Uncertain Path by William C. Tweed

Author:William C. Tweed
Language: eng
Format: epub
Publisher: University of California Press
Published: 2010-06-15T00:00:00+00:00

By 10:00 the next morning we’re on top of Kearsarge Pass. At 11,800 feet, this is the easiest crossing of the Sierra crest within a week’s walk north or south. As we descend from the pass eastward into the Inyo National Forest, we realize that it is the first Saturday in September, the opening day of the Labor Day weekend. Over the next several miles, we meet a steady stream of uphill trail traffic. A few people look like serious wilderness travelers headed in for week-long trips, but most seem to be out for shorter walks and look less well prepared. We are no longer in the world of buff long-distance hikers. This crowd is younger and more diverse than the typical Muir Trail through-hikers. We meet fat hikers, hikers with children, hikers with skin that is not white. The message cannot be ignored. For all our worrying, Americans still come to the wilderness seeking something of value.

Far below, a parking lot full of shining metal comes into view. Distant at first, it gets closer with each switchback. I scan for a familiar car, but see nothing I recognize. About 2 P.M. I roll down the last few hundred yards of trail and approach the asphalt. As I do, my wife drives up, having just traveled six hours around the south end of the range from our western Sierra home. She sees us, waves, and finds a parking place. Happy hugs follow, and she pulls out three beers.

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