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”
Tag Archives: camping
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”
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”
Around the Campfire
Do not be surprised that the return of the light lifts your spirits. Do not be surprised that warmth on your back calms you and makes you glad. Feel your spirits lift as the sun rises higher in the sky: this is part of you, this snaky gladness, part of who you have been forContinue reading “Around the Campfire”
The Solitude Trail 