The Bell and Irving Rivers
Bell ll Lodge sits on the confluence of these two great rivers. During the winter adventurers from Europe use Bell l 11 as a Helisking resort. The snow, wind and chilling cold fire the excitement. In the summer temperatures are mild. Bears are out in force along the river’s edge. They stalk the lonely highway from the thick blanket of the surrounding woods
I stat my journey from Bell today. I drive north about 45 miles and then head south racewalking along the narrow highway. The quiet is broken by road traffic,one or two vehicles every hour. The warming sun, gentle breeze, and an old egg sandwich smothered with mayonnaise make me forget the loneliness.
There is a public telephone at a small airstrip. I call home. It is then I learn my mother I gravely ill. I wobble along in sadness.