Tracker, by Gary Paulsen True and False
179 Questions
1 Views

Choose a study mode

Play Quiz
Study Flashcards
Spaced Repetition
Chat to lesson

Podcast

Play an AI-generated podcast conversation about this lesson

Questions and Answers

John Borne's grandfather showed obvious signs of illness at the breakfast table.

False

John Borne's grandparents were asked to come into a small green room at the hospital.

True

John Borne's grandmother made a sound when she heard the doctors' news about the cancer.

False

John Borne's grandfather reassured his grandmother that everything would be alright after hearing the doctors' news.

<p>True</p> Signup and view all the answers

John Borne's grandfather is sent to a hospital to spend his last days.

<p>False</p> Signup and view all the answers

The grandfather remains cheerful despite his illness.

<p>True</p> Signup and view all the answers

The impending death of his grandfather challenges John's understanding of immortality.

<p>False</p> Signup and view all the answers

The grandfather decides to go deer hunting for the first time.

<p>False</p> Signup and view all the answers

John has been hunting deer with his grandfather since he was ten.

<p>True</p> Signup and view all the answers

John finds solace in the familiar routine of hunting deer.

<p>False</p> Signup and view all the answers

The text portrays the emotional turmoil and struggle of an old man as he faces the impending loss of his beloved grandson.

<p>False</p> Signup and view all the answers

The story captures the complex emotions and challenges of coming to terms with change and mortality within an urban, family setting.

<p>False</p> Signup and view all the answers

John's grandmother is not affected by the imminent death of the grandfather.

<p>False</p> Signup and view all the answers

The text mainly focuses on the challenges of coming to terms with change and loss.

<p>True</p> Signup and view all the answers

John struggles to accept the reality of his grandfather's condition.

<p>True</p> Signup and view all the answers

The story takes place in a rural, family setting.

<p>True</p> Signup and view all the answers

John confides in Emil about his grandfather's terminal cancer.

<p>True</p> Signup and view all the answers

John feels a hard, almost exciting feeling while reflecting on killing deer.

<p>True</p> Signup and view all the answers

John finds solace in school as it distracts him from his personal struggles.

<p>True</p> Signup and view all the answers

John forces himself to act as if everything will continue as usual.

<p>True</p> Signup and view all the answers

John handles the farm work after school, fixing equipment and tending to the animals.

<p>True</p> Signup and view all the answers

John reflects on the cyclical nature of farm work, where one task leads to another, creating an unending cycle of labor.

<p>True</p> Signup and view all the answers

The narrative portrays John's internal turmoil without highlighting the external demands of farm life.

<p>False</p> Signup and view all the answers

John's immersion in farm work serves as a distraction from his emotions, allowing him to find purpose and focus during a challenging time.

<p>True</p> Signup and view all the answers

The text captures the balance between John's internal turmoil and the external demands of farm life.

<p>False</p> Signup and view all the answers

John's grandfather was the one who handled the farm work before him.

<p>False</p> Signup and view all the answers

John's grandmother is depicted as stoic and unaffected by her husband's illness.

<p>False</p> Signup and view all the answers

John's struggle to find balance and purpose amidst grief is a central theme in the narrative.

<p>True</p> Signup and view all the answers

John finds joy and fulfillment in doing morning chores on the farm, which includes milking, cleaning the barn, and feeding the animals.

<p>True</p> Signup and view all the answers

Emil understands John's love for chores and considers it hard work.

<p>False</p> Signup and view all the answers

John's grandfather shares his appreciation for the Japanese culture's ability to find beauty in small things.

<p>True</p> Signup and view all the answers

John finds the ritual of morning chores to be a series of small beauties, which inspire him to create small poems in his mind while working.

<p>True</p> Signup and view all the answers

By age thirteen, John becomes so skilled at milking that it becomes automatic, allowing his mind to wander to other things.

<p>True</p> Signup and view all the answers

While milking, John ponders the idea of things changing when one looks away and back.

<p>True</p> Signup and view all the answers

John is excited about going back to school and the upcoming deer hunting season as a distraction from his worries about his grandfather's health.

