How To Find A Bozeman Gallatin National Forest (GNF) Mountain Climbing Route of Chris and the Narrator, That Fits Their Climb Narrative, In The Book Zen and the Art Or Motorcycle Maintenance (ZMM) by Robert Pirsig.

Topics Discussed On This Page. Click to read topic. When finished, click Upper Left, Back Arrow.
…((NOTE: Due to a recently developed fault, NONE OF THE BELOW BLUE LINKS will “Jump Down” to Topic. Please use Edit > Find > to go to your desired topic. It is hoped that SoftWare Upgrade, soon will fix this problem. By Henry Gurr, Sept 24, 2022. }}

An Explanation of The WebPage You Are Reading Now, Which Is An Abbreviated Version Of Much More Complete Gallery Photo Information.

An Invitation Hiking Enthusiasts & Mountain Climbers, For Their Volunteer Help In Confirming ‘‘ “N+C Hypothetical Climbing Trail” .

A Discussion Of Possible ZMM Mountain Climb Routes, With Added Full Details.

ZMM Enthusiasts Should Be Aware => The “Mountain Climb” Descriptions given by the Narrator in the ZMM Book, are clearly quite different from Robert Pirsig’s actual Mountain Climbing Route with his son Chris, which took place historically on, or around, 17 July 1968.

To Study & Explore Climbing Route in Gallatin National Forest (GNF) => Need Good Topographic Topo Maps of the GNF Areas of ZMM Narrator's Likely Mountain Climb Route.:

To Study & Explore Climbing Route in Gallatin National Forest (GNF) => Need Computer Software APPs For Working With Topo Maps and GPS WayPoint Marker Data.

Need Installed A Computer Software => To Make A "Screen Capture".

With Topo Maps Assembled, You Can Do the Following Study & Trail Explore:

Persons Who Have Attempted ‘‘ “N+C Hypothetical Climbing Trail” ‘‘. Please Tell Us Of Your Experience. How Was The Climb? Did You Find Any Other Probable Routes?

From The Public Paved Road That Goes To The GNF Cottonwood Creek Trail Head, You Can See Much From Car Or Your Cycle.

Preparation For The Google-Earth Viewing Of "N=+C Hypothetical Climbing Trail". .

From Your Computer (With A Fairly Fast Internet), You Can Google-Earth, Click-Drag, View The Entire => "N+C Hypothetical Climbing Trail".

Suggestions For 2D GoogleEarth Viewing Of The N+C Hypothetical Trail, Looking Straight Down At Mountains Of Gallatin National Forest.

Instructions & What You Will See In “3D GoogleEarth Static Illustration Photo”.

Check Lists For Travel & Camping => What You Should Bring For Safety, Utility, & Good Time, While On The Way.

ZMM Book Mountain Climb Descriptions & Trail Clues. A Selection Of Key ZMM Book Mountain Climb Narrative Descriptions, With Brief Commentaries As To Where To Find Physical Landscape That Fits ZMM Narrative, Of Chris And Narrator Mountain Climb.

This WebPage You Are Reading Now Is An Abbreviated Version Of => A Much Larger, More Exact Detailed Gallatin National Forest (GNF), Mountain Climbing Route Of Chris And The Narrator (That Fits The ZMM Book Narrative), Which May Be Found By =>
Right Click Here For => Gallery Photo With Full Instructions How To Find => ‘‘ “ZMM Bozeman Mountain N+C Hypothetical Climb Trail: This Is The First of 36 Photos Showing N+C Hypothetical Climb Trail, Where The 37th to 41st Photo Show Relevant Topo Maps: Select Open In New Browser.
Also, Please Be Aware That => The GoogleEarth Viewing Of The N+C Hypothetical Trail, will graphically, dynamically in 3D, show the same correct series of => The N+C Hypothetical Climb Trail WayPoints, fit to the Landscape, to correspond to the ZMM Book N+C Climb Narrative. The WayPoints given (N+C 1 thru N+C 30), are seen in the curves of the GNF Mountains, along Cottonwood Creek and Fox Creek, all the way up to the “Ridge” described by the ZMM Narrator. And then, in this GoogleEarth View, you will see “The Trail”, on down to Hyalite Creek, and a GNF paved road. … Extensive GoogleEarth Instructions start at below => CLICKDRAG VIEW THE ENTIRE

Right Click Here For => Gallery Page Showing Small Photos For First 18 of Narrator + Chris Mountain Climb Photos & Detailed Climb Information; You will see that each photo shows a ‘‘ “N+C Hypothetical Climbing Trail" ‘‘ WayPoint Location, and full discusses what the Narrator & Chris did there, and what it is like there.
… (Also below you will see MORE Blue Links to specific photos.)

A True Pirsig Pilgrim Must Do What Is Stated In ZMM, And Do So For Robert Pirsig’s Reasons, Stated Therein, AND What May Be Inferred! This The True Pirsig Pilgrim Will Do BOTH In (And On) The Reality Of The Trail AND Metaphorically Experience The ZMM Narrator’s Chautauqua, Enfolded Into The Narrator + Chris Mountain Climb Narrative, As Follows =>
… The ZMM Narrator at first comfortably follows the established paths of civilization, into the High Country, that are already there and given to him. This is on NFS Official Trails, continuing for some 5 miles from the Cottonwood Canyon National Forest Trail Head, to about half mile into Fox Creek Canyon.
… But at some point, he must leave the established paths, and forge new ones, into absolutely new un-explored territory!! And it does not matter how rough or tough or dangerous, he must plow ahead “Following the Track of Quality, where-ever it takes him!! The ZMM Narrator Reports his gradual efforts to get Quality clear in his mind, and the grand culmination (Narrative Climax), of this stage of his Pioneering Efforts are Metaphorically indicated at the Top of The Mountain, when Chris Shouts “Blue Sky”!!!
… ((NOTE:: The “Mountain Climb”, is a Master Motif, for this part of ZMM!! But I don’t think this is mentioned in The Guide Book To ZMM.))
DATE-LINE: July 15, 2019, by Henry Gurr. As stated in my previous email, these [above] are the reasons why I feel it is highly desirable that many Persons (including myself), Explore, Verify, & Photo Report the “ZMM Narrator +” Chris Hypothetical Trail” '' in the Physical Landscape of Gallatin National Forest.
… Now, at age 87 as of this writing, I recognize my own physical “out of shape”, physical limitations. Any one day a total of 3 to 5 miles will be likely be my max, even going slow. If there is an overnight camping, then in two cays I can thus reach (and document), the difficult parts, that are in upper Fox Creek Canyon, and then turn back. This perhaps might be with you! What do you LG think?
… LG Replies =>”If several folks are joining you I think the hike and the companionship are the most important things, not attempting to follow their exact path.
… HSG Replies =>. For a group, I agree that we have the twin goals of a) being together with conversation & b) Jest Being There enjoying nature on the Trail!!”

Volunteers Are Needed To Help Explore And Confirm The Specific “N+C Hypothetical Climbing Trail” You Will Find This Fun and Rewarding!

… If you are a Nature Explorer, Trail Enthusiast, Hiking Club, Boy Scout, or Mountain Climber, please help.in confirming A) How well the Hypothetical Climbing Trail, corresponds to the ZMM Book Climb Narrative, and B) By “”On-The-Trail” direct experience, find out if the Hypothetical Climbing Trail, can reasonably completed in two days, as stated in the ZMM Book Climb Narrative.
… This Hypothetical Route in the Gallatin National Forest, was.so chosen to fit Mr. Pirsig's Mountain Climb Trail described in ZMM. Your help is needed to ~”prove” that this “Trail” is true to direct experience of being there!

… Please contact me if you have (or need) more information re Mr. Pirsig's Bozeman Mountain Climb Trail. If you plan to search for this trail or have any new ideas on where this “Pirsig Trail" may be, please use my contact info (preferably email), which can be found at the BOTTOM of ANY page on this site under “Contact Me = Prof Henry Gurr”.

A VIDEO Showing The Road Driving To The DeWeese Home In The Cottonwood Canyon, Near Gallatin Gateway In Montana. The Second Half Shows Scenes Along The Cottonwood Canyon Trail, in Gallatin National Forest.
… Click Here to see => Video from Film Producer Dennis Davis, showing the road to the DeWeese home in the Gallatin Gateway in Montana. Imagine a couple motorcycles roaring up this road to visit the DeWeeses, Robert and Gennie, artists and old friends of Robert M. Pirsig. Mr. Davis shot the footage by mounting a drone on the roof of his car.
… A second part of this Video shows scenes along the Cottonwood Canyon Trail, in Gallatin National Forest, from early trail views to Log Bridge over Cottonwood Creek and People + Dog Playing in its water. The Trail Head for this GNF Trail, is about a mile from the DeWeese home.

The ZMM Narrator's Mountain Climb With Chris, Most Likely Starts in Cotton Wood Canyon, Gallatin National Forest, South of Bozeman, MT.

… To be consistent with the ZMM Book Climb Narrative (as described pages 167 thru 232), the Narrator and Chris Mountain Climb would most certainly be in The Gallatin National Forest (GNF) => A) going upstream in Cottonwood Canyon, where the GNF Trail Head starting point, is only ~1 mile from the DeWeese Home. And then B) Turning 90 deg left, into Fox Creek Canyon. Fox Creek Canyon.
… A) & B) are likely choices, since the left turn from Cottonwood Creek Canyon, into Fox Creek Canyon, is about 5 miles from DeWeese’s: And Fox Creek is in a fair-sized canyon, that at first climbs relatively gently up to high-up water sources, and later moves steeply upward, eventually moving toward snow of Mt. Blackmore. As the Topo Maps show, this Cottonwood Canyon, then turning to Fox Creek Canyon route is, at first not steep, and then becomes very steep, fitting the ZMM Climb Narrative.
… Other possible “turns from Cottonwood Creek Canyon”, are into run-off ravines on either side of Cottonwood Canyon: But these form a steep inclined "deep V-shape" with poor hiking potential, and are not considered further.
… Thus, this above A) + B) route are good choices for a "N+C Hypothetical Climbing Trail" because this route starts easy, but suddenly gets much steeper consistent with ZMM. This route also leads directly, by means of Upper Fox Creek Canyon, to the Northwestern end of a long ridge. The ridge itself leads to a continuing ridge, that gets higher and higher to the highest peaks that have snow, at Mt Blackmore. This all fits what the ZMM Narrator stated.

For More Detailed Information About the Narrator's Bozeman Mountain “N+C Hypothetical Climbing Trail” ‘ => See First of 36 Photos in My ZMM Part III Gallery Photos, Blue Link Below.

… The captions for these photos considerably expand on what I have stated above. Also, on Four Photographs (showing Topo Maps), I have identified a Best “N+C Hypothetical Climb Trail,” plus Two Alternate Routes that seem plausible: The Two Alternate Routes, also show what the Narrator may have followed on their way toward the snow, but then turn from this to go North & down to Hyalite Creek, on the other side of the mountain ridge from Cottonwood Creek Canyon.
… In these 4 Topo Map Photos => You will be able to find & be able study Topo Maps of this BEST route, (Which are WayPt=N+C 1 thru WayPt=N+C 30). On these same 4 Topo Maps => You can also study the above-mentioned Two Alternate Routes (Which are WayPt=N+C 198 thru WayPt=N+C 215 AND WayPt=N+C 407 thru WayPt=N+C 507)..
… As you will see, these respective WayPts, are marked on above-mentioned Topo Maps, as a series of WayPoint Rectangles, on four respective Topo Maps, that are shown as photographs in my Gallery. Click Here For Instructions And Link To ZMM Bozeman Mountain N+C Hypothetical Climb Trail Maps. AFTER you ClickOn This Mentioned Link, It Will Open In A New Browser.

ZMM Enthusiasts Should Be Aware =>
… The “Mountain Climb” Descriptions given by the Narrator in the ZMM Book, are clearly quite different from Robert Pirsig’s actual Mountain Climbing Route with his son Chris, which took place historically on, or around, 17 July 1968. This ~17 July 1968.Route Is Shown In This Photo Of Map. Click Here.
NOTE: AFTER this mentioned Photo Of Map come up, at the very bottom you will see mention of Mr Pirsig’s Letters. Click Here And AFTER Page Comes Up, Scroll Down to 27 Dec 2006.

To Study & Explore Climbing Route in Gallatin National Forest (GNF) => Need Good Topographic Topo Maps of the GNF Areas of ZMM Narrator's Likely Mountain Climb Route.

How to Print Topo Maps On 8.5 x11 inches Paper Of The “The Narrator + Chris N+C Hypothetical Climbing Trail” .
… The Topo Maps that are shown in my Photo Gallery, shown in the above link, can be printed. These can be used to guide your exploration of the Narrator's Bozeman Mountain Climb in ZMM. If you have a computer that can print on standard (8.5 x11 inches) paper, you can make your own Topo Maps.

A) Of course, you can ask for a paper print of the Browser Page you see directly on your computer screen, but these will have no zoom ability and lacks somewhat in resolution.

B) Far better to 1) Click on the map photo you see on your internet browser, click to get the largest version, then 2) "Right Click" on the map and, 3) Click on "Save As". 4) Then be sure to tell your computer where you want this file saved and remember where this is. 4) Then find this file and "click on its name to "open" this file. It should open in a photo viewer (most computers will have a good viewer). 5) Then ask for File > Print. You may have to do “page set-up” to tell your computer to use "Landscape" so the map (really a photo) will print "sideways" on your printer paper. I have tried to adjust three of these four Topo Maps, so they have “overlap” when you Magic Sticky Tape them back together into one larger map. The fourth map is a "zoom in" for more detail so you can read the WayPt Numbers.

CONCERNING PURCHASING BETTER TOPO MAPS FROM INTERNET COMPANIES.
CAUTION1: Although USGS Topo Maps, are on good paper, are in color, and will have better resolution, they, of course, will NOT have my “N+C Hypothetical Climbing Trail” Waypoint Numbers marked on them.
CAUTION2: Although your printed Topo Maps from United States Geological Survey will really be quite good, other websites or companies, might be better. Let me know if you know of a better source of Topo Maps..

A) How Do I Find, Download, Or Order => USGS Topographic Maps?
… The U.S. Geological Survey (USGS) has been the primary civilian mapping agency of the United States since 1879. All dates and all scales of our topographic maps can be freely downloaded or ordered at cost, as Paper Printed Maps. This includes both current US Topo maps (computer-generated every 3 years since 2009) and Historical topographic maps.
Free and Immediate Downloads.
Most [computer internet browser] applications have an option for toggling on map indexes that show an outline of all the maps, though you must zoom in to see the outlines:
The Map Called TopoView Is -- The largest selection of digital options. File formats include GeoPDF, GeoTIFF,

USGS Printed Paper Maps, Are Probably A Close Equal To The Topo Maps That Robert Pirsig Used On His Own Mountain Climbing, Such As Gallatin National Forest.
…This is the only USGS site for ordering paper maps. The online USGS Store is the only site for ordering paper topographic maps. Use the Store’s Map Locator or the Keyword Search box in the upper right.
Free Custom Topographic Maps.
Request OnDemand Topos using the TopoBuilder application.
https://www.usgs.gov/faqs/how-do-i-find-download-or-order-topographic-maps

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Concerning Computer Screen Capture, And The Printing Of => Some Better Topo Maps From Topozone.com.
… “TopoZone.com, was launched late in 1999, with the goal of being the best online source for USGS-based topographic maps. Since then we have been through some changes, but our goals have not changed. We have a passion for topo maps and strive to have the best digital maps available.”
… “The new site is simple and easy to use, mobile-friendly, and best of all totally FREE! While there are many features that we are still working on, you will find that our diverse raster and vector map layers are helpful for all types of planning and research.”
…”TopoZone is Advertisement Supported. That is how we can finance running the website and keep serving the various map layers. We are investing more in development to make the site even more useful. Thanks for using TopoZone and helping us keep topographic maps alive. To reach us, please email support [at] topozone.com. Sincerely, The TopoZone Team.”

Henry Gurr’s TOPOZONE TOPO MAP 1 => N+C HYPOTHETICAL CLIMB TRAIL, COTTONWOOD CREEK CANYON, GALLATIN NATIONAL FOREST, BOZEMAN, MT.
…This Topo Map (And The NEXT THREE Henry Gurr Topo Map Photos) Shows Cottonwood Creek Canyon which is location of ‘‘ “ZMM Narrator + Chris Hypothetical Climb Trail “ ‘‘ Right Click And Open In A New Tab.
… AFTER Map View Comes Up, You Will See Cottonwood Creek Canyon, Starting In Upper Left, and Continue Thru Center of Map.
…
INSTRUCTIONS FOR VIEWING THE ABOVE-MENTIONED ON-LINE TOPOZONE MAP => Which Will Be For A Larger Landscape Area, AND Be Able To ClickDtag To New Areas, And Be Able To Zoom-In =>.
. … The Following Instructions Are For Using This ONLINE Version of TopoZone Maps, AND Will Avoid Advertisements.=>

Concerning Making A Paper Print of Above Mentioned OnLine TopoZone Topo Map =>

a) On Windows Computers try => Hold down CTRL, then press Print Screen. You then should be able to Paste into your favorite Photo Editor, such as The Free Irfanview APP: One of the Most Popular Viewers Worldwide Click Here.

b) Using Irfanview APP mentioned Blue Link above => It is easy to get a “Screen Capture” of the “Full Screen” TopoZone Map:. However you must choose the “time delay”, and then quick go into “Full Screen” of the TopoZone Map: The “Screen Capture” should then be in Irfanview, for either SaveAs or “Print”.

