Skip to content
Menu

Primary Menu

  • Home
  • Ramblings
    • Musings
    • Books and Media
    • Videos
    • From The Web
    • Thru Hikes, Long Walks, or Routes
      • My Alphabet Soup summary
      • Vermont’s Long Trail
      • Appalachian Trail
      • Pacific Crest Trail
      • Colorado Trail
      • Continental Divide Trail
      • Ring The Peak Trail (Pike’s Peak)
      • Benton Mackaye Trail
      • Tahoe Rim Trail
      • Uinta Highline Trail
      • Collegiate Loop
      • A Walk Across Southern Utah
      • Great Divide Trail (Canada)
      • The Northern New Mexico Loop
      • Grand – Moab Route
      • SEUG Circuit
      • A Walk Across New England
    • Other Outdoor Jaunts
      • Utah
      • Colorado
      • New Mexico
      • Arizona
      • California
      • Florida
      • Georgia
      • Nebraska
      • New England
      • Nevada
      • North Carolina
      • Oregon
      • South Dakota
      • Texas
      • Wyoming
    • Photos
    • PMags News
    • Press
  • Nuts and Bolts
    • New to the outdoors? Start here!
    • Getting Started
    • Quick Tips
    • Trip Planning
    • Quick and Dirty Guides
    • Food
    • Gear
      • All Gear Posts
      • Gear Reviews
      • Gear Quivers
      • Gear Lists
      • Budget Gear
      • What I’m Wearing
      • Clothing and related
      • Footwear
      • Packs
      • Shelters and related
      • Sleeping bags, quilts, and pads
      • Stoves, cooking, and related
      • Tools
      • Water containers
    • Road trip and car camping – gear and techniques
    • Winter trip reports, gear overviews, tips, and techniques
  • Subscribe by email
  • Write Me
  • About PMags.com
    • Who is Paul Mags?
    • About Joan West
      • Joan’s articles
Header Toggle
Facebook Twitter Feed Pinterest YouTube Instagram Reddit
PMags.com
Facebook Twitter Feed Pinterest YouTube Instagram Reddit
Home »RamblingsPage 87

Taking my climbing gear for a walk – Notch Top Mountain

Posted onJune 18, 2012May 2, 2019AuthorPaul Mags1 Comment

A quick overnight (attempted) alpine climb to Notch Top. We were going to do the Spiral Route, but the 60+ MPH gusts on Sunday morning made us bag the trip. Still, a nice overnighter if anything else….  

CategoriesOther Outdoor JauntsTagsbackpacking, climbing, hiking

Hike n’ Brew – St. Vrain Mountain

Posted onJune 5, 2012August 6, 2016AuthorPaul MagsLeave a comment

When a good friend you've known since you met on the PCT is about to become a dad, how do you celebrate? Why with a hike, a beer and a burger after. It is a Hike n' Brew!

CategoriesOther Outdoor Jaunts

The Trailshow!

Posted onJune 5, 2012September 23, 2013AuthorPaul Mags2 Comments

What do four Triple Crowners do who are now married and/or have a kid on the way, about to get married and love beer do? They talk smack. They talk trail. And have a free form discussion that, in theory, Read More …

CategoriesPressTagsThe Trail Show

Return to the Pecos : The Land of Enchanment

Posted onMay 30, 2012August 14, 2016AuthorPaul MagsLeave a comment

Another backpacking trip in the gorgeous Pecos wilderness of northern New Mexico. Read More …

CategoriesOther Outdoor JauntsTagsbackpacking, hiking, New Mexico, Pecos Wilderness

Spring in the Foothills

Posted onMay 24, 2012September 10, 2018AuthorPaul Mags2 Comments

In between the ski season and when the high country opens up is one of my favorite times of the year.  Early season wildflowers bloom. The local brooks and streams are rushing with fresh snow melt. And the views of Read More …

CategoriesOther Outdoor JauntsTagsBoulder, hiking, wildflowers

Book Review: I HIKE by Lawton “Disco” Grinter

Posted onMay 18, 2012January 31, 2017AuthorPaul Mags2 Comments

Lawton "Disco" Grinter, best known in thru-hiking circles for producing  The Walkumentary,  has written about his ten-thousand miles of hiking. Rather than a traditional thru-hike narrative about a journey, it is a collection of short vignettes from his many years Read More …

CategoriesBooks and MediaTagsbackpacking, books, hiking, thru hiking

New Insoles: Simple change with a big difference

Posted onMay 12, 2012April 26, 2025AuthorPaul Mags2 Comments

Replacing the factory insoles with something new is a trick many experienced backpackers know about. But not everyone does. Here’s why it should be done. Read More …

CategoriesGear, Getting Started, Quick TipsTagsarch supports, feet, footwear, inserts, insoles, quick tip

Gear Review: Champion C9 Clothing (Target)

Posted onMay 1, 2012November 25, 2023AuthorPaul Mags7 Comments

Outdoor clothing can be expensive. When a brand of clothing is that is inexpensive, functional and durable it is rare and wonderful find. And for me, the brand of clothing that fits that criteria are the Champion C9 brand found Read More …

