Our journey to wild places connected with Kim Crumbo continues….
Our trusty electric vehicle is up to the task of carrying Kelly, Jim and me to Yellowstone National Park, where Kim is still missing.
We approach the enormous wilderness of Yellowstone from the south, by way of Grand Teton National Park, on a spectacular autumn day of bright sunshine and blazing trees. Big mammals are in fine condition, ready for the lean months of winter.
Our plan is to go to Lewis Lake, where Kim and his brother Mark Crumbo O’Neill (both former rangers for Grand Canyon National Park, and both wilderness advocates) began their canoe trip to Shoshone Lake––an isolated, back-country lake with no road access. As we approach Lewis Lake, the National Park Service is removing felled trees along the main park road, the apparent casualties of a recent blow-down. We wonder if they were felled by the same wind event that may have crashed into the brothers’ canoe on Shoshone Lake.
At Lewis Lake, legions of butterflies are swirling about the trees and heading across the lake.
We spend quiet moments on the lakeshore, just being there with Crumbo.
Next, we continue through Yellowstone to Old Faithful and the geyser fields of West Yellowstone. Wilderness is the balm we need.
We find Yellowstone to be the perfect resting place for Kim Crumbo––a legend of a man, in a legendary wilderness.
Farewell to a dear friend.
Thank you.
I was thinking this morning how it’s important for community to pull together, for healing and closure. It used to be a more intimate matter. With the far-flung conservation and river boatman communities, and in the time of Covid, online connection seems to be helping.
This is lovely. Thank you.
I had the privilege of meeting Kim in the 90’s. He led a weekend volunteer trip building check dams in North Rim meadows.
That experience stuck and volunteering is my jam as a retired person.
I also had the pleasure of meeting Kim and I agree that Yellowstone is a perfect resting place for him. You captured its beauty and grandeur, and I feel more at peace. Thank you for sharing your journey.