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NOTE1: On this first topo map, Cottonwood Creek Canyon is in seen the upper left corner. The DeWeese home is off the map further upper left, but close to the upper left corner of this map.
NOTE2: At top, in the URL address box above map of these Topo Maps, you will see the latitude and longitude numbers.
CAUTION: If you click on the map, a partly confusing & different set of lat. & long. numbers will appear in the address box. These long numbers are the GPS coordinates, of the map location you clicked on.)

Following The Above Procedure,, You Can Ask For THREE MORE Topo Maps, And Then When Paper Printed, Will Fit To The Above Map, And Than Can Be Combined With Magic Sticky Tape
… You should try to adjust these four Topo Maps so they have just a small “overlap” when you tape them together into ONE LARGER MAP. Your composite four-paper page map should combine as follows =>
… 1) Cottonwood Creek/Canyon (attach Upper Left),
… 2) Hyalite Creek/Canyon (attach Upper Right),
… 3) Hyalite Lake, (attach Lower Right), and
… 4) The highest snow-covered mountains Southwest of Hyalite Lake (attach Lower Left).
CAUTION: In process of doing the below 1), 2), 3), TopoZone may give you just an unwanted series of “ARTICLES”. To avoid this, try opening a new Browser.

STEPS FOR ACCESSING SUCCESSIVE TOPOZONE MAPS, AND PRINTING THEM =>
1) To get paper print of the map next right (East), click (or copy and paste the following into the address line). http://www.topozone.com/map.asp?z=12&n=5041822&e=502419&s=100&size=l&datum=nad83&layer=DRG25

2) For the next map down (South), click (or copy and paste the following into the address line). http://www.topozone.com/map.asp?z=12&n=5038390&e=495476&s=100&size=l&datum=nad83&layer=DRG25

3) And to get the next map Left (West), click (or copy and paste the following into the address line). http://www.topozone.com/map.asp?z=12&n=5035660&e=501383&s=100&size=l&datum=nad83&layer=DRG25

Please tell me if these instructions actually work for you, and have a good (and not excessive) paper map overlap. (I have selected these by watching the computer screen, but haven’t actually tried these as print, since I already have a full print of these).
… If you do not have a computer printer, or you are on the road and need a place to get webpage print-outs, you can do the above steps at almost any public library in the USA.

To Study & Explore Climbing Route in Gallatin National Forest (GNF) => Need Excellent Computer Software APPs For Working With Topo Maps and GPS WayPoint Marker Data.

… When working with GPS Data From Your Camera, Smart Phone, or Handheld GPS Device such as Garmin => You might want use these Two Very Nice TopoGrafix Software Applications installed in your computer. =>

A) Highly Recommended Free Computer APP EasyGPS.
… Click Here For Free Computer APP EasyGPS => AFTER This Page Comes Up, Scroll down to and click on => “Download EasyGPS”
… MY EXPERIENCE: During my ZMM Book Field Research Trip, back in 2002, I needed a way to save my GPS Data. I discovered, and installed in my computer EasyGPS => And found it easy to use & very useful for Downloading (and Uploading) GPS Data to (and from), my GPS Devices. It will also shows my Waypoints on a Sort Of A Map, which I much use => For “Edit Accessing” your GPS Coordinates values for your WayPoints. But .EasyGPS will ONLY show towns or roads, on this Map until after you $ Pay To Subscribe.
Here is What Their TopoGrafix WebPage Says =>
… FREE GPS Software for your Garmin, Magellan or Lowrance GPS.
EasyGPS is the fast and easy way to upload and download waypoints, routes, and tracks between your Windows computer and your Garmin, Magellan, or Lowrance GPS. Use EasyGPS to back up and organize your GPS data, print maps, or load new waypoints onto your GPS for your next hike or geocaching adventure.

B) Instead of Free Computer APP EasyGPS, You Might Want To $ Pay For => The Highly Recommended, And Considerably More Powerful Computer APP ''ExertGPS' =>
… Click Here For $ Subscribe To Computer APP ExertGPS. AFTER This Page Comes Up, Read The Advantages, Perhaps Decide the Yearly $ Cost Is Reasonable, Scroll down to and click on => “Download ExpertGPS”
… MY EXPERIENCE: The Internet Posting of my 2002 Photos taken along the Travel Route of Book “Zen and the Art of Motorcycle Maintenance” (ZMM), started on Sept 22, 2007, with the creation of Gallery Photo Album => “What Chris and the Narrator Might Have Seen Along Their Route of Travel.” It took ~2 year to upload & write captions for the ~800 photos originally in this Album. In a second ZMM Book Field Research Trip, 2006 tried to figure out where in the GNF, the Narrator + Chris Mountain Climb Narrative might have been, and based on what I was learning, started to study Topo Maps, and add to them N+C Climb Routes. From this I created a version of Google Earth, and sent 6 paper copies Screen Shots, to Mr. Pirsig, in my letter of Feb 7, 2007.
… As is reported in (At Left Menu Line) “Why Is Robert Pirsig’s ZMM, So VERY VERY VERY Factually Accurate.” , I always assumed the same factual accuracy for the Narrator + Chris Mountain Climb Narrative, But in Mr. Pirsig’s reply letter Feb 13, 2007, said => “ Since this was the first time Chris had done any mountain climbing I wanted to keep the route short. We went nowhere near the places shown on your [Google] Earth map. We went maybe a half mile up Cottonwood Creek and then over the ridge into Hyalite Canyon by the shortest route.”
… Gradually a plan emerged for me to show in the ZMM Book Gallery Photo Album => My above-mentioned Topo Maps with added N+C Climb Routes. Eventually I realized that ExpertGPS could do this very well, and soon found that it was easy to Install ExpertGPS in my computer. AND this is where I got many of the topo maps that I have shown in many, many, places in my Website Photo Gallery! They are GREAT!! And many, many thanks to TopoGrafix !!
… For me, TopoGrafix offered, for reasonable $, a really nice, powerful, easy to use software called ExpertGPS, which was for manipulating and viewing their collection of free internet topo maps. I used this ExpertGPS to mark, accurately reliably and easily, all my GPS WayPoints and N+C Hypothetical Trail Waypoints, onto the abovementioned four topo maps. (As mentioned above, these are in my Photo Gallery, ZMM Part III.) In addition, ExpertGPS can nicely Import and Export GPS data and your map WayPoints to and from your handheld GPS unit.
… Also, once I had this ExpertGPS SoftWare installed in my computer, I could then use "screen capture" software (Irfanview), to make Photos.jpg of Topo Maps, having my GPS WayPoints and N+C Hypothetical Trail Waypoints. From These Saved Photos.jpg, it was easy to paper printable Topo Maps, with my Trail WayPoints.
Here is What Their TopoGrafix WebPage Says =>
ExpertGPS On the Trail => ExpertGPS is the ultimate GPS map software for planning outdoor adventures. View GPS waypoints and tracklogs from any handheld GPS receiver over aerial photos and US topographic maps.
Download scanned USGS 1:24K topo maps.
Connect your GPS and see how far, how fast you went.
Draw trails directly on maps and send to your GPS.
Your photos appear exactly where you took them.
ExpertGPS Home: $33/yr Click Here.

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CalTopo Is Excellent For => Working With Topo Maps, GPS WayPoint Marker Data, Loading WayPoints Into Google Earth, and Study & Explore Of Mountain Climbing Routes, Especially In Gallatin National Forest (GNF), South Of Bozeman, MT.
… CalTopo, an excellent “on line platform”, is shown here because, again and again, I keep finding more and more uses for its abilities!
…Originally CalTopo was highly recommended for changing my GPS WayPoints.gpx to WayPoints.klm, for Import into GoogleEarth. But later, I used it to find the Elevation of my WayPoint Map Locations, which were otherwise unavailable. See First Blue Link Below;
CalTopo is the creation of Matt Jacobs as a solution to some challenges facing search and rescue members. Matt recognized some of these problems as a member of a search and rescue organization in the San Francisco Bay area in 2010.
CalTopo founder Matt Jacobs says =>
… “I started out trying to build something that was both specific to Search & Rescue and meant to be run within a command post. Then at the end of 2010, some members of the Bay Area SAR community were asked to assist with a missing persons search in the midwest. Using my software, members in several locations were able to analyze the search area, create a plan, and prepare a full set of maps for use the following morning. It was the first time any of us had heard of a search being remotely planned by a distributed team, and it was a bit of a lightbulb moment for me. Forget most of what I’d been doing, I needed to focus on building an online map editor.”
… “Even then, I wouldn’t say I had a coherent vision. There was a lot of trial and error, and it took a while to find the right feature set. The two foundations were good terrain visualization and collaborative map editing, and the rest grew organically from there, overall, its trip-planning features are unmatched by other online platforms and apps. I use CalTopo most often to” :=>
…”A) Plot routes, including very long and unique ones like the Kings Canyon High Basin Route and Wind River High Route. “
…”B) Import data that I collected in the field, like GPX tracks recorded by my Suunto Ambit GPS watch
…”C) Export topographical maps and imagery for printing (Read more about the types of maps that I use, plus my printing tips)”
… ”CalTopo had been a free service. But to help cover costs and provide compensation for development time, CalTopo founder Matt Jacobs introduced a 3-tier membership model.”

Free No $ Cost, Or Low Cost, CalTopo “On Line Platform” In Action =>
AFTER This Page Comes Up, Take Time To Notice All The Topo Map Features & Details. For Examples =>
…1) Especially Notice Gallatin National Forest Dirt Road At Left Of Hyalite Reservoir.
…2) Also Notice, At Left Of Words ”Hyalite –Porcupine ..”, The Blue Line That is Fox Creek, and Running Along The Creek Is, the Red-Brown Dotted Line That Is The GNF Official Hiking Trail, That Turns From Cottonwood Creek To Go NE Up To Fox Creek Meadow. Please Know That This Trail And Fox Creek Are Close To => The Locations of my Henry Gurr’s, “ZMM Narrator +” Chris Hypothetical Trail”, in the Physical Landscape of Bozeman Montana’s Gallatin National Forest. About this, please see additional information in 8) below.
…3) To learn more about this “on line platform” => Move Your Mouse Cursor, Over
The Map And Watch The GPS Coordinates & Elevation, Change #’s In Box At Upper Right Of Topo Map.
…4) In Box above Map, Try Searching For Any Place Name You Want To See On Map.
…5) At Upper Left, Click on the Red “Add”, and experiment with the choices.
…6) At Left, Click on the Icon “Measure”, and experiment with the choices: For example “Line 2D” => Click to place the + then move mouse & click to place the next, then move mouse and click to place the next. All the while, you will see the total distance Kilometers & Miles in the Box at top. ….
…7) If you have a computer file of GPS Travel WayPoints.gpx, or similar from a GPS Device, you can see this .gpx in Caltopo Display > Try > “Import” at Upper Left. You will be asked to set up an account, but this is easy and free or very low $ cost.
…8) I successfully did the above 7) => From GoogleEarth, I had a .gpx file for “The 30 WayPoint Locations of The Narrator + Chris Hypothetical Trail”. which in turn the Caltopo.com, up in my Internet Browser could do > Upper Left > Import.> Nicely Showing > On A Caltopo Topo Map The Locations of “The 30 WayPoint Locations of The Narrator + Chris Hypothetical Trail”,. and Fox Creek Cabin Location. Click Here. …

Some Resources Where You Can Learn More About The Caltopo Platform, How It Is Used, And Why Hikers, Mountain Climbers and Road Travelers Like It.

A) AFTER This Page Comes Up, You Can Explore, To Find More How CalTopo Is Used, and See More Photos Illustrating Their Topo Maps In Use.

B) Google Or Bing … Caltopo … To Find Good Information About Caltopo.
..AFTER the Results come up, Scroll down to and especially read =>

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Android Smart Phone Users Will Find Very Useful The Caltopo APP.
…Once installed, it comes up quickly showing highways, rivers, and lakes on a colored background showing (in relief), hilly & mountainous regions, surrounded by green for grassy or forested areas. If you tap the map, at the upper right, will see the GPS Coordinates. Tap on the Icon for Search, and type in name of town, river, lake, or reservoir and this will instantly come up!

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Whenever You Want To Have GPS Navigation Showing Map AND Showing Your Travel Route Marked By GPS WayPoints.gpx, We Highly Recommend => “Garmin Locus Map” APP, For Your Android.
…And as a way to know when your travel gets near to an interesting WayPoint, or other Traveler Stop, you should have your Android Phone (Such as highly recommended Samsung Galaxy A03a), running the highly advantageous APP called “Garmin Locus Map”, Set to show (for example), all the above-mentioned WayPoints of => Henry Gurr's Google My Maps, Create a Map. For => The Travel Route of Robert Pirsig’s book “Zen and the Art of Motorcycle Maintenance”, GPX File = hsgZMMtripRaidyWaukeskaWIÚvidGurr'sPaloAltoCA+Uc+Min+ON+Pri+ZmmTravStop14 .gpx => Which shows all of My ZMM Book Research GPS WayPoints of “The ZMM Route, From Minneapolis, MN to San Francisco, CA.
…To See This Google Map, click on the Blue Link next down, and after it comes up, scroll down to and click on Henry Gurr’s ZMM Google Route Map.
https://www.robertpirsig.org/zmm50thride/

To Learn More About => The Highly Advantageous, Sophisticated, & Functional Android APP Called “Garmin Locus Map” … And How To Install This App And Then Load ZMM Route.gpx Click Here.

Now, As A Very Good GPS Alternate, You Can Make Available to Your Android “Garmin Locus Map” APP => The Locations of “The 30 WayPoint Locations of The ZMM Narrator + Chris Hypothetical Trail, That Fits The ZMM Book Mountain Climb Narrative.”,.
…To do this, first Click Here, And AFTER this Caltopo Comes Up > Upper Left > ClckOn Download > And On Page That Comes Up > Upper Left Click and select .gpx This should bring up your computer’s File System where you can choose where to SaveAs this. Remember where you saved-as this .gpx and go there, to CopyPaste it into your Android’s File System.
Next You Use The Same Procedure As Spelled Out In Blue Link Above.
…You may ask HenryG__USCA.edu for help.

******** o0OOO0o ********

**** NEW TOPIC *****
Now, To Make The Above-Mentioned "Screen Capture", You Will Need Installed A Computer Software Such As =>

******** o0OOO0o ********

Once You Have These Topo Maps Assembled, You Can Do the Following:

… You can use these Topo Maps to help understand my photos illustrating the ZMM Narrator's Mountain “N+C Hypothetical Climbing Trail” You should start with the first Photo In My ZMM Part III Gallery Photos On these 18 Small Photos, please read my explanation for the location of the ZMM Narrator's Mountain “N+C Hypothetical Climbing Trail” : (These 18 Small Photos show the start of ZMMQ Gallery ZMM Book Part III.)
… As you read my explanation, you should be able to mark the ZMM Narrator's “N+C Hypothetical Climbing Trail” => Climb WayPoints [N+C ##], on your map prints. Please send email => What do you think of my proposed trail analysis? please use my contact info (preferably email)

If You Are A Mountain Climber, You Could Use These Topo Maps, As You Attempt To Climb The Narrator's ‘‘ ‘‘ “N+C Hypothetical Climbing Trail” ‘‘.
… If you do this, I would like to hear what you find out. Is my analysis reasonable and adequately fit the ZMM Narrative? How was the climb? Did you find any other probable routes? please use my contact info (preferably email)

**** NEW TOPIC *****
If You Don't Have Time To Climb The Trail!
… From The Road That Goes To The GNF Trail Head Access, You Can SEE MUCH FROM CAR OR YOUR CYCLE On A Public Paved Road, ~1 Mile In Cottonwood Creek Canyon.
… Starting at the DeWeese Home, Your Drive Will Be Along The First Part Of The Narrator & Chris's "N+C Hypothetical Climbing Trail" Along Cottonwood Creek Road. You Will Also Experience a Small Portion of Their Trail Into the Gallatin National Forest, and Even Hike Further On an Easy Well Traveled NFS Trail. More below.

**** NEW TOPIC *****
In Preparation For The (5 Inches Below) Google-Earth Viewing Of "N=+C Hypothetical Climbing Trail". => Please TWICE Right Click, And In New Tab, Load Each Into Your Computer’s Screen =>
Click Here And AFTER GoogleEarth Static Illustration Photo Comes Up, Study & Notice A) This Is A 2D View Of Mountains, Looking Straight Down. B) The Blue PinPoints Mark The Hypothetical Trail Location, and Lower Right, The Compass Red, Points North Per Normal Map
Click Here And AFTER GoogleEarth Static Illustration Photo Comes Up, Study & Notice A) This Is A 3D View Of Mountains, Looking Down “Tilt” Angle At => The Hypothetical Trail. B) The Blue PinPoints Mark Trail Location, But Now (Using ClkDrag Of A White Circle Icon), I Have Rotated To Recommended Viewing, So The Compass Red, NO LONGER Points North Per Normal Map.

