Tainted Mountain (28 page)

©
Kelly Weaver Photography

About the Author

Shannon Baker (Flagstaff, AZ) can often be found backpacking, skiing, kayaking, cycling, or just playing lizard in the desert. From the Colorado Rockies to the Nebraska Sandhills, the peaks of Flagstaff and the deserts of Tucson, Western landscapes play an important role in her books. Visit her online at Shannon-Baker.com.

Acknowledgments

So many people conspired with me to get this book into your hands, and to them, I give my deepest gratitude. Without the undying support and brilliance of Sisters of the Quill—Janet Fogg, Julie Kaewart, and Karen Lin—I wouldn't have survived life, let alone been able to write a book. The Alphas—Margaret Bailey, Karen Duvall, Janet Lane, Alan Larson, Lawdon, Heidi Kuhn, and Joy Meredith—never fail to set me on the right track. I especially thank Jameson Cole, who was relentless in teaching me the basics. Rocky Mountain Fiction Writers (the best group EVER) has showered me with writerly blessings for close to two decades. An enormous hug of gratitude goes to Terri Bischoff at Midnight Ink, who plucked this guppy out of the sea, and to Nicole Nugent, who helped teach it to swim. Thanks also to cover artist Robert Rodriguez.

Because the Hopi revere humility and privacy, I won't splash her name across this page, but I am so very thankful to my Hopi friend, without whom this book would stumble and thrash against that gentle culture much more than it does. Thank you to Abe Springer, who showed great tolerance to a writer who knows next to nothing about groundwater. If I've failed to convey the proper respect for the science and the culture, it isn't because they weren't great teachers.

Thank you to the Hopi people of Second Mesa who welcomed a really white woman into their village and shared a small piece of their ancient culture. A big hug of appreciation to the Grand Canyon Trust, who not only paid me, but showed me a perspective uncommon for a Nebraska native. The passionate and dedicated staff opened my eyes to more than the perfect soyrizzo burrito.

As always, thanks to my brilliant and talented daughters, who will always be a great source of pride and inspiration. Mostly, thank you to Dave. He endured the thrill of victory and the agony of defeat—not to mention the depths of despair, the rays of hope, and the downright crazies—with equal faith and humor. Sorry about the helicopter.