKLZriSpw0ceZbKVYiu8vr_vRRaR4svmIMHD66l02Pafm7mtXYQGKp9k2UH5GffIJVi_oA128EBxNW4ClW053RU3Psa5n-k/s320/IMG_5190.jpg" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5683949121633656466" border="0" /></a>John Parsons admires the day's work<br /></div><br />A bath? Just a mile down the road is the only swimming hole on Indian Creek which at this time of year is just a trickle. A cliff across the creek created a waterfall with groove down the center ending in a pool about 12' deep. I didn't know there was this much water anywhere near here. Chris Klotz drove us down in her Honda Element. Several of the volunteers arrived at the same time.<br /><div style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhhQoP1eE8WuCrxIsX7Z_3LXkPYepU1jTnG8dQnEccq5VaDuIf8HZ_QN0cQICLy63Tok-C9BE9oAzHuv67qFvzEgjZH7yIA5PwpALHfakMgw_gWMUkalFhATaL7EzZqqlaudu5jxDYOaZ0/s1600/IMG_5209.jpg"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 320px; height: 240px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhhQoP1eE8WuCrxIsX7Z_3LXkPYepU1jTnG8dQnEccq5VaDuIf8HZ_QN0cQICLy63Tok-C9BE9oAzHuv67qFvzEgjZH7yIA5PwpALHfakMgw_gWMUkalFhATaL7EzZqqlaudu5jxDYOaZ0/s320/IMG_5209.jpg" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5683949098852700082" border="0" /></a>Indian Creek swimming hole<br /><div style="text-align: left;"><br />Already here were a number of families, with kids and parents jumping into the pool from three levels: 6', 8', and about 15'. As I looked up at the cliffs and saw remains of Anasazi dwellings, I thought back to the time 800 years ago when their kids were jumping in the swimming hole.<br /></div></div><div style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj05m9C6_-Pcqi0OUVevFyrJv4bcxLqQUD3im9vx8t9dMTpQlQzcVn8ffGzLy2aFzAn2fuyyT0h6U-13i-dtijRkWIElkJFmv0N45aQ8ADsgD5SSwzyUCwdrAv2kDTdiLv-UHQ_ycN3aV0/s1600/IMG_5210.jpg"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 240px; height: 320px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj05m9C6_-Pcqi0OUVevFyrJv4bcxLqQUD3im9vx8t9dMTpQlQzcVn8ffGzLy2aFzAn2fuyyT0h6U-13i-dtijRkWIElkJFmv0N45aQ8ADsgD5SSwzyUCwdrAv2kDTdiLv-UHQ_ycN3aV0/s320/IMG_5210.jpg" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5683949104368295650" border="0" /></a>Kids and water<br /><div style="text-align: left;"><br />I loved this shot of a father and his daughter jumping into the icy water. It looked murky, but no one seemed to mind. You couldn't keep the kids out of this pool.<br /></div></div><div style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjpNNwfZMKigvocNNVDpx1g84POZufYLtaFXJv5ZyNjhNcRKzWco57fJoWkDy8SxpZKRfihD1EqYnYjloS4RQPW7QLPjQGyf3dqADwKZqTE8HAjhdTbKlzW31yQK-oldaSHDP-jRTq3J5Q/s1600/IMG_5211.jpg"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 320px; height: 240px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjpNNwfZMKigvocNNVDpx1g84POZufYLtaFXJv5ZyNjhNcRKzWco57fJoWkDy8SxpZKRfihD1EqYnYjloS4RQPW7QLPjQGyf3dqADwKZqTE8HAjhdTbKlzW31yQK-oldaSHDP-jRTq3J5Q/s320/IMG_5211.jpg" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5683949111821272242" border="0" /></a>A dad jumps into the hole while the daughter watches<br /><div style="text-align: left;"><br /><br /></div></div><div style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgl-7sv792YYB_mjx8retD52rttLiSKw1xsE1ZiM6-9IllpyMmZSXX0cHaUE5TZEcr-tanYAwgckEmMnkZkAKqRF8MCjvLI1hHdoVy4Fuu6ETuJLTzUItTrG32yFePjbzO2suzhDfHz5_k/s1600/IMG_5212.jpg"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 320px; height: 240px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgl-7sv792YYB_mjx8retD52rttLiSKw1xsE1ZiM6-9IllpyMmZSXX0cHaUE5TZEcr-tanYAwgckEmMnkZkAKqRF8MCjvLI1hHdoVy4Fuu6ETuJLTzUItTrG32yFePjbzO2suzhDfHz5_k/s320/IMG_5212.jpg" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5683949112170717426" border="0" /></a>Now it's her turn!<br /><br /></div>I was hot and sweaty, so I stripped down to my skivvies and jumped off the top cliff. The perfect ending to a very special day.<br /><span class="st"><br /></span>Ralphhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/16555104492679454425noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2312660955738638590.post-37447212726874927102011-11-22T15:30:00.001-08:002011-12-05T22:04:55.740-08:00SOUTH SIX SHOOTER<a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgxqWb-Ga18-sOiZF6UwsdC2r1Kbkvpy6QZabAIRB1l1TchkhAnhrazZLVYWMG4TaICfgkFxczA4VBjg2WyW74VjbuvXYqAHPFffmGDfjZlhidzBGm1F-pOMQIYMNRXdlOsFy8WCNggtbc/s1600/IMG_5138.JPG"><br /></a>There are two "Six Shooters" in Indian Creek, the North and the South. They dominate the horizon for 30 miles in every direction, making them an irresistible goal for a rock climber.<br /><br />I was enjoying the morning eating a leisurely breakfast at the campground. A car drove by sporting an Alaska license plate. What?? I looked at the driver: it was my great friend Mark from Talkeetna. Amazing. "Mark I screamed and waved my arms; he didn't see me, but folks at the next campsite flagged him down. What a great coincidence. After a brief exchange, we decided to climb together the next day. Mark had planned to climb towers with his friend Stoney, now I was the third. I had just bought a 4-wheel drive truck, and the 4 1/2 mile hike in the powdery sand would be a slog, so I volunteered to drive us in the truck. A little cramped in a single cab, but with the big bench seat we all fit. It seemed to take as long to drive the road as we could have walked it. But, in the heat of the day, the truck was a welcome addition to our tool kit. We wound around the gullies, over some steep rocks, then down into a dry river bed following the tracks of other jeeps and trucks. The area is popular with the off-road vehicle crowd who had followed the old ranching roads up the wash to the base of the climb.<br /><div style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjNEA5_6KNMOInYAErOMkZURfIkcv5jLcIrNX9vYEUv5ihsukG2tdW8anq7uuhlzSAqeZo1sIEVapCLBsoDliLtQRAD5xW9IhwGmraP5bp8x-LzBZLO6hjHGNQ5luQQKP-DKtWQ2IZ9Hjw/s1600/IMG_5115.JPG"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 320px; height: 240px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjNEA5_6KNMOInYAErOMkZURfIkcv5jLcIrNX9vYEUv5ihsukG2tdW8anq7uuhlzSAqeZo1sIEVapCLBsoDliLtQRAD5xW9IhwGmraP5bp8x-LzBZLO6hjHGNQ5luQQKP-DKtWQ2IZ9Hjw/s320/IMG_5115.JPG" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5677968996857660530" border="0" /></a>Hiking up South Six Shooter<br /><div style="text-align: left;"><br />I had met Mark in 1996 when I and my friend Rick were in Mount Rainer National Park investigating the deaths of two park employees; Mark was our contact and guide on the mountain. We kept in touch over the years. Then Mark moved to Alaska, married Lisa who is the Base Camp Manager on Denali. Eventually he joined the Park Service as a ranger in Talkeetna. In 2010, Mark invited me to join his patrol on Denali; I couldn't resist. I wrote a little blog on the trip:<br /><br />Mark, one of the finest alpinists in the country, has accumulated an impressive list of climbs, including<i> The Escalator </i>on Mt. Johnson in the Ruth Gorge, The East Face of Mount Grosvenor, <span class="st"> the <em>Denali</em> Diamond <em>route</em> on Mt. McKinley's southwest face in less than 48 hours, and as I arrived in base camp he and </span>Jesse Huey were climbing the Slovak Direct Route on Denali. He seems so humble about it all. I was delighted to be with him and Stoney today.