Great Slave Lake, where it was transferred onto lake barges for the 150-mile trip across this huge lake to Fort Providence. When the supplies reached Fort Providence, they were loaded

After dinner, as I stood in front of my tent, nursing my evening mug of hot chocolate and looking out over the valley, six wolves silently materialized out of the bush not more than ten feet from me.

I find the process of detachment immensely invigorating. It is the cerebral side of backpacking and one of the most intriguing aspects of a long, remote hike.

progressed from an unwanted diversion to a serious problem. I knew nothing about dogs, never had one or even spent much time around one, but I sensed that we both knew he had come too far to get back home alone.

thought that maybe what I really needed was an attitude adjustment.

My Montana blisters healed, and I was left with lasting recollections of a splendid time in a marvelous natural setting.

always had the feeling that hiking in the Alps would be about giving up solitude for scenery, and I wasn’t sure I would appreciate the trade-off.

I enjoy using my gear again; it’s like renewing old acquaintances whom I’ve shared good times with.

knew they could easily rip a moose or caribou apart, yet I didn’t feel intimidated because they seemed tranquil and not at all antagonistic. Four of them relaxed on the ground, and the other two