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”
Tag Archives: nature
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”
How I Spent My Summer Vacation
In the midst of winter I finally learned that there was in me an invincible summer. Albert Camus Like many of you I wrote that essay every year after returning to school in September: How I Spent My Summer Vacation. It was an easy task for me because it was always the same. Of courseContinue reading “How I Spent My Summer Vacation”
No Mansions in Yellowstone
If the only prayer you ever say in your entire life is thank you, it will be enough. Meister Eckhart My readers will recall that in my last post I ventured into the subject of politics and the threatened proposal to sell off 250 million acres of public land to private interests. It was extremelyContinue reading “No Mansions in Yellowstone”
This Land is My Land
I usually try to keep politics out of my posts, but a recent decision by the Senate Energy and Natural Resources Committee should send chills into every aching bone of a hiker’s body. The bill forces the sale of more than 250 million acres of public land, including Forest Service and Bureau of Land ManagementContinue reading “This Land is My Land”
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”
A Cabin in the Woods
Dwell in peace in the home of your own being. Nanak When I lived in western Washington I used to regularly go on an early season hike, usually April or May, when the high country was still covered in snow, but the beautiful low elevation river valleys of the Olympics offered many miles of solitaryContinue reading “A Cabin in the Woods”
Drinking Straight from the Source
The doors to the world of the wild self are few but precious. If you have a deep scar, that is a door. If you have an old old story, that is a door. If you love the sky and the water so much you almost cannot bear it that is a door. If youContinue reading “Drinking Straight from the Source”
I’ve Got Rhythm
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. . .”
The Solitude Trail 