In the heart of Utah’s desert, two vultures are having a disagreement. This is not unusual. Frank and Morris have been disagreeing for years. What’s different now is what they’re arguing about.
I arrive at our meeting point to find Frank and Morris waiting for me. From the trail below, we can hear hikers gearing up for the day, discussing plans and filling water bottles. Before I can catch my breath from the climb, Frank announces, “This is terrible!”
“No, it’s wonderful!” Morris insists with the enthusiasm of a bird who just witnessed a fledgling take flight. “Look at them! They’re prepared. They’ve done their research. We’re making a difference!”
Frank turns from Morris to look me straight in the eye as he asks, “Are you taking notes?” Without waiting for my reply, he adds, “Because I want to tell you what I’ve been watching. I want you to see just how great it all is.” The sarcasm drips from his beak.
His friend Morris pretends not to notice. “I love how great it all is, Frank!”
Complaint #1. Hydration.
With the launch of adventuresafe.org, Frank is upset about a lot of things. It seems the issue that frustrates him most is the recent increase in water bottle usage. He tells me it wasn’t always this way.
“There was a time when people went out with nothing more than a can of pop. I admired the confidence.” He sighs wistfully. “I respect consequences, personal responsibility and the school of hard knocks. Now everyone’s got fancy water bottles or even worse, full-on, backpack, hydration systems.”
Morris interjects, “Oh Frank, these are the consequences! We’ve empowered them to calculate their water needs based on temperature, elevation gain and the length of time they’ll be out. That’s learning! That’s positive influence! That’s the future!”
Morris is right. Utah’s dry climate and high-elevation terrain are a combination that can surprise even the locals. The rule of thumb for summer conditions here is a liter per hour and more if the adventure will be strenuous.
I pull out my own water bottle and take a long draw before we continue.
Complaint #2. Outdoor Fashion.
Utah’s wilderness demands a specific kind of respect when it comes to gearing up. Sun exposure is no joke, but it goes much further. OHV trails are rocky and dusty. Even when hiking, the fine sand layer on Utah’s red rock can be incredibly slick.
According to Frank, these are beloved Utah features that used to make life great. “I miss flip-flops on slickrock and heavy denim in desert heat. What happened to laughing at people for wearing life jackets and helmets? We used to call them Nervous Nellies.”
As I listen to him, I remember not wearing my own life jacket as a kid. I keep the thought to myself. I know better now and I don’t want to encourage him.
Morris has a different point of view. “I like all the new accessories,” he says. “The sunhats are cute, the helmets, the goggles… it’s safety and style!”
Complaint #3. Technology and Culture.
Frank isn’t buying it. It’s not just dressing for the conditions that upsets him, it’s the access to so much information about the conditions in the first place. With the increase in smartphones, travel apps and weather forecasting, he can sense that vulture culture is changing.
“Before all this high-tech stuff, people just looked up. If the sky was blue, they went out. If a rain cloud formed unexpectedly, it was a race to safety. Very exciting stuff!” Frank reminisces. “Our whole community would start circling, but these planning apps have ruined it all.”
“That’s why I want to build a new community around safety,” says Morris with optimism. “New technology isn’t just about preparing for conditions, it also means being able to find trained guides, connect with locals and learn from skilled adventurers.”
I watch Frank. His internal conflict between the past he loves and the future upon him shows on his face. The two friends sit in silence for a moment. As the group of hikers from earlier now nears our location, it’s easy to see Morris’ new idea of vulture culture is here. One has a map tucked into his chest pocket. Another is wearing a GPS watch and a hydration pack.
“They’re going to have a great time,” Morris says, unable to help himself. “And when they get home, they’re going to tell their friends, who will venture out and also have a great time. It’s just going to keep going.”
“I suppose that humans taking responsibility is acceptable… as far as outcomes go,” Frank reluctantly admits.
Morris turns to his friend in shock.
“Frank. Was that… did you just… Are you saying you’re glad they’re prepared?”
With great dignity, Frank rearranges his wings. “I said no such thing. I said responsibility was acceptable. There’s a big difference.”
Morris beams at his friend. “I’ll take it,” he says happily. “I will absolutely take it.”
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