<br /><br /></div></div><div style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjX8PgS4Ycs5TPJpfQEHUXmL4I-i627lllLCJ1NqTvAajkBU2c2N-FYwXpF3IzQnDtaAsJ5sV5-EjuJio6wttwQstXYYtjEyr3BfSoU04gPdtWRPIcbhqZsUJTuOrb5vLnf13Zp208ftWY/s1600/IMG_5121.jpg"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 240px; height: 320px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjX8PgS4Ycs5TPJpfQEHUXmL4I-i627lllLCJ1NqTvAajkBU2c2N-FYwXpF3IzQnDtaAsJ5sV5-EjuJio6wttwQstXYYtjEyr3BfSoU04gPdtWRPIcbhqZsUJTuOrb5vLnf13Zp208ftWY/s320/IMG_5121.jpg" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5677969004267525346" border="0" /></a>Mark at the top of the first pitch<br /><div style="text-align: left;"><br />It is still a hike up the trailless boulders and scree to the base of the actual climbing, but we made it in about 45 minutes; it took longer to drive the dirt road. At the base, another party was climbing ahead of us, so we took our time roping up. Stony flew up the 4th class cracks, Mark followed; I finished. Technically, the climb is unlike any other in Indian Creek. Very few long splitter cracks lead to the summit: mostly boulder hopping, a few hard moves and shaky boulders lead the way. I was having a blast with my two friends and hardly noticed the climbing. It was all about the friendship.<br /></div></div><div style="text-align: center;"><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh7nL9Sjbf0dPx_Ohwi7roAjWZkB7JeIFgCI2aCq9UH3EG16K56Ij9aKFZlzDRnQiP7LSHnmfzvZVr0PGe1iFb_bpqFC129XflXd46G3spUu9dlyqZQPM7jWWfQsQ-8muGWA4Hx0z_wPWc/s1600/IMG_5132.jpg"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 240px; height: 320px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh7nL9Sjbf0dPx_Ohwi7roAjWZkB7JeIFgCI2aCq9UH3EG16K56Ij9aKFZlzDRnQiP7LSHnmfzvZVr0PGe1iFb_bpqFC129XflXd46G3spUu9dlyqZQPM7jWWfQsQ-8muGWA4Hx0z_wPWc/s320/IMG_5132.jpg" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5677969023974301938" border="0" /></a>Stoney brings Mark up to the final pitch<br /><div style="text-align: left;"><br /></div></div><div style="text-align: center;"><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgR3ylh58GjB9v21BvkVbW-Wne7Nm_ZV9Z7w-G9_4njCHW_O9U7H8CGXuK4ECZHhLRX_YQ3pzlwZqTWD2ZbSf8ufY-rcQnOLiC50N3RKkUwISy7WsuAncqLG_04JNHrIcVkXRGXWapm0ds/s1600/IMG_5122.JPG"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 320px; height: 240px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgR3ylh58GjB9v21BvkVbW-Wne7Nm_ZV9Z7w-G9_4njCHW_O9U7H8CGXuK4ECZHhLRX_YQ3pzlwZqTWD2ZbSf8ufY-rcQnOLiC50N3RKkUwISy7WsuAncqLG_04JNHrIcVkXRGXWapm0ds/s320/IMG_5122.JPG" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5677969017401591106" border="0" /></a>Stoney peeks around the corner<br /></div><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjX8PgS4Ycs5TPJpfQEHUXmL4I-i627lllLCJ1NqTvAajkBU2c2N-FYwXpF3IzQnDtaAsJ5sV5-EjuJio6wttwQstXYYtjEyr3BfSoU04gPdtWRPIcbhqZsUJTuOrb5vLnf13Zp208ftWY/s1600/IMG_5121.jpg"><br /></a><br />The summit was fantastic. We took in the views, made friends with two folks from Boulder, Colorado. Nice folks. Almost everyone I've met in the mountains has been special. It must take a certain kind of person to slog up a cliff.<br /><div style="text-align: center;"><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh6LYpNpRdflUoVFrUnubnzBJ4RJoSsTQbIXnWFnNcJAPMzs5yeoSNIRNd6vTclTQs_VEPTenVMttWDnRfm31X9b7Ew6FNn5Q_S4_0Utn4OATNxdDF6QuVdkhrAGEv-o0ZUGLYDtj-7M_g/s1600/IMG_5136.jpg"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 240px; height: 320px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh6LYpNpRdflUoVFrUnubnzBJ4RJoSsTQbIXnWFnNcJAPMzs5yeoSNIRNd6vTclTQs_VEPTenVMttWDnRfm31X9b7Ew6FNn5Q_S4_0Utn4OATNxdDF6QuVdkhrAGEv-o0ZUGLYDtj-7M_g/s320/IMG_5136.jpg" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5677969033468844850" border="0" /></a>Stoney and Mark on the summit<br />North Six Shooter in the distance<br /></div><br />Mark called Lisa from the summit. I was amazed that a cell phone could get reception through several mountain ranges to a cell tower 50 miles away, as the crow flies. It's a miracle.<br /><div style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj49o2yYrsvTbU2AP1-x-uGEcjZSVOLEq1N3PGvforWahMz2jNMZ0Wq79LM-joPDN6R5r9fqLmHSjuGXpi7n7e3YN2RtWCxH14fkmqC6X4_snaPIuR73wHggibfaFZ6WJ03xoNVe2U63xY/s1600/IMG_5153.jpg"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 240px; height: 320px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj49o2yYrsvTbU2AP1-x-uGEcjZSVOLEq1N3PGvforWahMz2jNMZ0Wq79LM-joPDN6R5r9fqLmHSjuGXpi7n7e3YN2RtWCxH14fkmqC6X4_snaPIuR73wHggibfaFZ6WJ03xoNVe2U63xY/s320/IMG_5153.jpg" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5678052619499311394" border="0" /></a>Mark finds a signal and calls Lisa from the summit.<br /><br /><div style="text-align: left;">After hanging out on the east, or higher summit, we rappelled down, climbed over and up the slightly more difficult west summit. Time to go. We set the ropes, rappelled down and took pictures of Ashley rappelling down the sheer face from the summit. Once down we took a nice lunch break at the start of the climbing where we had left our packs. As we hopped down the trail-like trace in the rock following cairns, Mark talked about his father, and I reminisced about mine.<br /><br />*************************************INTERMISSION ************************************<br /><br />That evening my friend Chris and her friend Noel arrived at the campsite after the long drive from Boulder. Chris and I had climbed here before, but this would be Noel's first experience on the splitter cracks. It's a brutal learning curve, so I thought that the South Six Shooter, which I had just climbed, would be a worthy goal for the day. I now knew the route, particularly the driving route in the truck! Back on the dusty road. I felt like a tour guide, but only after one trip to the rock. Bagging a desert tower the first day at 'The Creek' would be a great start to the trip.<br /></div></div><div style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiwVGj_fJmligHr0ue5c0twYEBLYKaADCkZJIoz4OyCJhFC30D5cuCqAz6YpRAetKQ8Y57anrVby5TbIRrvSURrK8uVHo55yOFAZv2xRAGV9j-fUNzmEnr5MvH__BE6S_s5IYVTbKvutq8/s1600/IMG_5169.JPG"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 320px; height: 240px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiwVGj_fJmligHr0ue5c0twYEBLYKaADCkZJIoz4OyCJhFC30D5cuCqAz6YpRAetKQ8Y57anrVby5TbIRrvSURrK8uVHo55yOFAZv2xRAGV9j-fUNzmEnr5MvH__BE6S_s5IYVTbKvutq8/s320/IMG_5169.JPG" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5678052644089465826" border="0" /></a>Noel and Chris<br /><div style="text-align: left;"><div style="text-align: left;"><br />Chris had quit her job in Denver and had spent the previous month supporting her niece on her Ph.D. dissertation field work on the San Juan river, just down the way from Indian Creek. She was in great shape and eager to climb. Noel, an excellent rock climber, was enthusiastic. We made an excellent team.<br /></div><br />Back up the hour-long hike through the arroyos and boulders to the base of the climb. Since I was doing the leading, we have few photos of the climb, except for the fine summit shot!<br /></div></div><div style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi4NJExNYGPKNR-KM4txjbdhcmEzlbK6kfcdTy1EtlQ5iWxEN3we5DSnLk5cRIv10GpqhNgYcaan_c6g846f4ZyfbyClxObzMRHWjjX5C4PyWNGSqVxKpZfOrd5pF2ZvqEBVpcyCuIQNdM/s1600/IMG_5171.JPG"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 320px; height: 240px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi4NJExNYGPKNR-KM4txjbdhcmEzlbK6kfcdTy1EtlQ5iWxEN3we5DSnLk5cRIv10GpqhNgYcaan_c6g846f4ZyfbyClxObzMRHWjjX5C4PyWNGSqVxKpZfOrd5pF2ZvqEBVpcyCuIQNdM/s320/IMG_5171.JPG" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5678052645989813138" border="0" /></a>Noel, Chris, and I on the summit<br /><div style="text-align: left;"><br />Desert towers are fantastic places. The panoramas from the summit range from huge snow-capped mountains like the Abajos, the La Sals, and the Henry's, all visible from the Six Shooters. The La Sal mountains sit above Moab, Utah, and are my landmark from a hundred miles away as I drive I-70 south to Indian Creek each year. Twelve of the peaks in the range are over 12,000 feet high; Mount Peale, the highest peak rises to 12,721 feet. They, like the four other ranges in the viewshed are composed of igneous intrusions of porphyry. <br /></div><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiBSC64dBMrqdBJrC5Wie4aauHjn_Jo2t_GrTTQeJu7UxaxJTJ86GyV14vB7vv7WIhH9ukJWOKgjW_KIgYUJBBsnwybPp3Is95uwdKJOYybO0XpYMsHjtcpy-7tUZgsIgDP8FzLujU38OM/s1600/IMG_5138.JPG"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 320px; height: 240px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiBSC64dBMrqdBJrC5Wie4aauHjn_Jo2t_GrTTQeJu7UxaxJTJ86GyV14vB7vv7WIhH9ukJWOKgjW_KIgYUJBBsnwybPp3Is95uwdKJOYybO0XpYMsHjtcpy-7tUZgsIgDP8FzLujU38OM/s320/IMG_5138.JPG" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5678052627804365586" border="0" /></a>The view from the Top: The La Sal Mountains<br /><div style="text-align: left;"><br />The Henry Mountains are the last mountain range in the U.S. to be mapped. John Wesley Powell mapped and named them during his field work floating the Colorado river in 1872, doing so in honour of Joseph Henry, the first secretary of the Smithsonian Institution. The Henry Mountains are composed of igneous rocks, a 25 million year old intrusion into the Colorado Plateau. They are the home of about 500 bison; the herd is one of only four free-roaming and genetically-pure herds in North America.