<p>False</p> Signup and view all the answers

John's thoughts about school are clouded by his concerns about his grandfather's declining health.

<p>True</p> Signup and view all the answers

John tries to distract himself from worrying about his grandfather's health by focusing on school and the upcoming deer hunting season.

<p>False</p> Signup and view all the answers

John is preoccupied with his grandfather's health and tries to distract himself by focusing on school and the upcoming deer hunting season.

<p>True</p> Signup and view all the answers

John's preoccupation with his grandfather's health affects his ability to focus on school and other upcoming events.

<p>True</p> Signup and view all the answers

John's grandfather prefers tractors over workhorses for their reliability in the winter.

<p>False</p> Signup and view all the answers

John finds the work of hauling manure a peaceful and meditative activity.

<p>False</p> Signup and view all the answers

John encounters a buck while working in the field.

<p>False</p> Signup and view all the answers

John is immediately able to understand the inspiration behind the doe's behavior and write a poem about it.

<p>False</p> Signup and view all the answers

John's grandfather encourages him to overanalyze the beauty he witnessed.

<p>False</p> Signup and view all the answers

The text glorifies hunting for sport and the display of skill.

<p>False</p> Signup and view all the answers

John's grandfather believes that hunting is a measure of manhood and skill.

<p>False</p> Signup and view all the answers

The narrative emphasizes the respectful approach to hunting for sustenance.

<p>True</p> Signup and view all the answers

The text presents hunting as a means of obtaining meat to sustain through the winter.

<p>True</p> Signup and view all the answers

The story does not reflect on the deep connection between humans and nature.

<p>False</p> Signup and view all the answers

John appreciates the immense strength of the tractors over the workhorses.

<p>False</p> Signup and view all the answers

The narrative highlights the ethical approach to hunting.

<p>True</p> Signup and view all the answers

John's grandfather prefers tractors over workhorses for their reliability in the winter.

<p>True</p> Signup and view all the answers

John encounters a buck while working in the field.

<p>False</p> Signup and view all the answers

The text presents hunting as a means of obtaining meat to sustain through the winter.

<p>True</p> Signup and view all the answers

John's immersion in farm work serves as a distraction from his emotions, allowing him to find purpose and focus during a challenging time.

<p>True</p> Signup and view all the answers

John feels no remorse after failing to kill the doe

<p>False</p> Signup and view all the answers

The doe recognizes John from previous encounters

<p>True</p> Signup and view all the answers

John hesitates to kill the doe because he feels a personal connection to her

<p>True</p> Signup and view all the answers

John's decision to follow the doe into the woods is driven by a sense of regret

<p>False</p> Signup and view all the answers

The text suggests that John is questioning the morality of hunting

<p>True</p> Signup and view all the answers

John covers the same distance as the doe but takes longer

<p>True</p> Signup and view all the answers

The narrative primarily focuses on the external demands of farm life

<p>False</p> Signup and view all the answers

John's internal conflict and moral dilemma are not central themes in the text

<p>False</p> Signup and view all the answers

The narrative explores the complex emotions and ethical considerations associated with hunting

<p>True</p> Signup and view all the answers

John is searching for a deeper meaning beyond the hunt

<p>True</p> Signup and view all the answers

John is able to hunt another deer after failing to kill the first one

<p>False</p> Signup and view all the answers

The text implies that John finds joy and fulfillment in hunting deer

<p>False</p> Signup and view all the answers

John hunts with his great grandfather's rifle.

<p>True</p> Signup and view all the answers

The peat swamp-bog is challenging but rich in game during the spring and summer.

<p>False</p> Signup and view all the answers

The swamp becomes more accessible in the fall, attracting various wildlife.

<p>True</p> Signup and view all the answers

The swamp provides cover for raising deer and hiding fawns from wolves, which are active in the spring and summer.

<p>False</p> Signup and view all the answers

The wolves' hunting and killing style is seen as natural and not subject to human judgment.

<p>True</p> Signup and view all the answers

The presence of wolves in the fall causes the deer to move towards the swamp.

