I was at Upper Lena 2 weeks ago, and I met that backcountry ranger. He had just climbed Mt. Bretherton the day before and gave me some info on the route to take. He seemed even more relaxed about exploring and bushwhacking than I'm comfortable with myself. Definately not a self-righteous environmentalist.
I can see where he was coming from concerning the summit register. I like to feel unique when I reach the top of a mountain. The last thing I want to see is anything man made to remind me who else has been where I am standing. It's like tagging your new girlfriend for the first time, then looking at the names of all her ex's tattooed on her ass.
