Cottonwood Canyon Near the DeWeese Homestead, View North. [Speaking to Robert and Gennie DeWeese at the close of next to last chapter of Part II, the Narrator for-sees a foray into the mountains.] "The wind coming down from the snowfields up above sounds for a long time throughout the house. It grows loud and high as if in hope of sweeping the whole house, all of us, away into nothing, ....... "I keep listening to the wind," I say. I add, "I think when the Sutherlands have left, Chris and I should do some climbing up to where that wind starts. I think it’s time he got a better look at that land. “
Lower Cottonwood Canyon, Gallatin Gateway, MT Most of my ZMM Sights and Scenes Gallery Photos show a real scene that represent factually what the ZMM Narrator very well may have seen as he and Chris traveled the route so well described in ZMM. However, the next ~33 photos are, at best, approximate illustration of the Bozeman Mountain Climb of the Narrator and Chris. These merely illustrate the trail that the ZMM Narrator and Chris might have seen on their hike. I have used the Narrators words as clues, along with knowledge of the forest, to construct a reasonable "Hypothetical Climb Trail Map" on a topo map of the Gallatin National Forest adjacent to the DeWeese home. With this map in hand I sought to photograph vistas, which were somewhat near the Narrators trail. These you will see in this album. As you will learn (maps link below), author Pirsig does not agree with my Hypothetical Trail choice. Click here for instructions and link to ZMM Bozeman Mountain Hypothetical Climb Trail Map, which opens new browser.
************************************
(Photo = Summer2006 0103 ...... ZMM Page = 153 ...... Photo At WayPt = 198)

Cottonwood Canyon Near the DeWeese Homestead, View Northeast.
“Chris and I should do some climbing up to where that wind starts.“
Lower Cottonwood Canyon, Gallatin Gateway, MT Each of my hypothetical trail photos shows a N+C WayPt Number. This Number is to be associated to the same WayPoint on three topo maps. (Link to map is below and on prev photo.)
A qualification re my photos. The Narrator's own statements, concerning when their trip took place, would date their hike on or around 17 July 1968. Thus a proper set of trail photos illustrating the Narrator's hike would show a mid Summer's lush green, as you will see later in this album in photo 108_0895. However, my photos appearing next, were taken 10 September 2006, and show, by contrast, dry brown grass and early fall tree colors. This is, of course, the due to the rapid change of season in High Mountains and Northern Latitudes.
I apologize for not being unable to visit this forest at a more realistic time. I apologize for not having the time to explore and photograph a full trail.
Since my trail marked on my "Hypothetical Climbing Trail Map" is as yet unverified, trail enthusiasts are invited, indeed urged, to volunteer their skill to a field check this map. CAUTION: The NFS Cottonwood Creek Trail marked as ----on my map, follows creek and thus initially is on private land. At parking lot (N+C 02 on my map), follow trail marked by signs. This stays on NF land. Please let me know by email what you find out. And if you have any other trail suggestions, or any other information please communicate. HenryG--Aiken.SC.edu
Click here for instructions and link to ZMM Bozeman Mountain Hypothetical Climb Trail Map, which opens new browser.
************************************
(Photo = Summer2006 0100 ...... ZMM Page = 153 ...... Photo Simulate WayPt = N+C 01)

Pines and Hardwoods In Cottonwood Canyon.
“Chris and I have had a good night’s sleep and this morning have packed the backpacks carefully, and now have been going up the mountainside for about an hour. .. The forest here at the bottom of the canyon is mostly pine, with a few aspen and broad-leafed shrubs. Steep canyon walls rise way above us on both sides. Occasionally the trail opens into a patch of sunlight and grass that edges the canyon stream, but soon it reenters the deep shade of the pines. The earth of the trail is covered with a soft springy duff of pine needles. It is very quiet here.“
Cottonwood Canyon, Gallatin National Forest, MT What was the ZMM Narrator's trail in the mountains after he left the DeWeese Family? On page 173 he says, “Just up above the top of the ridge the snow can be seen now. So, where is the Narrator's trail? We must use topo maps and all the Narrator's clues, even tiny ones, to deduce his trail. Early in Part III, he says that he started at the DeWeese's and followed the stream up a narrow canyon. And he moves directly towards the (closest?) snow, and this snow is visible while in their deep narrow canyon. Most likely these are the mountains in the Southeast. Indeed, there is a 1.2 mile stretch of Cottonwood Canyon that does point, up canyon, directly at some very high snow peaks (over 10,000 feet) in the Gallatin National Forest, such as Mount Blackmore and Elephant Mountain. Given these crucial clues, a ridge fitting the narrators descriptions, is identifiable. Having thus identified a probable "ridge" on the North side of and parallel to Cottonwood Canyon, another connecting ridge that then could lead a climber to snow may be identified. See link to map previous photo. Continued next.)
************************************
(Photo = Summer06 0132...... ZMM Page = 167 ...... Photo Simulate WayPt = N+C 02)

