Salty sweat is stinging my eyes, making it hard to see; every muscle is sore. But once I round the last snow field, the view is nothing short of spectacular. Was it worth it? Continue reading Gothic Basin: a hike for mountain goats
A 6,260′ summit shouldn’t be this painful. Is it worth it? My lungs are on fire. And who is that yelling? Continue reading Going the distance: Mt. Townsend
Ah, nature. Clean air. Clean water. Clean…wait…what is that? A used diaper? Continue reading Camp cleaning catharsis
It’s a cold and silent memorial to the United States’ worst rail disaster. Hair is standing up on my neck. It’s more creepy than I had imagined. Time to get moving. Continue reading Ghost trail: Iron Goat
A cool hike nearby at an ancient abbey? And we need something for dinner? Of course I want to join you–when do we leave? Continue reading Hiking in Champagne: Orbais-l’Abbaye
I hear a swooping sound and whip around in time to see a bald eagle coming in for a landing; giant talons are out like landing gear, and huge claws grab the weather tower arm 50′ above me. It eyeballs me; I shudder. Welcome to Disco Park. Continue reading Discovery Park: wildlife up-close
It’s been snowing and raining in the lowlands, hovering around freezing all week. Local posts on social media are complaining loudly of the immutable grey and rain and cold. Looks like a great day for a hike. Continue reading Middle fork Snoqualmie river: a winter spring wonderland
I see several people slip. No matter. My hiking poles will keep me up. In seconds I’m on my ass–wondering what happened–hoping I didn’t break something. Winter hiking can be very dangerous. Continue reading Winter hiking: a tale of caution
Gold everywhere. It’s like walking into a snowy forest–with hunter yellow lenses on. I’d seen Western Tamarack turn this color … Continue reading Carne Mountain Color
And then it happens. I find my very first edible mushroom: a perfect, medium-sized white chanterelle. It’s 3:15P.M. P.S.T. I’m not sure what it feels like to find a nugget of gold. I’ve never caught a 50-lb king salmon. I can tell you what finding one of my favorite mushrooms feels like: winning Lotto. And, nature provides it. I don’t make it–merely find it. The fungus is among us. Continue reading Chanterelle inaugural
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