</div></div><div style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgyrZTFdj6wWwqmWbRj3WOqsnHLi1uPM2uhmFyZA4046WkF1LPJwq3jfOMCJG8_BRCwTQBD5LIj5UB2ONrD9z2cKbYSQz6KoLdMq96B2sA1gjPNxIId7uLQyiDZYxxSjutsH_aftvTCv1s/s1600/IMG_5140.JPG"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 320px; height: 240px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgyrZTFdj6wWwqmWbRj3WOqsnHLi1uPM2uhmFyZA4046WkF1LPJwq3jfOMCJG8_BRCwTQBD5LIj5UB2ONrD9z2cKbYSQz6KoLdMq96B2sA1gjPNxIId7uLQyiDZYxxSjutsH_aftvTCv1s/s320/IMG_5140.JPG" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5682877550407332946" border="0" /></a>View to the west: the Needles District of Canyonlands National Park<br /></div><div style="text-align: center;">The Henry Mountains in the distance<br /><div style="text-align: left;"><br />The rappel from the top is spectacular! A vertical to overhanging wall about 100' high rises directly from the base. I enjoyed photographing Chris and Noel as they roped down the rock.<br /></div></div><div style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgn3q5B6IXtQvKpnhpt2sOjundZ_WoCUA1JmsIN5AJroX-lHi8l-GCwRvxXQSAk_00ZNvKF0eDEDawxm9qwURVqp1XbOfwMdSYgsgs6g2ChaF80kKAPTLn3KXs-F-orfqy1qx0R5ghcTbg/s1600/IMG_5176.jpg"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 240px; height: 320px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgn3q5B6IXtQvKpnhpt2sOjundZ_WoCUA1JmsIN5AJroX-lHi8l-GCwRvxXQSAk_00ZNvKF0eDEDawxm9qwURVqp1XbOfwMdSYgsgs6g2ChaF80kKAPTLn3KXs-F-orfqy1qx0R5ghcTbg/s320/IMG_5176.jpg" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5678052655563912562" border="0" /></a>Chris rappels down the cliff<br /></div><br />In the evening, we walked over to the big campfire at the end of the campground. All the Silverbacks were holding court in their camp chairs. The stories grew, the legends increased, the we were part of it all.Ralphhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/16555104492679454425noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2312660955738638590.post-54186272136265076622011-11-19T10:59:00.000-08:002011-11-22T00:34:19.729-08:00MARTHE, MY NEW FRENCH FRIEND<div style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi70MXDFQ1C1J7HhdJtS8JsJ6sV-hIqQrC-W8XT3IOfPQzWDrY91OIpEHwibJUgNRED0Z_a2OvI_bpdxG51wvnvr9cNa2fhPYXoeYCz33L0UCkkSwM9dPEDaijbCLlGsyH8NAdjK_ok4gc/s1600/IMG_0841.jpg"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 240px; height: 320px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi70MXDFQ1C1J7HhdJtS8JsJ6sV-hIqQrC-W8XT3IOfPQzWDrY91OIpEHwibJUgNRED0Z_a2OvI_bpdxG51wvnvr9cNa2fhPYXoeYCz33L0UCkkSwM9dPEDaijbCLlGsyH8NAdjK_ok4gc/s320/IMG_0841.jpg" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5676790621013990658" border="0" /></a> George and Marthe in the campground<br /></div><br />"Ralph, I met this French woman, Marthe, in Yosemite this week; I told her I'd teach her to climb cracks in Indian Creek. She's suppose to be there this weekend, and she'll be looking for you by your white Ford truck at Creek Pasture campground." Jim is my main climbing partner: past president of the American Alpine Club, all-around great guy, calling on the cell phone from Yosemite.<br /><br />The next morning Marthe walked by my truck, stopped and spoke with a beautiful French accent in perfect English, "Are you Ralph?" Thus began a most excellent week.<br /><br />My campsite was perched on a slight rise with a short red sandstone cliff behind it to the west. A large folding table, 2-burner camp stove, cooler, grub box, and another full of dishes, pots, pans, and utensils surrounded the cooking area. I slept on a mattress in the back of the truck. Marthe eyed the setup, and I invited her to dinner: salmon steaks with broccoli and a salad. Many folks equate camping with suffering; I do not. Eating well in the out-of-doors is a reason to camp!<br /><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgRGTVXyPnWr8rADhm7sMGo_ICBUgpOgebwthff3wOJh85sA_FQsplqLlwnoeXKjprM_hd9cNGgXOsC6-UnEtSHY84GYKS_hmkr4XlCzsCSBmZT7CSANCQCSpY75fTWBVkD6gfOvmjbSsc/s1600/IMG_5010.jpg"><br /></a>Jim drove over the next morning, and Marthe and I met him at the Donnelly Canyon parking area. The cliffs on both sides of the canyon are the most famous and usually fill with climbers by late morning. We are early risers, so we were first onto the cliffs. Our first venue was "Generic Crack", named because it is a pure 'splitter', a split straight up a flat face. Jim led up the one hundred foot climb, clipped the rope into two fixed anchors and lowered down. Now Marthe's turn.<br /><div style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgRGTVXyPnWr8rADhm7sMGo_ICBUgpOgebwthff3wOJh85sA_FQsplqLlwnoeXKjprM_hd9cNGgXOsC6-UnEtSHY84GYKS_hmkr4XlCzsCSBmZT7CSANCQCSpY75fTWBVkD6gfOvmjbSsc/s1600/IMG_5010.jpg"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 240px; height: 320px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgRGTVXyPnWr8rADhm7sMGo_ICBUgpOgebwthff3wOJh85sA_FQsplqLlwnoeXKjprM_hd9cNGgXOsC6-UnEtSHY84GYKS_hmkr4XlCzsCSBmZT7CSANCQCSpY75fTWBVkD6gfOvmjbSsc/s320/IMG_5010.jpg" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5676790624548463810" border="0" /></a>"Generic Crack", an Indian Creek classic<br /><br /></div>Crack climbing is the most difficult type of climbing to learn and to do well. It takes a special technique that does not feel natural, unlike climbing on handholds and footholds. Depending on the size of the crack, a hand or fingers are inserted into the crack, cupped or squeezed to form a wedge, then the arm or fingers twisted downward to cam the hand into the crack. This hurts! To minimize the pain and the blood, the hands are wrapped with adhesive tape to make a glove on the back where all the pressure is exerted. After the taping session, Marthe headed up.<br /><div style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEipmu_L6wWo-NxW65tipMY9GfYSKW5Kf7SX4eXgGoMqVV3ufEYbw-3SuNnIrZrXXpVaB_LSw8-_pRcZr3iQxwAUW8ij3OZdWkLJwgyOxWIGGNLBtoWfS0Q1NajMWfqfHuNY1BXV9_1hRAw/s1600/IMG_4989.jpg"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 240px; height: 320px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEipmu_L6wWo-NxW65tipMY9GfYSKW5Kf7SX4eXgGoMqVV3ufEYbw-3SuNnIrZrXXpVaB_LSw8-_pRcZr3iQxwAUW8ij3OZdWkLJwgyOxWIGGNLBtoWfS0Q1NajMWfqfHuNY1BXV9_1hRAw/s320/IMG_4989.jpg" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5676790636247061506" border="0" /></a>Marthe's first crack climb on "Organic Crack"<br /><br /></div>Grunts, complaints, excuses, swearing... Crack climbing is brutal, and Marthe was getting a lesson akin to being thrown into the deep end of the pool. She kept at it and little by little her technique improved as she moved up the crack. I was impressed.