The Mountain Climb Starts Off Easy and Follows the Creek.
“Mountains like these and travelers in the mountains and events that happen to them here are found not only in Zen literature but in the tales of every major religion. The allegory of a physical mountain for the spiritual one that stands between each soul and its goal is an easy and natural one to make. Like those in the valley behind us, most people stand in sight of the spiritual mountains all their lives and never enter them, being content to listen to others who have been there and thus avoid the hardships. “
Upper Cottonwood Canyon, Gallatin National Forest, MT Take special note of the mountain metaphors here: In the Narrator's first foray into the high country after Red Lodge, he follows civilized prepared roads made by someone else and does so moved by machinery (ZMM Part II.) In this second high country venture he makes and follows his own routes, and is moved by his own muscle power (ZMM Part III.). He does this despite the fact that there were no doubt several well traveled trails that would have gained the snow much more easily. As always, all this metaphorically ties into the Narrator's Chautauquas. In this case, philosophies of the high country, especially his own. And as always, Phaedrus, the Narrator, and even Chris suffer for this independence!! New topic: The Narrator probably used topo maps to explore both of these high countries. This is because he tells us on his check-off list “ U. S. Geodetic Survey maps of an area where we hope to do some hiking “ (See his list of travel and camping gear p 036 ZMM.) I infer that these maps were used to plan the Part III hiking route and regularly check their course during that hike. These very maps, or similar, were likely on Pirsig’s desk during the 4 years he planned his writing re the high country and mountain hiking portions of ZMM. (Continued next)
************************************
(Photo = Summer06 0131 ...... ZMM Page = 167 ...... Photo Simulate WayPt = N+C 03)

There Are Many Routes Into the Mountains, Real and Philosophic.
“Some travel into the mountains accompanied by experienced guides who know the best and least dangerous routes by which they arrive at their destination. Still others, inexperienced and untrusting, attempt to make their own routes. Few of these are successful, but occasionally some, by sheer will and luck and grace, do make it. Once there they become more aware than any of the others that there’s no single or fixed number of routes. There are as many routes as there are individual souls.“
Upper Cottonwood Canyon, Gallatin National Forest, MT (Continued fm previous.) At first the Narrator's climb route may be a complete scramble to the ZMM reader. But as we study a topo map and re-read “Chris and Narrator’s climb” (Chapters 16-21), we can begin to see a route that fits rather well the overall clues given. My hypothetical route is indeed a route an experienced mountaineer would choose as a reasonable way to climb “to the snow” with an 11 year old boy. I herby invite (challenge) any and all mountain climbers, hiking clubs, and Bozeman Area Boy Scouts to please check the specified climb route given in the previous captions. Please contact me for more details. Caution: Be sure to tell people or National Forest Service where you are going, so they can come looking for you in case you do not come back at a specific time! Click here for ZMM Bozeman Mountain Climb Hypothetical Trail Descriptions & Topo Map, which opens new browser..
************************************
(Photo Summer06 0165 ...... ZMM Page = 167 ...... Photo Simulate WayPt = N+C 04)