If You Don't Have The Resources Or Time To Climb The Trail, Or Even Drive There!
… FROM YOUR COMPUTER (WITH A FAIRLY FAST INTERNET), YOU CAN GOOGLE-EARTH, CLICKDRAG VIEW THE ENTIRE => "N+C Hypothetical Climbing Trail".
… After the GoogleEarth Comes Up => The Blue Pinpoint N+C 01 Marks “The Trail” start at the DeWeese Home. In GoogleEarth: Following “INSTRUCTIONS”, below => You will ClickDrag along the entire Narrator & Chris's "N+C Hypothetical Climbing Trail" , where your first views are in the Gallatin National Forest (GNF), along Cottonwood Creek, where you will see, between the trees, portions of the GNF Trail.
… Then on GoogleEarth, at N+C 09, “The Trail” turns left to follow up along Fox Creek, to the very steep climb slopes, to a reasonable choice for a knoll, adjacent SW of N+C 12. El ~7500ft. This is a good place for overnight camping, and as you will see in this GoogleEarth View, this knoll is hardy discernible, because of the dense trees, a nice fit to the ZMM Narrator’s statement.
… Your Continued ClickDrag Will Show => For the next Morning, the Narrator & Chris's "N+C Hypothetical Climbing Trail", continues at an easier climb slope along Fox Creek and fitting the ZMM Narrator’s statements, climb up the side of a ridge to its top at N+C 24. This ridge continues up to snow and the top of Mt Blackmore.
… But the ZMM Narrator becomes frightened by “clatter of falling rocks” says they better go down. And after a long struggle, finally reach a road where they can catch a ride to Bozeman. This part of “The Trail” you will see in GoogleEarth View, N+C 25 to N+C 30. next below =>

Please Click (15 Inches) Above-Mentioned “GoogleEarth Static Illustration Photo” => To Have Ready => Needed Photo, Which Is Screen Capture.=> 2D GoogleEarth Viewing Of The N+C Hypothetical Trail, Looking Straight Down At Mountains Of Gallatin National Forest =>
SUGGESTION: Persons Slow At Computering, Might Ask A Young Person To Help, And Do The “ClickDrag, While You Enjoy
… AFTER The Blue Link Below Comes Up,

ATTENTION: At various steps in the loading of GoogleEarth, and action responses, will be very slow. Be prepared to have a Zen Attitude, and wait meditatively.
Click Here For GoogleEarth View of The Narrator & Chris's "N+C Hypothetical Climbing Trail", in the Gallatin National Forest, South of Bozeman, MT #InstructionsUseGE&WhatSee

USING GOOGLE EARTH: INSTRUCTIONS & WHAT YOU WILL SEE:

… A) AFTER The Blue Link Above Comes Up, You Should Keep On Clicking Around Until => You Get A View Approximately Like The (15 Inches) Above Mentioned “2D GoogleEarth Static Illustration Photo”.
… SUGGESTIONS: To Do This => On GoogleEarth View => In the Icons at lower right, you will have to =>

… B) Continued From Above A) + You Should Keep On Clicking Around Until => You Get A View Approximately Like The (15 Inches) Above Mentioned “3D GoogleEarth Static Illustration Photo”.
… SUGGESTIONS: To Do This => On GoogleEarth View => In the Icons at lower right, you will have to =>

>5) The Blue Pinpoint N+C01 marks the location of the DeWeese Home, along Cottonwood Canyon Road. Click several time on the [+] to Zoom-In, and ClickDrag the whole picture, until you see the DeWeese house. The larger White Building is the Art Studio of Gennie DeWeese, back when she was living
IMPORTANT INSTRUCTION, FOR MOST ENJOYABLE GOOGLE EARTH “TILT” => ,
… Based on long experience, you will best enjoy the ClickDrag along successive N+C Blue PinPoints, by adjusting the “Tilt”, so Cottonwood Creek Canyon, looks at a slight incline, and you can see sky & the tops of mountains, at screen top.
Google Earth “Tilt” To View Hills & Mountains =>

Press Shift and scroll forward or backward to tilt up and down.

Adjust terrain elevation =>
Open Google Earth.
On Windows: Click Tools Next Options Next 3D View. On Mac: Click Google Earth Next Preferences Next 3D View.
Under "Terrain," enter a number between .01 and 3 for "Elevation Exaggeration." 1.5 shows a natural elevation. Click Apply.

… NOW, you should be able to ClickDrag, the whole picture, so you can successively bring into view, higher and higher numbers in these Blue Pinpoints: And as you do thus, you can enjoy Cottonwood Creek Canyon views of => The Narrator & Chris's "N+C Hypothetical Climbing Trail", all the way to N+C09 Blue Pinpoint.
… Of course, as you do this, you may need to use the ClickDrag, around the “Circle-With White-Ring”, to best see the N+C## Blue Pinpoints, ahead at the bottom of Cottonwood Canyon. In several places you will see, between the trees, actual portions of the GNF Trail, in the Gallatin National Forest.
… NOW, when you get the N+C09 Blue Pinpoint, you should use the ClickDrag, around the “Circle-With-White Ring”, to best arrange ( upon our computer screen), the view of Fox Creek, N+C10, & N+C11, which are ahead and up the slope of Fox Creek & Canyon. … Of course, please continue to ClickDrag, the whole picture, so you can see successively the Blue Pinpoints, to higher and higher N+C Numbers at the top or the screen.
… SOON you will see N+C 12, which is adjacent to a large knoll “a nice flat spot that sticks out from the mountain”, . This is a good place for Narrator & Chris overnight camping. However, as you will see in this GoogleEarth View, this knoll is hardy discernible, because of the dense trees, fitting the ZMM Narrator’s statement.

NOTE: To better understand the lay of the landscape of Fox Creek Canyon =>

… SOON you will see the N+C13, where you are looking at the Narrator & Chris's next morning’s, continued "N+C Hypothetical Climbing Trail", which at an easier climb slope along Upper Fox Creek, where at N+C17, and fitting the ZMM Narrator’s statements, the trail, abruptly reverses direction, to climb up the side of a Ridge to its top.
… This is a Ridge marked at its top edge at N+C 23 & N+C 24. As you can see, this ridge continues gradually up, soon to snow. => Click Here For GoogleEarth View of snow which is not very far away, as can be seen, in this GoogleEarth Images taken June 18, 2021). AND this Ridge leads, easy climb, to the top of Mt Blackmore. Which in these views may, or may not, be so labeled. Also, here you can see that => The easy climb to the top of Mt. Blackmore, could be along the top of this ridge, and thus no danger from falling rock.
… BUT the ZMM Narrator becomes frightened by “Clatter of Falling Rocks”, and along with increasing Bad Dreams, says they would be smart go down: Consistent with ZMM Narrative, at N+C25 thru N+C29, in this GoogleEarth View, you will see these parts of “The Trail”, on down to Hyalite Creek, and a GNF paved road, back to Bozeman MT. .
… OF COURSE, with Mouse on screen, you should further ClickDrag the whole picture to see & enjoy different places, such as the tops of Mt Blackmore & Elephant Mt, and explore to get better views of the Mountains & Valleys, of The Narrator & Chris's "N+C Hypothetical Climbing Trail".
NOTE1: My work to Create Above GoogleEarth “Project”, was fairly easy, but took about 20 hours of steady detailed work. Send Email If you want to know how to do this.

NOTE2: As you are viewing the GoogleEarth, you may click on each of the Blue PinPoints for a “Description”. These GoogleEarth “Descriptions” are also given conveniently in abovementioned CalTopo.com => Third down you will see
….Now, since this “click on each of the Blue PinPoints” is time consuming (and you may want to make a paper print for “on the trail research”) , a full listing of these is given below at =>
APPENDIX I: THE FOLLOWING IS

NOTE3: Concerning Above Mentioned '' “3D GoogleEarth Static Illustration Photos”, Which Show =>
… A) Interesting & Valuable Views Of The ZMM Book’s Mountain Climb Narrative Descriptions, AND
… B) Will Show The Many Unique Abilities Of Google Earth. …

NOTE4: Above You Could => FROM YOUR COMPUTER (WITH A FAIRLY FAST INTERNET), VIEW GOOGLE-EARTH, CLICKDRAG VIEW THE ENTIRE => "N+C Hypothetical Climbing Trail".
…Readers should be aware that the above was a free “Internet Version Of GoogleEarth. This should NOT be confused with a free “Download & Install In Your Computer” Version Of GoogleEarth.
…Although it is more work to do the install, this installed version, is far more powerful and useful.

Please See At The Bottom Of This Page For Additional Information For => Gallatin National Forest (GNF) N+C ## Hypothetical Trail Location Waypoints, Of MM Book Mountain Climb Narrative.

=>Appendix ii: Listing Of ALL 15 “3d Google Earth Static Illustration Photos”

VARIOUS MOUNTAIN CLIMB CHECK LISTS START HERE;

Robert Pirsig’s Own Check Lists For Travel & Camping => At Start of Chapter 4 Of His => Zen and the Art Or Motorcycle Maintenance ,
… Every Chautauqua should have a list somewhere of valuable things to remember that can be kept in some safe place for times of future need and inspiration. Details. And now, while the others are still snoring away wasting this beautiful morning sunlight . . . well . . . to sort of fill time . . .
… What I have here is my list of valuable things to take on your next motorcycle trip across the Dakotas. … I got so tired of forgetting things on trips like this, I made this up and store it in a file at home to check off when I am ready to go.
The next list is Personal Stuff:
… Combs. Billfold. Pocketknife. Memoranda booklet. Pen. Cigarettes and matches. Flashlight. Soap and plastic soap container. Toothbrushes and toothpaste. Scissors. APCs for headaches. Insect repellent. Deodorant (after a hot day on a cycle, your best friends don’t need to tell you). Sunburn lotion. (On a cycle you don’t notice sunburn until you stop, and then it’s too late. Put it on early.) Band-Aids. Toilet paper. Washcloth (this can go into a plastic box to keep other stuff from getting damp). Towel.
Books. I don’t know of any other cyclist who takes books with him. They take a lot of space, but I have three of them here anyway, with some loose sheets of paper in them for writing. These are:
… 1.The shop manual for this cycle. 2.A general troubleshooting guide containing all the technical information I can never keep in my head. This is Chilton’s Motorcycle Troubleshooting Guide written by Ocee Rich and sold by Sears, Roebuck. 3.A copy of Thoreau’s Walden . . . which Chris has never heard and which can be read a hundred times without exhaustion.
Camping Equipment includes:
1.Two sleeping bags. 2.Two ponchos and one ground cloth. These convert into a tent and also protect the luggage from rain while you are traveling. 3.Rope. 4.U. S. Geodetic Survey maps of an area where we hope to do some hiking. 5.Machete. 6.Compass. 7.Canteen. I couldn’t find this anywhere when we left. I think the kids must have lost it somewhere. 8.Two Army-surplus mess kits with knife, fork and spoon. 9.A collapsible Sterno stove with one medium-sized can of Sterno. This is an experimental purchase. I haven’t used it yet. When it rains or when you’re above the timberline firewood is a problem. 10.Some aluminum screw-top tins. For lard, salt, butter, flour, sugar. A mountaineering supply house sold us these years ago. 11.Brillo, for cleaning. 12.Two aluminum-frame backpacks.
NOTE: Omitted from the above .listing is Mr. Pirsig’s => Clothing List and Motorcycle Stuff.
Of course N+C Trail Researchers should bring => a copy of ZMM Book, or copies of the pages (magnify size) that have the ZMM Mountain Climb Narrative. AND a print of the below 12 Pages Titled => “ZMM Narrator's Trail Clues For Bozeman Gallatin National Forest (GNF), “N+C Hypothetical Climbing Trail” , Plus Henry Gurr's Analysis Commentary of Where These Places Might Be In Gallatin National Forest”. This print should be set to wide margins, providing space for On The Spot Trail Research Notes.

Trip Planning Guide And Checklist, National Park Service, U.S. Department of the Interior:
Going out for an adventure? Make your fun adventure a safe one too! No one plans on getting hurt while out exploring in a National Park.
… However, nature is unpredictable, structures are historical, and your equipment can unexpectedly fail. Planning ahead can be the key to a fun and safe adventure. Remember, safety starts with you!
… Know before you go. You and your group should be informed about the
national park you are visiting and the activity you are participating in. Be prepared
to fully enjoy your time.
… Use this guide and checklist to help plan your trip. The first part of this guide
provides a detailed description of each of the four phases of your trip. At the end
you will find a checklist that sums up the guide.

NPS Trip Planning Checklist =>
… This checklist can help you plan for a fun and safe adventure to a national park. It may need to be adjusted to meet your needs or those of your group depending on the park you are visiting, the time of year you are visiting, if you extend your trip for more than one day, or any other local considerations. For park specific information, go to the park’s home page at www.nps.gov and click on “Plan Your Visit”. Following the principles below can help you avoid some of the most common mistakes people make.

Remember, safety starts with you!

Before the Trip
□ Identify the Trip Leader(s) □ Identify group members and assess their skill, experience, fitness level, required medication and health conditions □ Pick the park you want to visit □ Pick the right activity for you or your group from the list of allowed activities at the park □ Learn about the environment and hazards* of your park □ Identify park requirements and regulations for your activity □ Plan water, food, and equipment needs; test your equipment before your trip
Develop a “Plan B”
□ Identify a Safety Leader(s) □ Complete a Trip Plan and leave it with a person that is NOT going on the trip with you □ Develop and practice an Emergency Plan
Pre-Departure
□ Leave Trip Plan with a person not on the trip □ Make sure you have permits □ Assign chaperones and a buddy system □ Check your equipment and supplies □ Check park alerts, weather conditions, travel route, & road conditions Arrival at Park □ Ask a ranger about park alerts and conditions □ Get necessary permits and pay any required fees
Check your own & your group members’ health & energy levels
□ Check your water, food, and equipment before heading out □ Put “Plan B” in action if necessary
During the Trip
□ Sign logbook at the trailhead □ Stick to your intended route □ Stay on the trail and within designated areas □ Stay together □ Follow the principles of “Leave No Trace” □ Check your physical well-being and keep an eye on changes in the environment & weather □ *Every park has inherent risks and environmental conditions associated with outdoor recreation, such as wildlife.
After the Trip
□ Check-in with your emergency contact □ Assess the outcome of the trip and any “lessons learned” □ Share your experience
The Above NPS Trip Planning Checklist Is Excerpt From => “NPS Trip Planning Package February 2018.”
This whole “Guide” is quite excellent, and Includes, for example => a “Sample Trip Plan”, which has blanks to fill out, and can be given to authorities or left at Trail Head.

THE TEN ESSENTIALS => THE 10 ESSENTIALS ARE ORGANIZED INTO THE FOLLOWING TEN CATEGORIES, OR SYSTEMS1  =>
…
NAVIGATION – Map, compass, and GPS system.
Navigation systems are used when planning your route before your trip, and when you need help orienting yourself in your surroundings during your activity. Know how to use a topographical or relief map as well as your compass or GPS unit before going out.
SUN PROTECTION – Sunglasses, Sunscreen, And Hat.
… Sun protection is necessary to protect your skin and eyes against harsh UV rays that are responsible for sunburns and skin cancer. Consider using sunglasses, sunscreen, and hats. Sun-protection clothing such as pants and long sleeve shirts can also help minimize your exposure to the sun.
INSULATION – Jacket, Hat, Gloves, Rain Shell, And Thermal Underwear.
… Nature is unpredictable. Be prepared for sudden changes in weather conditions. Pack an extra layer of clothing that reflects the most extreme conditions you could encounter.
ILLUMINATION – Flashlight, Lanterns, And Headlamp.
… Lighting is indispensable in the outdoors where no conventional light sources can be found. Items include flashlights, lanterns, and headlamps. Headlamps are the preferred light source because they are hands-free. Be sure to pack extra batteries.
FIRST-AID SUPPLIES – First Aid Kit.
… Be prepared for emergencies by packing first-aid supplies with you. Start with a pre-made kit and modify it to fit your trip and your medical needs. Check the expiration date on all items and replace them as needed. Consider including an emergency guide in case you are faced with an unfamiliar medical emergency.
FIRE – Matches, Lighter And Fire Starters.
… Fire can be an emergency signal and a heat source for cooking and staying warm. Pack matches (preferably waterproof) and fire starters - items that catch fire quickly and sustain a flame (e.g. lighter). Familiarize yourself with the fire use regulations of your park before heading out. Learn more about campfires.
REPAIR KIT AND TOOLS – Duct Tape, MultiPurpose Knife, Screwdriver, And Scissors
… Carry a basic repair kit with you to help repair equipment. The kit should include items such as duct tape, a knife, and scissors. Consider packing a multi-tool, a compact version of many tools that can include a knife, screwdriver, can opener, etc. Be sure to bring any tools specific to your trip and your activity.
NUTRITION – Food.
… You should always be prepared for the possibility of changes to your trip plans. Pack an extra day's supply of food, preferably no-cook items that have good nutritional value in order to keep your energy high. Salty and easy to digest snacks (e.g. trail mix, nuts, and granola bars) work well for outdoor activities.
HYDRATION – Water And Water Treatment Supplies.
… Staying hydrated on your trip is of utmost importance! Physical activity increases your risk of dehydration (loss of water and salts from the body), which can lead to negative health consequences. If you’re active outdoors (hiking, biking, running, swimming, etc.), especially in hot weather, you should drink water often and before you feel thirsty. Prepare your water before you need it and do not allow yourself to become dehydrated. Before heading out on your trip, be sure to identify if there are any bodies of water at your destination that you could collect water from and treat using your water treatment supplies. Learn more about purifying water.
EMERGENCY SHELTER – Tent, Space Blanket, Tarp, Poncho, And Bivy.
… Shelter is one of the most important elements during an emergency survival situation. It can protect you from severe weather conditions and exposure to the elements. A tent, tarp, bivy sack, or emergency space blanket are all light weight options for emergency shelter.

