Dick Proenneke was the quintessential naturalist. He never tired of observing the natural world around him. He had infinite curiosity and would pose questions about what he was seeing, hearing or feeling. He would wonder things like up on top of Emerson Creek Falls where a rock is perched. He would ask, "Now how do you suppose that rock got there?" Or at a beaver lodge where there is a submerged pile of willow, "That pile of willow is their winter groceries. It is anchored down out in the water somehow. I don't know how they do it. But, oh boy, it is sure anchored down."
Dick was my friend and mentor. He inspires me to this day. I am very grateful to have known Dick and spent many days roaming the Twin Lakes country together.