Tag Archives: camping

Hiking the Duck

In old age I shall walk quietly the beautiful trail. Navajo Prayer Last week I completed my first backpacking trip of the year. Ordinarily such an event would be no big deal. Until a few years ago I typically would do an early trip in the spring, several short ones during the summer months, andContinue reading “Hiking the Duck”

With Love from Red Reef Rock

Dream or nightmare we have to live our experience as it is and we have to live it awake. Jacob Bronowski When I was about five years old my family camped at Staircase Campground in Olympic National Park, as we did for many years. It was one of our favorite campgrounds, and I always lovedContinue reading “With Love from Red Reef Rock”

Shall We Gather at the River?

Soon we’ll reach the silver river, Soon our pilgrimage will cease; Soon our happy hearts will quiver With the melody of peace. American Gospel I first heard this old hymn at my grandmother’s funeral many years ago as a young child. I remember holding the tattered gray hymnal as we sang, and I envisioned aContinue reading “Shall We Gather at the River?”

Living on the Edges

Backpacking is the art of knowing what not to take. Sheridan Anders The first time I carried my cell phone with me on a backpacking trip was completely unplanned. This trip took place many years ago, before the days of smart phones, and I had my flip phone with me in my truck as IContinue reading “Living on the Edges”

Things that Go Pop in the Night

It seems that the more I distinguish my true needs from my wants, it is a shock to realize how little is enough. Kathleen Norris When I first became a serious backpacker in my late teens there were no sleeping pads available that were light enough to be carried on the trail. On car campingContinue reading “Things that Go Pop in the Night”