Thank you for this and for sharing these stories - have an amazing time on your pack trip.
This reminds me of a book I read last year, Temperance Creek, by Pamela Royes. It’s about a young woman in the 70’s who picks up with a bit of a drifter and herds sheep in Hell’s Canyon. It is such a beautiful book - especially if you’re familiar with the area at all (Eastern OR and Central ID - McCall/Burgdorf/Riggins). Her writing is really special (much like your own!).
Also, I wonder if your mom has read 7003 Days: 21 Years in the Frank Church River of No Return Wilderness? It’s written by Jim and Holly Akenson who managed Taylor Ranch starting in the early 80’s. It’s not especially literary, but wow, SO many great stories and characters. She probably knows some of the people in it!
Oh I'll have to read those! So much of my adolescence was defined by memories of going to Hell's Canyon and Riggins, but especially McCall and Burgdorf. Gonna get these for my mama. Thank you!
"That is really what women have often had in common with horses for centuries: powerful creatures bridled and immured, held in paddocks for domestic labor. Kept but born for something else. Our bond is in our capture. Our love is in our escape. Wild horses need breaking, and that’s not a far cry from what society wanted for wild women. We’d never say a man is hard to handle, but we’d say it of a woman, and we’d say it of a horse. People said it of me."
Whoa, I was right there with your mom... from someone who also dislikes horrors, I imagine the trauma has been difficult for her to shake all these years later.
Hope you two badasses enjoy your time together in the backcountry! 🐴🐴
I bet many people feel this from your writing, but I resonate so much, with so much, despite not actually knowing you.
My mom is also a writer and “back country wanderer,” her official title when she worked the back country trails as a summer job in Olympia National Park.
Love mom posts, and you’re inspiring me to take a mom trip, too.
I would buy a memoir by your mom in a heartbeat.
What a wonderful time for you two! Enjoy your time together. That story...wow. She is made of tough stuff and I can see where you get your grit
Thank you for this and for sharing these stories - have an amazing time on your pack trip.
This reminds me of a book I read last year, Temperance Creek, by Pamela Royes. It’s about a young woman in the 70’s who picks up with a bit of a drifter and herds sheep in Hell’s Canyon. It is such a beautiful book - especially if you’re familiar with the area at all (Eastern OR and Central ID - McCall/Burgdorf/Riggins). Her writing is really special (much like your own!).
Also, I wonder if your mom has read 7003 Days: 21 Years in the Frank Church River of No Return Wilderness? It’s written by Jim and Holly Akenson who managed Taylor Ranch starting in the early 80’s. It’s not especially literary, but wow, SO many great stories and characters. She probably knows some of the people in it!
I love these books! I used to guide in the Frank Church. The history and stories there is amazing
Oh I'll have to read those! So much of my adolescence was defined by memories of going to Hell's Canyon and Riggins, but especially McCall and Burgdorf. Gonna get these for my mama. Thank you!
an excellent piece, Very absorbing and interesting.
"That is really what women have often had in common with horses for centuries: powerful creatures bridled and immured, held in paddocks for domestic labor. Kept but born for something else. Our bond is in our capture. Our love is in our escape. Wild horses need breaking, and that’s not a far cry from what society wanted for wild women. We’d never say a man is hard to handle, but we’d say it of a woman, and we’d say it of a horse. People said it of me."
Holy heck, Kelton. It gave me chills.
Hell yes. Thank you.
"My mom isn't a daisy. She is an oak." You gave me words to better see my own mother.
Glad to share that with you. <3
Whoa, I was right there with your mom... from someone who also dislikes horrors, I imagine the trauma has been difficult for her to shake all these years later.
Hope you two badasses enjoy your time together in the backcountry! 🐴🐴
I bet many people feel this from your writing, but I resonate so much, with so much, despite not actually knowing you.
My mom is also a writer and “back country wanderer,” her official title when she worked the back country trails as a summer job in Olympia National Park.
Love mom posts, and you’re inspiring me to take a mom trip, too.
Becky, that's such a nice thing to say!! Thank you <3