Laura- Thank you. It's a fascinating mind exercise to consider where we'd (those of us who live in a place w/o large predators) be if these animals were a constant threat. For much of our time here, they were present. I can't help but think that part of our brain is now left to focus on other concerns; I'm not sure if that's a good or bad thing...
For sure, Jesse. I’ll bet that our brain adapts to the levels of threat we face based on our environment. It was a great article. I’d like to quote it at some point in one of my forthcoming articles, if that’s okay. Not sure yet, which one that might be, but I would let you know and get your permission first.
"Nature as a plaything." Disheartening, yet true. What would be different when the senses are more attuned. I think of walking around an airport and noticing that obliviousness and lack of attention - eyes glued through screens with just enough awareness to weave around people. A confidence that someone else is keeping watch from the badness. How I can see the same disconnect from recreational pursuerers who trust the guardrails we have constructed "outside."
"... be a slob." That sticks. I saw a huge pile of black bear scat yesterday and instead of being weary, I was excited. Intrigued, even. But then, I think of my first Grizzly encounter and it t r u l y scared me. How walking in Grizzly country has me on full alert. The smallest details guide my decisions. Arid lands hold my attention in the same way but for different reasons.
Stacy- I appreciate these thoughtful comments, and they're generating more essay ideas. This past week, after being in an airport, I had a very similar thought to yours:
"A confidence that someone else is keeping watch from the badness."
On one hand, I am amazed by the society we've built, which allows such behavior. In a positive light, it's remarkable how much of a "slob" we can be without consequence. This can be expanded out to countless systems, whether it be (for example) national security, the food system, or first response.
On the other hand, I wonder if a more direct feedback between what we think, do, and respond would be beneficial in terms of cognitive and emotional health.
I left for a hike today with your essay on my mind. And I stepped out of my comfort, meaning, I looked only at my device to know where to go (to be fair, I was trying to connect some dots on a system of on-the-ground different from map). It took concentration and for me was uncomfortable, a distraction. But still, I understand why people do it, having not yet immersed themselves well enough in the land to understand the land. Recreationalists move in baby steps from novice to less novice. Devices require a trust that I have not yet developed.
Jesse, I really enjoy the way you bring an anthropological perspective to life with your ponderings. (I just invented that word because it needed to be) But seriously, your detailed visualizations are so profound. Your academic knowledge is not pithy but demonstrative and powerful. Thank you for your writing. I do hope we can meet up soon.
I worked on Afognak Island off of Kodiak in the late 80s as a 'bear guard' helping timber cruisers with their survey of the trees for the native corporation. Only requirement for the job was owning a high powered rifle. I had a .300 Win Mag, and a Ruger 44 pistol. Seeing bears was almost a daily occurrence. Never a close encounter in almost 2 months of tromping around the island. Also saw plenty of elk, fox, and other critters. Certainly one of the more interesting jobs I've had, but probably one of the best. One of the most beautiful places I've been.
This is very cool to hear, Steve. I was first enthralled by Alaska when someone with a job like yours told me about their experience 25 years ago. Since that point, I was obsessed with getting to AK.
All three times I've been to Kodiak, I've spent all my time on Afognak. The first 2 were with my 2 children and wife. We generally stayed close to our cabin, which was on native land, but we did take out a boat to fish.
Last year, I went to hunt and thwacked my way to the top of the peaks of Afognak in September. Hard to find the words...magical? Anyway, I often find myself planning my next trip there in the back of my mind.
Thank you for sharing- I'm glad we both discovered such a stunning environment.
I actually moved to Kodiak in I think 1978, when I had a cousin and a few friends up there. Worked at Solly's Copper Corner as a cook. Ended up marrying a native Alaskan from there, and was between Minnesota and there on and off for about 12 years. We eventually divorced, remained friends. She worked for the native corporation, and was the one who got me the job on Afognak. I might have to dig out some pictures from there.
A perfect view into a rarely felt natural space. Years ago, hiking alone with my brother in the mountains of Southern California, I drew eyes on the back of my backpack. Did it give pause to the mountain lion? Does that even work? Hard to know. I do know I was hyper alert for four hours with knife hanging from my belt. Out of my element.
The ocean remains stern and earnest. Great White sharks also like to stalk their prey. I had a big one make a run at me when I was 14 in Santa Barbara. It definitely changed the way that I looked at the sea.
Was in a house once in Montana and saw Paul Shepard’s “The Sacred Paw: The Bear in Nature, Myth, and Literature.” Got myself a copy. It’s always nights in the tent for me. Cheers.
Thought provoking Jesse. I have a very healthy respect for bears, even moreso after reading this.
