I think I can safely say that I'm having no luck with the hotel laundry. Yesterday, unwisely, I gave my battered Under Armour jacket to them. I should tell you that this item of clothing is made of the most up-to-date fabric available today. Seriously, I doubt if any astronaut, five years ago, was wearing such advanced clothing. It requires special handling so I include a detailed note with it, giving instructions.
But the laundress, or whoever, did not manage to stick to them.
It has been washed in water that was too hot, and the fabric has melted and become very thin. In certain parts the glue has gone and the seams are coming apart. I feel very sad about it as we've been through a lot of battles together. I tell Steve Tass, the head-head Hilton guy, and a great friend of mine, all about it. When he sees the unfortunate jacket, he is speechless. He seizes it as evidence. He gazes silently at the damage. He doesn't know what else he can say, as he's already said it all during my previous laundry disasters. I do not envy the laundry staff.
They are facing a tough investigation.
I receive a letter from my two archer friends, Ricardo Longoria and Jake Ensign. Their hunt is going well, and they are bagging one animal after the other. They are great guys and excellent hunters.
I keep going over last week's events.
I come to the conclusion that it is hard to see how I can be blamed for the hunt's failure. I have tried to examine those last days fairly and impartially, and that is my opinion. If a hunter follows every instruction given by his guide - and I did - then he can't be blamed if things go wrong. I was given only one opportunity for a shot, and I took it. All through life you come across people who refuse to take responsibility for their actions. Who always point the finger of blame at others. This is what is happening here. Handling any dispute capably should be a key attribute of a good outfitter. Bob Adams has a long way to go in that field.
In the afternoon I visit the Anchorage Museum. It's no big deal; it's not quite finished and only has a few, slightly tired exhibitions. I buy a new pair of shoes, sit in the jacuzzi for a while, and then, with my binoculars, watch Anchorage from the window of my room.
Chapter VI.: Return to Alaska
Page 42
Room 2069
Expedition Headquarters
Anchorage Hilton