Alone but Not Lonely

I started hiking and backpacking alone when I was in my early twenties. I was working my first job as a Registered Nurse, so I had weekdays free when the trails were less crowded. My friends all had “normal” schedules or were having babies. I could either hike alone or not at all. It wasContinue reading “Alone but Not Lonely”

Meteors and Moonlight

As long as I live, I’ll hear waterfalls and birds and winds sing. I’ll interpret the rocks, learn the language of flood, storm, and the avalanche. I’ll acquaint myself with the glaciers and wild gardens, and get as near the heart of the world as I can. John Muir My last post (Get Up andContinue reading “Meteors and Moonlight”

Get Up and Walk

As many of you may recall if you have been reading my blog for awhile, last spring as soon as the mud had dried up and the road was passable, I spent several months getting my beautiful log home in the Okanogan Highlands ready to sell. As you probably know if you have ever moved.Continue reading “Get Up and Walk”

Enchantment Under Pressure

It isn’t enough for your heart to be broken because everybody’s heart is broken now. Allen Ginsberg I like the word enchantment, as I referenced in my last post when describing Enchanted Valley in the Olympics. It is a pretty good bet that the place will be beautiful, and your hike will not be disappointing.Continue reading “Enchantment Under Pressure”

Moving Mountains

It is Mt. Kilimanjaro, and it is the last photo I took on my recent trip to Africa, taken out the window of our plane as we began our long trip home on the flight from Zanzibar to Nairobi. We never saw this magnificent mountain from the ground, though we were near it much ofContinue reading “Moving Mountains”

Around the Campfire

It is not the length of life but depth of life. Ralph Waldo Emerson It has been a long time since I sat by a warm fire on the trail. The world is simply too warm and campfires too great a risk. Where I live in northeastern Washington, even outdoor barbecues are not allowed typicallyContinue reading “Around the Campfire”

A Song for Africa

If I know a song for Africa, of the giraffe and the African new moon lying on its back . . .does Africa have a song for me? Karen Blixen in Out of Africa Two new field guides have recently been added to my bookshelf: The Animals of East Africa and The Birds of EastContinue reading “A Song for Africa”

Hiking Through the Pain

You must remember that no one lives a life free from pain and suffering. Sophocles Thru hikers and other long distance adventurers all know what it is like to be injured on the trail. In fact, anyone who has carried a pack and set off to explore a mountain trail has experienced discomfort. Even withContinue reading “Hiking Through the Pain”

Sign Sign, Everywhere a Sign. . .

Breakin’ out the scenery Breakin’ my mind Do this, don’t do that Can’t you read the sign? Five Man Electric Band If you are a Baby Boomer like myself you may remember that song by an obscure Canadian band that had one hit, but it was a good one, and memorable. While having lunch inContinue reading “Sign Sign, Everywhere a Sign. . .”