Click Here For => “NPS Trip Planning Package”, A .PDF Document For Printing.

A Trip Planning Guide And Checklist, Found By Henry Gurr, Compliments To Internet Pages Found By Google. The Below Is Quite Lengthily, So You The Reader May Be Aware & Choose =>

Top 7 Tips for Altitude Sickness Prevention. · 1. Climb slowly · 2. Eat carbs · 3. Avoid alcohol · 4. Drink water · 5. Take it easy · 6. Sleep lower · 7. Medication.
Safety preparations Mountain Climb Pack layers of clothing that you can add or remove as needed. Don't forget rain- and windproof outerwear made of lightweight material. You should also bring something to keep the sun out of your eyes, such as a brimmed hat and sunglasses. Also, don't forget the sunscreen.
10 Mountain Climbing Safety Tips
Check the Harnesses Every Time. ...
Double Check the Knots. ...
Never Forget the Climbing Hamlet. ...
Always Check the Belay Device and the Rope. ...
Ensure That the Rope is Long Enough. ...
Pay Attention. ...
Bring Enough Gear. ...
Climb with the Rope Over Your Leg.
Jog or do cardio before you climb. ...
Read about the mountain you're going to climb. ...
Waterproof your things whether rain or shine. ...
Bring around two litres of water.
Never drink mountain water. Bring approved water treatment chemicals, reverse osmosis water purifier, or way to boil water. (Several days Chris had had awful Diarrhea, and this may well have been untreated mountain stream water.) ...
Bring snacks high in carbs and protein. ...
Stretch before the climb. ...
Bring first aid kit.
Top tips for successful mountaineering include:
Preparation and planning: Take time to plan and prepare for your ascent. ...
Footwear for mountaineering: Make sure you invest in a good pair of rugged mountaineering boots. ...
Food for mountaineering: Make sure to carry plenty of food (and water) on any mountaineering trip.
What are the dangers of climbing a mountain?
Some of the hazards are: falling rocks and ice, avalanches, ice and snow slopes, crevasses, weather, climber falls, and altitude. … Perhaps the most expected or common hazards are natural disasters, such as falling debris or weather storms. Many people do not expect physical ailments to result in so many deaths. … Watch Park Service & Forest Service WebSites for hazardous conditions, in areas you expect to trave.. For example, avoid being in forests & mountains in hot dry conditions, when fire potential is high.
Safety Measures:
Mountaineering activities must be done under the experts and experienced leader, should have a thorough knowledge of track route of mountaineering, one should know flora and fauna or the route, always be alert and aware of your surroundings, keep sufficient food for the group, all the equipment should be closely inspected for full functionality. … To avoid danger, visit the mountain in a group – do not go alone. Make sure you know survival techniques and how to move on the mountain 촉산전. These can be learned from courses and guided outings organized by mountaineering clubs and groups. … If you must go alone, into remote areas where there are not any people around to help in an emergency, consider investing in a Satellite Phone. See discussion next below.

Learn about some of the risks of mountain climbing and steps you can take to stay safe. + Bring the right gear.
… It’s essential to wear proper gear for hiking and mountain climbing. Wear clothing that allows you to move and maneuver comfortably. Choose well-fitting shoes that provide ankle support, stability, and grip.
… If you’re hiking on rocky trails, use one or two walking poles to help maintain your balance while navigating uneven terrain. A pole will also take some of the physical impact off your knees, hips, ankles, and lower back.
… It’s a good idea to carry gear for all types of weather. The air is thinner at high altitudes. This can lead to extreme and rapid changes in temperatures. Pack layers of clothing that you can add or remove as needed. Don’t forget rain- and windproof outerwear made of lightweight material.
… You should also bring something to keep the sun out of your eyes, such as a brimmed hat and sunglasses.
… Also, don’t forget the sunscreen. The sun’s rays tend to be more intense at higher altitudes, especially if reflecting off of snow. Insect repellant is important during warmer months, while light-colored clothing can be cooler and less attractive to pests.
… When you’re high up in the mountains, you may be far from civilization and access to sustenance. Remember to carry food and water for your trip. Staying hydrated can be challenging because you perspire more at higher altitudes.
… Carry all of your extra gear and food in a backpack with at least two straps. Make sure your backpack fits snugly and has padded straps and a waist belt.
Prevent altitude-related illnesses (Cont from above.)
Besides the hardship of hiking up a mountain, the high altitude itself can cause serious health concerns.
… Acute mountain sickness (AMS) is the most common altitude-related disorder. It’s commonly known as altitude sickness. Its primary symptom is a severe headache, But other symptoms may include: ''' (Cont from above.)
… nausea, fatigue, Dizziness, drowsiness, insomnia
Some other altitude-related disorders include:
… high-altitude pulmonary edema (HAPE),
… high-altitude cerebral edema (HACE)
… peripheral edema, which causes your hands, feet, and face to swell
… altitude throat
… altitude bronchitis
Always take AMS seriously because it may put you at risk for HAPE or HACE. These are very serious life-threatening conditions.
… HAPE happens when excess fluid collects in your lungs. It can cause shortness of breath, difficulty breathing, and coughing up frothy or bloody sputum.
… HACE happens when fluid collects in your brain. Along with severe headache and vomiting, it can also cause confusion, uncharacteristic behavior, drowsiness, difficulty walking, and loss of consciousness.
… There are several steps you can take to lower your risk of altitude-related illnesses.
https://www.healthline.com/health/mountain-climbing-safety - altitude--related-illnesses

Consider Investing In A Satellite Phone, For Remote Region Safety and Getting Help In An Emergency:

… Satellite phone Internet Pages Found By Henry Gurr, Compliments Of Google => A Satellite Phone is expensive for both device purchase ($400 - $1600) and monthly service ($60 -$250), AND quality and accessibly of service varies widely, with particular device & world location: therefore you should spend lots of time studying the best combinations for your circumstance. Once you have done a lot of study, call up the Satellite Phone Companies, and listen carefully to their advice. You can start with these Google finds =>
https://www.splitboardmag.com/technique/communication-devices-in-the-mountains/
https://satellitephonestore.com/catalog/sale/satellite-phones
https://www.splitboardmag.com/technique/communication-devices-in-the-mountains/

When No Signal! => Best Ways To Call For Help in the Mountains, Or Other Remote Locations,

… Chances are that preparation for emergencies is part of your tour planning (if not, it definitely should be). And chances are, your route has sections without cell phone coverage, so you start thinking about:
Points of no return: Seriously Start Planning For =>
… Possibilities for emergency shelters
… Easiest ways to hike out if you have to abort the tour
… Emergency kit in case of injuries
But what do you if everything fails and you encounter a life-threatening situation? How do you call the rescue services in the backcountry without cell phone service?
For Remote Region Safety and Getting Help In An Emergency:
Click Here For Remainder Of This Article & Important Methods, To Get Help, When Al Else Fails!

Some Advanced Handheld Mountain Trail GPS Units, In Addition To All Their Normal Functions, Have Satellite Two-Way Messaging.
…This Messaging, for safety purposes & routine on-trail coordination, is good enough, to side-step the need for the FAR more expensive Satellite Telephone.
Garmin Mountain Trail GPS Called Montana® 700i => The Rugged GPS Touchscreen Navigator With “InReach® Iridium Satellite Messaging Technology.
…In Nov 2023 for no extra cost, we were able to Send and Receive Text messages of 18 characters each. But the following Link explains other plans:
inReach® Monthly Safety Plan $15 Per Month, And Others Higher Priced:

LEGAL NOTICE: Every effort has been made to ensure the accuracy and personal safety (and free of likely property damage), of the information presented on this and all ZMM Quality web Pages (Text Pages) AND my ZMM Quality Gallery Photograph Galleries (Photograph Web Pages). … However, the University of South Carolina, University of South Carolina Aiken, and Henry S. Gurr, make no warranty with regard to it. NO WARRANTY is expressed or implied as to the suitability, free of resultant property damage, or personal safety of the information provided herein. THE USER ASSUMES ALL RISKS.

ZMM Narrator's Trail Clues For Bozeman Gallatin National Forest (GNF), “N+C Hypothetical Climbing Trail” , Plus Henry Gurr's Analysis Commentary of Where These Places Might Be In Gallatin National Forest.

Please see my Photo Gallery for ZMM Part III For the MOST UP-TO-DATE AND FULL DETAILED VERSION Of My Commentary Information.
… Especially see the first 36 photos starting at Blue Link below. … AND Please be aware that => Photos 37 thru 41 show “The Narrator + Chris N+C Hypothetical Climbing Trail” TOPO MAPS Mentioned Above.
… Please be aware that the photos shown are “temporary make do”: These photos will be replaced by Actual On-Site Trail Photos, as soon as possible.
http://venturearete.org/ResearchProjects/ProfessorGurr/gallery/album08?page=1

The Following Is a Complete Collection of All the ZMM Narrator's Trail Clues For Bozeman Mountain Climb. These Passages Also Have Henry Gurr's Commentary, Abbreviated From The Photo Blue Link above.

Page numbers from Bantam Paperback Editions. You can get digital ZMM Full Text by click in Left Menu => How To Find “ZMM Book (Full Text) Free Internet”.

PAGE 167 "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.”
COMMENT: The "up the mountainside” must mean their trail has moved them higher and higher up the overall mountain, whether they are by a stream or some other portion of the mountain. It is almost certain that "the stream” and "the canyon” refer to Cottonwood Creek and Cottonwood Creek Canyon, since they start from DeWeese's. Once they enter the Gallatin National Forest, their Trail most likely is the NFS Trail up Cottonwood Creek Canyon as is shown on the above mentioned Topo Maps. This trail, which is well traveled, is also N+C## marked on as my '' "The Narrator + Chris N+C Hypothetical Climbing Trail Map” ‘‘ The trail marks in Cottonwood Creek Canyon are N+C 01 thru N+C 09.
… The ZMM Narrator repeatedly mentions "a trail. ” Evidently, it is well traveled because later he says the trail is a " “seldom entered canyon, ” implying the previous trail shows it was much more traveled. I believe the Narrator uses one of the existing NFS trails, so as to be as easy on Chris as possible. And he uses a canyon floor trail, since these are relatively level and almost no slope up. (This is why, in the mountains, most highways follow streams for as long as possible.) In addition, the Narrator uses these trails, as long as possible, so they will have a relatively easier approach to the snow-covered mountains. Still, characteristic of the Narrator, they depart from the established trails to make their own route on the final ascent. Additional topo map study will show many Roads & Official NFS Trails in this area of the Gallatin National Forest (GNF):
… You will see that the Official NFS Trail in Cottonwood Canyon, which eventually leads to the top of Mt. Blackmore, does so in a more circuitous route, is considerably longer distance, and has many more switchbacks = low quality.
You will also see on maps that an in Cottonwood Canyon, turns into Fox Creek Canyon, and eventually leads NW to the top of a ridge at “Fox Creek Meadows” Marker points N+C 10, & N+C 11 are by this trail, right along Fox Creek. N+C 12 is beyond where this trail turns NW to go the top.
… A good way to see this Official NFS Trail is on the Topo Maps of => The “on line platform” of CalTopo
INSTRUCTIONS => Scroll up to the Bold Title Line => “CalTopo Is Excellent..” Then click to access their Page, then read at => 2) Also Notice, At Left Of Words ”Hyalite –Porcupine … “

PAGE 169 "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. ”
"Oh," says Chris and we continue hiking. The rays of the sun create a cathedral effect through the pines. ”
COMMENT: This suggests a relatively open and hence grassy area somewhat away from the stream. I observed several of these in my hike up the NFS trail in Cottonwood Canyon, one of which is shown in the Photos for the N+C Mountain Climb.

PAGE 173 "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. ”
” We stop for a rest, sit down and brace against a tree so that we don’t topple over backward from the packs. After a while I reach around over my shoulder, take the machete from the top of my pack and hand it to Chris. ”
"See those two aspens over there? The straight ones? At the edge?" I point to them”.’‘ "Cut those down about a foot from the ground. ” ''
"Why? ”
"We’ll need them later for hiking sticks and tent poles. ”
"Chris takes the machete, starts to rise but then settles back again. You cut them, he says. ”
"So I take the machete and go over and cut the poles. They both cut neatly in one swing, except for the final strip of bark, which I sever with the back hook of the machete. Up in the rocks you need the poles for balancing and the pine up above is no good for poles, and this is about the last of the aspen here. It bothers me a little though that Chris is turning down work. Not a good sign in the mountains. ”
"A short rest and then on we go. It’ll take a while to get used to this load. There’s a negative reaction to all the weight. As we go on though, it’ll become more natural . . . ” .
COMMENT: Having been some 1.3 miles along the trail from the GNF Trail Head, I can say I did not see any views of the any distant mountains, let alone those with snow. Nor were there any places even close. And even without the trees, I think that there would be little chance to view any part of such mountains. So the places to see snow must be further on where Cottonwood Canyon changes direction somewhat: This is a bit after N+C06. Here Cottonwood Creek Canyon then "points at” high mountains, such as Mt. Blackmore and Elephant Mountain. I estimate that this occurs at a total distance from the DeWeese's of some 3 miles, where the canyon continues fairly straight for about another 1.2 miles. This "v" cut would allow a low viewing angle consistent with seeing the Narrator’s => "Just up above the top of the ridge the snow can be seen” some 9 miles away. Consistent with this ZMM passage, the topo maps show a lower ridge 2 miles away from this fairly straight section. That well could be the ridge the Narrator mentions in passage above, as part of viewing over it to see the snow. I believe the ridge mentioned is the one labeled as El 7621T on the above mentioned Topo Maps. This is close by and NE of Fox Creek Canyon junction with Cottonwood Creek Canyon. Starting with this Gallery Photo You may see two successive Photos of Google Earth Views (Ground Level) Views at N+C 08 & N+C 09, where can see snow on the high mountains, From Fox Creek Canyon.
… Important Conclusions => The more I have worked with the details of finding GNF Terrain that fits => The N+C ZMM Book Mountain Climb Narrative, the more I have become ever more solidly convinced that Author Robert Pirsig closely consulted Topo Maps, as he Built His Climb Narrative: My reasons for this solid conclusion are given A) thru E) below.
… Some source if information about these mountains had to be used, other than Pirsig’s being there. Although his mountain experience was extensive, the only evidence of his experiences in Cottonwood Canyon, took place historically on, or around, 17 July 1968. This is when, Robert Pirsig’s actual Mountain Climbing Route with his son Chris, starting at the DeWeese Home in Cottonwood Canyon, went upstream in Cottonwood Canyon, about a mile beyond the where the Gallatin National Forest GNF Trail Head. Then they went ~NE to a knoll camping place, and next morning continued on a difficult trail to down to Hyalite Creek. This of course would give considerable memories, whit which to build his N+C ZMM Book Mountain Climb Narrative
… Since there is no evidence Mr. Pirsig ever went further into GNF, we can reasonably assume his Narrator’s => "Just up above the top of the ridge the snow can be seen” , was determined from Topo Maps. Likewise this must be true for most of Mr. Pirsig’s Terrain Description, and Landscape interrelationships, stated later in ZMM, such as =>

… Thus we can see & conclude that Author Robert Pirsig held his Mountain Climb Narrative, close to the specific details of the GNF mountains, streams, & canyons, at least what could be extracted from Topo Maps, and his actually being there with Chris in 1968. Of course some of the mountain visual details, could be obtained from his other various mountain climb experiences.

… Here, please use the above-mentioned “IMPORTANT INSTRUCTION, FOR MOST ENJOYABLE GOOGLE EARTH “TILT”, describes how to use GoogleEarth to show that indeed Cottonwood Creek Canyon then ‘‘ “points at" ‘‘, high snow-covered mountains. Thus it is reasonable that show could be seen in summer from the bottom of Cottonwood Canyon.

PAGE 178 "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. ”
"This is apparently a seldom-entered canyon this far up. After another hour of hiking we see that the trail is about gone”
COMMENT: We can deduce from this that roads mentioned are NOT in the Southern Direction. And indeed from the GNF Trail in Cottonwood Canyon, there are well traveled roads and campgrounds within ~ 3 to 10 miles, in the Northwest, North, and Northeast directions. There are also reasonable GNF Trails completely around for example Mt. Blackmore. … The "seldom entered canyon” must be the same canyon mentioned as "enter another canyon” on p173. The language suggests a canyon different from the one they have been in (Cottonwood), and still a respectable canyon, and not one of those many run-off gulches or ravines that come fairly steeply down the slopes and which do not have a year around stream water. The only real candidate that turns to snow is Fox Creek Canyon. This turns left toward Mt. Blackmore.

