“Just close your eyes…listen to the wind blowing through the pines…smell the clean fresh air…feel the warmth of the sun on your face…and then hear the mountains saying ‘Thank you…Gloria.’” Those were the words of Rick Johnson from the Idaho Conservation League (ICL) when about 150 of us gathered at the Osberg’s picturesque cabin on Newman Creek, near Ketchum, Idaho, recently to honor Gloria Moore Osberg for her notable contribution to the enjoyment of and the access to the mountains of southern Idaho by thousands of hikers.
In a virtually unprecedented act, the National Forest Service joined with the Idaho Conservation League and the Wood River Land Trust to name a trail after Gloria. Not just any trail, mind you, but a 10.5 mile trail along a mountain ridge that offers spectacular 360 degree views of all the surrounding mountain ranges almost every step of the way. It’s a beautiful trail that needs some “TLC” and the idea of naming it after such a great conservationist brought these three organizations together to make it happen.
Gloria is the author of two famous guides that are on the bookshelves of thousands of hikers and outdoor enthusiasts throughout the Pacific Northwest. “Day Hiking near Sun Valley” came first and eventually it was joined by “Easy Hikes around Sun Valley”. Gloria and some friends formed a hiking group in the 1970’s and it spawned the idea for the books.
These are guides that Gloria and her husband John (there is always a man behind a good woman) have painstakingly updated year after year. Recently, Gloria gave the copyright for the “Day Hiking” guide to the ICL and insisted they keep all the proceeds to benefit wilderness conservation. She has done the same with her second book, “Easy Hikes”, making Gloria not only a motivational force for potential hikers, but also a philanthropist for the conservation cause.
A couple of months ago, John told us this special event was going to happen over the July 4th weekend and it immediately became a must for us to attend. John and Gloria have become very close friends over the past twenty years or so and the small dinner club of the four of us meet quite regularly for Chinese food and lively conversation. John and I have known each other for over 30 years and we share a lot of the same views on life and the world situation.
Like my wife Jane, Gloria has her very distinct opinions on just about any subject. And she doesn’t mince words. When we first had dinner in Newport, Rhode Island, where I was working on an around the world sailing race that John had a boat in, I remember clearly that Gloria took me to task on the subject sof politics and world affairs without reservation. Not that we disagreed, it was just that she wanted me to understand how solid her point of view was.
Her work on the guide books for almost twenty five years has been stellar. Gloria is meticulous in her details; thoughtful in her descriptions and passionate about the subject of the mountains. She keeps the most complete and descriptive journals I’ve ever seen of the all the hikes and trips that she has taken. Jane and I have accompanied them on some of Gloria’s scouting trips, taking measurements, altimeter readings and exploring trailhead parking lots. No leaf is left unturned.
Gloria has worked so closely with the Forest Service over the years that they have, on occasion, asked her to change, alter or even omit some hikes that have become too popular as a result of her guidebooks. Sometimes the forests and mountains just need a rest. Gloria knows that and she and the NFS have a very complementary relationship.
Gloria and John are enjoying life at their cabin in the mountains and their home in suburban Seattle. They are a wonderfully warm and gentle couple. The Trail Naming event felt just like them. It was a perfect summer afternoon in the mountains…blue sky, hot sun. cool shade. Family and friends came from all corners. The food was great and the pies were homemade ( I have a soft spot for pie), although, in truth, they were made by a close friend and I missed Gloria’s own sumptuous berry pies. Sitting on the front deck of their cabin with a piece of pie and a cold beverage and looking at the spectacular mountain view is definitely very close to heaven. I can’t do it often enough.
Wonderful things were said that day by the ICL, the Wood River Land Trust that has been a passion for Gloria and John and by the Forest Service. All were welcome and much deserved. But it was Gloria’s grandson, who got my vote. He was asked by Gloria to deliver her remarks and he nailed it. He spoke her words, precisely, from memory and when he said, “This is such a special and precious honor for me (Gloria Osberg),” even the chipmunk running through woods stopped and listened. Gloria’s proud smile dimmed the sun.
Some people are passionate. Some are committed. Others are compassionate and opinionated. Gloria Osberg is all those things. The naming of the Osberg Ridgeline Trail is bigger than the Sawtooth Mountains. It’s bigger than Idaho. It’s a testament to one person's vision and perseverance and the impact one person can have on the world. I am proud to have hiked and sailed and skied and travelled and eaten Marion berry pie with Gloria. She is a wonder of this world.
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