<p>False</p> Signup and view all the answers

John focuses his hunting efforts on the eastern edge of the swamp.

<p>False</p> Signup and view all the answers

The narrative provides a detailed insight into the hunting methods, environment, and wildlife in the northern central Minnesota peat swamp-bog.

<p>True</p> Signup and view all the answers

John's great grandfather settled near the swamp, benefiting from good soil and access to deer hunting.

<p>True</p> Signup and view all the answers

The swamp is challenging but rich in game during the fall.

<p>True</p> Signup and view all the answers

John leaves for the woods after a meal with his grandfather.

<p>False</p> Signup and view all the answers

John employs a combination of hunting methods, moving quietly and standing still, learned from his grandmother.

<p>False</p> Signup and view all the answers

True or false: The protagonist encounters a golden doe and is struck by its beauty, momentarily forgetting his purpose of hunting for food.

<p>True</p> Signup and view all the answers

True or false: The protagonist settles into a bed, giving the doe an opportunity to kill him.

<p>False</p> Signup and view all the answers

True or false: The protagonist's experience and knowledge of the woods are attributed to his grandmother's teachings.

<p>False</p> Signup and view all the answers

True or false: The protagonist's determination to get the doe early to avoid discomfort and the need for survival skills in the woods.

<p>True</p> Signup and view all the answers

True or false: The protagonist encounters the doe unexpectedly, highlighting the predictable nature of hunting.

<p>False</p> Signup and view all the answers

True or false: The protagonist's encounter with the doe reflects the delicate balance between appreciating nature's beauty and meeting basic survival needs.

<p>True</p> Signup and view all the answers

True or false: The text emphasizes the protagonist's external struggle between the beauty of nature and the harsh reality of hunting for survival.

<p>False</p> Signup and view all the answers

True or false: The text portrays the emotional turmoil and struggle of a young man as he faces the impending loss of his beloved grandfather.

<p>False</p> Signup and view all the answers

True or false: The protagonist's immersion in farm work serves as a distraction from his emotions, allowing him to find purpose and focus during a challenging time.

<p>True</p> Signup and view all the answers

True or false: The narrative captures the complex emotions and challenges of coming to terms with change and mortality within an urban, family setting.

<p>False</p> Signup and view all the answers

True or false: The narrative presents hunting as a means of obtaining meat to sustain through the winter.

<p>True</p> Signup and view all the answers

True or false: The protagonist reflects on the cyclical nature of farm work, where one task leads to another, creating an unending cycle of labor.

<p>False</p> Signup and view all the answers

John is hunting in a marshy area with a mix of hardwood forest, poplar, and willows.

<p>True</p> Signup and view all the answers

John is hunting a buck in the swamp.

<p>False</p> Signup and view all the answers

John struggles with the deep snow and rapid progress in the swamp.

<p>False</p> Signup and view all the answers

John deduces the likely sex, age, and health of the deer based on its tracks and behavior.

<p>True</p> Signup and view all the answers

John encounters a doe covered in snow, which leaves a lasting impression on him.

<p>True</p> Signup and view all the answers

The narrative captures John's busy hunting experience in the wilderness.

<p>False</p> Signup and view all the answers

John's respect for nature and his grandfather's hunting principles are evident in his thoughts and actions.

<p>True</p> Signup and view all the answers

The narrative emphasizes the external demands of farm life.

<p>False</p> Signup and view all the answers

The text mainly focuses on the challenges of coming to terms with change and loss.

<p>True</p> Signup and view all the answers

John appreciates the immense strength of the tractors over the workhorses.

<p>False</p> Signup and view all the answers

Emil understands John's love for chores and considers it hard work.

<p>True</p> Signup and view all the answers

The impending death of his grandfather challenges John's understanding of immortality.

<p>False</p> Signup and view all the answers

John wants to kill the doe to give her death and make her meat.

<p>False</p> Signup and view all the answers

The protagonist feels a sudden desire to touch the doe without killing her.

<p>True</p> Signup and view all the answers

John is tired after tracking for twelve hours but still determined to follow the doe.