<br /><div style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhfOtNJtCdr1tqXG9ZmhgB3hwgCIIuJWXdOCt-1qbRUrIsHA-X6qDABPqjZVZ8m-aj2uldF16h9SSdp06GDVWPSszqTZq7T97i8FqFbDx3BHstigDHBmFysaSCfJUoPjB0atLdN7fXOtOA/s1600/IMG_4993.jpg"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 240px; height: 320px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhfOtNJtCdr1tqXG9ZmhgB3hwgCIIuJWXdOCt-1qbRUrIsHA-X6qDABPqjZVZ8m-aj2uldF16h9SSdp06GDVWPSszqTZq7T97i8FqFbDx3BHstigDHBmFysaSCfJUoPjB0atLdN7fXOtOA/s320/IMG_4993.jpg" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5676790650022861874" border="0" /></a>Moving up<br /><br /></div>By now the sun was cooking us and the rock, so we hiked down the hill and up to the west-facing wall of Super Crack Buttress, home to the most elegant climbs. 'Double Cracks' was next on the tic list. It has a variety of holds and hand sizes, so it's a great place to learn the secrets. The feet are the most important; certainly learning to cam your hands into the crack is the more interesting, but the feet push you upwards. To make the feet work, you need to slide the toe in sideways with the knee out, then twist the knee in strait thus caming the foot into the crack in a tight wedge. It hurts. This is the downfall of most climbers who give up and don't end up liking to climb cracks.<br /><div style="text-align: center;"><div style="text-align: center;"><div style="text-align: left;"><br /></div> </div> </div> <div style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi2XCsXXveanjG2Ni0ICHmqT_KmjQp-TVX_HpA7AaMxTFZ5wYomFs37q5ByV_4y4ByZS8hnKkZFz6ZOtCT668pI3dpdMfQ_iCpDWUyKzLaAPOLpLohhu6UK3AgzR_4QW8JDW69cdIytQXA/s1600/IMG_5020.jpg"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 240px; height: 320px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi2XCsXXveanjG2Ni0ICHmqT_KmjQp-TVX_HpA7AaMxTFZ5wYomFs37q5ByV_4y4ByZS8hnKkZFz6ZOtCT668pI3dpdMfQ_iCpDWUyKzLaAPOLpLohhu6UK3AgzR_4QW8JDW69cdIytQXA/s320/IMG_5020.jpg" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5676790667059629762" border="0" /></a>On the "Double Cracks"<br /><br /></div>Double Cracks seemed made for her; she moved right up and completed the climb in short order. The named climbs have been done often, and two expansion bolts have been permanently set at the top of the climb. The leader puts the rope through the bolts, then the following climbers have a rope securing them from the top. When the climb is finished, the last person can pull one end of the rope through and coil it for the next climb.<br /><div style="text-align: center;"> <a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhRTGO3laolmS4r_A0DkmN9JdBXREvcQiCfWyrmfknSeUJLYK07MCKChJ7whk50qK9dPWTC5ooGTCZVsUg8UyOlq5i2dyISq5a8qE8vf10tSGX_RUeiwRcZEs5gKMwZANMu4F6Al8IjjvQ/s1600/IMG_5029.jpg"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 240px; height: 320px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhRTGO3laolmS4r_A0DkmN9JdBXREvcQiCfWyrmfknSeUJLYK07MCKChJ7whk50qK9dPWTC5ooGTCZVsUg8UyOlq5i2dyISq5a8qE8vf10tSGX_RUeiwRcZEs5gKMwZANMu4F6Al8IjjvQ/s320/IMG_5029.jpg" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5676813377213747074" border="0" /></a>Success!!<br /><div style="text-align: left;"><br />A belayer is the second person who holds the end of the rope secure to catch a fall of the person who is climbing. Marthe had been climbing quite a bit in her native France and was adept at face climbing and certainly rope handling methods like belaying the leader. Here she is belaying Jim as he set the rope up in the double cracks.<br /><br /></div> </div><div style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhuugDxICS244ItduRZHRFWxcRdh6VlIDFRF7jspZxzq9rlvzH3uO2BfXEh9X3VGcH2YDg_H8NdTwEQm7StPJRow2aUSl_1F2emhT017lvoVtRFxe1WKS7YYuzf4AGbJ2zB-BqzmmBEAS8/s1600/IMG_5031.jpg"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 240px; height: 320px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhuugDxICS244ItduRZHRFWxcRdh6VlIDFRF7jspZxzq9rlvzH3uO2BfXEh9X3VGcH2YDg_H8NdTwEQm7StPJRow2aUSl_1F2emhT017lvoVtRFxe1WKS7YYuzf4AGbJ2zB-BqzmmBEAS8/s320/IMG_5031.jpg" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5676813381653090370" border="0" /></a>Belaying Jim<br /><div style="text-align: left;"><br />Jim was eager to show Marthe "The Incredible Hand Crack", or just Incredible as it's known here. It's one of the great classics of Indian Creek, a crack in a dihedral wall that overhangs about 10 feet half-way up the 100' pitch of climbing. Here Jim is leading the overhanging portion. He puts his hands way into the crack, makes a fist to jam the hands into a cam that will hold his body weight, then inserts and twists his feet and pushes up.<br /></div><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgtec6LlVoHuxmWT6Zetb_i0ZpgZMv3H9LkSYiw9MUAoVkYEoFvIMVUn6bEQEhhvTDB_MKBAKQlcX4gTc_TQ8XBY8N7aLznv3z4iO2rKHzOvoz4BNymGJ_Jh29tv7J6nzBY5ZURk4K5Too/s1600/IMG_5033.jpg"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 240px; height: 320px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgtec6LlVoHuxmWT6Zetb_i0ZpgZMv3H9LkSYiw9MUAoVkYEoFvIMVUn6bEQEhhvTDB_MKBAKQlcX4gTc_TQ8XBY8N7aLznv3z4iO2rKHzOvoz4BNymGJ_Jh29tv7J6nzBY5ZURk4K5Too/s320/IMG_5033.jpg" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5676868550453137730" border="0" /></a>Jim leading "Incredible Hand Crack"<br /><div style="text-align: left;"><br />Marthe now had the technique and made short work of the first 30'. You can see her hands jammed into the crack, her left leg twisted a bit to the left, and the right toes cammed tight in the crack.<br /></div><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiRe7NG07f29IDT-KnujyeXEXRBq6m1DvUXnls6j2p-KA8HugO8cO8mkC3aLPzbRbUwjy4odGjFhwqIpH-CllBYqwMJObZvVLGvgLIrFdPgmYBmKUL-G8DXKs0MUf77qJS7svcfp1Klm70/s1600/IMG_5039.jpg"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 240px; height: 320px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiRe7NG07f29IDT-KnujyeXEXRBq6m1DvUXnls6j2p-KA8HugO8cO8mkC3aLPzbRbUwjy4odGjFhwqIpH-CllBYqwMJObZvVLGvgLIrFdPgmYBmKUL-G8DXKs0MUf77qJS7svcfp1Klm70/s320/IMG_5039.jpg" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5676868556617471778" border="0" /></a>Marthe on "Incredible"<br /><div style="text-align: left;"><br />The overhang is difficult, both mentally and physically. Marthe tried to lay back, push her feet against the sandstone and pull out on the edge of the crack with her hands. This is possible for a short ways, but at Indian Creek with the huge climbs, you tire within 10 feet and fall off. It wasn't until she trusted her feet in the crack that she was able to master the moves, with Jim shouting encouragement and technique tips.<br /></div><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgjYfi-NjeriOmzbbWvL5VdCsUSlqbnnm4rtb01yx8T2sdCPjBLy7lLUTEEpBZ3NpF-ZMTZTu45U8KhVYZED09mymKR0UvuJD-ZN5WE1Ml7B8fgapIOGuMvAWlkhfotXNIrpUcJLsxs9FU/s1600/IMG_5046.JPG"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 320px; height: 240px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgjYfi-NjeriOmzbbWvL5VdCsUSlqbnnm4rtb01yx8T2sdCPjBLy7lLUTEEpBZ3NpF-ZMTZTu45U8KhVYZED09mymKR0UvuJD-ZN5WE1Ml7B8fgapIOGuMvAWlkhfotXNIrpUcJLsxs9FU/s320/IMG_5046.JPG" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5676868562175821346" border="0" /></a>On the big overhang<br /><div style="text-align: left;"><br />We met a whole group of French climbers at the cliff. They live in a more concentrated society than we in the western US do, so there was a lot of grumbled criticism when they stole one of Jim's climbs. But the women were so beautiful it was hard to remain angry very long. By evening I had met two other climbers, Dougal from Wales, and Stephanie, an alpine guide from Chamonix, France. I invited them to dinner, excited that now Marthe would have a fellow country-woman to talk to. Stephanie is an outstanding climber; sometimes it's easier for women to teach other women climbing. I've picked up some of the terminology, like 'Push the bush' to make a woman pull her hips forward and get her correct balance. Women seem to be comfortable shouting that up to their friends. I'm more squeamish.