Trees and Open Grass Are Good Habitats for Partridges. "An Exploration Which Phaedrus Saw As The Mountains Of The Spirit."
“ I want to talk now about Phædrus’ exploration into the meaning of the term Quality, an exploration which he saw as a route through the mountains of the spirit. As best I can puzzle it out, there were two distinct phases. … The second phase emerged as a result of normal intellectual criticism of his lack of definition of what he was talking about. In this phase he made systematic, rigid statements about what Quality is, and worked out an enormous hierarchic structure of thought to support them. He literally had to move heaven and earth to arrive at this systematic understanding and when he was done felt he’d achieved an explanation of existence and our consciousness of it better than any that had existed before. .. If it was truly a new route over the mountain it’s certainly a needed one. [After a page explaining need to repair centuries of "Philosophical Erosion" the Narrator hears a sound.] A whirr sounds and a partridge disappears through the trees. . "Did you see it?" says Chris. .. "Yes," I say back. .. "What was it?" . "A partridge." .. "How do you know?" .. "They rock back and forth like that when they fly," I say. I’m not sure of this but it sounds right. "They stay close to the ground too." .. “
Upper Cottonwood Canyon, Gallatin National Forest, MT Is the partridge "spirit" metaphor? Early in my search for possible climb routes that fit the Narrator's descriptions, I thought a left turn off the main trail here, WayPt N+C 06, could likely be a Narrator's route. Going up here would have: 1) a very steep part, 2) "flat spot/knoll, protruding from the side of the mountain.“, a "ridge with knolls", and 3) would fits the next morning's Narrative where " still have a lot of climbing to do“. Similar arguments also would app y to a left turn ahead at N+C 08. But further study shows both these alternates as unsatisfactory. For example, both these places would not really lead thru a major canyon with a visible trail, as is implied by the Narrator. Also this WayPt is some 2.5 miles from DeWeese's and turning up the slope here, would put the Narrator's time for "lunch 1/2 way up" too soon. Despite this, I show on my map, two these two alternate climb routes: N+C 50 to 61 and N+C 70 to 100. With important exceptions, these alternates have many successful fits to the Narrator's descriptions.
************************************
(Photo = Summer2006 0144 ...... ZMM Page = 167 to 169 ...... Photo simulate WayPt = N+C 05)

Mountain Peaks With Snow Can Be Seen Beyond a Ridge That the Narrator and Chris Will Eventually Be On.
“Just up above the top of the ridge the snow can be seen now. On foot it’s many days away though. The rocks below it are too steep for a direct hiking climb, particularly with the heavy loads we are carrying, and Chris is way too young for any kind of ropes-and- pitons stuff. We must cross over the forested ridge we are now approaching, enter another canyon, follow it to its end and then come back at an upward angle along to the ridge. Three days hard to the snow. Four days easy. If we don’t show up in nine, DeWeese will start looking for us.“
Smaller Side Canyon Off Upper Cottonwood Canyon, Gallatin National Forest, MT Clues, so far, as to where the Narrator and Chris hiked: Start off in a deep narrow canyon which has very steep sides such that you must look up to see the sky. They can not see out the canyon sides, but looking ahead (up canyon) they can see snow, which we learn is 3 to 4 days hiking away. Although not stated, we may infer that the edge of the snow is their intended goal. My study of Gallatin National Forest topo maps shows Mt. Blackmore as one of the better candidates for Summer snow. It is some 12 miles, depending on route, away from the DeWeese home. This calculates as 3 to 4 miles per day. Although this does not sound like much, this is a reasonable speed for mountains with steep slopes, especially considering that the Narrator and Chris are carrying heavy packs, both are out of shape, must stop for rest long time. and will be held to short times on the trail. Another clues: After two days hiking, they will be relatively near a frequently traveled road. They turn into a smaller canyon that turns away from their goal, requiring turning back and upward onto the ridge. All very a important clues, especially the ridge which is up canyon at this point. This Waypoint, N+C 06, as shown on my map does show directly up-canyon, a ridge which would appear, in the fore ground, below some very high mountains which could have snow.
************************************
(Photo = 108-0904+0905sc ...... ZMM Page = 173 ...... Photo Simulate WayPt N+C 06 6140ft)

