For those of us that go backpacking frequently, some things are just more comfortable to do and to talk about than for those that are used to more front country amenities. Basically anything that happens in the bathroom is a concern for first time backpackers. After the first few trips though, you'd be amazed how …
One of the hardest things about taking friends new to backpacking on a trip is assembling gear without it costing them a fortune. It doesn't really make sense for them to purchase gear until they've gone on a few trips and understanding what works best for them. There were some things we bought that weren't …
Sharing something you love can be one of the most rewarding experiences, so when two of my friends asked me to take them on a trip to teach them how to backpack I was over the moon, I was so excited. I was going to take them on the most amazing trip of their lives, …
There's a beautiful time of year, a few days, between the end of the semester and exams. All the grading is done, the exam is written and copied, and I don't have any work to do. I mean I still have work to do, I have to plan the next semester and I have to …
After arriving in Olympic very late and setting up my tent in the dark while a small mammal of unidentifiable variety scampered around startling me, I headed out to do a long stroll through the Hoh Rainforest. If I was an Ewok, this is where I would live. It was like the opposite of Texas, …
After San Francisco I camped for a night in Redwood National Park, and somehow I had decided that I could drive to Crater Lake for lunch and then make it to Olympic National Park in a reasonable time to camp. It wasn't until I was eating lunch and checked directions that I realized I wouldn't …
There is a hidden gem just North of Yosemite. None of the crowds, but all of the beauty of the Sierras: Emigrant Wilderness. When I left Yosemite National Park I drove to San Francisco to pick up Eric, my adventure buddy. If you can find a friend that you can go backpacking with, hold on …
"Climb the mountains and get their good tidings. Nature's peace will flow into you as sunshine flows into trees. The winds will blow their own freshness into you, and the storms their energy, while cares will drop away from you like the leaves of Autumn" -John Muir Of one thing I am sure, John Muir …
Driving up to Sequoia and Kings Canyon National Parks, coming out of LA you drive up a huge mountain with no cover and beating sun. There are all these amazing signs about how to avoid your car overheating, radiator cool off stations, all the kinds of things you love to see when you're driving in …
Joshua Tree was supposed to be an overnight stop before I turned North to head up the coast. As I drove west from Saguaro National Park, the sun got higher and higher, the scenery got browner, route 10 got more shimmery and I watched the temperature tick up. 80....90...100.... I drove through the park, watching …
