I Pet a Rattlesnake – And Question My Life Choices
Fizz was not happy to be out of her bucket. And she made her displeasure known. The high frequency buzz of an angry rattlesnake is unmistakable once you have … Continue Reading →
Author: Steve
See the 'About Me' page on NatureOutside.com
A Chair with a View – The Helinox Chair Zero Backpacking Chair
This article contains affiliate links. Why I use a Backpacking Chair My butt sent me a memo. After years of squatting on logs, perching on questionable boulders, and … Continue Reading →
The Robin’s Nest – How to Identify Bird Nests
When we hike in nature, we only see the things we consider important. When I was studying to be a naturalist, each week’s guest lecturer would take us out … Continue Reading →
I Gave a Coyote the Yips!
Being alert counts, whether crossing a four-lane avenue or hiking in wilderness. I didn’t set out to learn about coyotes on this dreary November afternoon. But by paying attention … Continue Reading →
Mold on a Minute! (Video)
Mold are microscopic fungi. They are a natural part of the environment and can be found almost anywhere moisture and oxygen are present. But we usually don’t notice them … Continue Reading →
The Case of the Mysteriously Appearing Dog
A strange thing happened to me the other day. I was hiking in an open space preserve where we hold the NatureOutside winery hikes. A winery sits at one … Continue Reading →
How to Make a Bark Sheath
When I was in the Sierras learning to forge my first knife, I encountered an unusual problem. I had finished forging the blade and had just mounted it in … Continue Reading →
My First Knife
This article contains an affiliate link. It’s my goal to be bad at many things. You won’t find this slogan on motivational posters. But I advise everyone to strive … Continue Reading →
Tom Brown, Jr. has Died
This article contains an affiliate link. Tom Brown Jr. is an interesting character who sometimes made claims that people suspect were exaggerated. But he was undoubtedly one of the … Continue Reading →
When Birds Warn You – Believe Them!
It’s an early June morning and I’m strolling down a forest path. The sweet fragrance of California Bay Laurel is already wafting through the trees. It promises to be … Continue Reading →