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 →
You’ve Got Gall!
We all need shelter. Whether it’s a shack in the woods or a condo in Miami Beach, we need protection from the elements to grow and thrive. Some insects … Continue Reading →
The Magic of Game Cameras (Video)
Sometimes when I hike in the Santa Cruz mountains, I feel I’m being watched. Often, I discover wildlife hiding nearby. But sometimes I trace this feeling to a nearby … Continue Reading →
I Googled My Symptoms (Humor)
Yep, that’s about right. This meme was circulating on Facebook during the coronavirus quarantine. I thought you’d enjoy it. Related Articles on NatureOutside Outhouse Cartoon (Humor) Are We … Continue Reading →
Bushcraft Project: Make Your Own Tongs
If you spend any time reading the bushcraft forum, BushcraftUK, then you’ve read articles by John Fenna. John is an outdoor instructor and author who often posts on the … Continue Reading →
When Will I Get There? – How to Predict Hiking Time
How long does it take you to hike three miles? Three miles at a 6% grade? Three miles with 45-degree switchbacks? Will you be home before dinner? Trip planning is … Continue Reading →
Tactical Tracking (Video)
I notice the track as soon as I emerge from the forest. I’m standing on a lonely ridge 15 miles from the Pacific Ocean. Yet the ancient sandstone looks like … Continue Reading →
Getting Lost is Frightening
This article contains affiliate links… To be lost is to know fear. It’s a fear rooted deep within us — like the fear of snakes or fear of the … Continue Reading →
Let’s Talk Lizard Poop!
This article contains affiliate links… What does a Pulitzer Prize winning novelist have to do with lizard poop? Wallace Stegner was an American novelist, often called “The Dean of Western … Continue Reading →
The Constrictor Knot (Video)
When I talk about knots, I usually focus on my inability to tie them. But today, I want to share an important knot with you that is underused and … Continue Reading →
Urban Creatures –Turkey Vulture
Awake before dawn, I’m on the trail at first light. Mountain lion, coyote, and skunk have given way to the day shift. I follow a winding dirt path as … Continue Reading →