The Narrator Plans the Climb So At End of Second Day They Will Be Near a Road.
“As DeWeese said, from here straight south you can go seventy-five miles through nothing but forests and snow without ever encountering a road, although there are roads to the east and the west. I’ve arranged it so that if things work out badly at the end of the second day we’ll be near a road that can get us back fast. Chris doesn’t know about this, and it would hurt his YMCA-camp sense of adventure to tell him, but after enough trips into the high country, the YMCA desire for adventure diminishes and the more substantial benefits of cutting down risks appear. This country can be dangerous. You take one bad step in a million, sprain an ankle, and then you find out how far from civilization you really are.“
Upper Cottonwood Canyon, Gallatin National Forest, MT Another important clue. A chosen hypothetical trail should end close to a traveled road and by implication the entire climb route was planned never to be too far from roads with some traffic and help. This is another constraint on hypothetical trail decided upon. WARNING!! Despite appearances, the forest slopes and mountain peaks are dangerous! Accidents and serious sickness can and do happen! Tell the NFS or your friends where you are going and when you will be back!!!! Quality demands you plan these things ahead. Also do not go alone and have adequate maps and food and water etc. The ZMM Pilgrim should well copy the many, many safety techniques of the Narrator, distributed throughout ZMM.
************************************
(Photo = Summer 2006 0009 ...... ZMM Page = 178 ...... Photo Simulate WayPt N+C 07 6320ft)

Where Is the Turn-Off Into the “Seldom-Entered Canyon?“
“It’s looking bad for Chris. For a while he was way ahead of me and now he sits under a tree and rests. He doesn’t look at me, and that’s how I know it’s bad. .. I sit down next to him and his expression is distant. His face is flushed and I can see he’s exhausted. We sit and listen to the wind through the pines. .. I know eventually he’ll get up and keep going but he doesn’t know this, and is afraid to face the possibility that his fear creates: that he may not be able to climb the mountain at all. I remember something Phædrus had written about these mountains and tell it to Chris now.“ [Here, Chris hears the story about the moose. This takes his mind off his troubles.]
Cottonwood Creek, Gallatin National Forest, MT
Study of my map N+C 08, will show here is a reasonable sized ravine that might be the "seldom entered canyon"At first I thought might be where the Narrator turns left off the trail they are on. I had even gone so far as to show this route on my map. This I have called my second alternate climb route. However, as you will see, this route up is a less ideal fit to the Narrator's overall narative, than the route now proposed. This latter route beter fits the Narraror's earlier statement "Just up above the top of the ridge the snow can be seen now. On foot it’s many days away though. The rocks below it are too steep for a direct hiking climb, particularly with the heavy loads we are carrying, and Chris is way too young for any kind of ropes-and- pitons stuff. " [Clues as too nature of ridge edges.] "We must cross over the forested ridge we are now approaching, .... " [Does he mean their current trail point is on the side of that ridge (allbeit they are low near stream) and there is a later high portion of it that they will cross over to get to the snow?] .... " enter another canyon, follow it to its end and then come back at an upward angle along to the ridge. Three days hard to the snow. Four days easy." Either way, he can see specific identifiable parts of their route up! Imortant clues!! And these points on that ridge are in a straight line to the snow! Excellent for field verification!!.
************************************
(Photo = Summer 2006 0145 ...... ZMM Page = 179 ...... Photo Simulate WayPt = N+C 08)

The Narrator Tells Us They Turn Off From the Main Trail, and Enter a Seldom Traveled Canyon.
“This is apparently a seldom-entered canyon this far up. After another hour of hiking we see that the trail is about gone. .. “
Smaller Side Canyon Off Upper Cottonwood Canyon, Gallatin National Forest, MT The three trail clues here suggest the canyon they enter is about same size as the one they are in and that the trail shows less use and that the trail soon disappears. I believe these clues mean they enter Fox Creek Canyon, as shown in my "Hypothetical Trail Climbing Map". It is reasonable that this canyon should also have a trail here, because it's floor must be fairly level and be large enough to look inviting. Thus we may suppose hikers on the well traveled Cottonwood Trail, might also explore this canyon somewhat and leave a weak trail. However, the main trail in Cottonwood Canyon continues all the way to Mt. Blackmore and beyond to Hyalite Canyon Campgrounds and public paved roads. These attractions are a destination and a source of foot traffic traveling both ways on the Cottonwood Trail. Clearly this main trail would show much more traffic than the “seldom-entered side canyon“. Hence all are important clues, really signs, as understood by people in the Middle Ages. You should study the Medieval theory of signs, logic, and reason portrayed in "The Name of the Rose" by Umberto Ecco. A great book and a great read! New topic: Here the Narrator and Chris will turn-off from the main trail, and start their physically difficult climb to a ridge top, which continues into the next day. Here at this N+C 09 WayPt, my map shows this turn. Here they start making their own trail. Correspondingly the Narrator here departs form the philosophy of others and starts his own difficult "philosophic climb" to the discovery of true nature of Quality. He makes this philosophic trail as they go. Thus the physical trail and climb, poetically reflects upon a Chautauqua on Phaedrus’ Second Quality exploration. Next photo starts the Narrator’s description of how he and Chris reach the top of the ridge and the highest they go in their mountain climb. Correspondingly, you will see the Narrator’s gradual building to a dramatic Chautauqua climax. For me, one of the highest achievements of the entire ZMM!

