I jokingly refer to myself as a serial soloist and think "don't hike alone" is terrible advice. I think the better advice is "never underestimate nature."
Lately I've been doing a lot of race reports. This isn't so much a race report but more a story about the amazing people you meet along the way while participating in races and events and crazy relays. This year after volunteering at the Ragnar for a group of friends I met on last year's Ragnar relay, I realized they're just the sort of people that define "amazing".
11 years ago I walked into an animal shelter and came home with Crazy Jake dog. In the years since he's become my peakbagging partner, camping companion, and road trip co-pilot. I can't think of a single memory without him! Here's the story of Jake dog and how to cope when your best adventure buddy grows old.
After being stranded on the Middle Fork by flood waters after a visit to Goldmyer Hot Springs, I returned with friends and Goldmyer's caretakers to retrieve my Jeep and help clear the road of debris.
The Wild Olympics campaign would permanently protect more than 126,000 acres of new wilderness in the Olympic National Forest and designate 19 rivers and their tributaries as Wild And Scenic Rivers. What does the natural beauty of the Olympics mean to you?
I often call myself a serial soloist because I love solo hiking, backpacking, and adventures. When someone told me I should be scared to be in the woods alone it got me thinking. How many of you hike alone? Some thoughts and tips for going solo.
Who inspires you to get out and explore? My outdoor hero is my amazing 70-year old dad who is living proof that staying fit and having an intrepid spirit keeps you eternally youthful.
The story of my dad and stepmoms accident on a remote peak in the Sierras and a reminder that trail angels really do exist! You can never be too prepared in the wilderness.
For years, people have told me I should write more. Share more stories. Write a book. Start something. So here it is, a new Substack for storytelling: Off-grid, underfunded, and occasionally unbridled.
I think it's easy for most of us to support our local search and rescue teams, but it's tough to grasp the level of effort required for a rescue. Some friends and I played mock victims for a large avalanche training exercise and witnessed firsthand the amazing skills and dedication of search and rescue volunteers.
A weekend of Hok skiing in northern Ferry County, Washington at the Altai Skis Backcountry Festival with perfect snow, fantastic weather, and a welcoming local community of Hoksters.
The desert Southwest is a magical place of extreme contrast and powerful energy. When life throws you some unexpected hits, there really isn't a better place to find yourself again.