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 →
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 →
Hiker in Quarantine Bingo (Humor)
I’ve seen this Bingo card floating around the Internet. I thought it was clever and wanted to share it with you. For fun facts and useful tips, join … Continue Reading →
The Great Outdoors (Humor)
When we can’t get outdoors… we can laugh about the out doors! 🙂 More Cartoons on NatureOutside Outhouse Cartoon (Humor) Are We There Yet? (Humor) Don’t Get Lost! … Continue Reading →
Hidden Houses – Do You Know What These Are?
It’s funny how many hikers stroll through nature without any understanding of it. They get exercise, but miss the essence of the forest. Many times I’ve seen a once-in-a-lifetime … Continue Reading →
Oh Baby Rattlesnake!
The northern California sky is piercing blue as we hike along the top of the ridge. The mid-morning sun begins to warm the breeze that drifts over us from … Continue Reading →