************************************
(Photo = Summer 2006 163 ...... ZMM Page = 181 ...... Photo Simulate WayPt = N+C 09 6601ft)

The Narrator and Chris Have Entered the Seldom Traveled Canyon and Now Angle Up and Away From the Stream, With As Little Effort As Possible. As One Climbs, Each Step Is a Unique Event: This leaf! This Rock! .....
“" We walk now away from the stream we were following, up the canyon side at the shallowest angle I can find. .. Mountains should be climbed with as little effort as possible and without desire. The reality of your own nature should determine the speed. If you become restless, speed up. If you become winded, slow down. You climb the mountain in an equilibrium between restlessness and exhaustion. Then, when you’re no longer thinking ahead, each footstep isn’t just a means to an end but a unique event in itself. This leaf has jagged edges. This rock looks loose. From this place the snow is less visible, even though closer. These are things you should notice anyway. To live only for some future goal is shallow. It’s the sides of the mountain which sustain life, not the top. Here’s where things grow. .. But of course, without the top you can’t have any sides. It’s the top that defines the sides. So on we go—we have a long way—no hurry—just one step after the next—with a little Chautauqua for entertainment -- .Mental reflection is so much more interesting than TV it’s a shame more people don’t switch over to it. They probably think what they hear is unimportant but it never is.“
Smaller Side Canyon Off Upper Cottonwood Canyon, Gallatin National Forest, MT
Location clues: Apparently this route has a realitively easy slope.
************************************
(Photo = Summer 2006 0150 ...... ZMM Page = 183 ...... Photo Simulate WayPt = N+C 10 6900ft)

Steady Climbing Wears On Chris.
“I turn to see how Chris is doing. His face looks tired. .. I ask, "How do you feel?" .. "Okay," he says, but his tone is defiant. .. "We can stop anywhere and camp," I say. .. He flashes a fierce look at me, and so I say nothing more. Soon I see he’s working his way around me on the slope. With what must be great effort he pulls ahead. We go on. .. Phædrus got this far with his concept of Quality because he deliberately refused to look outside the immediate classroom experience. Cromwell’s statement, "No one ever travels so high as he who knows not where he is going," applied at this point. He didn’t know where he was going. All he knew was that it worked.“
Smaller Side Canyon Off Cottonwood Canyon, Gallatin National Forest, MT Clues, so far, as to where the narrator and Chris hike. The side canyon is steep enough and long enough to badly stress Chris, who is already tired from the long trail in their first canyon. One thing we should remember is that as this climb progresses, it gets higher and higher in altitude. This means thin air and this, in addition to being "out of shape", can add immensely to the fatigue. In fact when Chris and Narrator get to the really steep part, mentioned below, the narrator is taking three breaths per step! Indications of steepness and thin air! During this time “the snow is less visible“, but this means it’s still possible to see it and watch it as they are moving towards this their intended goal. The “side canyon” leads them up the ridge which would then lead up to snow. Note how all this climbing description “with what must be great effort “, “flashes a fierce look“& “ working his way around“is poetically related to the Narrator’s description of Phaedrus long and very difficult search for a satisfactory full meaning of Quality!
************************************
(Photo = Summer 2006 160 ...... ZMM Page = 187 & 188 ...... Photo Simulate WayPt = N+C 11 7200ft)

The Clouds Appearing On the Other Side of the Canyon Signal Problems With Chris.
“"I don’t like this trip," he says. "It isn’t any fun. I thought it was going to be fun." .. Some anger catches me off guard too. "That may be true," I reply, "but it’s a hell of a thing to say." .. I see a sudden flick of fear in his eyes as he gets up. .. We go on. .. The sky over the other wall of the canyon has become overcast, and the wind in the pines around us has become cool and ominous. .. At least the coolness makes it easier hiking -- . .. “
Climbing the side of Fox Creek Canyon, Gallatin National Forest, MT. Note how the Narrator's clouds warn us of bad things to come, and this is not necessarily the weather! This keeps the reader in suspense, and is one of the Narrator's techniques to keep the reader alert and engaged!

