The Gilded Age, a Catholic Nun, and Public Lands
Public lands once felt like places anyone could enter with a pair of boots and a bit of curiosity. Today they feel increasingly exclusive. A lesson from a Rhode Island nun still lingers. Read More …
Author: Paul Mags
Local jaunts in 3D
Three dimensional hiking near home. Read More …
One Year Review – OYGSieg Sun Hoodie
A look at some effective sun hoodies for cool to cold weather use. Read More …
A bit of winter in Moab
A walk on a late winters’ day. Read More …
Thoughts on two years with the National Park Service
Thoughts on two years balancing my trade with my passion at the National Park Service, and on still processing the decision to leave. Read More …
Magic 8 Ball for Public Lands Management
Public lands increasingly look less like shared landscapes and more like economic assets. From Moab to Big Bend, the pattern keeps repeating. Read More …
Presidents Day Weekend 2026
A transitional weekend from this warm and dry winter to the upcoming spring season. Read More …
Standard vs Grid vs Alpha vs Octa Fleece for Backpacking: Real-World Pros and Cons
Solid, grid, Alpha, and Octa fleece for backpacking and hiking. Real-world durability, breathability, cost, and when each layer works best. Updated Feb 2026. Read More …
Off-Piste: Keeping an Aging Laptop Useful
And now some geek talk but explained plainly – Turning my circa 2019 laptop in a usable workstation going forward. Read More …
Canyon Country in February
A long over due trip due to a bug that hit us. Read More …
Local in Moab – Flu Recovery
Some moderate hiking as we recovered from the flu. Read More …
Some small, good things.
Here are some “small, good things.” Read More …
Moab area – January 2026
Local meanderings in winter. Read More …
On being an amateur professional
What is a professional outdoors person? Who knows for sure. But I am an avowed amateur. Post Script for 2026 Read More …
Gear Review – Nalgene Ultralite Wide-Mouth Bottle
A look at the Nalgene UL widemouthed bottle that has a place in our cold weather kit. Read More …
2025 in review
The annual navel gazing I call the “Year in Review.” But, hey, there are pretty photos! Read More …
Quick Tip – Customize your “America the Beautiful” Pass
Have a new 2026 “America the Beautiful Pass?” Want a different set of photos on said pass? Some easy tips! Read More …
Two More Nights to Close Out New Year’s
Two more nights in the backcountry to welcome 2026. Read More …