Stricken with polio in back, left arm, and hand, but is helped to substantial recovery by the affectionate care of his family, particularly his mother.

His father secures work in Denver, Colorado, to make it possible to move west for his son’s health. The family settles in Wheat Ridge, a suburb of Denver. “I remember how desolate it seemed, coming from Wisconsin. In the spring almost nothing good appeared to happen—just more wind. Only slowly did I learn to anticipate the coming of doves up from Mexico, the blooming of chicory . . . hundreds of wonderful things did happen.” —From a lecture given at the Museum of Modern Art, New York, 1978

With his father, makes the first of five raft trips through Dinosaur National Monument. Begins to visit the Denver Art Museum with his sister, and discovers the pleasures of reading. Works for a boys' camp at Rocky Mountain National Park, in Colorado. Goes on pack trips on horseback and climbs mountains. Narrowly escapes life-threatening injury in a climbing accident on a snowfield.