Click here for GoogleEarth Overview of Cottonwood Canyon, Fox Creek Canyon and distant Mt. Blackmore. Also shown is ridge at Blackmore's West flank marked by distant yellow stickpin. (Must first have GoogleEarth installed in your computer. See link below.) When you click on the above Mt. Blackmore link, your computer will ask you to accept a download of a "..... ...806447673. kmz file". Choose to open in "GoogleEarth kmz(default) file", and click ok. Once the view comes up you can fly (mouse pull) closer the mountain (top center). Distant yellow stick pin is possible ZMM campsite. Mouse pull circle (upper right) to chance the view, so you cam study the route to the top. Great views. Try it! It is easy, comes up quickly and is lots of fun!

For the above you must have this free download installed in your computer.
************************************
(Photo = Summer 2006 0050 ...... ZMM Page = 193 ...... Photo Simulate WayPt = N+C 12 7500ft)

Moving Slowly Upward For the Next Hour. They Find What Seems To Be the Last Available Water.
“He shows anger, but says nothing, for fear he’ll have to carry the pack again, just frowns and ignores me while I relay the packs upward. I work off the resentment at having to do this by realizing that it isn’t any more work for me, actually, than the other way. It’s more work in terms of reaching the top of the mountain, but that’s only the nominal goal. In terms of the real goal, putting in good minutes, one after the other, it comes out the same; in fact, better. We climb slowly upward and the resentment leaves. .. For the next hour we move slowly upward, I carrying the packs in relays, to where I locate the beginning trickle of a stream. I send Chris down for water in one of the pans, which he gets. When he comes back he says, "Why are we stopping here? Let’s keep going." .. "This is probably the last stream we’ll see for a long time, Chris, and I’m tired."“
Up the side of Fox Creek Canyon, Gallatin National Forest, MT Several days later Chris has diarrhea. Is this from drinking stream water in these mountains? Trail clues: An hour more they movie up steadily. This implies a continuation of the same grade since near the beginning at Fox Creek. They find a trickle of a stream small enough such that this is likely the last water. According to the map's blue color, Fox Creek is a stream here and even much farther up. This would not imply just a trickle of water. However, this is a low area, wind sheltered and a South facing slope. Despite the forest, his would promote more rapid drying, thus any water this far up, might have nearly have dried up in the mid summer when Chris and the Narrator were there. Alternatively the Narrator may have found a hillside spring & small stream, perhaps some distance from Fox Creek, depending on their route up. My route marked on the map assumes Fox Creek is where they get water, then cross the creek, and continue up to towards base of the ridge ahead. Thus they have used the continuing grade somewhat along Fox Creek and not too far away this entire climb. Determination of the presence (or absence) of Summer time availability of water in Fox Creek and how far up, will have to await an additional trail research.
************************************
(Photo = Summer 2006 0146 ...... ZMM Page = 197 ...... Photo Simulate WayPt = N+C 13 8080ft)

After a Long Time, The Climb Suddenly Gets Steeper, Then Changes to Nearly Vertical!
“My pack must be about forty or forty-five pounds now, and after we’ve climbed for a while an equilibrium establishes itself at about one breath for each step. .. We come to a rough grade and it changes to two breaths per step. At one bank it goes to four breaths per step. Huge steps, almost vertical, hanging on to roots and branches. I feel stupid because I should have planned my way around this. The aspen staves come in handy now, and Chris takes some interest in the use of his. The packs made you top heavy and the sticks are good insurance against toppling over. You plant one foot, plant the staff, then SWING on it, up, and take three breaths, then plant the next foot, plant the staff and SWING up -- .. “
On Very, Very, Steep Slope on side of Smaller Canyon Off Upper Cottonwood Canyon, Gallatin National Forest, MT Additional clues as to where the narrator and Chris hiked: We are told that they continue up, but not not long after finding water, there is an considerable inrease in steepness, that quickly changes to near vertical. The route I have indicated on my Hypothetical Climbing Trail Map shows a very steep part here at WayPt N+C 14. Although is is hard to tell from the topo lines, this could have some very steep parts.
************************************
(Photo = Summer 2006 0152 ...... ZMM Page = 199 ...... Photo Simulate WayPt = N+C 14 8600ft)

