I’ll be setting foot on the Chilkoot Trail in exactly one month from today. I’m like, oh my gosh I need to get everything ready…….and then I’m like, wait, I think I’m ready. I figure that about a week out from departure I’ll check the weather and then I will know what gear I’m taking. … More Chilkoot: One Month Out
If I can survive 3 visits to the dentist office in one week, then hiking the CDT is going to be cake. Yep, not my favorite thing but I’m tougher because of it. And every little bit of toughness helps. Had some game changer ($$$$) work done and now the only reason I get to … More The Teeth Are Ready – 4 Days Until Departure
It doesn’t really matter that I can’t remember the words to almost any song. But people burst out in song and they are magically bonded for life. Oh well. Even the star spangled banner seems a little foggy. And it’s not just that I’m getting older. This thing has been this thing for as long … More Backcountry Ninjas on the Brain – 11 Days Until Departure
You know those days. The days that stand on the shoulders of all other days. The days that find you looking back through time with a new lens and entranced on the spiraling playground slide of the future. The days where time does in fact come to a stand still and indelible bookmarks are logged … More The Days That Change Your LIFE
You see it all the time – 10 reasons to do this or that, 9 ways to be successful, etc.. We humans sure love to number things. There’s even 7 Great Ways to Poop Outdoors that’s got a great picture of a deer taking a shit. Ok, the deer is probably peeing but whatevs. I … More 10s Are All The Rage – Ode To Warmth
10 Reasons to Go Hiking and Backpacking with an Umbrella Thanks to Francis Tapon for writing this thorough blog on the backpacking umbrella. I’ve had a Golite umbrella (now collectors item) for the last 6 years but haven’t really gone down the path of considering it an essential piece of my gear setup. My main … More 10 Reasons to Go Hiking and Backpacking with an Umbrella
In 2009 during my first trip through the Pacific Crest Trail ‘desert’ – which is really patches of chaparral connected by mountain ranges – I said “never again”. My slow trudging seemed excruciating, the heat unbearable. New to the thru-hiking lifestyle my pain was abundant and incessant. The time spent whistling through the crisp cool … More Nuevo México
Yesterday, the rushing Robinson Creek bounced its poetic words full of cheer and wonder off the canyon walls. What was a nearly stagnant, algae-filling water source two weeks ago has found new life. Nothing like a little downpour to get this life blood flowing. Here on Smart’s Mountain we got about 8.5 inches of rain … More The 64 Day Countdown Begins
My mom drops me at the bottom of the mountain where the road turns from dirt to pavement. A mere 5.5 miles and 20 minute drive from our house. I jump out, grab my 18 lb. pack and trekking poles before she departs for San Francisco. I do an about-face, ready for my climb back … More The Mystery of the Abandoned Crutches
September 11 Mileage 20 Woody Pass mile 2649 to US/Canada Border mile 2660 (+9 to Manning Park) The ground crunches below our feet. The frost heave ice towers crumble under our giant-like strength. Nothing can stop us now. It’s not even a consideration. We savor the morning and the sun, knowing this is really it. … More 13
Journey Return 