<p>True</p> Signup and view all the answers

The moon is full, providing good light, and John continues his pursuit with a newfound purpose.

<p>True</p> Signup and view all the answers

John Borne feels relieved when he leaves his rifle in a tree to lighten his load

<p>True</p> Signup and view all the answers

John feels a connection to the doe and experiences a transformation in his identity as he tracks her through the night

<p>True</p> Signup and view all the answers

The doe becomes frantic and exhausted, and John becomes increasingly fatigued, even falling asleep while walking

<p>True</p> Signup and view all the answers

John feels an inexplicable connection to the deer, feeling as though a part of him is being transferred to her and vice versa

<p>True</p> Signup and view all the answers

John becomes obsessed with the doe, believing that he must possess her and wanting to touch her

<p>True</p> Signup and view all the answers

John experiences conflicting emotions of love and self-hatred as he drives the doe to exhaustion

<p>True</p> Signup and view all the answers

The doe collapses from exhaustion, and John feels both love and self-hatred for pushing her to this point

<p>True</p> Signup and view all the answers

John becomes increasingly delirious and feels a strong connection to his grandfather and the doe

<p>True</p> Signup and view all the answers

John becomes consumed by the idea of touching the doe, feeling that in doing so, he will touch his grandfather's spirit and death

<p>True</p> Signup and view all the answers

John becomes increasingly crazed and obsessed with the doe, as he relentlessly pursues her

<p>True</p> Signup and view all the answers

The text depicts John's transformation from a hunter to a figure consumed by obsession and delusion

<p>True</p> Signup and view all the answers

John's obsession with the doe leads to a positive outcome for both him and the doe

<p>False</p> Signup and view all the answers

True or false: The protagonist believes that owning, loving, and touching the doe will save his dying grandfather.

<p>True</p> Signup and view all the answers

True or false: The protagonist becomes delirious and unable to distinguish between reality and illusion while tracking the doe.

<p>True</p> Signup and view all the answers

True or false: The protagonist experiences disorienting visions and feels as though everything is a mirror and that the doe is behind him.

<p>True</p> Signup and view all the answers

True or false: The protagonist becomes obsessed with the doe, pushing himself to the point of exhaustion and sickness.

<p>True</p> Signup and view all the answers

True or false: The protagonist touches the collapsing doe before she disappears.

<p>True</p> Signup and view all the answers

True or false: The protagonist is able to fully explain what happened to his grandparents upon returning home.

<p>False</p> Signup and view all the answers

True or false: The protagonist reflects on the profound lessons the doe taught him about life and the inability to share this experience with others.

<p>True</p> Signup and view all the answers

True or false: The protagonist struggles to convey the events of his hunt to his family while physically and emotionally drained.

<p>True</p> Signup and view all the answers

True or false: The grandmother expresses concern and relief at the protagonist's return.

<p>True</p> Signup and view all the answers

True or false: The grandfather remains silent, smoking his pipe, upon the protagonist's return.

<p>True</p> Signup and view all the answers

True or false: The protagonist's external struggle between the beauty of nature and the harsh reality of hunting for survival is emphasized in the text.

<p>False</p> Signup and view all the answers

True or false: The narrative explores the complex emotions and ethical considerations associated with hunting.

<p>True</p> Signup and view all the answers

True or false: The narrator and their friend transformed into cowboys using crude, wood-carved six-guns and battered straw garden hats

<p>True</p> Signup and view all the answers

True or false: The nearby town had wood-framed small buildings, a church, a saloon, and a makeshift movie theater showing the same Gene Autry film all the time

<p>True</p> Signup and view all the answers

True or false: The narrator's friend attempted a stunt from the movie by jumping from a hayloft opening onto a horse's back, resulting in a painful and comical mishap

<p>True</p> Signup and view all the answers

True or false: The narrator made a bow and arrows to hunt 'buffalo' off the back of a horse, but the attempt went wrong, causing chaos and laughter

<p>True</p> Signup and view all the answers

True or false: The narrator had a mishap with a horse named Old Jim while attempting to shoot an arrow, leading to a catastrophic outcome and a fear of using sticks around the horse

