Tag Archives: camping
These Are a Few of My Favorite Things
I am a part of all that I have seen. James Joyce in Ulysses No, I will not be singing the praises of “raindrops on roses and whiskers on kittens” today, though these things are worthy of celebration. My favorite things are what you see in the photo above: a bear canister filled with freezeContinue reading “These Are a Few of My Favorite Things”
Looking Up
Any time is a good time to look up from the creek bed at your feet to the mountains at the horizon. David Boyles The first time I visited Canyonlands National Park in southern Utah, I bought a postcard at the visitors’ center of the beautiful arch you see in the photo above, appropriately namedContinue reading “Looking Up”
More About Beauty
When I have trouble getting to sleep at night, which is often these days, I never count sheep. I have tried a variety of other counting methods, and the one I return to over and over again is to review in my mind’s eye the beautiful places where the trails have led me. I wroteContinue reading “More About Beauty”
Because It Is Beautiful
It is never my intent to alienate my readers by choosing sides in the political struggles and polarization that are happening today. There is enough of that going around. But individuals on both sides of the chasm that separates us agree that these are dangerous times, and our very survival as a species may byContinue reading “Because It Is Beautiful”
Why Solitude?
I am too alone in the world, and not alone enough to make every minute holy. Rilke I well remember the first night I spent alone in the woods. It was not a backpacking trip. Instead I had driven my little Fiat into the eastern foothills of the Olympics, following old logging roads and lookingContinue reading “Why Solitude?”
Nothing but Mountains
Readers who have been with me for awhile will know that I grew up in Tacoma, Washington not far from Mt. Rainier National Park. It was certainly not the close up view you see above, but it was pretty wonderful looking out my bedroom window in the morning and seeing that magnificent volcanic peak, especiallyContinue reading “Nothing but Mountains”
A Life Told in Miles
At important transitions in my life I find myself reflecting on the journey that has led to this place and time. As always, everything relates to the trail, the long treks with my backpack, the quiet moments in camp with a cup of tea and a good book, and the places where those journeys haveContinue reading “A Life Told in Miles”
A Long Winter’s Nap
How many times can summer turn to fall in one life? Charles Wright “It feels like fall.” That is what passes for small talk this time of year when commenting on the cooler temperatures, shorter days, or the brilliant reds and golds that mark the season. I mark this time of year with a varietyContinue reading “A Long Winter’s Nap”
Holding the Sun
In the photo above I am smiling because the sun was shining. It lasted for about fifteen minutes, and for the rest of that four day trip it rained most of the time. My husband and I were hiking in the Olympic Rain Forest, so the weather was not totally unexpected, but it nevertheless wasContinue reading “Holding the Sun”
The Solitude Trail 