The Crones of the Caribou

We feel strongly connected to the Arctic National Wildlife Refuge in spirit. We have all been politically active trying to save the refuge from the damage that would surely be caused by drilling for oil in this pristine and fragile ecosystem.

And we are adventurous women, ranging in age from late 50's to mid 60's. We trekked 23 difficult miles through the magnificent wilderness of the Brooks Range, each carrying a 45-50 pound backpack. We paddled 50 miles on the Kongakut River and hiked many more miles up and down the peaks near the Kongakut. The journey has touched us deeply and we are grateful for the priviledge of the experience.

Above: Joanie, Marilyn, Sue, Nony, Jenn
Below: Barbara

Joan Lohman is a practitioner of Rosen Method bodywork and specializes in elder massage . She's also an accomplished writer, and a musician who enjoys playing the cello - sometimes accompanying her partner, Jenn, who plays piano.

Marilyn Webb is co-owner of Bethel Heights Vineyard in Oregon, where they practice sustainable viticulture and are certified 'Salmon Safe' - meaning they adhere to farming practices that help keep Oregon's streams and rivers clean. Marilyn led us in Tai Chi everyday.

Sue Morgan is Education Director for Friends of Sausal Creek, a group of volunteers working together to improve the creek watershed in Oakland, CA. She teaches in the FOSC Environmental Education program.

Nony Morgan (yours truly) is a retired nurse and holistic chiropractor with sub-specialties in cranio-sacral therapy and nutrition, and has been traveling the North American continent in a van-camper for the past 4 years.

Jennifer Biehn teaches communication and computer classes at San Francisco City College. She does a solo backpack on the John Muir Trail every summer and also backpacks with her young nieces and nephews. Jenn's vision and dedication to her dream are what brought us to the Arctic.

Barbara Goldenberg is a retired banker and currently keeps busy with several volunteer positions. These include tutoring Native American students at junior high level, and doing civic projects through the Hillside Gardeners of Montclair group.