The @switchback_travel team just wrapped up a four-day hike through Parque Patagonia, and it was a true stunner of an experience. We’ve all been endlessly impressed by the ethos and organization of Chile’s new national park—not to mention the beauty—and I’ve been captivated by how/why it stands out from other experiences I’ve had in protected areas. This quote, found while paging through a book of essays in the park’s lodge, seems to explain it best:
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“...Doug [Tompkins]’s general theory of national park conservation...went something like this: create huge parks that will sustain beauty and biodiversity. Invite people to experience these parklands by building outstanding infrastructure. Design the recreational amenities and trails/roads to affect only a small percentage of the protected area (nature comes first), but create opportunities for people to experience scenic beauty and abundant wildlife. With such direct immersion in wild nature, at least some people will truly connect with the wild world, will be stimulated to learn, grow, and become activists confronting the present “eco-social crisis,” the great unraveling of ecosystems and indigenous, land-based human cultures across the globe. With engagement by citizen activists, the movement for ecological and social progress will expand and a culture of conservation will percolate throughout society.” -Animated by Beauty, Tom Butler
The man, the myth, the legend; the first adopter of the blue glove, inventor of the reverse track-spike crampon, original architect of the infinity loop; talented ski wiggler, dedicated throat clearer, professional MacGyver; one who’s always been willing to take me under his wing with the most patience and kindness; if you know him, you know (but did you know he’s on Instagram?!)... ladies and gentleman, @dantelope.gazaylward.