The Narrator and Chris Have Climbed to Nearly Level to the Opposite Side of the Canyon.
“Now that we’re up high on one side of the canyon we can see back and down and across to the other side. It’s as steep there as it is here...a dark mat of greenish-black pines going up to a high ridge. We can measure our progress by sighting against it at what seems like a horizontal angle. .. That’s all the Quality talk for today, I guess, thank goodness. I don’t mind the Quality, it’s just that all the classical talk about it isn’t Quality. Quality is just the focal point around which a lot of intellectual furniture is getting rearranged. .. “
Additional clues as to where the narrator and Chris climbed: The larger canyon they climb out of has both sites of equal steepness, and evidently they still are on a continuing slope. When they look across to the opposite side, there is no snow or it would have been mentioned. The other side of the canyon also has a ridge described as equally high and having “ a dark mat of greenish-black pines“.This is another valuable "field check" to see if the correct route has been found.
************************************
(Summer 2006 Photo = 0070 ...... ZMM Page = 200...... Photo Simulate WayPt = N+C 15 8480ft)

A Climbing Break At a Place Where the View Is Way Down.
“We stop for a break and look down below. Chris’s spirits seem to be better now, but I’m afraid it’s the ego thing again. .. "Look how far we’ve come," he says. .. "We’ve got a lot farther to go." .. Later on Chris shouts to hear his echo, and throws rocks down to see where they fall. He’s starting to get almost cocky, so I step up the equilibrium to where I breathe at a good swift rate, about one-and-a-half times our former speed. This sobers him somewhat and we keep on climbing. .. By about three in the afternoon my legs start to get rubbery and it’s time to stop. I’m not in very good shape. If you go on after that rubbery feeling you start to pull muscles and the next day is agony. “
Nearly To the Top of Cottonwood Canyon, Gallatin National Forest, MT A place that offers a place to throw rocks and a distant echo are more trail clues. It would seem reasonable that this place is soon after they complete the very steep part. This accomplishment might well have prompted a burst of bravado in Chris, hence his behavior. Arriving at the top of the steep part, would give a good place to throw rocks and test an echo. These clues are testable on site once a hypothetical trail is chosen. This N+C 16 WyPt fite the Narrator's above description.
************************************
(Photo = Summer 2006 161 ...... ZMM Page = 200 ..... Photo Simulate WayPt = N+C 16 8830ft)

Mid Afternoon They Are Exhausted and Reach A Knoll Suitable for Camping.
“By about three in the afternoon my legs start to get rubbery and it’s time to stop. I’m not in very good shape. If you go on after that rubbery feeling you start to pull muscles and the next day is agony. .. We come to a flat spot, a large knoll protruding from the side of the mountain. I tell Chris this is it for today. He seems satisfied and cheerful; maybe some progress has been made with him after all.“
Flat spot side of mountain, between Cottonwood Canyon and Hyalite Canyon, Gallatin National Forest, MT. After considerable study of the landscape around my Hypothetical Climbing Trail, my WayPt N+C 17 shows a likely place for the Narrator's “flat spot or knoll protruding from the side of the mountain.“ Consistent to the Narrative, this location is not too far away from the water of upper Fox Creek, supposing it does not dry up mid Summer. Mr. Pirsig's 1968 photo of their camping location shows dense forest. This would be compatible with a low area with likely extra water at head of Fox Creek. This is in a portion of the forest far away from logging roads, which in turn, fits the Narrator's verv important location clues next morning: “It looks as though the pines have never been cut here. All direct light is shut out from the forest floor and there’s no underbrush at all. Just a springy floor of needles that’s open and spacious and easy hiking.“ All this fits Mr. Pirsig's own 1968 photo shown at link below:

Please return here to these photos after viewing: detour in new browser frame for Robert-Pirsig's 1968 campsite.
************************************
(Photo = Summer2006 0070cb ...... ZMM Page = 201 ...... Photo Simulate WayPt = N+C 17 8845ft)