<p>True</p> Signup and view all the answers

True or false: The narrator reflects on the unique nature of horses and their experiences with rodeo, particularly bareback bronc riding, in Montana

<p>True</p> Signup and view all the answers

True or false: The narrator acknowledges the toughness and helpfulness of rodeo riders but admits to learning little about horses from the experience

<p>True</p> Signup and view all the answers

True or false: The narrator describes the beauty of the Bighorn Mountains in Wyoming, specifically a dirt track called the Penrose Trail leading to a hay meadow called Penrose Park

<p>True</p> Signup and view all the answers

True or false: The narrator found an old cabin on a lake and a wilderness trail called the Solitude Trail in the Bighorn Mountains

<p>True</p> Signup and view all the answers

True or false: Older people in the town of Story shared stories about the beauty of the high country, drawing the narrator to explore the mountains further

<p>True</p> Signup and view all the answers

True or false: The narrator expresses admiration for the beauty of the Bighorn Mountains, describing the allure and pull they felt towards the area

<p>True</p> Signup and view all the answers

True or false: The narrator's experiences with horses and the Bighorn Mountains shaped their understanding of nature and adventure

<p>True</p> Signup and view all the answers

John's realization that death is inevitable and a natural part of life is a key theme in the conversation.

<p>True</p> Signup and view all the answers

The author's experience with horses is limited but rooted in childhood memories of working with workhorse teams.

<p>True</p> Signup and view all the answers

The author's decision to get horses is driven by a desire to escape a sense of stagnation and limitation due to health issues.

<p>True</p> Signup and view all the answers

The author's childhood memories of pretending to be cowboy heroes while riding workhorses provide a nostalgic and lighthearted contrast to the heavier themes of the initial conversation.

<p>True</p> Signup and view all the answers

The text mainly focuses on the challenges of coming to terms with change and loss.

<p>False</p> Signup and view all the answers

John is hunting a buck in the swamp.

<p>False</p> Signup and view all the answers

John struggles to accept the reality of his grandfather's condition.

<p>True</p> Signup and view all the answers

John finds solace in school as it distracts him from his personal struggles.

<p>False</p> Signup and view all the answers

John's respect for nature and his grandfather's hunting principles are evident in his thoughts and actions.

<p>True</p> Signup and view all the answers

The narrative portrays John's internal turmoil without highlighting the external demands of farm life.

<p>False</p> Signup and view all the answers

John feels a hard, almost exciting feeling while reflecting on killing deer.

<p>False</p> Signup and view all the answers

John has been hunting deer with his grandfather since he was ten.

<p>True</p> Signup and view all the answers

True or false: The Bighorn Mountains are located in Alaska?

<p>False</p> Signup and view all the answers

True or false: The Penrose Trail leads directly up out of the town of Story into the lower peaks and a huge hay meadow called Penrose Park?

<p>True</p> Signup and view all the answers

True or false: The Solitude Trail is a wilderness trail that wanders through some seventy miles of mountains in a large loop?

<p>True</p> Signup and view all the answers

True or false: The protagonist finds a small house at the base of a dirt track called the Penrose Trail in Wyoming?

<p>True</p> Signup and view all the answers

True or false: The horses in the text were tied in and had butt chains on, indicating the broker's experience in trailering horses.

<p>False</p> Signup and view all the answers

True or false: The narrator initially had a positive impression of the horse broker and was willing to buy a horse from him.

<p>False</p> Signup and view all the answers

True or false: The narrator had a deep understanding of horses and felt comfortable around them before the events described in the text.

<p>False</p> Signup and view all the answers

True or false: The narrator's border collie, Josh, exhibited unusual behavior by trotting between the legs of the horses, conveying a message to the narrator.

<p>True</p> Signup and view all the answers

True or false: The text describes an incident where a horse caused a fatal injury to its owner when a dog came too close.

<p>True</p> Signup and view all the answers

True or false: The narrator had witnessed a kind of miracle during the events described in the text.

<p>True</p> Signup and view all the answers

True or false: The narrator had friends who were permanently disabled or killed while riding horses.

