A major fascination of ours indeed involves history, but not so much that of deep geological time so much as that of the span in which our species has taken center stage in the drama of life. Wherever we travel, we find ourselves contemplating either the full force of man's industry or the slimmest of fragile threads that evidence man's eternal optimism and determination that wherever he steps, new life and civility will follow. From the most desolate mountain peaks to the most improbable clefts of otherwise shear canyon walls, man has sought security, stability, some peace, and some wealth.

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