Every few years we take a road trip with friends to Victor, Idaho. Victor is named in honor of George Victor Sherwood, the courageous mail carrier who travelled between the south end of the Teton Valley and Jackson Wyoming in the late 18th and early 19th centuries. The story goes that Victor walked, skied, or rode his horse over the 8390 foot high mountain pass carrying the mail. In addition to the physical challenges of the weather and terrain it was a time period of hostile Indian relations. Today that 18 mile trip over the pass takes 20 minutes but it took Victor several days to complete his journey. Victor’s service to the settlers earned him well deserved and lasting recognition.
We spend a few days playing golf on the beautiful mountain courses and each trip must include a hiking day. The goal is to experience a new view of the Tetons, a glacial lake, an aspen meadow-but mostly it is to see wildlife, preferably a moose. Everyone says they are abundant and I bet they are if you are not looking for them. In spite of bear warnings we hiked to Phelps overlook on the way to Death Canyon. We were the only group who carried the recommended warning “bear bells”. You do not want to surprise a bear so lots of noise is suggested. The local joke goes— do you know how you can tell if it is grizzly bear scat?—it is full of bells! We saw no bears but the jingle jangle was a nice addition to the pristine national forest. Fewer hikers go to Death Canyon, the name sounds a bit ominous. I was unable to find the historical significance of the name but looking at the narrow steep rocky canyon, one must assume it was dangerous place to venture in the 1800s.
No politics this week. A few thoughts for the explorer in each of us. “I don’t know where I’m going, but I am on my way” said Carl Sagan. And to my message, “Traveling- it leaves you speechless, then turns you into a storyteller”.
I hope you create a story to remember and share this week end. Mike