Taken back into the Sierra Nevada

Reporter Doug Smith’s story on his return to the Sierra Nevada stirred in me the kind of emotion that pulses down into my knees. I’ve seasonally backpacked in the Sierra for decades, beginning with my graduate school days at UC San Diego. Like Smith, I’ve come to recognize that aging closes the window of physical strength (and, perhaps, mental acuity) to travel the backcountry.

I now view every season as one more clip from the ribbon of time that I have left to be out there. These moments create sadness but also gratitude for the times I’ve had.

Thanks to Smith for reminiscing.

Greg Odorizzi Lafayette, Colo.

Brian van der Brug Los Angeles Times REPORTER Doug Smith works at the Golden Trout Pack Station in the Sequoia National Forest.