<br /></div><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgJgiXEnutjeJP3nlqAN7NIua6CGhQqLwaUBLWHz1liwPjalSGSrrdvRdFs0BWmigkKU-_zBF_AWsWi66mTrJbL-icUzirVFwItQT7NEd5dmeQ1G9jrwcLAKTI5uevaY9N5xpZ1-q-WADs/s1600/IMG_5052.JPG"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 320px; height: 240px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgJgiXEnutjeJP3nlqAN7NIua6CGhQqLwaUBLWHz1liwPjalSGSrrdvRdFs0BWmigkKU-_zBF_AWsWi66mTrJbL-icUzirVFwItQT7NEd5dmeQ1G9jrwcLAKTI5uevaY9N5xpZ1-q-WADs/s320/IMG_5052.JPG" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5676868566491355282" border="0" /></a>Stephanie, Dougal, Marthe, George at 'Creek Pasture' campground<br /><div style="text-align: left;"><br />The next day our friend George from Ridgway, Colorado, joined us. So, Jim, George, Marthe, and I spent the next few days climbing a variety of climbs all over Indian Creek. Jim had befriended folks from the Philippines, so he divided his time as best he could. Marthe had been on an extended trip climbing throughout the United States, but in two days she had to be in Las Vegas to fly out. So, one more day. Bummer! She wanted to visit the Grand Canyon on the way, so she left by noon after one more session. We bid her a sad farewell and wished her luck on her trip.<br /><div style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhwykIf_zxQIIr9vjcG3skmnNq4xlF4xQO6F1TDRLp7Cq96rjmXAe1W130lH4eXOQ5ppJ2QeEYUS7Dyth_cDTsiEHc4zcJR4MMsYszbWeSM_cyJ8x9HOkp28w7nYbgeRG4VpU66A10JdRQ/s1600/IMG_5054.jpg"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 240px; height: 320px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhwykIf_zxQIIr9vjcG3skmnNq4xlF4xQO6F1TDRLp7Cq96rjmXAe1W130lH4eXOQ5ppJ2QeEYUS7Dyth_cDTsiEHc4zcJR4MMsYszbWeSM_cyJ8x9HOkp28w7nYbgeRG4VpU66A10JdRQ/s320/IMG_5054.jpg" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5676868572246297010" border="0" /></a>Dougal, Marthe around the campfire<br /><br /></div>Next morning we were off to the Scarface buttress, home to a variety of climbs...some very hard. I was impressed at Dougal and Stephanie attempting very difficult climbs and ticking them off one by one. I was at ease. The sun was warm, the company was the best, and the scenery was stunning. Couldn't ask for more.<br /><br /><div style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjJ7WTzIMQAHvFz2WjCmiRbdfxbwt3N7M9H-Nz-3bRTV8ktpBIQyVAmwK4fY4_DgGS291BovMtITtmmnPkW57-prOLuKt7Jq2fRxyjkISEtCbDWE9uM-eFXgUwj9Gpgj9hNpRgORReFrVs/s1600/IMG_5085.JPG"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 320px; height: 240px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjJ7WTzIMQAHvFz2WjCmiRbdfxbwt3N7M9H-Nz-3bRTV8ktpBIQyVAmwK4fY4_DgGS291BovMtITtmmnPkW57-prOLuKt7Jq2fRxyjkISEtCbDWE9uM-eFXgUwj9Gpgj9hNpRgORReFrVs/s320/IMG_5085.JPG" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5677729849885526898" border="0" /></a>The gang at the base of the Scarface cliff<br /></div><br /></div></div><div style="text-align: center;"><div style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgvi5KEDl9C5VIA8s5XoNBPTyxEgP_Ttm0gLPZJf8TQu-5xEjidx5rFZTgJ5CSI9x6y2CXkJkdFXelTjWnLMbJB7EZnQ5002vT6dRTaSGrORI4Yuk2k5Bku8IHB0eFCL030B7EPNg9ZDAc/s1600/IMG_5088.jpg"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 240px; height: 320px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgvi5KEDl9C5VIA8s5XoNBPTyxEgP_Ttm0gLPZJf8TQu-5xEjidx5rFZTgJ5CSI9x6y2CXkJkdFXelTjWnLMbJB7EZnQ5002vT6dRTaSGrORI4Yuk2k5Bku8IHB0eFCL030B7EPNg9ZDAc/s320/IMG_5088.jpg" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5676869778412432930" border="0" /></a>George puts tape on his hands; Stephanie, Dougal<br /><br /><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjK8Mrtuxy6Ibi6hb-KMkpmH-3jzmMq7NAFuLH1GmAznPuw0Vb2zxvTSgqjMIYJtqupxw1JYoDsLGDIHknYwwn-hMYvAJ3a4cFREDe2J6NsbihirYsKjyb9r7XWOeNPz8O-fz_APiQ6wKE/s1600/IMG_5084.jpg"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 240px; height: 320px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjK8Mrtuxy6Ibi6hb-KMkpmH-3jzmMq7NAFuLH1GmAznPuw0Vb2zxvTSgqjMIYJtqupxw1JYoDsLGDIHknYwwn-hMYvAJ3a4cFREDe2J6NsbihirYsKjyb9r7XWOeNPz8O-fz_APiQ6wKE/s320/IMG_5084.jpg" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5677729838136018962" border="0" /></a>George hanging by his feet about 100' up "Big Guy"<br /><br /><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhrQI7fU7ywsNOXlXQaaC8QbMqs04uq-d_Sw82V5XIfRYrDWTWDD9JJ8DOhsY7NUBYrmyIjnxyHYkNytRkxkfwJevAaa72qh0qyfICoNZssfyo9UEC8fyJawq67besmfIzmnFoeogerYl0/s1600/IMG_5082.jpg"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 240px; height: 320px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhrQI7fU7ywsNOXlXQaaC8QbMqs04uq-d_Sw82V5XIfRYrDWTWDD9JJ8DOhsY7NUBYrmyIjnxyHYkNytRkxkfwJevAaa72qh0qyfICoNZssfyo9UEC8fyJawq67besmfIzmnFoeogerYl0/s320/IMG_5082.jpg" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5677729832943817234" border="0" /></a>Looking up at George<br /><div style="text-align: left;"><br /></div><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhwykIf_zxQIIr9vjcG3skmnNq4xlF4xQO6F1TDRLp7Cq96rjmXAe1W130lH4eXOQ5ppJ2QeEYUS7Dyth_cDTsiEHc4zcJR4MMsYszbWeSM_cyJ8x9HOkp28w7nYbgeRG4VpU66A10JdRQ/s1600/IMG_5054.jpg"><br /></a><br /><br /></div> </div>Ralphhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/16555104492679454425noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2312660955738638590.post-60965657630190974052011-11-17T23:30:00.000-08:002011-11-19T01:27:54.077-08:00ON THE ROAD AGAINOuray, Colorado, snug in the middle of the San Juan mountains of southwestern Colorado, has become my winter home for the past six years. I migrate down from Anchorage, Alaska, each fall to my friends' home where I store all my winter climbing gear. Ouray, where I climb the frozen waterfalls in the ice park, take a backcountry ski tour in the high mountains about Red Mountain Pass, or scoot over to Telluride for a day's downhill skiing. I had driven from Salt Lake City on Sunday, arrived late, and checked into the "Chalet" above Jim and Angela's garage.<br /><div style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhVuix1uMd7JsUY7MjT3qKX5fSkwQWLRRXpJ4unwVUJcrL8yFN_yaGCAlkdJVApVkBzuYr_qiCs4-gc8YSzJ8BU5NOFcp50keR2zzYjocsJ5oo4uQhNcnheIQS5DtXQPJNpXUarYYKY89M/s1600/IMG_4948.JPG"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 320px; height: 240px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhVuix1uMd7JsUY7MjT3qKX5fSkwQWLRRXpJ4unwVUJcrL8yFN_yaGCAlkdJVApVkBzuYr_qiCs4-gc8YSzJ8BU5NOFcp50keR2zzYjocsJ5oo4uQhNcnheIQS5DtXQPJNpXUarYYKY89M/s320/IMG_4948.JPG" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5676238558552129010" border="0" /></a>The view of Corbett Peak out my front window<br /><div style="text-align: left;"><br /><div style="text-align: left;">It took a full day to haul out all my camping and climbing gear from the basement, take inventory, and repack it into my newly acquired pickup. Angela and I caught up over dinner, talked about her pending retirement, and exchanged the latest information about our mutual friends. It is always relaxing to hang out in Ouray. Jim arrived the next day from climbing in Yosemite, so I stuck around, and Angela and I had dinner at Dr. Debbie's with some fine old friends. Finally it was time for me to head to Indian Creek. I took the long route over Red Mountain Pass, through Durango, so I could see the fall colors and visit friends.