"The disorganized, spontaneous search for beauty is the only justifiable and honest way of seeking it," Stiles preaches in his new book, Brave New West, subtitled "Morphing Moab at the Speed of Greed."
"The search for solitude, beauty, and all things remote and mysterious must be random. To be more organized is to risk commodifying beauty itself."
This quote from a new book Brave New West, subtitled "Morphing Moab at the Speed of Greed." by Jim Stiles the publisher of the Canyon County Zephyer caught my eye in an online article in the Salt Lake City Tribune
Stiles is criticizing the organized "adventure" tours by foot, by mountain bike, and by jeep which have taken over Moab, UT. While Stiles is quite extreme I do agree that guiding those beyond what they are capable on their own or with knowlegable friends is not the best way to experience nature or adventure. Just think of the folks dragged up Everest by their guides. They can say they "did it" but did they really? And should they have?
Be it trail running, hiking, or ski touring I much prefer to be well prepared and explore within my capabilities, and at random. I share this knowledge and experience with friends. Over time, experience, be it in a particular area or in terms of skills, takes one further. And the spontaneous discoveries and challenges are all the sweeter.
I visited Moab on a whim this fall and with no more than a bit of advice from the tourist info center I hiked a spectacular canyon with stream running through white sand and bamboo, on my own. I saw the guides and their clients. Sure they may have gotten more "information" about the history, geology, and nature of the canyon but I am sure precious little random discovery.
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