PAGE 181 "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.”
COMMENT: This trail location must be a fairly long distance for Chris's strength. Would some 4-5 miles from the DeWeeses' be consistent with his out of shape body? Is the climb up a slope already happening? A turn into Fox Creek Canyon, which climbs steadily and much more steeply than Cottonwood canyon, nicely fits the Narrator’s overall descriptions. See the captions of my 36 photos which contain a location analysis of each of the successive ZMM passages and shows all this in detail at: http://venturearete.org/ResearchProjects/ProfessorGurr/gallery/album08?page=1 .

PAGE 182 "I help Chris get to his feet. “You were going a little too fast," I say. “Now the mountainside’s becoming steep and we have to go slowly. If you go too fast you get winded and when you get winded you get dizzy and that weakens your spirit and you think, I can’t do it. So go slow for a while. ”
"I’ll stay behind you," he says. ”
"Okay. ”
"We walk now away from the stream we were following, up the canyon side at the shallowest angle I can find. … 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. ” …
COMMENT: They have been following the "seldom entered canyon” and apparently have already been moving up fairly steep slope: This combined with some 6 miles of NFS trail, has exhausted Chris. As stated above, I believe, from the clues in the ZMM Climb Narrative => That this is in Fox Creek Canyon, soon after they turn into the "seldom entered canyon.. Also, the Narrator says they have ‘‘ “left the trail” ‘‘ . I believe this means that as they continue climbing, on a steeper ramp along Fox Creek, and have gone beyond the end of the trail by Fox Creek that is shown on the Topo Maps. Or better said => They have gone beyond where the trail turns away from For Creek. To see this scroll and study the CalTopo Discussion at TWO places Hyalite –Porcupine … NOTE: ZMM Narrator says (p 183 in discussing what things should be noticed) says that ) => "From this place the snow is less visible, even though closer” ''. I believe this is from places in Fox Creek Canyon. A GoogleEarth view shows that this is seen at the NE of Fox Creek Canyon junction with Cottonwood Creek Canyon. Starting with this Gallery Photo You may see two successive Photos of Google Earth Views (Ground Level) Views at N+C 08 & N+C 09, where can see snow on the high mountains, from Fox Creek Canyon.

PAGE 187 "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. ”
COMMENT: Chris is continuing to be stressed, so they are continuing up the steep slope by Fox Creek as previous. Since the Narrator does not change language the slope must continue about the same.

PAGE 188 "Up ahead all of Chris’s movements seem tired and angry. He stumbles on things, lets branches tear at him, instead of pulling them to one side. ”
COMMENT: Chris is continuing to be stressed, so they are continuing up slope by Fox Creek as previous. Since the Narrator does not change language the slope must continue about the same. The Narrator already implied that they left the obvious GNF trail. Consistent with this, Chris is walking the cluttered slope and has trouble with branches and stumbling. Thus, the foot places are irregular, with plenty of low branches to drag through.

PAGE 192 "Chris turns and flashes a tormented look at me. It won’t be long now. Even before we left there were clues this was coming. When DeWeese told a neighbor I was experienced in the mountains Chris showed a big flash of admiration. It was a large thing in his eyes. He should be done for soon, and then we can stop for the day. ”
"Oop! There he goes. He’s fallen down. He’s not getting up. It was an awfully neat fall, not very accidental-looking. Now he looks at me with hurt and anger, searching for condemnation from me. I don’t show him any. I sit down next to him and see he’s almost defeated. ”
"Well," I say, “we can stop here, or we can go ahead, or we can go back. Which do you want to do? ”
"I don’t care," he says, “I don’t want to . . . ”
"You don’t want to what? ”
"I don’t care!" he says, angrily. ”
"Then since you don’t care, we’ll keep on going," I say, trapping him. ”
"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. ”
COMMENT: Chris is now severely stressed, as they are continuing up slope as previous. Since the Narrator does not change language the slope must continue about the same. All this is consistent with the long ramp along Fox Creek. One thing we should remember is that their climb gets higher and higher in altitude. And in addition to being ‘‘ “out of shape”, ‘‘ higher altitude means thin air, and this 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 both steepness and thin air!

PAGE 196 "I look back and see Chris is way behind. “Come on!" I shout. ”
"He doesn’t answer. ”
"Come on!" I shout again. ”
"Then I see him fall sideways and sit in the grass on the side of the mountain. I leave my pack and go back down to him. The slope is so steep I have to dig my feet in sideways. When I get there he’s crying. ”
"I hurt my ankle," he says, and doesn’t look at me. ” … .
"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."
"Why are you so tired? ”
"Is he trying to infuriate me? He’s succeeding.” … .
"He goes off a distance and picks a stem of grass and puts it in his mouth. Then he buries his face in his hands. I make lunch for myself and have a short rest. ”
"When I wake up again he’s still crying. There’s nowhere for either of us to go. ” …
"I settle back in the grass and rest again. Maybe it’s not having answers that’s defeating both of us … “I think what I’m going to do, Chris, is put all the heavy stuff in my pack and the light stuff in yours. That way I won’t have to go back and forth with both packs. ”
"He agrees to this and his mood improves. It seems to have solved something for him. 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 . . . . ”
COMMENT: As analyzed in my photo captions and shown on "The Narrator + Chris N+C Hypothetical Climbing Trail” Maps, the Fox Creek Canyon route is consistent with a long climb, followed by 1) " next hour we move slowly upward ” , then 2) " beginning trickle of a stream ” [where they cross the stream], then 3) " Huge steps, almost vertical ” I believe the Narrator here describes the suddenly much steeper cliffs shown on my Topo Maps. If this "near vertical” part is so bad, why did the Narrator come this way? Even he questions: "I feel stupid because I should have planned my way around this. ” So, why did he plan to even come this way? Well, it fits other criterion: Their trail permitted a long time on very easy canyon bottom with preexisting trail, followed by a fairly easy canyon grade offering a direct connection, ahead, to good inclined-ridge approach to a high mountain with snow. And even at this ‘‘ “near vertical” ‘‘ part, there is a relatively easy grade before and after. The Fox Creek Canyon route fits the Narrator’s overall stated plan: "enter another canyon, follow it to its end and then come back at an upward angle along to the ridge” (that leads directly to Mt. Blackmore and snow). … Now here, you might also want to do your own study the Topo Maps. You will not easily find a better option! My two alternates, shown on my Topo, are clearly less than optimal, although these routes are somewhat similar to a route mapped by Mr. Pirsig recently in answer to my request about what route he and Chris followed. When I pointed out to Mr. Pirsig why his mapped reply did not fit the "get water” nor the "larger side canyon” clues, he said he did not remember. But did add: If Chris’s 40 year weathered leather jacket, with elbow patches is found, that would mark their route!

PAGE 200 "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. ”
COMMENT: After that super steep part that evidently did not last too long, the lesser slope now here offers a good slope good enough to rest and look over the cliff formed by the ‘‘ “near vertical” '' part. This would make a great view.

PAGE 201 "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. ”
"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. ”
"I’m ready for a nap, but clouds have formed in the canyon that appear ready to drop rain. They’ve filled in the canyon so that we can’t see the bottom and can just barely see the ridge on the other side. ”
COMMENT: The "N+C Hypothetical Climbing Trail” I have chosen for this location, and later on, offers several places that fit "Chris shouts to hear his echo, and throws rocks down to see where they fall. ” Also, despite the really steep Upper Fox Creek Canyon, my "Hypothetical Trail", adjacent SW of N+C 12, ‘‘ offers a nice ‘‘ “flat spot, a large knoll, protruding from the side of the mountain. ” And, consistent with ZMM Book, this spot overlooks the canyon so that we can’t see the bottom and can just barely see the ridge on the other side. ” '' (This is Cottonwood Canyon to the West.)
… Here the "N+C Hypothetical Climbing Trail” distance from the DeWeese home is ~ 7 miles, and from it we see that Author Robert Pirsig’s Narrative has built into it a surprising “story” that Chris could come this far, given his inexperience, not-in-shape, fatigue, resentment, and anger. Especially with the added fatigue that would come from high altitude thin air!
PAGE 203 "Beyond the flap of the tent now the needles on the ground send vapors of mist up toward the sun. The air feels moist and cool, and while Chris still sleeps I get out of the tent carefully, stand up and stretch. ”
"My legs and back are stiff but not painful. I do calisthenics for a few minutes to loosen them up, then sprint from the knoll into the pines. That feels better. ”
‘‘ "The pine odor is heavy and moist this morning. I squat and look down at the morning mists in the canyon below. ” ''
COMMENT: We learn that the flat spot is a knoll, sticking out from the side of the mountain. There must be fairly heavy forests, since the Narrator must squat to look into the valley in that direction. But the trees are open enough, in at least one direction, for the Narrator to sprint to an edge of more dense trees. On my "N+C Hypothetical Climbing Trail” Map, I show a reasonable choice for a knoll, adjacent SW of N+C 12.
As you can see in a Satellite View or GoogleEarth View, this knoll is hardy discernible, because of the dense trees. N+C 12 El ~7500ft.
PAGE 205 "We still have a lot of climbing to do, but on the trail we discover it’s easier than yesterday. We’re getting to the rounded upper portion of the ridge and the slope isn’t as steep. 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 . . . . ”
COMMENT: The Narrator says his trail, as they get to the higher slopes, is in mature dense forests. This is also shown in Mr. Pirsig’s own photo, link below. This eliminates many mountain tops and slopes, because they show evidence of logging within the last 38 years since 1968.
… Click here for Mr. Pirsig’s photo of mountain climb dense forests at their campsite. http://venturearete.org/ResearchProjects/ProfessorGurr/gallery/Pictures-Robert-Pirsigs-original-1968-trip/aav

PAGE 207 "I see a deer move about two hundred yards ahead and above us through the pines. I try to point it out to Chris, but by the time he looks it’s gone. ”
COMMENT: This tells us they are starting up fairly steep since "above” is used instead of "ahead” Also, to be able to see 200 yards, the woods must be fairly open to vision. Is this perhaps due to the old and un-logged forest which prevent any underbrush as mentioned p213 next?

PAGE 213 "Chris shouts, “When are we going to get to the top? ”
"Probably quite a way yet," I reply. ”
"Will we see a lot? ”
"I think so. Look for blue sky between the trees. As long as we can’t see sky we know it’s a way yet. The light will come through the trees when we round the top. ”
"Last night’s rain has soaked this soft duff of needles sufficiently to make them good walking. Sometimes when it’s really dry on a slope like this they become slippery and you have to dig your feet into them edgewise or you’ll slide down. ”
"I say to Chris, “Isn’t it great when there’s no underbrush like this? ”
"Why isn’t there any?" he asks. ”
"I think this area must never have been logged. When a forest is left alone like this for centuries, the trees shut out all the underbrush. ”
"It’s like a park," Chris says. “You can sure see all around." His mood seems much better than yesterday. I think he’ll be a good traveler from here on. This forest silence improves anyone. ”
COMMENT: The "never have been logged” and "..like a park” , are clues to location. Built into the Climb Narrative. The Narrator and Chris are both expecting the top, and not too far away. This tells the reader to expect a climax and thus actually helps to actually build that climax!! The slope must be fairly steep, because the Narrator says "on a slope like this they become slippery and you have to dig your feet into them edgewise or you’ll slide down. ”

PAGE 215 "And at that point, when he wrote that, he knew he had reached some kind of culmination of thought he had been unconsciously striving for over a long period of time. ”
"Blue sky!" shouts Chris. ”
'' "There it is, way above us, a narrow patch of blue through the trunks of the trees.
We move faster and the patches of blue become larger and larger through the trees and soon we see that the trees thin out to a bare spot at the summit. When the summit is about fifty yards away I say, “Let’s go!" and start to dash for it, throwing into the effort all the reserves of energy I’ve been saving. ” ''
COMMENT: On "The Narrator + Chris N+C Hypothetical Climbing Trail” Map, is shown a reasonable choice route fitting these ZMM descriptions.

PAGE 216 "I give it everything I have, but Chris gains on me. Then he passes me, giggling. With the heavy load and high altitude we’re not setting any records but now we’re just charging up with all we have. Chris gets there first, while I just break out of the trees. He raises his arms and shouts, “The Winner! ”
"Egotist. I’m breathing so hard when I arrive I can’t speak. We just drop our packs from our shoulders and lie down against some rocks. The crust of the ground is dry from the sun, but underneath is mud from last night’s rain. Below us and miles away beyond the forested slopes and the fields beyond them is the Gallatin Valley. At one corner of the valley is Bozeman. A grasshopper jumps up from the rock and soars down and away from us over the trees. ”
"We made it," Chris says. He is very happy. I am still too winded to answer. I take off my boots and socks which are soggy with sweat and set them out to dry on a rock. I stare at them meditatively as vapors from them rise up toward the sun. ”
COMMENT: On my ‘‘ “N+C Hypothetical Climbing Trail" ‘‘ Map at N+C 24, I show a reasonable "Top of Ridge” location for the mountain climb triple climax of Chris and the Narrator consistent with the overall descriptions in ZMM. This location, on the side of Mt Blackmore near the top, is high enough that Bozeman can be seen, as is confirmed by photos shown on Hiking WebPages, and Google Earth. The N+C 24 ridge location provides an ever upward ridge top hiking path to the peak of Mt. Blackmore.

PAGE 216 "Evidently I’ve slept. The sun is hot. My watch says a few minutes before noon. I look over the rock I’m leaning against and see Chris sound asleep on the other side. Way up above him the forest stops and barren grey rock leads into patches of snow. We can climb the back of this ridge straight up there, but it would be dangerous toward the top. I look up at the top of the mountain for a while. … .A sound of falling rock draws my attention over to one side of the mountain. Nothing moves. Completely still. ”
"It’s all right. You hear little rockslides like this all the time. ”
"Not so little sometimes, though. Avalanches start with little slides like that. If you’re above them or beside them, they’re interesting to watch. But if they’re above you—no help then. You just have to watch it come. ”
COMMENT: On my "N+C Hypothetical Climbing Trail” Map, I show a reasonable place to see "barren grey rock leads into patches of snow” and study … “the back of this ridge straight up there” And this ridge identified On my "N+C Hypothetical Climbing Trail” Map N+C 24, does continue straight from this "Blue Sky” climax location, along a ridge that leads steadily to the top of Mt. Blackmore, one of the highest mountains available from the DeWeese home.

PAGE 219 "We walk to where the ridge we are on creases inward to the start of a ravine. I see that we can follow this ravine down and eventually find water in it. I start angling down now. ”
"Some more rocks clatter up above. Suddenly I’m frightened. ”
"Chris," I say. ”
"What? ”
"You know what I think? ”
"No, what? ”
"I think we’d be very smart if we let that mountaintop go for now and try it another summer. ”
COMMENT: On my '' "N+C Hypothetical Climbing Trail" ‘‘ Map", I have shown a way down that includes the ravine where there is eventually water in Upper Fox Creek. The trail I have chosen somewhat follows this stream, then heads East, curves round a protruding ridge followed by a steep part that then heads down a gentle slope towards the nearest road. This is the road from the Palace Butte Campground, where consistent with the Narrative, Chris and the Narrator could reasonably expect to obtain a ride to Bozeman. Consistent with the Narrator's descriptions, this trail does feature: 1) A steep cliff portion. 2) The base of this cliff is near enough to hear the sound or a rushing stream. 3) The mountain stream must be crossed, prior to the road, which is close by.

PAGE 220 "We continue walking down. “Okay?" I say. ”
"He finally says, “Okay," in a noncommittal voice. ”
"The descent is easy now but I see it will be steeper soon. It’s still open and sunny here but soon we’ll be in trees again. ”
COMMENT: My marked trail on my "N+C Hypothetical Climbing Trail” "Map includes a "descent is easy now, but I see it will be steeper soon. ” This is at N+C 25 through N+C 27.
PAGE 221 "Now we enter the trees again, and the sight of the mountaintop is obscured by their branches and I’m glad. ”
… "Feels good to be going down, doesn’t it?" I say. ”
‘‘ "No answer. ” ''
‘‘ "We’re going to have a little fight, I’m afraid. ” ''
… "Soon I’m clomping down the slope in a kind of two-step idiot gallop . . . ga-dump, ga-dump, ga-dump . . . until I hear Chris holler, “SLOW DOWN!" and see he is a couple of hundred yards back through the trees. ”
COMMENT: My "N+C Hypothetical Climbing Trail” Map trail includes long stretches down with gradual slope suitable for "ga-dumping down the slope in a kind of two-step idiot gallop” . … "ga-dump, ga-dump, ga-dump. ”

PAGE 229 "We’re down quite a way from the summit now, and the mixed pines and leafy underbrush are much higher here and more closed in than they were at this altitude on the other side of the canyon. Evidently more rain gets into this canyon. I gulp down a large quantity of water from a pot Chris has filled at the stream here, … From here on it looks like a slow descent. This slope has evidently been logged and there’s a lot of underbrush higher than our heads that makes it slow going. We’ll have to work our way around it, ”
COMMENT: My "N+C Hypothetical Climbing Trai” Map shows a trail that goes along a mountain stream. This area is near enough to logging roads and on slopes consistent with logging and the creation of lots of dens underbrush.