Laura- Thank you. It's a fascinating mind exercise to consider where we'd (those of us who live in a place w/o large predators) be if these animals were a constant threat. For much of our time here, they were present. I can't help but think that part of our brain is now left to focus on other concerns; I'm not sure if that's a good or bad thing...
For sure, Jesse. I’ll bet that our brain adapts to the levels of threat we face based on our environment. It was a great article. I’d like to quote it at some point in one of my forthcoming articles, if that’s okay. Not sure yet, which one that might be, but I would let you know and get your permission first.
"Nature as a plaything." Disheartening, yet true. What would be different when the senses are more attuned. I think of walking around an airport and noticing that obliviousness and lack of attention - eyes glued through screens with just enough awareness to weave around people. A confidence that someone else is keeping watch from the badness. How I can see the same disconnect from recreational pursuerers who trust the guardrails we have constructed "outside."
"... be a slob." That sticks. I saw a huge pile of black bear scat yesterday and instead of being weary, I was excited. Intrigued, even. But then, I think of my first Grizzly encounter and it t r u l y scared me. How walking in Grizzly country has me on full alert. The smallest details guide my decisions. Arid lands hold my attention in the same way but for different reasons.
As always, thoughts to think about.
Stacy- I appreciate these thoughtful comments, and they're generating more essay ideas. This past week, after being in an airport, I had a very similar thought to yours:
"A confidence that someone else is keeping watch from the badness."
On one hand, I am amazed by the society we've built, which allows such behavior. In a positive light, it's remarkable how much of a "slob" we can be without consequence. This can be expanded out to countless systems, whether it be (for example) national security, the food system, or first response.
On the other hand, I wonder if a more direct feedback between what we think, do, and respond would be beneficial in terms of cognitive and emotional health.
I left for a hike today with your essay on my mind. And I stepped out of my comfort, meaning, I looked only at my device to know where to go (to be fair, I was trying to connect some dots on a system of on-the-ground different from map). It took concentration and for me was uncomfortable, a distraction. But still, I understand why people do it, having not yet immersed themselves well enough in the land to understand the land. Recreationalists move in baby steps from novice to less novice. Devices require a trust that I have not yet developed.
Jesse, I really enjoy the way you bring an anthropological perspective to life with your ponderings. (I just invented that word because it needed to be) But seriously, your detailed visualizations are so profound. Your academic knowledge is not pithy but demonstrative and powerful. Thank you for your writing. I do hope we can meet up soon.
Bradley, thank you for reading and for your kind words.
Yes, we will meet up soon!
I worked on Afognak Island off of Kodiak in the late 80s as a 'bear guard' helping timber cruisers with their survey of the trees for the native corporation. Only requirement for the job was owning a high powered rifle. I had a .300 Win Mag, and a Ruger 44 pistol. Seeing bears was almost a daily occurrence. Never a close encounter in almost 2 months of tromping around the island. Also saw plenty of elk, fox, and other critters. Certainly one of the more interesting jobs I've had, but probably one of the best. One of the most beautiful places I've been.
This is very cool to hear, Steve. I was first enthralled by Alaska when someone with a job like yours told me about their experience 25 years ago. Since that point, I was obsessed with getting to AK.
All three times I've been to Kodiak, I've spent all my time on Afognak. The first 2 were with my 2 children and wife. We generally stayed close to our cabin, which was on native land, but we did take out a boat to fish.
Last year, I went to hunt and thwacked my way to the top of the peaks of Afognak in September. Hard to find the words...magical? Anyway, I often find myself planning my next trip there in the back of my mind.
Thank you for sharing- I'm glad we both discovered such a stunning environment.
I actually moved to Kodiak in I think 1978, when I had a cousin and a few friends up there. Worked at Solly's Copper Corner as a cook. Ended up marrying a native Alaskan from there, and was between Minnesota and there on and off for about 12 years. We eventually divorced, remained friends. She worked for the native corporation, and was the one who got me the job on Afognak. I might have to dig out some pictures from there.
A perfect view into a rarely felt natural space. Years ago, hiking alone with my brother in the mountains of Southern California, I drew eyes on the back of my backpack. Did it give pause to the mountain lion? Does that even work? Hard to know. I do know I was hyper alert for four hours with knife hanging from my belt. Out of my element.
Eddie- I like that idea; it seems like the eyes would work...until they learned.
The ocean remains stern and earnest. Great White sharks also like to stalk their prey. I had a big one make a run at me when I was 14 in Santa Barbara. It definitely changed the way that I looked at the sea.
Was in a house once in Montana and saw Paul Shepard’s “The Sacred Paw: The Bear in Nature, Myth, and Literature.” Got myself a copy. It’s always nights in the tent for me. Cheers.