<br /></div></div></div><div style="text-align: center;"><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhRrrPowVr-HnAsYOrtEzEg6Zxnt2q1-6YB-l_iTTKcvuPO-XpY-OTePup4Pksp2-Ag6LkoTWcWa3jXYyHNnzpX4s5Rwyqb6ww-y2kzp-hTnOKq2lBkF_bpaeYTqxml8sEofWjjb_DNzUA/s1600/IMG_4950.JPG"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 320px; height: 240px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhRrrPowVr-HnAsYOrtEzEg6Zxnt2q1-6YB-l_iTTKcvuPO-XpY-OTePup4Pksp2-Ag6LkoTWcWa3jXYyHNnzpX4s5Rwyqb6ww-y2kzp-hTnOKq2lBkF_bpaeYTqxml8sEofWjjb_DNzUA/s320/IMG_4950.JPG" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5676238574390457410" border="0" /></a>An avalanche bridge over the Million Dollar Highway up Red Mountain<br /><div style="text-align: left;"><br />The fall colors were at their peak, so my camera sat on the seat of the truck next to me. The speed limit is only 25 mph for much of the winding two-lane road with its huge drop-off on the river side. I stopped several times to get photos, and I even shot some out the car window.<br /></div></div><div style="text-align: center;"><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjgKPRwhiI-8yS7LIbqOR0zVwFD1ruu-W9WnIhyphenhyphenyuLLQRxM3cAckKUSv7Zr5Nyj90HGKgZgrA9WWJmwhWXZCiBPOoYNQFTn6axFxWCHb2JNPl1JkLWZDaPJVqrnRU7cJRGi7s2RLocXBo0/s1600/IMG_4949.JPG"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 320px; height: 240px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjgKPRwhiI-8yS7LIbqOR0zVwFD1ruu-W9WnIhyphenhyphenyuLLQRxM3cAckKUSv7Zr5Nyj90HGKgZgrA9WWJmwhWXZCiBPOoYNQFTn6axFxWCHb2JNPl1JkLWZDaPJVqrnRU7cJRGi7s2RLocXBo0/s320/IMG_4949.JPG" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5676238565222203426" border="0" /></a>Prime fall colors: yellow aspens, pines, cottonwoods<br /><div style="text-align: left;"><br />I looked up at the high peaks and cliffs. Several of the peaks in the area are over 14,000' high. Red Mountain Pass itself is 11,099' high. Up, up, up!<br /></div></div><div style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhvqdUH-Iq-8S3BtUYNbGNfI_WLRp-eaxhXllDroTeIDQDJhyphenhyphen_kPShdyczCHTs5CmlgiP0x6l_ji_Xdr1fLHM7LSqOAU5PdEgVJ0MtsLO91SUue2B5xuLgrJf3u3ZJ3e6WVdmttIswciEg/s1600/IMG_4953.JPG"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 320px; height: 240px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhvqdUH-Iq-8S3BtUYNbGNfI_WLRp-eaxhXllDroTeIDQDJhyphenhyphen_kPShdyczCHTs5CmlgiP0x6l_ji_Xdr1fLHM7LSqOAU5PdEgVJ0MtsLO91SUue2B5xuLgrJf3u3ZJ3e6WVdmttIswciEg/s320/IMG_4953.JPG" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5676238576038567682" border="0" /></a>limestone cliffs<br /><div style="text-align: left;"><br />I had left Ouray in brilliant sunshine, but as I ascended the mountains, the weather changed. Snow started to blow, the temperature dropped, and I began to swivel my head looking at the white caps on the highest peaks.<br /></div></div><div style="text-align: center;"><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiJ7HsMb42EAFkacCNfp2grppzHgQ0nem4KwQa29cnd8fs1BWQdb80RVtDCPxJ6qpR1DWi5DEVC6ejAZzDvlrjvRCbdeBBTB3WM3OF5oVYJJ5vm0TfWehBQIwJ6TxGv2oESW2qKPtAovQQ/s1600/IMG_4955.JPG"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 320px; height: 240px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiJ7HsMb42EAFkacCNfp2grppzHgQ0nem4KwQa29cnd8fs1BWQdb80RVtDCPxJ6qpR1DWi5DEVC6ejAZzDvlrjvRCbdeBBTB3WM3OF5oVYJJ5vm0TfWehBQIwJ6TxGv2oESW2qKPtAovQQ/s320/IMG_4955.JPG" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5676238586479493618" border="0" /></a>First snow<br /></div><br />By the time I got the the top of the pass, I was driving in an inch of slush and blowing snow. A huge semi-trailer crept up the hill ahead of me. No chance for speeding now. The driver was generous and pulled over at the summit to let me pass. It was such a terrific day I didn't need to go any faster. The trip down the other side of the pass to Silverton is fast, but winding and dangerous, particularly in the winter when it's snow covered.<br /><div style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjXo6_oWX-JGUpUWd4z_c1bqvvEahpryIA38A7Ko7DyfiglVRpLOC8pPMf0ud9W1MQTle21CGLaXH7lMhA-ATm-NFqnD_ZYhLDOJd7mHRm7Tn6oOxU5gd1Pb1hoZUTJ7gv_1iilDqb7wFQ/s1600/IMG_4959.JPG"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 320px; height: 240px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjXo6_oWX-JGUpUWd4z_c1bqvvEahpryIA38A7Ko7DyfiglVRpLOC8pPMf0ud9W1MQTle21CGLaXH7lMhA-ATm-NFqnD_ZYhLDOJd7mHRm7Tn6oOxU5gd1Pb1hoZUTJ7gv_1iilDqb7wFQ/s320/IMG_4959.JPG" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5676631521684975026" border="0" /></a>The snow deepens<br /><div style="text-align: left;"><br />It's not a long drive to get to Durango, but it's a steep and windy one. Down the hill to Silverton, then up a long incline to Molas Pass, 10,910' where snowplows were already at work the first of October. I passed carefully. Still one more pass to go, Coal Bank Pass at 10,640', then down the long, long, long incline to Durango. I stocked up on groceries at the supermarket, filled the cooler with ice and decided to have lunch at the Serious Texas BBQ, where my daughter, Daphne had taken me a year ago. I opted for the pulled pork sandwich.<br /></div></div><div style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg8MEB7yFw21M7ngCkH_Bhf5jLebV_528UNE2_b8YPFzFBvGKdHdQ13JTq4LeX7K0vjsMhP8gq9FhWNrbBdFZeLko2lnI4GkwN-oIMBFQ4qTSV5dLJHCLuH6R67zsLnAQqDA4rVS7pKDIM/s1600/IMG_0836.jpg"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 240px; height: 320px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg8MEB7yFw21M7ngCkH_Bhf5jLebV_528UNE2_b8YPFzFBvGKdHdQ13JTq4LeX7K0vjsMhP8gq9FhWNrbBdFZeLko2lnI4GkwN-oIMBFQ4qTSV5dLJHCLuH6R67zsLnAQqDA4rVS7pKDIM/s320/IMG_0836.jpg" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5676631525503415026" border="0" /></a>The stark decor of the Serious Texas BBQ, Durango<br /><div style="text-align: left;"><br />My goal was Indian Creek, my twice-yearly home in the desert south of Moab, Utah, home to rock climbing, hiking, and camping. over the next three weeks I spent most of my days climbing the splitter cracks in the Wingate sandstone cliffs, hiking the trails in Canyonlands National Park, and cooking great food. The next four episodes of the road trip take place her.<br /><br /></div></div><div style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjhEmAseBa1PRPR0Vk4m84UU2ow-Y26dIFAxcugymrk2lzcHRO7_pX2cO6FaZqG95L-jiuBEzu4guMteW7GXdtIRQeySZCTvEkzJhyCmA2K5E7i5hxTEzpxlxei8DM_6ZeUTQOtgqPdWO0/s1600/IMG_4965.JPG"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 320px; height: 240px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjhEmAseBa1PRPR0Vk4m84UU2ow-Y26dIFAxcugymrk2lzcHRO7_pX2cO6FaZqG95L-jiuBEzu4guMteW7GXdtIRQeySZCTvEkzJhyCmA2K5E7i5hxTEzpxlxei8DM_6ZeUTQOtgqPdWO0/s320/IMG_4965.JPG" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5676631528506068002" border="0" /></a>Indian Creek: the greatest crack climbing in the world<br /><div style="text-align: left;"><br /></div><div style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhLs7JE4PWJw0EkLZMfF6FxggaYG_Wf6IKcu3QE-S-W6zVSRwgDOxpyixkVArBhyWng7UDC1BLmzNVd2nTv9WdsEgvOd05588PQlaHiTMXWs2RGnAYqmf2qa8RinuOAc-pfCjqHDiM98pw/s1600/IMG_4964.JPG"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 320px; height: 240px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhLs7JE4PWJw0EkLZMfF6FxggaYG_Wf6IKcu3QE-S-W6zVSRwgDOxpyixkVArBhyWng7UDC1BLmzNVd2nTv9WdsEgvOd05588PQlaHiTMXWs2RGnAYqmf2qa8RinuOAc-pfCjqHDiM98pw/s320/IMG_4964.JPG" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5676631537052588290" border="0" /></a>North Six shooter as seen from my campsite<br /></div></div>Ralphhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/16555104492679454425noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2312660955738638590.post-26197990374912281632011-11-15T23:28:00.000-08:002011-11-16T23:30:57.066-08:00MOTORCYCLES & RESTAURANTS<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg8_15XrwrX0nwDRl3GV1wcSZ1lQ7d8N9MKrdM7MAst3NRmBMgUBTWTh_s24hgFN6KoI8l_GhzYRccdXrC8YUuZOYZpdaF98bS_-30-hdf1Bw54BX92po2lKJ4IGDwL6xQgkN0L3bkMzeA/s1600/IMG_0815.JPG"><br /></a>The candy-apple red bike caught my eye. Thor, Sarah, and I were walking up the street through Truckee, California, to meet Garry and Linda at "Burger Me", our favorite watering hole. Although there are millions of motorcycles, and some very cool ones, I couldn't help taking a photo. There must have been some great gathering, because everywhere I looked, groups of bikers were tooling through town. I think they must have been lawyers and doctors dressed in headbands and leather, because the bikes were just too elegant. I couldn't afford one, I know, so we wandered up the street and ordered a beer and a burger. <div style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjADZVl3rJkSgBhIf9eizUnpkztOTSC8pBl6kMvfmLna1Y9K3LQ0ZPXY_DEwxOCayXhl4XT59CfBXh3V5e155bigIgNESIN4aQb66siMbWtFnVcLCHrnrubuAuL-zVOxj9-2PSm7phV5ug/s1600/IMG_4884.JPG"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 320px; height: 240px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjADZVl3rJkSgBhIf9eizUnpkztOTSC8pBl6kMvfmLna1Y9K3LQ0ZPXY_DEwxOCayXhl4XT59CfBXh3V5e155bigIgNESIN4aQb66siMbWtFnVcLCHrnrubuAuL-zVOxj9-2PSm7phV5ug/s320/IMG_4884.JPG" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5675493313390985474" border="0" /></a>A beauty seen on the street<br /> <div style="text-align: left;"><br /> </div> <div style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiSmQ8whDVMZHTC1IOFwuKoKrlG67IbVes1HOwnkpJyCoVtlv-49h_wYx1NieW-_1boIJ8qkUvhK6TqGAxnKfQircTA6NNPjiGs7ZsLG-qC8WNoZOTHT-iVNqjgJ6Ou3vJXq8I7Zka8DtE/s1600/IMG_4879.JPG"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 320px; height: 240px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiSmQ8whDVMZHTC1IOFwuKoKrlG67IbVes1HOwnkpJyCoVtlv-49h_wYx1NieW-_1boIJ8qkUvhK6TqGAxnKfQircTA6NNPjiGs7ZsLG-qC8WNoZOTHT-iVNqjgJ6Ou3vJXq8I7Zka8DtE/s320/IMG_4879.JPG" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5675669203562168706" border="0" /></a>Garry and Linda at "Burger Me"<br /> <br /> </div> </div> Just a few blocks from my brother Tony's home in Salt Lake City, is The Blue Plate Diner, a regular breakfast stop on my migration route. This little Honda 125, totally restored was sitting in front. A group of guys were hanging out in front and as I admired the bike, they told me its story. They had found the bike and totally restored it as a present to the owner's daughter when she graduated from school. I told them my brother had a Honda 50 in about 1970...a similar vintage. Now this was a bike I could love! I drooled over it for a minute and stepped inside for the Blue Plate Special and a cup of coffee, wondering where I might find an old beater to restore.<br /><div style="text-align: center;"> <div style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi0DuMpJpMUmW9Hl8tb27ezLoETfTKZbF8ya2rBDwF0NTT3gwHBYKo7y4nQvXd31h7tt6IuDPQQAWwRodn19s76-43wfRKsBdVwiY-4WQzcV5x7pc9r9fUSBdiAWpts4YfawAcRbyFZ2gU/s1600/IMG_0810.JPG"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 320px; height: 240px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi0DuMpJpMUmW9Hl8tb27ezLoETfTKZbF8ya2rBDwF0NTT3gwHBYKo7y4nQvXd31h7tt6IuDPQQAWwRodn19s76-43wfRKsBdVwiY-4WQzcV5x7pc9r9fUSBdiAWpts4YfawAcRbyFZ2gU/s320/IMG_0810.JPG" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5675493326139065170" border="0" /></a>The little restored Honda<br /> <div style="text-align: left;"><br /> </div> </div> <a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj3qVSuo168kl55d8oNJ6uzs4GJPRPQ9XaFUfs6uylXK6t2WB0YwpvfVrfhDxO3917NUnMUzxHtEjfqa_Gn6o75BERF83srtAGTs0ixgVkNRo329IhtIieDg47yf1GnOqYy9miN_f5lUys/s1600/IMG_0872.JPG"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 320px; height: 240px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj3qVSuo168kl55d8oNJ6uzs4GJPRPQ9XaFUfs6uylXK6t2WB0YwpvfVrfhDxO3917NUnMUzxHtEjfqa_Gn6o75BERF83srtAGTs0ixgVkNRo329IhtIieDg47yf1GnOqYy9miN_f5lUys/s320/IMG_0872.JPG" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5675669184639341618" border="0" /></a>The Blue Plate<br /> <br /></div> <div style="text-align: center;"> <div style="text-align: center;">My friend Heather Sanchez owns "Eggs in the City", a favorite breakfast stop in Salt Lake City. It's close to my old friend Ted Wilson's place. Ted was may of Salt Lake for 3 terms, and I often meet him her for breakfast when I'm in town. This particular morning, I sneaked over to grab an early morning breakfast and spied this little gem. Not exactly a motorcycle, but I'd love to take it for a spin. I tried to figure out the owner inside, since the polka dot helmet was maybe the coolest ever. It would certainly turn my head if I saw it driving down the street. More in my price range, too!<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg8_15XrwrX0nwDRl3GV1wcSZ1lQ7d8N9MKrdM7MAst3NRmBMgUBTWTh_s24hgFN6KoI8l_GhzYRccdXrC8YUuZOYZpdaF98bS_-30-hdf1Bw54BX92po2lKJ4IGDwL6xQgkN0L3bkMzeA/s1600/IMG_0815.JPG"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 320px; height: 240px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg8_15XrwrX0nwDRl3GV1wcSZ1lQ7d8N9MKrdM7MAst3NRmBMgUBTWTh_s24hgFN6KoI8l_GhzYRccdXrC8YUuZOYZpdaF98bS_-30-hdf1Bw54BX92po2lKJ4IGDwL6xQgkN0L3bkMzeA/s320/IMG_0815.JPG" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5675493317648551986" border="0" /></a>Check out the polka-dot helmet on this classy scooter<br /> </div> <div style="text-align: left;"><br /> </div> </div> <div style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhLvCv0hOKxBFZFuuGhHw6KPo-X2Bqlk1YHSQIrWbdr7VTn4GXWKYd96LLt2C1bTZGQBv87JVM_714WWWemohjB24d745ZSX6qvBLHd-D5k-gxYsDwKsHxkQFftVtJAi4_Un76P6dm5g-0/s1600/IMG_0814.JPG"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 320px; height: 240px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhLvCv0hOKxBFZFuuGhHw6KPo-X2Bqlk1YHSQIrWbdr7VTn4GXWKYd96LLt2C1bTZGQBv87JVM_714WWWemohjB24d745ZSX6qvBLHd-D5k-gxYsDwKsHxkQFftVtJAi4_Un76P6dm5g-0/s320/IMG_0814.JPG" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5675669190594352658" border="0" /></a>Eggs in the City<br /> <div style="text-align: left;"><br /> </div> </div>Ralphhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/16555104492679454425noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2312660955738638590.post-58395837206870420002011-11-14T23:19:00.000-08:002011-11-15T22:55:03.996-08:00I BUY AN OLD TRUCK<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhS7QVibjuympimaGalkPPFWqLAbNOeXYU_zABQX-U4WBjzQ4ar-2xoI6DnxUZ3FTiuuKsZVKY3nfWqpmkHI1Q2FU3IS563FNxtpIYkqQjOUEced-AacMY1mByHFnCyhWvLdIZKK10xsS0/s1600/IMG_0835.jpg"><br /></a>"A good pickup is a thing of beauty and a joy forever." John Keats<br /><br />At one time I drove a pink Cadillac, but it disappeared to the Kidney Foundation. Renting a car for every road trip has cost me a ton of cash. So! On my recent road trip through the West, I decided to buy a car in Salt Lake City, and spent two days on KSL.com at my brother Tony's house looking for the perfect vehicle. First, I checked out Subarus; I drive one in Alaska, they have all-wheel drive, hold up well, and seem to be one of the two cars of choice for outdoor types like myself. The other choice is a Toyota Tacoma, however, I'm not really a small-car type guy. My last truck was a diesel, so I checked out all the diesel trucks and found a beauty, a long-bed, extended cab 1992 Chevy with a new engine. It drove like a firetruck; I wanted someone to steer the rear wheels around a corner. Harumpf!<br /><br />I've owned several Ford F150, 6 cylinder, single cab, long-bed pickup trucks, ranging from 1967 to the mid-1980's. I know that engine intimately. After two and a half days searching I found almost the perfect vehicle, except it was a short-bed. I decided that it had other redeeming features, like a short wheel base for driving over desert roads, and a 5-speed on the floor transmission. Perfect!