PAGE 230 "We’re on steep mucky soil now that’s hard to keep a footing in. We grab branches and shrubs to steady ourselves. I take a step, then figure where my next step will be, then take this step, then look again. Soon the brush becomes so thick I see we will have to hack through it. I sit down while Chris gets the machete from the pack on my back. He hands it to me, then, hacking and chopping, I head into the brush. It’s slow going. Two or three branches must be cut for every step. It may go on like this for a long time”
COMMENT: My "N+C Hypothetical Climbing Trail” Map trail shows steeper parts down where, as they get closer to the campground, there are steeper North slopes so the soil could be mucky in the shade of trees and brush.

PAGE 231 "For the remainder of the afternoon we climb down over grey weathered trunks of deadfalls and angle back and forth on the steep slope. ”
"We reach a cliff, angle along its edge in search of a way down, and eventually a narrow draw appears which we’re able to descend. It continues down through a rocky crevice in which there is a little rivulet. Shrubs and rocks and muck and roots of huge trees watered by the rivulet fill the crevice. Then we hear the roar of a much larger creek in the distance” .
COMMENT: My Hypothetical Trail to the campground includes a long stretch of very steep down and depending on where the trail starts down could have equivalents to a cliff and require a rocky watery crevasse to go down. The base of the steep part is close enough to hear Upper Hyalite Creek, a major stream direct down and full of snow melt. Consistent to the Narrative, reaching the road requires crossing Hyalite Creek prior to reaching the road. This road is from a nearby campground, and would regularly have moving vehicles, to hitch a ride back to Bozeman. These are shown as N+C 28 and N+C 29.

END ZMM clues re Narrator's and Chris's Mountain Climb.

Afterthoughts Of Some Important Ideas Built Into Robert Pirsig’s Mountain Narratives =>

… Robert Pirsig’s Book “Zen and the Art of Motorcycle Maintenance” (ZMM), has two Mountain Travel Epics =>

…A) The First Mountain Epic is Pirsig’s ZMM Narrator’s descriptions of actual travel up into Mountains after Red Lodge, MT, when he discusses historical philosophers, and The Philosophy(s) of “The High Country” , and of course the Narrator’s “High Country of The Mind!” , which are ‘Master Motifs’: Where this name & idea is used by “The Guidebook To ZMM”.
… For A Very Good & Complete Further Discussion, Explanation & Details Re MOTIF, Click Here: Then scroll beyond the (several not so useful photos), to continue reading this Well Explained Page.

…B) The Second Mountain Epic is Pirsig’s is his ZMM Narrator’s descriptions of his ZMM Book Mountain Climb Narrative Descriptions, where we must remember that => Although this sounds as if actually happened, this is entirely fictional. And the real big reason for this part of ZMM Book, is to report & explain how Phaedrus gradually developed his ideas re Quality! This is the explanation wonderfully climaxed when Chris shouts "Blue sky!” .
… 1) Thus we must keep in mind that, it would be Metaphorically Wrong for Mr. Pirsig’s Climb Narrative to go to the top of the Mountain => He says essentially this earlier when the ZMM Narrator said =>
… "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.”
… We as readers are of course disappointed, but only because we haven’t taken to heart the real reason for this part of ZMM Book!
… 2) NOW: REMEMBERING THAT THERE ARE NO USELESS, WASTED WORDS IN ZMM, WHAT ARE WE TO MAKE OF =>
… SO MUCH, VERY DETAILED DISCUSSION OF => THE NARRATOR’S AND CHRIS’ EXTREMELY DIFFICULT WAY DOWN?

….For example his => "It’s in the area of Science that I want to focus attention in the immediate future, for this is the area that most badly needs the relationship established. The dictum that Science and its offspring, technology, are "value free," that is, "quality free," has got to go. It’s that "value freedom" that underlines the death-force effect to which attention was brought early in the Chautauqua. Tomorrow I intend to start on that. ”
*************************

… C) To Understand WHY It Would Be Metaphorically Wrong For Mr. Pirsig’s Climb Narrative To Go To The Top Of The Mountain, Please Consider The Following =>
… A MOUNTAIN CLIMB AFTERWORD =>
… .. There Are Metaphoric AND Fundamental Quality Reasons =>
… …. WHY The ZMM Narrator & Chris MUST NEVER REACH =>
… ……. The High & White & Ideal & Purity Of Snow On The Mountain Top Pinnacle!
… To understand this, we must remember the below statements by the Narrator, as he & Chris were on their way down from the Ridge. The Key Reasons Why The Narrator “No Go To The Snow”, are shown (by Henry Gurr),underlined =>

… "Now we enter the trees again, and the sight of the mountaintop is obscured by their branches and I’m glad. ”
… "I think we’ve gone as far along Phædrus’ path as we want to go in this Chautauqua too. I want to leave his path now. I’ve given him all due credit for what he thought and said and wrote, and now I want to develop on my own some of the ideas he neglected to pursue. The title of this Chautauqua is "Zen and the Art of Motorcycle Maintenance," not "Zen and the Art of Mountain Climbing," and there are no motorcycles on the tops of mountains, and in my opinion very little Zen. Zen is the "spirit of the valley," not the mountaintop. The only Zen you find on the tops of mountains is the Zen you bring up there. Let’s get out of here. ”

… ”You go up the mountaintop and all you’re gonna get is a great big heavy stone tablet handed to you with a bunch of rules on it. ”
… ”That’s about what happened to him. ”
"Thought he was a goddamned Messiah. ”
.... "Not me, boy. The hours are way too long, and the pay is way too short. Let’s go. Let’s go down . . . .. ”

.... "Perhaps he would have gone in the direction I’m now about to go in if this second wave of crystallization, the metaphysical wave, had finally grounded out where I’ll be grounding it out, that is, in the everyday world. I think metaphysics is good if it improves everyday life; otherwise forget it. ”
… Thus We See That Quality And An Enjoyable, Productive, Useful Life Is NOT On Mountain Tops.
For The => We “Must Go Down” To Real Daily Life, Author Pirsig Offers To Us, An Allegory => To Get There We Must Metaphorically Do Equivalent of =>
… "We’re on steep mucky soil now that’s hard to keep a footing in. We grab branches and shrubs to steady ourselves. I take a step, then figure where my next step will be, then take this step, then look again. Soon the brush becomes so thick I see we will have to hack through it. I sit down while Chris gets the machete from the pack on my back. He hands it to me, then, hacking and chopping, I head into the brush. It’s slow going. Two or three branches must be cut for every step. It may go on like this for a long time.”.
******** Above C&P From => **********
The Second Photo Of Hyalite Creek, In The LAST Gallery Photo In “ZMM Book Mountain Climb Narrative” Series at =>
(Photo = 108-0863 ...... ZMM Page = 232 ...... WayPt = 199i25 ~6230ft …… Photo at WayPt = 220x) Viewed: 2308 times.

Thus We Must Keep In Mind That =>
… Moving Down Mucky Soil In Heavy Underbrush On Way Towards Hyalite Creek, Gallatin National Forest, MT.
” So on we go . . . we have a long way . . . no hurry . . . just one step after the next.”
Is really An Allegory, for our own Coning Down To Ordinary Living!

END Of Afterthoughts Of Some Important Ideas Built Into Robert Pirsig’s Mountain Narratives.

Please Contact Me If You Have To Offer (Or Need) More Information Re Mr. Pirsig's Bozeman Mountain Climb Trail.

If you plan to search for this trail or have any new ideas on where this "Pirsig Trail" may be, please use my contact info (preferably email)
---

For Further Reading Related To ZMM Book Mountain Climb Narrative Descriptions:

A) (At Left Menu Line) SUMMARY=>Robert Pirsig & His Book Zen and Art of Motorcycle Maintenance.”
(At Left Menu Line) “Celebrate 53 Years: Robert Pirsig’s Original July 1968 Motorcycle Trek.”
(At Left Menu Line) “SUMMARY=>Special Studies Re Zen And The Art Of Motorcycle Maintenance..”
(At Left Menu Line) “SUMMARY=> Maps & Guides For ZMM Travel Route & Mountain Climb.”

Below Is Additional Information Concerning => Gallatin National Forest (GNF) N+C ## Hypothetical Trail Location Waypoints, Of MM Book Mountain Climb Narrative.

=>Appendix ii: Listing Of ALL 15 “3d Google Earth Static Illustration Photos”
*****************

APPENDIX I: THE FOLLOWING IS A LISTING OF ALL.30 GOOGLE EARTH SHARE WAYPOINT DESCRIPTIONS, PLUS LOCATION OF ‘FOX CREEK CABIN’.
…(NOTE: For quick reading & make a paper print for “on the trail research”)

NC01 on map 45.54564, -111.10075 0 mi
...In real life, Robert Pirsig and his son Chris The Narrator and Chris start off on their mountain climb from the DeWeese Residence ~17 July 1968.
...In ZMM Book Mountain Climb Narrative, we are lead to believe that the => ZMM Narrator and Chris leave the DeWeese home, are heading toward the highest mountains that have Summer snow. All this means they must head upstream in Cottonwood Canyon, Gallatin National Forest, Montana.
...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!
N+C 01 El 5720ft

NC02 on map 45.54168, -111.09593 1 mi
Along County Rd 22 = Cottonwood Canyon Road . This WayPt marks the end of Rd 22 and parking lot for Gallatin National Forest and Trail Head, which is where starts the GNF Trail upstream along Cottonwood Creek. Private property is on other side of fence, and should keep out. In The Gallatin National Forest (GNF), going upstream into Cottonwood Canyon, where the GNF Trail Head starting point, is only ~1 mile from the DeWeese Home.
…Start here, beyond fence is private property. Ask first.
N+C 02 El 5700 ft

NC03 on map 45.53600, -111.08270 ~3 mi
Part III Chapter 16
…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.

…Ever since the Gallatin National Forest Trail Head at N+C 02, the GNF Trail is of course on National Forest Land. This N+C 03 WayPoint shows where “The Trail” crosses Cottonwood Creek on a log foot bridge, and then climbs to go along the mountainside slope. Use [+] to Zoom-In, and => You can see the light tan line of “The Trail” North of Cottonwood Creek, and somewhat parallel to it. Looking further upstream, several places between the trees you will see the “whitewater” of rapids in the creek plus rocks. Further upstream you will see the whitish tan of dry sand stream-bed, dotted with rocks and a short piece dead-tree trunk. You will see more and more of these fallen and long dead, tree trunks further upstream, and especially at higher altitudes.
… Further upstream you will continue to see, between the trees, the light tan line of “The Trail” North of Cottonwood Creek, and somewhat parallel to it.
…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!
N+C 03 El 5880ft
NC04 on map 45.53090, -111.07352 ~ mi
“A whirr sounds and a partridge disappears through the trees. ”
"Did you see it?" says Chris. ”
...This suggests a relatively open and hence grassy area somewhat away from the stream. I observed several of these in my hike up the GNF trail in Cottonwood Canyon, one of which is shown in the Photos for the N+C Mountain Climb.
http://venturearete.org/ResearchProjects/ProfessorGurr/gallery/album08?page=1
N+C 04 El ~5900ft

NC05 on map 45.52651, -111.06409 1 mi
ZMM PAGE 169
…”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. 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.”
…Continued following the Gallatin National Forest Trail. Although Cottonwood Creek is only rarely seen I these GoogleEarth Views, you can see the trail, widely spaced ~4 different short pieces between the trees.
N+C 05 El 6120ft PAGE 173
…”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.”
... In hiking “The Trail” in Cottonwood Creek Canyon, the places to catch sight of snow is after the Canyon changes direction somewhat, so the Canyon then "points at high mountains, such as Mt. Blackmore and Elephant Mountain. This is a bit after N+C 06. This occurs at a total distance from the DeWeese's of some 3 miles, where the canyon continues fairly straight for about another 1.2 miles. Here the "V" cut of the Canyon would allow a low viewing angle consistent with seeing the Narrator’s => "Just up above the top of the ridge the snow can be seen” , and would be some 9 miles away.
N+C 06 El 6160ft

NC06 on map 45.51208, -111.05066 1 mi
PAGE 173
…”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.”
... In hiking “The Trail” in Cottonwood Creek Canyon, the places to catch sight of snow is after the Canyon changes direction somewhat, so the Canyon then "points at high mountains, such as Mt. Blackmore and Elephant Mountain. This is a bit after N+C 06. This occurs at a total distance from the DeWeese's of some 3 miles, where the canyon continues fairly straight for about another 1.2 miles. Here the "V" cut of the Canyon would allow a low viewing angle consistent with seeing the Narrator’s => Just up above the top of the ridge the snow can be seen” and would be some 9 miles away.
N+C 06 El 6160ft

NC07 on map 45.50517, -111.04400 1 mi
PAGE 173,
…”Just up above the top of the ridge the snow can be seen now.”
…Consistent with this above ZMM passage, Topo Maps show a lower ridge 2 miles away from half way between N+C 06 & N+C 07, where the canyon continues fairly straight for about another 1.2 miles. A "V" cut in the Canyon would allow a low viewing angle consistent with seeing the Narrator’s => "Just up above the top of the ridge the snow can be seen” , and would be some 9 miles away. ... That well could be the ridge the Narrator mentions in passage above, as part of viewing over it to see the snow. I believe the ridge mentioned is the one labeled as El 7621T on the above mentioned Topo Maps. This is close by and NE of Fox Creek Canyon junction with Cottonwood Creek Canyon. Starting with this Gallery Photo You may see two successive Photos of Google Earth Views (Ground Level) Views at N+C 08 & N+C 09, where can see snow on the high mountains, From Fox Creek Canyon.
…Important Conclusions => The more I have worked with the details of finding GNF Terrain that fits => The N+C ZMM Book Mountain Climb Narrative, the more I have become ever more solidly convinced that Author Robert Pirsig closely consulted Topo Maps, as he Built His Climb Narrative:.
… Author Pirsig surely use some source of information about these mountains, other than his actually being there. Although his mountain experience was extensive, the only evidence of his experiences in Cottonwood Canyon, took place historically on, or around, 17 July 1968. This is when, Robert Pirsig’s actual Mountain Climbing Route with his son Chris, starting at the DeWeese Home in Cottonwood Canyon, went upstream in Cottonwood Canyon, about a mile beyond the where the Gallatin National Forest GNF Trail Head. Then they went ~NE to a knoll camping place, and next morning continued on a difficult trail to down to Hyalite Creek. This of course would give considerable memories, whit which to build his N+C ZMM Book Mountain Climb Narrative
… Since there is no evidence Mr. Pirsig ever went further into GNF, we can reasonably assume his Narrator’s => "Just up above the top of the ridge the snow can be seen”, mostly was determined from Topo Maps. Likewise this must be true for most of Mr. Pirsig’s Terrain Description, and Landscape interrelationships, stated later in the ZMM Narrator + Chris Mountain Climb Narrative, such as =>
..A) The steepness of the climb in the "seldom entered canyon” and its relative walking distance from the DeWeese home.
..B) The fact that in this canyon was “seldom entered” AND it’s official GNF Trail soon ended.
..C) And the fact that next, there is a canyon they can climb high up => "to where I locate the beginning trickle of a stream. I send Chris down for water … ”
..D) And the next location has properties of => "We come to a flat spot, a large knoll protruding from the side of the mountain. ” ' where they camped overnight.
..E) The location and overall properties of this => "we enter another canyon, follow it to its end and then come back at an upward angle along to the ridge” that directly leads to Mt. Blackmore and snow.
… Thus we can see & conclude that Author Robert Pirsig held his Mountain Climb Narrative, close to the specific details of the GNF mountains, streams, & canyons, at least what could be extracted from Topo Maps, and his vivid memories or actually being there with Chris in 1968. Of course some of the mountain visual details, could be obtained from his other various mountain climb experiences.

VIEWING NOTE: ClickDtag ~600 feet up stream, and you will see small bits of Cottonwood Creek "whitewater" rapids and a fairly long section of the GNF Trail.
N+C 07 El 6320ft

NC08 on map 45.49710, -111.04092 1 mi
PAGE 178
…”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. ”
"This is apparently a seldom-entered canyon this far up. After another hour of hiking we see that the trail is about gone”
… We can deduce from this, that roads mentioned in the ZMM Book Mountain Climb Narrative Descriptions, are NOT in the Southern Direction. And indeed from the GNF Trail in Cottonwood Canyon, there are well traveled roads and campgrounds within ~ 3 to 10 miles, in the Northwest, North, and Northeast directions. There are also reasonable GNF Trails that go completely around for example Mt. Blackmore.
…The "seldom entered canyon” must be the same canyon mentioned as "enter another canyon”. … On p173. The language suggests a canyon different from the one they have been in (Cottonwood Creek Canyon), and still a respectable canyon, and not one of those many run-off gulches or ravines that come fairly steeply down the slopes and which do not have a year around stream water. The only real candidate that turns toward snow is Fox Creek Canyon. This turns left (North), and starting the route toward Mt. Blackmore.
VIEWING NOTE: To West if N+C 08, the “whitewater” rapids of Cottonwood Creek is very evident AND some 1000 feet South and a bit East, you can see a long portion of what could possibly be Gallatin National Forest Trail, going, South, but looking close it looks more like a dry creek bed.
…Of course, in the ZMM Book Mountain Climb Narrative, this fits the Narrator and Chris turn into the smaller side canyon.
N+C 08 El 6560ft

NC09 on map 45.48104, -111.04587
PAGE 178
"This is apparently a seldom-entered canyon …”
…The "seldom entered canyon” must be the same canyon mentioned as "enter another canyon” on p173. The language suggests a canyon different from the one they have been in (Cottonwood), and still a respectable canyon, and not one of those many run-off gulches or ravines that come fairly steeply down the slopes and which do not have a year around stream water. The only real candidate, that turns and goes up toward snow is Fox Creek Canyon.
...At N+C 09 The “N+C Hypothetical Climbing Trail", has chosen for this location, a left turn away from Cottonwood Creek, into Fox Creek Canyon, and will follow it up & up, toward Mt. Blackmore and snow.

