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 …
Backpacking Pictured Rocks: My Version of an All-Inclusive Resort
Four relaxing days backpacking the Pictured Rocks National Lakeshore along Lake Superior: Swimming, berries, beaches, loons, and plenty of time to slow down and savor the trail. Read More …
Squak Woolie Merino Hoodie – One Year Later
Joan shares her thoughts on the Squak Woolie Merino Hoodie after a year of use for hiking, backpacking, travel, and cold winter nights in the backcountry. Read More …
Gear tip – Zenni eyeware glass case
A lightweight and protective eyeglass case for the backcountry, with an Amazon alternative available, too. Read More …
Gear Review – Generic $10 canister stove
A $10 canister stove I’ve recommended for years received some extended field use this past year. It’s not perfect, but it’s light, functional, and surprisingly capable for the price. Read More …
Hiking Rhode Island’s North-South Trail: A Practical Guide
Planning a hike on Rhode Island’s ~75-mile North-South Trail? Here’s a practical guide to maps, camping, water, resupply, transportation, road walks, side quests, and the other logistics needed to put together an NST hike. Read More …
Quick Tip – Mark and update your OTC drugs yearly!
A simple tip from a wilderness medicine instructor: Once a year, check the expiration dates on your first aid and medical supplies, then replace what’s needed. Read More …
Gear Review – Squak Alpha Fleece Beanie
The Squak Alpha Fleece Beanie is absurdly light, breathable, and low bulk. I’m still not enamored with Alpha fleece for active use, but for static insulation, this $20 beanie fits nicely into my cold-weather system. Read More …
Backpacking in the San Juans
Into the San Juans for a backpacking. Read More …
Showing Off Our Backyard
Hosting some friends and showing off our backyard last month. Read More …
More thoughts on the once and future Bears Ears
Backpacking is about more than gear and permits. Drawing on the Babylon Fire and the recent Bears Ears reduction, here are some thoughts on why stewardship also means caring about the future of our public lands. Read More …
Back to our local mountains
Some more camping and hiking in our local mountains. Read More …
Local-ish
Backpacking is limited this year due to the fires. But some opportunities for camping exist in some local-ish peaks. Read More …
The Once and Future Bears Ears
The tide rolls in and the tide rolls out. Read More …
Rock Images Gallery
A gathering of some pictographs and petroglyphs we’ve seen over the years. Updated July 2026. Read More …
Gear Review – Hywell Merino Wool Socks 2.0
My review on an updated version of the Hywell merino wool socks. Read More …
Up in the smoke
A backpack became a day hike due to smoke. Read More …
There’s An App for That: 2026 Edition
A ten-year update to the original 2016 article and its 2021 follow-up, highlighting the apps we currently use for our outdoor jaunts. Read More …
The forest is on fire
Coping with a fire that feels close to home on a literal and figurative level. Read More …