About West Desperate

Post 1447:

“It’s often forgotten that those who settled the West were doing poorly in the East.”

This is a quote from a novel called The Big Seven, written by a guy called Jim Harrison. I think it’s a pretty solid statement. Obviously an oversimplification and a generalization, but it rings of truth. If you think about the people back in the day—limited technology, no TripAdvisor, no guarantee you won't get shot a bunch in the face—if they had it good back East, doubtful that most would brave all that stuff.

Because the West is huge and mostly nothing. I know. I’m on a road trip out here. Miles of nothing. Then more miles. The Earth stretched out as a reminder that you’ll never get big enough to rival what’s already here and been here since time dawned.

Keep in mind I’m on a ROAD TRIP. This means a car. And that someone made roads. The old people going West were willing to make their own roads and certainly didn't have cars. Maybe a horse to two. Six or seven kids and a skinny dog. And miles and more miles.

So here’s why I like the quote at the top. The very people that came out West looking for something better had already tried their luck back home and came up with squat. Instead of getting all hurt in the butt, they decided to risk everything. Life and limb. The unknown is weird. Some people can’t stand to get shot down another time, and some people want nothing more than another shot. Depends on the individual.

I admire those that failed and kept trying for something better. Some of them found it. Desperation has more sides to it than we think about. Anyway, I’m gonna go look at a canyon. Maybe some trees. Cheers and see you after.