The course of the river above the falls is largely unknown, for the climb is arduous and at that point the road passes near and provides a new view to satisfy most. The country on up to the headwaters has been walked by government men looking for clues to mineral deposits and to complete maps, but it remains unknown nevertheless. The illusion has been sustained, if one asks around or consults a topographic map, that it is well known; but I know this to be false. And I cannot help but marvel at how little care has been taken in making certain distinctions. For example, at the headwaters itself, farther up than is shown, ravens are meditating, and it is from them that the river actually flows, for at night they break down and weep; the universal anguish of creatures, their wailing in desolation, the wrenching anger of betrayals — this seizes them and passes out of them and in that weeping the river takes its shape.
— Barry Holstun Lopez, "Upriver", pg 71 of River Notes, 1979, Avon Books, New York
I dedicate this quote to Ms. Candide as well.
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