Death Valley Discovery
At 4:12 a.m. on August 27, 1983, Gary Morris began a nonstop run from Badwater at 283 feet below sea level in Death Valley. At seventy-eight hours and thirty-six minutes later, he reached the top of Mt. Whitney, 14,495 feet above sea level, the fourth person in history to do so. At mile 118, his crew shared the following inspiring poem.
On December nights
when the rain we needed months ago
is still far off and the wind
gropes through the desert
in search of any tree to hold it
those who live here all year round
listen to the irresistible
voice of loneliness
and want only to be left alone
local knowledge is to live in a place
and know the place
however barren
some kinds of damage
provide their own defense
and we who stay in the ruins
are secure against enemies and friends
if you should see one of us
in the distance as your caravan passes
and if he is ragged and gesturing
do not be mistaken
he is not gesturing for rescue
he is shouting go away
From that moment until today, these words spoke volumes to this lone runner beside an empty road in the desert as he continues his quest for local knowledge to make and share an impact on our environment.
-- Gary Morris