2022-01-22, 07:35 PM
Not to be super flippant ... but sometimes I wonder how nice the area must have been before all the white people showed up and started claiming ownership. And then started fretting over the fact that people literally did the exact same thing they did – explored a canyon, hiked a peak, etc. – but happened to do it a few days, weeks, or years later.
Sure, maybe some of us figured out routes or whatnot without the aid of online guides, Instagram, All Trails, etc., "back in the day" ... but this area was explored & traversed for hundreds of years (if not more) without the aid of The Fancy Inn Next to the Palm Trees, Farabee’s, REI memberships, satellite phones, Search & Rescue, ultralight gear, etc. etc. etc. etcccc.
Hrmm, okay, that might have been a little flippant despite my best efforts.
At the end of the day I just don't know / feel that I'm any better than anyone else, or that it is my place to gatekeep others from finding their own enjoyment in the area. It's a dead end conversation and lousy feeling to have. Perhaps it would be more fruitful to apply one's energy to advocacy and education instead. I've certainly become a better "partner" in my relationship with Death Valley based upon time spent in the Park and guidance from those that knew more than me, and helped me improve my behavior, as I used to break a rule or two without even thinking about it.
Sure, maybe some of us figured out routes or whatnot without the aid of online guides, Instagram, All Trails, etc., "back in the day" ... but this area was explored & traversed for hundreds of years (if not more) without the aid of The Fancy Inn Next to the Palm Trees, Farabee’s, REI memberships, satellite phones, Search & Rescue, ultralight gear, etc. etc. etc. etcccc.
Hrmm, okay, that might have been a little flippant despite my best efforts.
At the end of the day I just don't know / feel that I'm any better than anyone else, or that it is my place to gatekeep others from finding their own enjoyment in the area. It's a dead end conversation and lousy feeling to have. Perhaps it would be more fruitful to apply one's energy to advocacy and education instead. I've certainly become a better "partner" in my relationship with Death Valley based upon time spent in the Park and guidance from those that knew more than me, and helped me improve my behavior, as I used to break a rule or two without even thinking about it.