I suppose a little plaque would blend nicely into the Brown Palace. But who would even know to look for it? A very small group of cognoscenti, I guess.
As for the tree, the Museum could do something with it. And given the odd internal contradictions of Wyoming, it might be great. But I'd prefer they leave that tree where it is.
As for really honoring wilderness, I think we mostly do that by going. But as I age, I fear its going to have to be ok to drive to the trailhead and wave. Beyond the geography of it, though, I think the ongoing conversation is also, in part, a tribute.
This prompted me to think of the Mather plaques. Something in every wilderness? But instead of easy to find (usually), in a remote spot like Ferry Lake or Hawk’s Rest?
I suppose that would trigger a bucket list game in some people, but I could live with that.
The Mather plaques! (Great history here: https://www.nationalparkstraveler.org/2019/03/stephen-mather-memorial-plaques). It strikes me that there are 3 ways we can tell stories about wilderness: through place (as I discussed in this essay), people (Mather... Zahniser or Marshall?), or science (which may be the most admirable but least accessible).
Fine piece, John. Thanks for reminding us how we get seduced by the idea of something, not necessarily the reality.
I suppose a little plaque would blend nicely into the Brown Palace. But who would even know to look for it? A very small group of cognoscenti, I guess.
As for the tree, the Museum could do something with it. And given the odd internal contradictions of Wyoming, it might be great. But I'd prefer they leave that tree where it is.
As for really honoring wilderness, I think we mostly do that by going. But as I age, I fear its going to have to be ok to drive to the trailhead and wave. Beyond the geography of it, though, I think the ongoing conversation is also, in part, a tribute.
and maybe even ongoing conversations about where the tributes should be...
This prompted me to think of the Mather plaques. Something in every wilderness? But instead of easy to find (usually), in a remote spot like Ferry Lake or Hawk’s Rest?
I suppose that would trigger a bucket list game in some people, but I could live with that.
What would the plaque say?
The Mather plaques! (Great history here: https://www.nationalparkstraveler.org/2019/03/stephen-mather-memorial-plaques). It strikes me that there are 3 ways we can tell stories about wilderness: through place (as I discussed in this essay), people (Mather... Zahniser or Marshall?), or science (which may be the most admirable but least accessible).
Thanks for the link!