VIEWING NOTE: From here at N+C 09 and direct line to N+C 10, you will not be able to see either GNF Trail or Fox Creek. … To see these, ClickDrag Southeast a bit and see the Blue PinPoint saying “Fox Creek Cabin”. Read these words, then click on [+} to Zoom-In &.study the Landscape around that area.
N+C 09 El 6560ft

Special Marker: 45.48069, -111.04341
….(On Google Earth Share: 45 28 58, 111 03 15 )
To East See Whitewater Of Fox Creek, And To West See Fox Creek Cabin, And Further West Is Cottonwood Creek.
Whitewater Of Fox Creek is seen, which if ClickDrag, the Whitewater Continues to be seen ~East, and beyond N+C 10.
...N+C 09 is somewhat further downstream along Cottonwood Creek, at Right.
...HSG did a complete close Zoomed-In scan of Fox Creek, from here, up to N+C 13, and saw no evidence of any GNF Trail. But then looked at large open area over towards Cottonwood Creek, and saw a very narrow trail, which can be seen pointing towards the Cabin! And then further, as darker line, pointing at where Whitewater of Fox Creek is seen
…Onto The Google Earth Share, HSG also has added three other Blue PinPoints, to show location of other trails (or roads) seen by HSG as ClickDrag around.
Special Marker El 6660ft

NC10 on map 45.48173, -111.04142
In The ZMM Book Mountain Climb Narrative Descriptions, The Narrator and Chris Have Entered the "Seldom Traveled Canyon" and Now Angle Up and Away From the Stream. The ZMM Narrator says "Mountains should be climbed with as little effort as possible and without desire."
N+C 10 El 6900ft

NC11 on map 45.47720, -111.03072
PAGE 173
…”We stop for a rest, sit down and brace against a tree so that we don’t topple over backward from the packs. After a while I reach around over my shoulder, take the machete from the top of my pack and hand it to Chris.
…"See those two aspens over there? The straight ones? At the edge?" I point to them. "Cut those down about a foot from the ground."
…"Why?"
…"We’ll need them later for hiking sticks and tent poles."
…Chris takes the machete, starts to rise but then settles back again. "You cut them," he says.
…So I take the machete and go over and cut the poles. They both cut neatly in one swing, except for the final strip of bark, which I sever with the back hook of the machete. Up in the rocks you need the poles for balancing and the pine up above is no good for poles, and this is about the last of the aspen here. It bothers me a little though that Chris is turning down work. Not a good sign in the mountains.
…A short rest and then on we go. It’ll take a while to get used to this load. There’s a negative reaction to all the weight. As we go on though, it’ll become more natural.”

The ‘‘ “N+C Hypothetical Climbing Trail" ‘‘ has chosen for this location, to be part way up in Fox Creek Canyon, which is a smaller side-canyon, that drains into Cottonwood Creek Canyon. The ZMM Narrator & Chris are almost beyond any official Gallatin National Forest Trail. Here climbing continues up a long gradual slope. The steady Long climbing on a long grade is wearing on Chris.
N+C 11 El 7200ft

NC12 on map 45.47608, -111.02714
…In Fox Creek Canyon, which is a smaller side-canyon, that drains into Cottonwood Creek Canyon. The ZMM Narrator & Chris are almost beyond any official Gallatin National Forest trail. Here climbing continues up a long gradual slope. The steady long climbing on a long grade is wearing on Chris. The Narrator reports =>
PAGE 192
…” 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.” .
PAGE 201
…"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. ”
…"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. ”
…"I’m ready for a nap, but clouds have formed in the canyon that appear ready to drop rain. They’ve filled in the canyon so that we can’t see the bottom and can just barely see the ridge on the other side. ”

…The Clouds Appearing On the Other Side of the canyon metaphorically warn and signal more following problems with Chris.
The ‘‘ “N+C Hypothetical Climbing Trail" ‘‘ has chosen for this location (and earlier locations), which offers several places that fit “Chris shouts to hear his echo, and throws rocks down to see where they fall."
...Also, despite the really steep Upper Fox Creek Canyon, my“Hypothetical Trail", adjacent ~200 feet SW of WayPoint N+C 12, offers a nice overnight camping “flat spot, a large knoll, protruding from the side of the mountain.” ... And this spot overlooks “a canyon”, such that from it a person couldn’t see the bottom of this “a canyon”, and can just barely “see the ridge on the other side.” (The italic words of the ZMM Narrator, of course refer to Cottonwood Canyon, which runs towards the northwest.)

VIEWING NOTE: The above mentioned "knoll" may be seen to the discerning eye, a bit more than halfway from the Blue Pinpoint, to a medium sized tan bare rock area, to the East. ... To help see it => 1) ClkDrag the "halfway" to center screen, 2) then double-click on the compass with red pointer, which will then show a ~1 inch diameter white circle. 3) ClickDrag around the white circle, so as to rotate the entire Landscape, and while doing so, watch and see if you can discern the knoll, at the "halfway".
N+C 12 El 7500ft

NC13 on map 45.46755, -111.01925
PAGE 205
"We still have a lot of climbing to do, but on the trail we discover it’s easier than yesterday. We’re getting to the rounded upper portion of the ridge and the slope isn’t as steep. 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 . . . . ”

The Narrator says his trail, as they get to the higher slopes, is in mature dense forests. This is also shown in Mr. Pirsig’s own photo, link below. For the ‘‘ “N+C Hypothetical Climbing Trail", this eliminates many mountain tops and slopes, if they show evidence of logging.
… Click here for Mr. Pirsig’s photo of mountain climb dense forests at their campsite. http://venturearete.org/ResearchProjects/ProfessorGurr/gallery/Pictures-Robert-Pirsigs-original-1968-trip/aav

Looking Back At The N+C## Elevation Data, We Can See The Feet of Climb Per WayPoint , And Approximately Can See Relative Rate Of N+C Climb Is Dramatically Greater in Last Two Lines, Which Are In Steep Parts of Fox Creek Canyon.
N+C 01 El 5720ft, CalTopo = 5650, Increase # Feet
N+C 02 El 5700ft, CalTopo = 5660 10
N+C 03 El ~5880ft, CalTopo = 5880 ….220
N+C 04 El ~5900ft. CalTopo = 5920 ….. 40
N+C 05 El 6120ft, CalTopo = 6120 ….200
N+C 06 El 6160ft, CalTopo = 6155….. 35
N+C 07 El 6320ft. CalTopo = 6340 …..185
N+C 08 El 6560ft, CalTopo = 6540 …..200
N+C 09 El ~6601ft, CalTopo = 6620 ……80
N+C 10 El 6900ft, CalTopo = 6850 …..230
N+C 11 El 7200ft, CalTopo = 7310 …..460
N+C 12 El 7500ft, CalTopo = 7640 …..330
N+C 13 El 8080, CalTopo = 8080 ft
NOTE1: The above Elevation Data List has been double checked, and revised as of Sept 3, 2022. Please be aware that the Elevation #’s given in the Text with each Google Earth Blue PinPoint Marker, may be slightly different. t
NOTE2: CalTopo Is Excellent For => Working With Topo Maps, GPS WayPoint Marker Data, Loading WayPoints Into Google Earth, and Study & Explore Of Climbing Route in Gallatin National Forest (GNF), AND Other Places. AFTER This Page Comes Up, Scroll Down To …. CalTopo Is Excellent For =>

NC14 on map 45.45837, -111.01260
PAGE 213
…"Chris shouts, "When are we going to get to the top?"
…"Probably quite a way yet," I reply.
…"Will we see a lot?"
…"I think so. Look for blue sky between the trees. As long as we can’t see sky we know it’s a way yet. The light will come through the trees when we round the top.” "

…Compared to the previous day, when the Narrator & Chris's climb changed to nearly vertical, and they had to use their “aspen staves” (poles) to keep balance. But after a good rest in their tent, the Narrator says => ."We still have a lot of climbing to do, but on the trail we discover it’s easier than yesterday”.
…Thus according to the ZMM Book Mountain Climb Narrative Descriptions, the Narrator and Chris find much easier and nicer climbing. And the Narrator and Chris have climbed to nearly level to the opposite side of the canyon, which in the “N+C Hypothetical Climbing Trail", is Cottonwood Creek Canyon.
N+C 14 El 8400ft

NC15 on map 45.45653, -111.01382
PAGE 213
…”Last night’s rain has soaked this soft duff of needles sufficiently to make them good walking. Sometimes when it’s really dry on a slope like this they become slippery and you have to dig your feet into them edgewise or you’ll slide down.
…I say to Chris, "Isn’t it great when there’s no underbrush like this?"
…"Why isn’t there any?" he asks.
…"I think this area must never have been logged. When a forest is left alone like this for centuries, the trees shut out all the underbrush.”

Here we must remember =>The ZMM Narrator has given very important climb route specifics => "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."

Thus the "N+C Hypothetical Climbing Trail" Google Earth View, WayPt N+C15 through N+C22, are chosen to fit the ZMM Book Mountain Climb Narrative Descriptions,. But as you will see there is not any ZMM Climb Narrative For these climb locations.
N+C 15 El 8480ft
NC16 on map 45.45603, -111.01551
PAGE 213
…"It’s like a park," Chris says. "You can sure see all around." His mood seems much better than yesterday. I think he’ll be a good traveler from here on. This forest silence improves anyone.”

Continued: Similar To Previous WayPoint =>The ZMM Narrator has given very important climb route specifics =>
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."

Thus the "N+C Hypothetical Climbing Trail" Google Earth View, WayPt N+C 14 through N+C 22, shows the Narrator's description. But as you will see there is not any ZMM Climb Narrative For these climb locations.
VIEWING NOTE; Starting back at ~WayPoint N+C 14, the altitude of the landscape in this Google Earth View, has shown white areas that is show. Even the tiniest white specks are surely snow!
N+C 16 El 8830ft

NC17 on map 45.45336, -111.00809
Continued: Similar To Previous WayPoint =>The ZMM Narrator has given very important climb route specifics =>
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."
Thus the "N+C Hypothetical Climbing Trail" Google Earth View, WayPt N+C 14 through N+C 22, shows the Narrator's description. But as you will see there is not any ZMM Climb Narrative For these climb locations.
N+C 17 El 8845ft

NC18 on map 45.45030, -111.00666
Continued: Similar To Previous WayPoint =>The ZMM Narrator has given very important climb route specifics =>
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."
Thus the "N+C Hypothetical Climbing Trail" Google Earth View, WayPt N+C 14 through N+C 22, shows the Narrator's description. But as you will see there is not any ZMM Climb Narrative For these climb locations.
N+C 18 El 8920ft

NC19 on map 45.45124, -111.00825
Continued: Similar To Previous WayPoint =>The ZMM Narrator has given very important climb route specifics =>
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."
Thus the "N+C Hypothetical Climbing Trail" Google Earth View, WayPt N+C 14 through N+C 22, shows the Narrator's description. But as you will see there is not any ZMM Climb Narrative For these climb locations.
N+C 19 El 9000ft

NC20 on map 45.45171, -111.00901
Continued: Similar To Previous WayPoint =>The ZMM Narrator has given very important climb route specifics =>
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."
Thus the "N+C Hypothetical Climbing Trail" Google Earth View, WayPt N+C 14 through N+C 22, shows the Narrator's description. But as you will see there is not any ZMM Climb Narrative For these climb locations.
N+C 20 El 9040ft

NC21 on map 45.45203, -111.00973
N+C21 SimToPrev
Continued: Similar To Previous WayPoint =>The ZMM Narrator has given very important climb route specifics =>
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."
Thus the "N+C Hypothetical Climbing Trail" Google Earth View, WayPt N+C 14 through N+C 22, shows the Narrator's description. But as you will see there is not any ZMM Climb Narrative For these climb locations.
N+C 21 El 9120ft

NC22 on map 45.45232, -111.00988
Continued: Similar To Previous WayPoint =>The ZMM Narrator has given very important climb route specifics =>
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."
Thus the "N+C Hypothetical Climbing Trail" Google Earth View, WayPt N+C 14 through N+C 22, shows the Narrator's description. But as you will see there is not any ZMM Climb Narrative For these climb locations.
N+C 22 El 9120ft

NC23 on map 45.45261, -111.01055
PAGE 215
…“Quality is not a thing. It is an event.
Warmer.
…It is the event at which the subject becomes aware of the object.
And because without objects there can be no subject—because the objects create the subject’s awareness of himself—Quality is the event at which awareness of both subjects and objects is made possible.
……. Hot. … Now he knew it was coming.
..This means Quality is not just the result of a collision between subject and object. The very existence of subject and object themselves is deduced from the Quality event. The Quality event is the cause of the subjects and objects, which are then mistakenly presumed to be the cause of the Quality!
…Now he had that whole damned evil dilemma by the throat. The dilemma all the time had this unseen vile presumption in it, for which there was no logical justification. that Quality was the effect of subjects and objects. It was not! He brought out his knife.
…"The sun of quality," he wrote, "does not revolve around the subjects and objects of our existence. It does not just passively illuminate them. It is not subordinate to them in any way. It has created them. They are subordinate to it!
…And at that point, when he wrote that, he knew he had reached some kind of culmination of thought he had been unconsciously striving for over a long period of time.”

…"Blue sky!" shouts Chris.
…There it is, way above us, a narrow patch of blue through the trunks of the trees.
We move faster and the patches of blue become larger and larger through the trees and soon we see that the trees thin out to a bare spot at the summit. When the summit is about fifty yards away I say, "Let’s go!" and start to dash for it, throwing into the effort all the reserves of energy I’ve been saving.”
…I give it everything I have, but Chris gains on me. Then he passes me, giggling. With the heavy load and high altitude we’re not setting any records but now we’re just charging up with all we have.”

…The Narrator and Chris Break Into the Open and Make A Run For the Top of the “ridge”!
N+C 23 El 9110 ft

NC24 on map 45.45081, -111.00942
The Narrator and Chris Break Into the Open and Make A Run For the Top of the "ridge"!
PAGE 215
“Chris gets there first, while I just break out of the trees. He raises his arms and shouts, "The Winner!"
Egotist.
I’m breathing so hard when I arrive I can’t speak. We just drop our packs from our shoulders and lie down against some rocks. The crust of the ground is dry from the sun, but underneath is mud from last night’s rain. Below us and miles away beyond the forested slopes and the fields beyond them is the Gallatin Valley. At one corner of the valley is Bozeman. A grasshopper jumps up from the rock and soars down and away from us over the trees.
"We made it," Chris says. He is very happy. I am still too winded to answer. I take off my boots and socks which are soggy with sweat and set them out to dry on a rock. I stare at them meditatively as vapors from them rise up toward the sun.”
END Chapter 19

A TRIPLE CLIMAX => 1) The ZMM Climb Narrative Brings Reader To a Dramatic Highest Point Of Their Climb. 2) After His Long Struggle, Chris Finally Achieves Triumph At the Mountain Top! and 3) The Narrator, Correspondingly Has Achieved His Long Sought Key To Quality!
BUT, THE BIG WIN FOR CHRIS IS PROMPTLY FORGOTTEN =>
The Narrator Studies the Route to the Snow. But He Is Badly Frightened By the Sound Of a Rock Slide.
Bad Dreams and Threat of Avalanches Warn of Imminent Danger!
N+C 24 El 9110ft

NC25 on map 45.45005, -111.00809
…Better not climb to the snow today, because the ZMM Narrator is badly frightened by the sound of a rock slide: This threat of rock avalanches plus bad dreams, warn of imminent danger! They start their way down.

PAGE 216
…“Way up above the forest stops and barren grey rock leads into patches of snow. We can climb the back of this ridge straight up there, but it would be dangerous toward the top. I look up at the top of the mountain for a while. ….
…[Later] “A sound of falling rock draws my attention over to one side of the mountain. Nothing moves. Completely still .It’s all right. You hear little rockslides like this all the time.
…Not so little sometimes, though. Avalanches start with little slides like that. If you’re above them or beside them, they’re interesting to watch. But if they’re above you—no help then. You just have to watch it come.
…As we walk along the summit toward the beginning of a ravine we hear another clattering sound of falling rock, much louder than the first one I heard just a while ago. I look up to see where it is. Still nothing.
…"What was that?" Chris asks.
…"Rockslide."
…We both stand still for a moment, listening. Chris asks, "Is there somebody up there?"
…"No, I think it’s just melting snow that’s loosening stones. When it’s really hot like this in the early part of the summer you hear a lot of small rockslides. Sometimes big ones.