<br /><br />It was in Pleasant Grove, Utah, a 45-minute drive south. So, my lovely sister-in-law, Shelly, hopped in her Jeep and drove me south to check it out. There it sat amid a pile of broken glass, trash, and weeds behind a store in the middle of town. It had been sitting for five years, so the tires were hardened and flattened on one side. However, it was otherwise in pristine condition. The guy selling it had put in a new battery, so it started instantly. I checked it out, examined the engine, took it for a test drive and listened to all the sounds it made as I drove it, and knew I had a winner. I do all my own mechanical work; this baby was in very sound condition.<br /><div style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiw7AMrf-3dYjNeaFkZwwMW9RNkGQsnj4GmcsHFzg_7_87xI9rw4leJluIVP8B2SM_yGh7xXqVZaf23rDi3swgOwuQ3-0zIh5NQClzzVfMzfsPLj4NCEL60iyYZDH7BMB0E4PS7UukpIfQ/s1600/IMG_0833.JPG"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 320px; height: 240px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiw7AMrf-3dYjNeaFkZwwMW9RNkGQsnj4GmcsHFzg_7_87xI9rw4leJluIVP8B2SM_yGh7xXqVZaf23rDi3swgOwuQ3-0zIh5NQClzzVfMzfsPLj4NCEL60iyYZDH7BMB0E4PS7UukpIfQ/s320/IMG_0833.JPG" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5675120313484583266" border="0" /></a>The New truck stares at me from Tony's garage<br /></div><br />The price was super cheap! After emptying the ATM at the local bank, I handed the guy a stack of $20 bills (about 75 of them) and drove down the road behind Shelly. Once on the freeway, the set in the tires rattled the truck all the way home. Only one fix: new tires. There was still time that evening to buy them, so for a few more bucks, I had a brand new ride. Awesome.<br /><div style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhS7QVibjuympimaGalkPPFWqLAbNOeXYU_zABQX-U4WBjzQ4ar-2xoI6DnxUZ3FTiuuKsZVKY3nfWqpmkHI1Q2FU3IS563FNxtpIYkqQjOUEced-AacMY1mByHFnCyhWvLdIZKK10xsS0/s1600/IMG_0835.jpg"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 320px; height: 240px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhS7QVibjuympimaGalkPPFWqLAbNOeXYU_zABQX-U4WBjzQ4ar-2xoI6DnxUZ3FTiuuKsZVKY3nfWqpmkHI1Q2FU3IS563FNxtpIYkqQjOUEced-AacMY1mByHFnCyhWvLdIZKK10xsS0/s320/IMG_0835.jpg" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5675120319599500626" border="0" /></a>My new baby!<br /><br /><div style="text-align: left;">This would be my new 'home away from home', so I needed a cap to contain all my gear: my 1975 Stella French racing bicycle, a gigantic tub of climbing gear and ropes, a box of tents, sleeping bags and clothes, my stove, a box of cooking gear, and a grub box. These were stored between Tony's garage, and my friends, the Donini's basement in Ouray, Colorado, my next destination. Back to KSL.com. I found the perfect cap; unfortunately it was also in Pleasant Grove. Bummer! Back on the road with Tony. On the way we stopped at an auto parts store to score four C-clamps to hold the camper on. It was night when we arrived at the home; the fellow called his son, "I just sold the camper top. Where's the key?" The son arrived, we lifted the cap onto my new truck, exchanged a hundred bucks, and I was off.<br /></div></div><div style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiY8wxwI0gu7y1H8i5VDsBOSNDqo25hDzYj3h9fSJWbh4oZHoD-Gd3mavZsqLbOxPr11VEyo4bo0hLc9Qeg9GOkb2Fho7L3QPZdnCcfru3IHjsqFzer9Ud3a3LDsInJ1aq9Uf2VLFnaNQk/s1600/IMG_0832.JPG"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 320px; height: 240px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiY8wxwI0gu7y1H8i5VDsBOSNDqo25hDzYj3h9fSJWbh4oZHoD-Gd3mavZsqLbOxPr11VEyo4bo0hLc9Qeg9GOkb2Fho7L3QPZdnCcfru3IHjsqFzer9Ud3a3LDsInJ1aq9Uf2VLFnaNQk/s320/IMG_0832.JPG" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5675120321023729202" border="0" /></a>The cap on the bed of the truck.<br /></div><br />Insurance next; a phone call to my agent, then to an agent in Salt Lake, decided to register it in Utah; I know Alaska plates are cooler, but Utah is great, too! I dreaded the visit to the DMV, but it was smooth as could be. The clerk ushered me through the whole registration process which turned out to be cheaper than at home. Then she wanted to know about traveling to Alaska for a fishing trip. Now we were bonded.<br /><br />A trip to Home Depot found the basic tools, and for $19.88 I bought a 4" foam pad for the back so I could sleep in the truck while I went climbing in the south-west desert. A 5-gallon bright orange Home Depot water jug, and a big tarp completed the gear. My brother lent me his huge 5-day cooler, and I was pretty set.<br /><br />It had taken a week to get the whole rig together, but now I was a happy camper. Sunday Morning was special for Tony and Shelly: the LDS church conference was in session, so they invited Shelly's father and wife to brunch. The two spent the morning making crepes with two kinds of filling: fruit with cream, whipping cream and yummies, or sausage and onions. I had two of each. Now that I was fueled, it was finally time to hit the road.<br /><br />The previous week I'd flown from Anchorage to Portland to meet my son, Thor, and daughter-in-law, Sarah, ridden south to Lake Tahoe with them (on a wild mountain biking and camping trip), and then hitched a ride with Tony to Salt Lake City. I'd been on the road only a week and had covered about 1,500 miles already. The second half of my road trip was about to begin. My friends Jim and Angela were expecting me in Ouray, Colorado, a 6-hour drive from Salt Lake.<br /><br />Memories began to fill me as I flew south on I-15; I felt so free, so full of life. One of my favorite books is Jack Kerouac's "On the Road", a volume that has spoken to me many times since I first read it at was age 14. As soon as I got my drivers license I began driving north to the Tetons to go climbing. Then far south into the desert to Shiprock, New Mexico, with my friends Milt and Dave to climb the famous volcanic plug "Shiprock". My parents likely didn't have a clue about my road adventures. During the '60's I drove across the country at least twice a year to attend graduate school in Baltimore, rarely stopping for rest on the 44-hour lightning push before the advent of the 55 mph speed limits set by the Nixon administration. In those days, neither Nevada nor Montana had speed limits, and my 1959 Chevy Bel Air ate up the road on 25 cent/gallon gas. I turned up the radio, searching for good rock and roll music. Today life was good, and I was going climbing.<br /><br />The old Ford cruised past American Fork, Orem, Provo, then up the Spanish Fork on US 6, over Soldier summit and down the long glide to Price where the great coal mine disaster took place a few years ago. I turned off and grabbed lunch for the road. Another hour and we were past 9-Mile Canyon full of petroglyphs and the <span class="st">Cleveland-<wbr>Lloyd<span style="font-style: italic;"> </span>Dinosaur<em></em> Quarry and turned east on I-70 towards Green River. I wondered if the truck would make it to 75 mph; no problem! I searched for a station playing rock and roll, but it's tough in this part of the country to find anything but country-western. <br /><br />I had my sights set on Ouray, but the hour was getting late, and I'd gotten a much later start than I'd planned. By the time I reached Grand Junction, it was dark. Angela had wondered if we would be having dinner together, so I called and said I'd likely not arrive till 9:30, so I stopped in Delta, Colorado, and choked down a McDonalds, but not the whole thing--what wretched fare. It was pouring rain. The wipers afforded me a changing screen of the black road littered with deer at this time of night. Flashing signs told me to slow from 65 to 55 from Oct 1 to May 1 for deer on the road. I know; they are everywhere from Montrose to Ouray. I turned up County Road 14 and into the driveway. The Donini's were in bed, so I slipped into the guest house and lit the fire. The old truck had done a days work and we were both ready for a rest.<br /></span>Ralphhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/16555104492679454425noreply@blogger.com4