A Walk Across New England – An Overview
An initial look at my overall plans for Walking Across New England (WANE) in Fall of 2025. Read More …
On “Structured Rambling”
What got directed as an insult months ago seems less an insult and more of an aspirational idea worth striving for. Read More …
On the South East Utah Group (SEUG) Circuit
My experiences walking and packrafting ~250 miles connecting the four NPS units and the lands in between of the South East Utah Group (SEUG). Read More …
Thoughts on the Seventh Principle of Leave No Trace
Some thoughts about the Seventh Principle of Leave No Trace: “Be Considerate of Other Visitors.” Read More …
Book Review – This Vast Enterprise a New History of Lewis and Clark
Twenty years after walking parts of the Lewis and Clark route on the Continental Divide Trail, I revisit the expedition through Craig Fehrman’s “This Vast Enterprise”, a broader and more nuanced history that restores many of the voices missing from the familiar story. Read More …
The awesome view
Another trip to the mountains and one peak with a spectacular viewscape. Read More …
Stoves for camping – A Decade Later
A decade after writing about my camping stoves, I revisit what Joan and I actually use today and why different trips still call for different tools. Read More …
White Box Alcohol Stove: An 18-Year-Overdue Review
A look at nearly twenty years of use with the White Box alcohol stove, even as alcohol stoves faded from the mainstream and my own regular use.
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Hilltop Packs Custom Printed Dry Bags
Lightweight, durable, and personalized with photos from our trips. We’ve been using Hilltop Packs custom dry bags as an alternative to the humble trash compactor bag. Here’s how they’ve worked for us. Read More …
Labor Day in the San Juans
Labor day in the San Juan Mountains of Colorado. Read More …
Thoughts on 9/11
Thoughts on 9/11 on its 25th anniversary. Read More …
Backpacking Pictured Rocks: My Version of an All-Inclusive Resort
Four relaxing days backpacking the Pictured Rocks National Lakeshore along Lake Superior: Swimming, berries, beaches, loons, and plenty of time to slow down and savor the trail. Read More …
Squak Woolie Merino Hoodie – One Year Later
Joan shares her thoughts on the Squak Woolie Merino Hoodie after a year of use for hiking, backpacking, travel, and cold winter nights in the backcountry. Read More …
Gear tip – Zenni eyeware glass case
A lightweight and protective eyeglass case for the backcountry, with an Amazon alternative available, too. Read More …
Gear Review – Generic $10 canister stove
A $10 canister stove I’ve recommended for years received some extended field use this past year. It’s not perfect, but it’s light, functional, and surprisingly capable for the price. Read More …
Hiking Rhode Island’s North-South Trail: A Practical Guide
Planning a hike on Rhode Island’s ~75-mile North-South Trail? Here’s a practical guide to maps, camping, water, resupply, transportation, road walks, side quests, and the other logistics needed to put together an NST hike. Read More …
Quick Tip – Mark and update your OTC drugs yearly!
A simple tip from a wilderness medicine instructor: Once a year, check the expiration dates on your first aid and medical supplies, then replace what’s needed. Read More …
Gear Review – Squak Alpha Fleece Beanie
The Squak Alpha Fleece Beanie is absurdly light, breathable, and low bulk. I’m still not enamored with Alpha fleece for active use, but for static insulation, this $20 beanie fits nicely into my cold-weather system. Read More …
Backpacking in the San Juans
Into the San Juans for a backpacking. Read More …
Showing Off Our Backyard
Hosting some friends and showing off our backyard last month. Read More …
More thoughts on the once and future Bears Ears
Backpacking is about more than gear and permits. Drawing on the Babylon Fire and the recent Bears Ears reduction, here are some thoughts on why stewardship also means caring about the future of our public lands. Read More …
Back to our local mountains
Some more camping and hiking in our local mountains. Read More …