Clara and I hiked into the Commonwealth Basin and found a waterfall. The water was chilly to say the least. I could hardly stand it, but she wasn't phased. Tinkham was there, too. She was on fire. Good thing she was able to cool off in the water. While my feet went numb, Clara and Tinkham threw and chased sticks, respectively.

As the sun started creeping down toward the jagged horizon, I was reminded that as much a I complain about the older generations not thinking about my future, I sometimes don't think about her future. At least not enough. Tinkham and I won't be around when someone decides to build a housing development right up against the Alpine Lakes Wilderness, but she will.

She can't vote in this coming election, but it's arguably more about her than it is me or the people in power right now. So I'm voting as though I'll live another 100 years. Tinkham can't vote, but I'm sure she'd rather see nature preserved, too.

And even though it sounds counterproductive, I sure hope you vote, too. Even if our votes cancel each other out, it's more important than ever to have your voice heard.