<p>True</p> Signup and view all the answers

True or false: The narrator had a profound, almost spiritual experience when witnessing the interaction between his dog and the horses.

<p>True</p> Signup and view all the answers

True or false: The author's past experiences in learning new skills often led to physical injuries, including broken limbs, teeth knocked out, and other injuries.

<p>True</p> Signup and view all the answers

True or false: The author had read Westerns and won awards for Western novels, which led to the belief that riding packhorses would be relatively simple.

<p>True</p> Signup and view all the answers

True or false: The horse broker arrived in a gaudy pickup truck and flashy two-horse trailer adorned with nude woman silhouettes and other flamboyant decorations.

<p>True</p> Signup and view all the answers

True or false: The author's property had a small pasture with abundant grass and a three-sided shed, but the arrival of the horses caught the author unprepared as they were brought to the property sooner than expected.

<p>True</p> Signup and view all the answers

True or false: The description of the horse broker's outfit and vehicle provided insight into the character and appearance of the horse broker.

<p>True</p> Signup and view all the answers

True or false: The author's eagerness to embark on the mountain adventure, coupled with the eccentric arrival of the horses and the horse broker, sets the stage for an intriguing and potentially challenging expedition.

<p>True</p> Signup and view all the answers

True or false: The author desired to explore the high country in summer, similar to experiences in Alaska with dog teams, but found hiking impractical due to the heat and long distances.

<p>True</p> Signup and view all the answers

True or false: Despite limited experience with horses, the author had confidence in acquiring and riding horses for potentially dangerous mountain trails.

<p>False</p> Signup and view all the answers

True or false: The author turned to the internet to find horse brokers in Sheridan, Wyoming, before the widespread use of the yellow pages.

<p>False</p> Signup and view all the answers

True or false: The horse broker initially seemed enthusiastic about the author's need for two horses - one to ride and one to carry a pack for an expedition into the Bighorn Mountains.

<p>False</p> Signup and view all the answers

True or false: The horse broker's appearance and mannerisms matched the author's initial innocence and lack of knowledge about owning and keeping horses.

<p>False</p> Signup and view all the answers

True or false: The horse broker offered to bring the horses directly to the author's property without any prior discussion.

<p>False</p> Signup and view all the answers

Study Notes

The Beauty of Nature and the Meaning of Hunting

  • John's grandfather emphasizes the hard work involved in using workhorses and contrasts it with the reliability of horses in the winter, unlike tractors.
  • John appreciates the gentle courtesy and immense strength of the horses, Jim and Lars, and prefers them over tractors for their thoughtfulness.
  • John hauls manure late into the night after milking, finding the work a distraction from his thoughts.
  • While working in the field, John encounters a doe that stands and stares at him, leaving a lasting impression on him.
  • The encounter with the doe inspires John to compose a poem about the beauty he witnessed, but he struggles to understand what the doe was waiting for.
  • John shares his experience with his grandfather, who encourages him to embrace the unplanned beauty and not overanalyze it.
  • Despite his grandfather's advice, John cannot shake the memory of the doe and ponders what she might have been waiting for.
  • The text introduces the concept of deer season and the purpose of hunting for meat to sustain through the winter.
  • John's grandfather emphasizes that hunting is simply a means of obtaining meat and not a measure of manhood or skill.
  • The text highlights the contrast between the respectful approach to hunting for sustenance and the perception of hunting as a display of masculinity.
  • The story emphasizes the beauty of nature and the ethical approach to hunting, as opposed to the glorification of hunting for sport or display of skill.
  • The narrative reflects on the deep connection between humans and nature, highlighting the respect for animals and the appreciation of the beauty in everyday encounters.

