A Walk Across New England – An Overview
An initial look at my overall plans for Walking Across New England (WANE) in Fall of 2025. Read More …
On “Structured Rambling”
What got directed as an insult months ago seems less an insult and more of an aspirational idea worth striving for. Read More …
On the South East Utah Group (SEUG) Circuit
My experiences walking and packrafting ~250 miles connecting the four NPS units and the lands in between of the South East Utah Group (SEUG). Read More …
Thoughts on the Seventh Principle of Leave No Trace
Some thoughts about the Seventh Principle of Leave No Trace: “Be Considerate of Other Visitors.” Read More …
The Quiver: Our Backpacking Stoves in 2026 | Canister, Alcohol, White Gas & No-Cook (video)
Crappy weather, flash-flooded roads, and weekend plans changed yet again. What to do? Make another wicked lo-fi gear video, of course! This one’s a companion piece to the stoves article. Read More …
And the rain will come
After a summer of scorching heat, Moab’s unusually wet fall brought flash floods and washed-out roads. We kept our weekend hikes local, enjoying red rocks, rock images, site stewardship, and a little sunshine between the downpours. Read More …
Quick Tips: Backpacking Rules of Thumb
A grab bag of some quick answers to some common questions I’ve answered over the years. Updated Oct 2026. Read More …
Changing Plans
Flash-flood warnings changed our packrafting plans, so we headed for higher ground and a quiet local hike among red rock and traces of those who came before. Read More …
Fleece Types Explained: Classic, Grid, Alpha, Octa, Microgrid, & Goat Grid
My first video in four years: A practical look at the different types of fleece with its pros and cons. Read More …
GPS mileage discrepancies – Updated Oct 2026
A map, guidebook or race course has one set of mileage listed. Your GPS device has more mileage listed or, rarely, less mileage. Why? Updated Oct 2026 Read More …
Potholes and canyon rims
Muddy roads changed our plans, but a little map reading led to a memorable overnight among water-filled potholes and canyon rim views close to home. Read More …
The Quiver: Our Backpacking Stoves in 2026
Different trips, different stoves, and different tools for different jobs. An updated look at the backpacking stoves in our quiver. Read More …
Rain Mitt #3 – Biohazard mitts UPDATE OCT 2026
Update Oct 2025 – These biohazard trigger mittens are inexpensive, waterproof, and light at 1 oz a pair. Over time, I found they work surprisingly well for rain. Read More …
Brave New Industrial Tourism – Chiricahua National Park
Chiricahua may soon become a national park. But will increased tourism bring the resources needed to protect it? Some thoughts on industrial tourism and public lands. Read More …
Hiking some ancient canyons
A weekend in nearby Colorado so Joan could attend a class. Read More …
Bearing Witness: Fire, Flood, and a Changed Landscape
Walking through a changed landscape after a fire. Read More …
Tragedy of The Commons
A fire ring at an archaeological site, an unleashed dog where dogs are prohibited, and a reminder that protecting public lands means more than saying we value them. The tragedy of the commons, backcountry edition. Read More …
Above Capitol Reef
Fall in the high country is brief. We caught it just right: golden aspens, bugling elk, an old cabin, cold nights overlooking the desert, and pie to finish. Read More …
Book Review – This Vast Enterprise a New History of Lewis and Clark
Twenty years after walking parts of the Lewis and Clark route on the Continental Divide Trail, I revisit the expedition through Craig Fehrman’s “This Vast Enterprise”, a broader and more nuanced history that restores many of the voices missing from the familiar story. Read More …
The awesome view
Another trip to the mountains and one peak with a spectacular viewscape. Read More …
Stoves for camping – A Decade Later
A decade after writing about my camping stoves, I revisit what Joan and I actually use today and why different trips still call for different tools. Read More …
White Box Alcohol Stove: An 18-Year-Overdue Review
A look at nearly twenty years of use with the White Box alcohol stove, even as alcohol stoves faded from the mainstream and my own regular use.
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