t always feels good to be in the canyon and see that things are not all that different from the "old days". Most all the places along the river have been discovered and explored, but you know, you can still find that special place that I'm sure no one's been to. Well anyway, I'd like to think so. In the late 50's, I was really lucky to be one of Georgie's "boys" and at a time when most likely we'd have the Grand to ourselves. (And, for the most part a lot of the other rivers that we ran.) In many ways the Canyon still looks and feels the same to me. It still stirs the kid in me, just like it does with other people that have gone before and after other "river rats" over the years. The Grand Canyon and the Colorado River is still the catalyst for ones’ greatest experience. It's a therapeutic thing that puts life back in ones’ soul or something like that. People need a tool to rejuvenate themselves and feel alive again, this is the place.

   But, human rebirth should not be at the expense of the canyon and river itself. I've watched some of this type of destruction during my life. Some of those who travel the Grand Canyon care more than others and better know how to take care of this priceless gift of nature. It's up to us and the National Park Service to find the best caretakers in the years to come. It's our job to find the best teacher-guides possible to take care of nature’s gift. For the commercial companies, it means finding the best of guides to take care of the canyon in a partnership with everyone they meet. For the private group it is also their responsibility to come up with the best leaders and guides as possible. What I'm getting at is that the Grand Canyon is a very special place and it deserves only the best of treatment in the future. There has been a lot of talk of late as to who should have the most use of the canyon and who should be allowed to experience the canyon the most. At best, the canyon and the river can only handle a certain number of people. Just because you've run a boat before in whitewater or spent some time in the outdoors does not mean that you have the qualifications and interest to take care of a special gift like the Grand Canyon. I would like to see the best possible screening and educational program for commercial and non-commercial guides and outfitters. Find those people that have a personal commitment to do their best, first for the canyon and second for the experience of the group itself. A trip on the river is a large investment for anyone but that does not give anyone the right to take from something that does not belong to them. We have the technology and education we need to best take care of things in the canyon and now we just need to get the job done. We'll need everyone's help and it's time to put the best people in charge of the preservation of one of the world’s special places. A river trip through the Grand Canyon should not be everyone's right, but it should be a privilege of those who have already shown that special commitment to take care of a natural wonder like the Canyon.