Sunday, March 21, 2010

R.I.P. Stuart Udall

A son of Arizona, former U.S. Interior Secretary Stuart Udall, died yesterday at the age of 90.

My favorite line from his obituary in today's New York Times reads as follows:

"When he was 84, at the end of his last rafting trip on the Colorado River, Mr. Udall hiked up the steep Bright Angel Trail from the bottom of the Grand Canyon to the south rim, a 10-hour walk that he celebrated at the end with a martini."

That is a man I can idolize.

9 comments:

  1. I have hiked the Bright Angel Trail...I guess I was around 35 or so...and it killed me. 84? Amazing.

    ReplyDelete
  2. Jerry - I have stood repeatedly at the top of it, looked down and said "No, not today."

    ReplyDelete
  3. He obviously lived his life to the full!!

    ReplyDelete
  4. Catalyst

    Ditto to Jerry I remember that trail too,, makes one pause for the moment and rethink what we can and cannot do at any age.

    Joanny

    ReplyDelete
  5. Joanny - There was a time I thought of challenging it but hearing stories from friends who did, I'm I glad I made the choice I did.

    Vicki - Yes, he was one of many splendid Udalls, who continue to this day, representing New Mexico and Colorado in the U.S. Senate.

    ReplyDelete
  6. I can see what you mean, that trail is something else. I honestly believe that some people give up too soon and "act their age".
    Nice to meet you.
    Kat

    ReplyDelete
  7. Kat - Nice to meet you. Thanks for stopping by.

    ReplyDelete