Hunting in the Swamp

  • The protagonist, John, is hunting in a hardwood forest mixed with poplar and willows.
  • He is tracking deer in the swamp, observing their behavior and movements.
  • John encounters a deer bed and realizes he had just missed the deer.
  • He decides to follow the deer's tracks while reflecting on his grandfather and the concentration required for hunting.
  • John struggles with the deep snow and slow progress in the swamp.
  • He deduces the deer's likely sex, age, and health based on its tracks and behavior.
  • John approaches a pine and spruce island in the swamp and continues tracking the deer.
  • He enters a picturesque area, likened to a fairy place, and is mesmerized by the beauty of the surroundings.
  • John spots a doe covered in snow, but she quickly flees, leaving a lasting impression on him.
  • The text illustrates John's solitary and focused hunting experience in the wilderness.
  • John's respect for nature and his grandfather's hunting principles are evident in his thoughts and actions.
  • The narrative captures the detailed observations, physical challenges, and emotional resonance of the hunting expedition.

Touching a Deer and Reflecting on Life

  • John shares a profound experience with his grandparents about touching a live deer after following it for two days.
  • John's grandfather has a strong emotional reaction to John's experience, feeling a touch of pride and a sense of something significant.
  • John's grandfather's emotional response hints at a deeper understanding of the significance of the event.
  • John's realization that death is inevitable and a natural part of life is a key theme in the conversation.
  • John's commitment to taking care of the chores the next day as a gesture of support for his grandfather shows the close bond between them.
  • John's dream about the deer and his grandfather leaves him waking up in a sweat, reflecting the emotional impact of the experience.
  • The text then transitions to a diversionary trail about the author's move to Wyoming and his decision to get two horses.
  • The author's experience with horses is limited but rooted in childhood memories of working with workhorse teams.
  • The author's decision to get horses is driven by a desire to escape a sense of stagnation and limitation due to health issues.
  • The author's childhood experience of riding workhorses is described, emphasizing the massive and gentle nature of the animals.
  • The author's childhood memories of pretending to be cowboy heroes while riding workhorses provide a nostalgic and lighthearted contrast to the heavier themes of the initial conversation.
  • The text hints at a contemplative and reflective tone, with the author's decision to get horses serving as a metaphor for seeking a new perspective and a sense of freedom.

Acquiring Horses for Mountain Trails

  • The author desired to explore the high country in summer, similar to experiences in Alaska with dog teams, but found hiking impractical due to the heat and long distances.
  • With little knowledge of acquiring and riding horses for potentially dangerous mountain trails, the author sought to learn, drawing parallels to previous endeavors such as learning to run dogs for the Iditarod.
  • The author's past experiences in learning new skills often led to physical injuries, including broken limbs, teeth knocked out, and other injuries.
  • Despite limited experience with horses, the author had read Westerns and won awards for Western novels, which led to the belief that riding packhorses would be relatively simple.
  • The author turned to the yellow pages to find horse brokers in Sheridan, Wyoming, before the widespread use of the internet.
  • After contacting a horse broker and explaining the need for two horses - one to ride and one to carry a pack for an expedition into the Bighorn Mountains - the broker initially seemed skeptical.
  • The author lived in a small town near the Bighorn Mountains, and the horse broker offered to bring the horses directly to the author's property.
  • The horse broker arrived in a gaudy pickup truck and flashy two-horse trailer adorned with nude woman silhouettes and other flamboyant decorations, and his attire matched the eccentricity of his vehicle.
  • The author's property had a small pasture with abundant grass and a three-sided shed, but the arrival of the horses caught the author unprepared as they were brought to the property sooner than expected.
  • The description of the horse broker's outfit and vehicle showcased a flamboyant and extravagant style, providing insight into the character and appearance of the horse broker.
  • The horse broker's appearance and mannerisms contrasted with the author's initial innocence and lack of knowledge about owning and keeping horses.
  • The author's eagerness to embark on the mountain adventure, coupled with the eccentric arrival of the horses and the horse broker, sets the stage for an intriguing and potentially challenging expedition.

Studying That Suits You

Use AI to generate personalized quizzes and flashcards to suit your learning preferences.

Quiz Team

More Like This

Tracker, by Gary Paulsen Comprehension Questions
164 questions
Tracker, by Gary Paulsen Multiple Choice Questions
179 questions
SPED Service Tracker Overview 2024
10 questions
Use Quizgecko on...
Browser
Browser