t's ludicrous to think I could contribute anything that would assist in formulating a management plan. I have no lettered credentials or expertise as engineer, environmentalist or scientist- just a grass-roots, tax-paying tourist. Why does it seem that by the very nature of mortal man, whatever he discovers to enjoy and/or marvel at, it isn't long before the forces of "progress" (profit) begin a steady intrusion.

   If I had never made that unforgettable 12-day trip down the river, for sure I couldn't have known what I missed, no matter how many volumes of pictures or hours of TV viewing I tried to absorb. For fourteen years as a USAF military wife I criss-crossed the U.S. between military bases and periodic visits to grandparents in Portland, OR, and Palm Harbor, FL, with two, then three and finally four children. Every chance we could enroute, we'd take time out to be curious or enchanted: the bats and Caverns of Carlsbad, the geysers and wildlife of Yellowstone; lava beds; aged trees; and unsung creeks to wade in, and the unlimited glories of color painting the fields and roadsides with wildflowers to ponder. My daughter, then four years, true to the nature and "truth" of childhood's view, described the banks of snow layered with imbedded dust or blown sand, along the route in to Crater Lake as looking like strips of bacon. And it did!

   We gathered pine cones and visited the North Rim of Grand Canyon and had much too little time at the South Rim which deserves different hours of the day for fuller appreciation. Somewhere along in my dreaming the idea of rafting down the Colorado between those marvelous, majestic walls took root. But I was widowed much too soon- such a trip could only be a fantasy! There were the four children ages 5 to 17 to see through college.

   The children grew up and were gone their separate ways, but the dream persisted. One summer I knew I had to get my name on a list for the next year or time was going to run out for me. I had my Golden Age Pass for six years before the dream became reality- a reality that proved to be MUCH MORE than I had imagined: it was exciting, humbling, thrilling, awe-inspiring; fun; personally deeply emotional; and tiring (the brochure didn't tell us how challenging the hiking could be- or that the shoes should provide good footing on slippery rocks -not just “wettable." Old worn tennis shoes with smooth bottoms devoid of tread don't fill the bill.)

   Maybe that type of outing attracts people who are more adaptable and compatible. We enjoyed a very congenial and diverse gathering of passengers in the capable hands of the "funnest" bunch of river guides (I'm sure) ever assembled. And no one ever inferred to me that I should have stayed home and crocheted!

   Is there any place on this Earth where the full moon we had casts more dramatic patterns and shadows, or the stars that stud the night canopy shine more brilliantly!

   What cherished memories it all wove for me, and having seen the magic that the adventure afforded, how I resented it when I learned what has been lost forever, beyond any possible recovery or restoration in the rising of Lake Powell behind the Glen Canyon Dam(n!)... Most of us will never be able to visit the other continents where they, too, proudly attract visitors to their gifts of nature. Yes, GIFTS! No mortal by any stretch of history or imagination would dare suggest credit for design and construction. Talk about ridiculous!!

   We are warned when we visit against trashing and defacing these natural wonders. So along comes the mighty bankroll and some smooth tongues; alas, defacing of extreme proportions.

   There isn't much I can suggest from my kitchen-counter "office," certainly nothing that will shake any boots, except to wonder if efforts might include suggesting a list of alternate but similar river-experience choices, if quotas are a controlling factor and the option for "no wait" or shorter waiting periods might help to disperse the consumer effects. I don't really think that would be a threat to the business success of the many rafting companies.

   I only wish I could go again. If I do I'll take my own bailing bucket- a square one so the straight sides will better scoop up the last water in the bottom of the rubber raft- until we hit the next rapid and it's time to bail again. The only bad part of my trip, aside from my night treks to the "facility" for the passage of filtered Colorado River water (or was it the beer?) was also the sad part; on that last scenic morning I had to accept the fact that the twenty-year dream was over! Done! Behind me! My emotions came apart, but I am forever spiritually connected to it.

   Larry Gatlin, being televised from the canyon heights commented "If anyone has a problem with their God-consciousness, they just need to visit the Grand Canyon! ...even from the Rim. That's what we need to do: thank God that it's there. We are so blessed to have that indescribably beautiful phenomenon within our borders.

   Preserve, Protect, DEFEND. Don't let destruction by any means at any level be a part of the plan. Thank you to all of you who are dedicating your efforts to the care and nurturing of the Colorado River, for the pleasure of so many for ages to come.

   This isn't what you asked for; I can't really suggest anything major. This is from my Heart! Nothing eloquent, but oh! so sincere!! And probably echoes what thousands of others before me have said....