The Oct. 12 letter of the day referred to the discoveries of Columbus and his cronies as delivering "tragic consequences for its many nations and millions of people." We just returned from a trip to Boston and Plymouth Rock. As we looked eastward toward the vast and seemingly endless ocean before us, my husband and I were moved to deep appreciation for those men who braved an ocean of incomparable -- and incomprehensible -- breadth, depth and viciousness, risking their own lives simply for the sake of satisfying man's passion for discovery. There was no intent of bringing harm to indigenous tribes whose existence was unknown; they knew virtually nothing of bacteria or virus or the spread of either. Nor could they discern where or when their journey would conclude. There were no safe harbors or beacons of light directing them from maritime dangers. They set forth into the darkness of an often unforgiving sea with little more than stars to guide them. They were the grand adventurers of their time, and the simple fact that we are here in this wonderful country is due to their courage. It is unfair to put Monday's retrospective on their Sunday exploration. I am forever grateful for their journeys, for without their bold and determined efforts we would all still be living on the other side of the pond. VICKI ROBERTS, EDEN PRAIRIE