The Great Out Of Doors
Our ODDguests today both had ties to the Out of Doors: Patricia Anne Van Tighem and Paul Williams. Van Tighem survived, but in many ways did not survive, a grizzly attack in the Canadian Rockies. Williams was a climber in his youth who later helped establish a national network of mountain rescue volunteers.
Edward Abbey
And yet, if you have hiked, or ridden, or otherwise got yourself out into the wild you know the feeling it brings. The feel on your skin, the smells, and the sense of wonder. And if you have had the opportunity to see bears wandering the wild with you, then you know first hand the respect they require, but also the awe they inspire. And, as in Van Tighem case, no one really expects while wandering out there to cross paths with a mother grizz and her cubs. The worst possible situation with no way out.
Read Van Tighem’s obit to get a feel for the book she wrote as an attempt to purge finally the mental trauma from the attack:
“Two more steps forward. I stop. A bear? From the side. Light brown. A hump. A dish-shaped face. A grizzly. Charging. And Trevor. Fast. He half turns away. The bear’s on him, its jaws closing around his thigh, bringing him down.”
The writing is exquisite, if that can be said about such a thing. Read her obit further and to feel her own attack. It is no wonder the book became a Canadian best seller. But it is also no wonder that she fought with the after effects for so long. We wish her peace.
Williams knew there were dangers out there and used his organizational skills to create a safety net for the rest of us. People out there are going to get into trouble, really you wouldn’t have the wild any less dangerous, you wouldn’t add padding or some insanity from OSHA now would you? No, rather you would have fellow Out Theres available if you get into trouble. You see these groups in the news now and again - they are tireless and devoted and mostly unsung.
So we say to gear yourself appropriately for your journeys Out There, read up not only on where you’re going, but what to expect and how to care for yourself and your companions. Take something with you who’s never been Out There and share the experience. Be prepared, but leave your fears at home, no need for those companions. Rather you might consider taking a wee dram of the Water of Life - we’ve always found that it makes for a good walk about partner.
