a reflection on Edward Abbey, poet and naturalist

Recently I have been reading some Edward Abbey publications and while he is controversial to say the least his descriptions and thoughts of our vanishing wilderness areas are outstanding indeed.
In the last few weeks I had the opportunity to witness the might and power of the wilderness and though the venues were total opposites the thoughts that came into my mind where the same.
Number one was a trip to Bear Canyon so aptly described in Philip's blog while number 2 was an experience diving the North Shore of Oahu specifically the Shark's cove area.
Normally a very placid dive spot we had 7 ft surf sets crashing into the shore.
Finding a good entry we dove around coral heads seeing a multitude of sea life in beautiful but clear water. Then came the return swim and a dive being swept through a rough channel by a power not matched by human strength. We were at the mercy of the current and only our preparations kept us safe until we were swept up on a sandy shore emerging from the water exhilarated by the "Ride" but truly humbled and thankful for being safely on the beach.
Now you might ask what that had to do with the dark canyon walls ice cold black water and yes ice covered lagoons.
The canyon displaying the passive power of the wilderness not caring what we had to endure to navigate our way safely out of its confines......and then the Ocean with its active wave sets telling us too
" YOU THE HUMANS ARE INTRUDERS, YOU ARE AT OUR MERCY! YOU CAN COME PREPARED AND ENJOY OR YOU CAN JUST COME AND MAYBE EVEN PERISH.... WE THE OCEAN AND WILDERNESS DON'T CARE, WE WILL BE THERE LONG AFTER YOU HAVE GONE!"