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 →
What The Truck?!!
I arise early this August morning to go looking for wildlife. There are several reasons for my early start. I want to do some animal tracking, which is best … Continue Reading →
Gopher in the Side Pocket
It’s a great morning for a hike! As I strike out along the wide dirt trail, the May sun floods the hillside with the early morning light. I plan … Continue Reading →
Animal Cannibal!
If you invest enough time in nature, you see some miraculous things. You catch surprise glimpses into an extraordinary secret world. Whenever nature shows me something amazing, it’s because … Continue Reading →
The Rattlesnake and the Infant
I want to share a recent snake encounter. The Crown of the Santa Cruz Mountains My friends and I gaze outward from our lofty perch. We’re standing on … Continue Reading →
Quicksilver Hike – Ghost Towns (Part 2)
Mines, ghost towns, and furnaces: If that doesn’t make an exciting hike, I don’t know what does! Before the Santa Clara Valley became “Silicon Valley” it could have been … Continue Reading →
Comedy in Nature (Video-Humor)
We can all use a good laugh. So I want to take a break from our “serious” articles on nature and bushcraft to highlight the winners of the Comedy … Continue Reading →
How to Care for Your Rain Gear (Video)
It doesn’t matter if you own a $500 rain jacket or a $50 jacket. If you don’t look after your rain gear you will eventually experience “wet out.” This … Continue Reading →
Quicksilver Hike – Hike to the Mercury Mines (Part 1)
Mines, ghost towns, and furnaces: If that doesn’t make for an exciting hike, I don’t know what does! I step out of my car eager to explore the area … Continue Reading →
Free Entrance Days in Our National Parks 2022
Our National Parks are “America’s best idea.” Well here’s an even better one: Free Admission! Free Admission Every year, the National Parks Service offers free admission to all … Continue Reading →
Mountains Make Their Own Weather
This article contains affiliate links. In the school of the woods there is no graduation day. – Horace Kephart I had been rereading Kephart’s classic, Camping and … Continue Reading →