A quick story of gluttony. I knew there was a town over the mountain that had pizza, so I ran there as fast as I could. Only I couldn’t resist the siren call of tacos at the town’s edge, plus three big gulp Cokes to get me down the road and out of the heat […]
Category: Hiking Journal
Superstition Mountains, Arizona
I’ve been pretty dehydrated for the last few days. The farther I walk south the hotter the days and nights become. I don’t want to eat because of the heat and a liter of water isn’t getting me as far as it used to. I ran out of water with nine more miles to go […]
Mazatzal Wilderness
The views are amazing, but it’s a little hot and dry. #AZT #sobo
Hike for Life?
After a brief time alone in the desert to reflect, I only had two unanswered questions. Just because it was possible to hike for the rest of my life, was that what I wanted to do with the time remaining? And, what does carrying a sage bundle say about a person? #gettinglost #AZT #sobo
Pine, Arizona
After helping to prepare the homestead for winter, it was time to say goodbye to family and head back into the mountains. Southbound with no plans. #familytime #goodtimes #wandering #AZT
Diamond Lake Resort, Oregon
Days of rain and nights of snow, with no break for most of the rest of the week, I lost the desire to hike. Hiked out of the woods, through a magic tunnel to hot chocolate, freshly made chicken pot pie, and an indoor fireplace. I was going to dry off and maybe hitchhike down […]
Mount Thielsen, Oregon
When I saw the water cache I realized that I’d hiked five miles in the wrong direction. The sun had found its way out from behind clouds and I felt light on my feet after a long night’s sleep. But when I turned around to retrace my steps the sky grew dark, the clouds thick, […]
Diamond Peak Wilderness, Oregon
Thirty miles into the hike I set-up my poncho into an A-frame shelter to protect me from the relentless, cold rain. In the blink of an eye I’d slept three hours, deciding that maybe I needed another twelve. The cold rain continued through the night, the trees swaying and cracking above me in the wind. […]
Mt. Jefferson Wilderness, PCT, Oregon
The end of another chapter, it’s time to get off trail. For now. Yet, remember, it is a loyal companion, waiting in the shadows, ever ready for those moments when the wilderness beckons and the call of the woods becomes irresistible. Whether your spirit craves a leisurely stroll through the mountains or a more profound […]
Little Crater Lake, PCT, Oregon
The effects were subtle, yet profound, following his encounter with the fabled waters of Little Crater Lake. This spring-fed pond, chilling even in summer at a mere 34 degrees, held a reputation for bestowing a unique kind of energy. And as he continued his southbound trek along the Pacific Crest Trail, that energy seemed to […]