I have become ever more solidly convinced that Author Robert Pirsig closely consulted Topo Maps, as he Built His Narrator + Chris Mountain Climb Narrative: … Some source if information about these mountains had to be used. This would include Mr Pirsig’s 1) Extensive mountain experience of the “High Country”. 2) Experiences in Cottonwood Canyon, which took place historically on, or around, 17 July 1968. These would give considerable memories, with which to build his N+C ZMM Book Mountain Climb Narrative
…Now, all of Mr Pirsig’s attention to these climb details here, like the rest of the ZMM book, is to make it seem real. But we must remember that => Although this sounds as if actually happened, this N+C ZMM Book Mountain Climb Narrative is entirely fictional.
…Of course The “N+C Hypothetical Climbing Trail” Blue PinPoint N+C ## have been chosen to fit Mr. Pirsig’s ZMM Book Mountain Climb Narrative, to the extent possible. However there are specific failures to fit.
……….These include =>
…A) These Google Earth Views (Imagery date June 18, 2021) show bits of snow in Upper Fox Creek Canyon, starting at N+C 14. … However, in the Climb Narrative (see above ZMM passage), we are told that the Narrator is on a much higher “ridge”, far above any stream, and then says => “Way up above just melting snow that’s loosening stones … in the early part of the summer”… All of which, in the Climb Narrative, puts first snow as considerably higher than any stream they go by. And thus, implying that this first snow is much higher, well up the flank of the highest mountain.
…B) The Narrator says (see above ZMM passage) “We can climb the back of this ridge straight up there, but it would be dangerous.” And later adding the danger is “rockslides … Avalanches … But if they’re above you—no help then.” … However, on a real “climb the back of this ridge”, would already be on the highest part of it, and would not have any higher rocks, to fall in a rockslides. Please take time to study => These Google Earth Views, and see that the surface of the “the ridge-top line” going to the top of Mt Blackmore, as bare rocks, and hardly much more dangerous than the ZMM Narrator’s really steep climb passages..
…C) The placement of N+C 14 through N+C 18, in these Google Earth Views, is not realistic way for an actual mountain climber to go.
…D) Similarly, the placement of N+C 15 through N+C 29, in these Google Earth Views, is not an easy, or efficient route, or a realistic way for an actual mountain climber to go. Moreover, there are likely other better routes, that would have a better fit to this portion of the N+C ZMM Book Mountain Climb Narrative.
…E) Thus There Is => Needed Field Research Explore And Confirm The How Well The Specific “N+C Hypothetical Climbing Trail”:WayPoints N+C ##, Corresponds To The ZMM Book Climb Narrative. AND find out, by “”On-The-Trail Direct Experience”, if the N+C ## Hypothetical Climbing Trail Presented In GoogleEarth View, can reasonably completed in two days, as stated in the ZMM Book Climb Narrative. Volunteer (you) help is needed to ~”prove” that this “Hypothetical Climbing Trail” is true to direct experience of being there!
N+C 25 El 9100ft

NC26 on map 45.45009, -111.00206
…The Narrator and Chris head for the start of a ravine, in order to find water in it.
PAGE 219
…"Some more rocks clatter up above. Suddenly I’m frightened.
…"Chris," I say.
…"What?"
…"You know what I think?"
…"No, what?"
…"I think we’d be very smart if we let that mountaintop go for now and try it another summer."
…He’s silent. Then he says, "Why?"
…"I have bad feelings about it."

Soon they Must Struggle Their Way Down Through Dense Underbrush!

….On This Google Earth View Of “The N+C Hypothetical Trail” in Gallatin National Forest, I have shown a way down that includes the ravine where there is eventually water, possibly in Upper Fox Creek. The trail I have chosen somewhat follows this stream, then heads East, curves round a protruding ridge followed by a steep part that then heads down a gentle slope towards the nearest road. This is the road from the Palace Butte Campground, where consistent with the Narrative, Chris and the Narrator could reasonably expect to obtain a ride to Bozeman.
…Consistent with the Narrator's descriptions, this trail does feature: 1) A steep cliff portion. 2) The base of this cliff is near enough to hear the sound or a rushing stream. 3) The mountain stream must be crossed, prior to the road, which is close by.
N+C 26 9020ft

NC27 on map 45.44865, -110.99715
…Previously the Narrator has told Chris => …"I think we’d be very smart if we let that mountaintop go for another summer day. …"I have bad feelings about it." …
And later says =>

…“We continue walking down. "Okay?" I say.
Now we enter the trees again, and the sight of the mountaintop is obscured by their branches and I’m glad.
…"Feels good to be going down, doesn’t it?" I say.
…No answer.
…We’re going to have a little fight, I’m afraid.
…You go up the mountaintop and all you’re gonna get is a great big heavy stone tablet handed to you with a bunch of rules on it.
…That’s about what happened to him. [Phaedrus]
…Thought he was a goddamned Messiah.
…Not me, boy. The hours are way too long, and the pay is way too short. Let’s go. Let’s go . . . .
…Soon I’m clomping down the slope in a kind of two-step idiot gallop . . . ga-dump, ga-dump, ga-dump . . . until I hear Chris holler, "SLOW DOWN!" and see he is a couple of hundred yards back through the trees.
…So I slow down, but after a while see he is deliberately lagging behind. He’s disappointed, of course."

….On This Google Earth View Of “The N+C Hypothetical Trail” in Gallatin National Forest, I have included a "descent is easy now, but I see it will be steeper soon. ” This is at N+C 25 through N+C 27. Also included are long stretches down with gradual slope suitable for "ga-dumping down the slope in a kind of two-step idiot gallop” . … "ga-dump, ga-dump, ga-dump. ”
N+C 27 El 9100ft

NC28 on map 45.45196, -110.97988
The Narrator and Chris Continue On An Extremely Difficult Way Down, which is very steep and they must struggle their way down through dense underbrush. Finally the ZMM Narrator says they reach a high cliff, and it is so bad that, they must move along it in search for a way down.

…“From here on it looks like a slow descent. This slope has evidently been logged and there’s a lot of underbrush higher than our heads that makes it slow going. We’ll have to work our way around it.”
[Later] “For the remainder of the afternoon we climb down over grey weathered trunks of deadfalls and angle back and forth on the steep slope.
We reach a cliff, angle along its edge in search of a way down, and eventually a narrow draw appears which we’re able to descend. It continues down through a rocky crevice in which there is a little rivulet. Shrubs and rocks and muck and roots of huge trees watered by the rivulet fill the crevice. Then we hear the roar of a much larger creek in the distance.”

Although the previous WayPts I have shown on this GoogleEarth View Of “The N+C Hypothetical Trail” in Gallatin National Forest, fit very well to the ZMM Narrative, please be aware for N+C 26 through N+C 29 => The placement of these WayPoints is not an easy, or efficient route, or a realistic way for an actual mountain climber to go. There are likely MANY FAR BETTER ways down to the nearest road, with cars to catch a ride, than the one I have shown.
…An inexperienced person, not having a topo map, might well stumble onto a very high cliff, with hardly any way down. There are plenty over this way, but it is surprising that the Narrator did not arrange better!
...But of course, we must remember that this portion of N+C ZMM Book Mountain Climb Narrative, is to be a metaphor transfer to the real difficulties of any person to come down from idealistic philosophic ways of thinking, and get on with real practicalities of daily life.
N+C 28 El 8200ft

NC29 on map 45.44832, -110.96114
Hyalite Creek and the Hyalite Creek Canyon Road Back To Bozeman.

…“Then we hear the roar of a much larger creek in the distance.
…We cross the creek using a rope, which we leave behind, then on the road beyond find some other campers who give us a ride into town.
…In Bozeman it’s dark and late. Rather than wake up the DeWeeses and ask them to drive in, we check in at the main downtown hotel. Some tourists in the lobby stare at us. With my old Army clothes, walking stick, two-day beard and black beret I must look like some old-time Cuban revolutionary, in for a raid.
…In the hotel room we exhaustedly dump everything on the floor. I empty into a waste basket the stones picked up by my boots from the rushing water of the stream, then set the boots by a cold window to dry slowly. We collapse into the beds without a word.”
END Chapter 21

… These Google Earth Views Of “The N+C Hypothetical Trail” in Gallatin National Forest, for N+C 28 to N+C 29, show the territory of a possible continued trail to Hyalite Creek and the Hyalite Creek Canyon Road Back To Bozeman.
…This includes a long stretch of very steep down, and depending on where the trail starts down, could have equivalents to a high, nearly impassable cliff, such as to require tough climb-down thru a rocky, watery, tree clogged, crevasse. And, the base of the steep part, is close enough to “hear the roar of a much larger creek in the distance,” which most reasonably would be Upper Hyalite Creek, a major stream direct down from the high mountains, and full of snow melt.
…Consistent to the ZMM Climb Narrative, reaching the road requires crossing Hyalite Creek prior to reaching the road. This road connects to a nearby campground, and would regularly have moving vehicles, to hitch a ride back to Bozeman. This is the territory of a possible continuing trail shown as N+C 28 to N+C 29.
N+C 29 El 6045ft
NC30 Trail Elevation Data & End Notes.
Closure and End Notes for GoogleEarth Viewing Of The N+C Hypothetical Trail in Gallatin National Forest.

…Looking Back At The N+C## Elevation Data, We Can See The number Feet of Climb Per WayPoint, And Approximately Can See Relative Rate Of N+C Climb Is Dramatically Greater in Last Two Lines, Which Are In Steep Parts of Fox Creek Canyon.
N+C 01 El 5720ft, CalTopo = 5650, Increase # Feet
N+C 02 El 5700ft, CalTopo = 5660 10
N+C 03 El ~5880ft, CalTopo = 5880 ….220
N+C 04 El ~5900ft. CalTopo = 5920 ….. 40
N+C 05 El 6120ft, CalTopo = 6120 ….200
N+C 06 El 6160ft, CalTopo = 6155….. 35
N+C 07 El 6320ft. CalTopo = 6340 …..185
N+C 08 El 6560ft, CalTopo = 6540 …..200
N+C 09 El ~6601ft, CalTopo = 6620 ……80
N+C 10 El 6900ft, CalTopo = 6850 …..230
N+C 11 El 7200ft, CalTopo = 7310 …..460
N+C 12 El 7500ft, CalTopo = 7520 …..280 = Near “Knoll” (fat spot) for N+C overnight camp.

N+C 13 El 8080ft, CalTopo = 8090….. 570
N+C 14 El 8400ft. CalTopo = 8380 …..290
N+C 15 El 8480ft, CalTopo = 8660 …..280
N+C 16 El ~8830ft, CalTopo = 8860 ……0
N+C 17 El 8845ft, CalTopo = 8890 …...30
N+C 18 El 8920ft, CalTopo = 8920 …...40
N+C 19 El 9000ft, CalTopo = 9000 …...80
N+C 20 El 9040ft, CalTopo = 9060……60
N+C 21 El 9080ft. CalTopo = 9120 …...60
N+C 22 El 9120ft, CalTopo = 9120 ……0
N+C 23 El 9120ft, CalTopo = 9100 ….-10
N+C 24 El 9160ft, CalTopo = 9220 …..120 = “Blue Sky” = climax of climb.

N+C 25 El 9100ft, CalTopo = 9090 ….-130 = Narrator & Chris start down.
N+C 26 El 9020ft, CalTopo = 9020 …..-70
N+C 27 El...9100ft, CalTopo = 9180 ….160
N+C 28 El 8200ft, CalTopo = 8220 …-960

N+C 29 El ~6840ft, CalTopo = 6860 …-460 = End N+C ## Hypothetical Trail.
N+C 30 El ~6800ft, CalTopo = 6790 …..-70 = Elevation List & End Notes.

NOTE1: The above Elevation Data List has been double checked, and revised as of Sept 6, 2022. Please be aware that the Elevation #’s given in the Text with each Google Earth Blue PinPoint Marker, may be slightly different. t
NOTE2: CalTopo Is Excellent For => Working With Topo Maps, GPS WayPoint Marker Data, Loading WayPoints Into Google Earth, and Study & Explore Of Climbing Route in Gallatin National Forest (GNF), AND Other Places.
…AFTER This Page Comes Up, Scroll Down To …. CalTopo Is Excellent For => ….

*****************

APPENDIX II: THE FOLLOWING IS A LISTING OF ALL 15 OF THE “3D GOOGLEEARTH STATIC ILLUSTRATION PHOTOS” SHOWING =>
… GALLATIN NATIONAL FOREST (GNF) N+C ## HYPOTHETICAL TRAIL LOCATION WAYPOINTS, OF ZMM BOOK MOUNTAIN CLIMB NARRATIVE.

Screen Capture GoogleEarth kml Import, But can NOT Share To Public.
… 2D View of N+C 01 thru N+C 29.
… 3D View of N+C 01 thru N+C 29.

Screen Capture GoogleEarth Cottonwd Cyn: InputByClkOnMap. Yes Share To Public.
… 2D View of N+C01 thru N+C 29.
… 3D View of N+C01 thru N+C 29.
… 3D View of N+C06 thru N+C 29 => Held Down Mouse Wheel & “Tilt” View So To See Mountain Tops, Then Aligned So Better See How Cottonwood Creek Canyon At N+C 06, “Lines Up With, And Can See, The Highest Mountains With Snow, As Stated By The ZMM Narrator.

SaveImage GoogleEarthPro Cottonwood Cyn ImportCalTopo Chk “Terrain” AlignSeeSnow. Not Easily Share To Public.
… Both Below Are => Aligned So Better See How Cottonwood Creek Canyon At Halfway between N+C 06 & N+C 07, “Lines Up With”, And Can See, The Highest Mountains With Snow, As Stated By The ZMM Narrator.
… 3D View of.~N+C 06 thru N+C 08
… 3D View of ~N+C 06 thru N+C 07 Same as previous view, but moved closer.

SaveImage GoogleEarth V7.3.4.8642 Fox Creek Canyon: NowSetForGroundLevelView. ImportCalTopo ChkTerrain AlignSeeSnow Not Easily Share To Public.

… A) 3D “Terrain” View From Vantage Point of.~N+C 08: This Is In Cottonwood Canyon, But Now => Turned Left To View The Turning Point Into Fox Creek Canyon, And See Distant Mountains With Snow..

… B) 3D View of ~N+C 09 Approximately same as previous view, but moved closer.

… C) 3D View of.~N+C 12 A view higher up in Fox Creek Canyon. Just right of Center Image Is Illustrated ZMM Narrator’s => “Knoll, a flat spot that sticks out from side of the mountain.”

… D) 3D View of ~N+C18 A view higher up in Fox Creek Canyon. Google Earth here shows N+C 19 thru N+C 23, Because these are at left ahead.

… E) 3D Northeast View of. N+C 17 thru N+C 26 From a vantage point high on Narrator’s “Ridge” a bit East & above N+C 12. This Is A view of the “Ridge” that continues to N+C 24 Illustration of Narrator’s Climax, then continues over a ridge hump, thon on to the top of Mt Blackmore top center image. Mt Elephant is to the right. At left and way down is Upper Fox Creek Canyon, where can see N+C 17, correctly located. And just left of “ridge hump”, is seen N+C 26, which in turn, Illustrates one location of Narrator & Chris path on way down to Hyalite Creek Canyon. The Next Photo shows the view, looking back, from the vantage point of N+C 26.

…. F) 3D Panoramic View of ZMM Narrator’s “Ridge” => "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. ” :
.. Off screen to left is Mt Blackmore, where its continuing ridge comes down to the ridge top edge above N+C 25. … Now, following the Sky Line left to right, you see => N+C 24 Hypothetical Trail Illustration of Narrator’s Climax Location, then continues over the “ridge hump”, thon on to a final mountain, that is overlooking the flat, green, Gallatin River Valley. The town of Gallatin Gateway, MT is this direction, and valley continues beyond Bozeman, MT off screen to right.
.. Now, below the “final mountain” you can see Fox Creek Canyon, and imagine it’s coming up from Cottonwood Creek Canyon, out of sight below. Looking along the bottom of Fox Creek Canyon, you can spot (look closely) N+C 14. And looking up and to left you can see the Narrator & Chris climb route series N+C 16 thru N+C 18.
.. Here, as stated in the ZMM Book Mountain Climb Narrative Description, the Hypothetical Trail, reverses to climb the side of the Narrator’s “Ridge”, in climb route series N+C 19 thru N+C 22. .:

…. G) 3D View looking ~ East, showing scenery of the ZMM Narrator & Chris climb-down to N+C 29 at a paved road by Hyalite Creek. The climb down is Hypothetical Trail Illustration of Narrator’s the route series N+C 25 thru N+C 29.
.. The above Google Earth shows what would be seen from vantage point of ~N+C 27.
.. Seen at left are roads in Hyalite Creek Canyon. This Canyon is beyond the ridge of N+C 28, the location of which is to the right of the above-mentioned roads.

Click Here To See First of 15 “3D GoogleEarth Static Illustration Photos” Showing => Gallatin National Forest N+C ## Hypothetical Trail Location Waypoints, of ZMM Book Mountain Climb Narrative.

LEGAL NOTICE: Every effort has been made to ensure the accuracy and personal safety (and free of likely property damage), of the information presented on this and all ZMM Quality web Pages (Text Pages) AND my ZMM Quality Gallery Photograph Galleries (Photograph Web Pages). … However, the University of South Carolina, University of South Carolina Aiken, and Henry S. Gurr, make no warranty with regard to it. NO WARRANTY is expressed or implied as to the suitability, free of resultant property damage, or personal safety of the information provided herein. THE USER ASSUMES ALL RISKS.

RevisedByDavidMatos13Oct2012..MajorRevHSG 15-16-20-23-27-29Aug2022, 22-24Sept2022, RevHSG4June24.
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