Eleven years ago, Spencer Williamson showed up in McCarthy for an internship at Kennicott Wilderness Guides (KWG). Within a decade, Williamson and the visionary owners of KWG created the first commercial packrafting courses with a curriculum recognized by the ACA, the oldest and largest paddle sport organization.

Elishaba grew up in the wilderness, in mountains, isolated from other people. But her physical wilderness was not based solely on the location. Her father kept her from knowing not only other families, but from having a relationship with her own family as well. Elishaba lived a life of suffering and turmoil that left her alone, isolated from all relationships but one: her abusive father, now known to the world as “Papa Pilgrim.”

“I live in reality, not La La land!” someone told me recently. I took the hit, and felt it settle over me. They were right. They live solidly in the world of what can be seen. But reality can be a lit- tle harsh for me sometimes. So I dream.