This is a tale of the modern west that has its beginnings long, long ago. It deals with water rights, always a volatile subject in Colorado, especially in the Durango area. Ranchers, farmers and oil folks are all vying for enough, not to mention just the basic needs of the cities and towns down there. Hart humanizes the conflict through Daniel Sheridon, a small time rancher who got burned by politics a long time ago in a raw deal that a young reporter is now trying to stir up once again. The drama moves on to include the Ute reservation and their fight for the rights of the water that is on their land. The themes are old--progress versus protecting the past, money versus quality of life, people versus corporations--all subjects very much in the news these days. This is a political story, a love story, and character study of the West, its people and places. It also gave me a goal of going to explore the Weminuche Wilderness to discover more of Colorado's amazing beauty and unique wilderness. ( )