CategoriesGearTagsbudget gear, clothing, gear, gear review

Wilderness First Aid : A Minimalist View

Posted onApril 23, 2012November 19, 2019AuthorPaul MagsLeave a comment

Wilderness First Aid is a basic certification for the assessing, treating and stabilizing of a person’s injuries in the backcountry.  But how does the (sometimes) gear and equipment focused backcountry medicine co-exist with a more minimalist view? Here is my Read More …

CategoriesGetting Started, MusingsTagsgear, ultralite, wilderness firs aid

Backpacking: A Beginners Primer

Posted onApril 16, 2012December 8, 2025AuthorPaul Mags9 Comments

A primer  I wrote for people new to backpacking. With a beginners backpacking gear list, too. Read More …

CategoriesGetting StartedTagsbackpacking, Colorado, gear list, lightweight backpacking

Teton Valley – Winter Becoming Spring

Posted onApril 16, 2012April 15, 2019AuthorPaul Mags1 Comment

someone and I had planned a ski trip to the Teton Valley and nearby areas in later March. Some Nordic backcountry in Yellowstone and Grand Teton National Parks and the surrounding area was the idea.. An early spring altered our Read More …

CategoriesOther Outdoor JauntsTagshike, National Parks, ski, Wyoming

Review: Rocky Mountain Wildflowers Pocket Guide

Posted onApril 11, 2012January 3, 2021AuthorPaul MagsLeave a comment

A review of an excellent guide to the wildflowers found in the Colorado Rockies. Read More …

CategoriesBooks and Media, Getting StartedTagsbooks, Colorado, colorado-tip, gear, wildflowers

Shameless Plug: Guided Trip in Rocky Mountain National Park

Posted onApril 10, 2012December 16, 2015AuthorPaul MagsLeave a comment

Interested in backpacking in Colorado and want to explore one of the least visited parts of Rocky Mountain National Park? And learn some new skills in the process?

CategoriesPMags NewsTagsbackpacking, guided trip, Rocky Mountain National Park

Skiing in Feb and March

Posted onMarch 25, 2012November 17, 2023AuthorPaul MagsLeave a comment

Not the best or most photogenic year for skiing. Not to say we did not do any skiing….it just wasn’t as good as past years. We made the best of the ski season though.  

CategoriesOther Outdoor JauntsTagshut trip, winter

January Ski Jaunts

Posted onFebruary 3, 2012November 17, 2023AuthorPaul MagsLeave a comment

A few ambles and rambles in the month of January  

CategoriesOther Outdoor JauntsTagsColorado, ski, skiing

December Ski Fun

Posted onJanuary 10, 2012November 17, 2023AuthorPaul MagsLeave a comment

Every year I anxiously await ski season. The fresh powder, the intense blue skies of winter and beautiful mountain scenery. What's not to like?  

CategoriesOther Outdoor JauntsTagsbackcountry, Colorado, skiing

Shameless Plug for The Holidays!

Posted onDecember 5, 2011December 5, 2011AuthorPaul Mags2 Comments

A shameless plug for my photography site at Red Bubble.  A framed photo, a calendar, or even some postcards makes a wonderful gift, stocking stuffer or something to give on one of eight crazy nights.  And the princely sum of  Read More …

CategoriesPMags NewsTagsColorado, photos, wildlife

Snowshoer

Introduction to Snowshoeing Basics

Posted onDecember 5, 2011April 25, 2025AuthorPaul Mags5 Comments

An article on the introduction to snowshoeing basics for enjoying this wonderful winter past time! Covers clothing, gear, the layering principle, a snowshoeing gear checklist and wool vs. synthetics comparison. Read More …

CategoriesGetting StartedTagsColorado, gear list, snowshoeing, winter

Post navigation

← Older posts
Newer posts →

Virtual tip jar

A Quick Guide to Moab

The Squak – A readily available, $60, active-focused grid fleece hoodie from a Utah-based company. Read the review.

Women’s | Men’s | Children’s   

The Squak Camp Dress 

One of Joan’s favorites!

The Squak Alpha Fleece 

                                                                    

– 15% off coupon = PMAGS-SQUAK                                                                                                      

  • REI: Shop Deal of the Day at REI Garage!
  • REI: Outlet 50% off deals
  • REI: Official Coupons and Rebates page
  • REI: Used Gear Store

PMags Instagram

@ramblinghemlock and I pivoted from an original trip after much-needed rain on Friday. On Saturday, we avoided muddy roads that would have derailed our original plan and spent two nights poking around a place we could reach only because of temporary, water-filled potholes and a handy Ziploc bag that made it possible. We also revisited sights we hadn’t seen in a while. Red rock, grand views, and old images marked the unofficial long weekend kickoff of spring around Moab.
@ramblinghemlock and I finally felt better and took a long-overdue trip into the backcountry. We slept outside and enjoyed the peace of the wild places. Canyon wrens filled the canyon with song during the day, and owl calls echoed off the walls at night. We returned to places we had not seen in a while and saw places new to us. The land endures.
@ramblinghemlock and I are recovering from the flu, so we decided to keep things local this weekend.
Small, good things.
I wish my grandparents were still alive so I could ask how they kept their sanity and hope through times of turmoil.
We sang this song once a month at Mass when I attended Catholic school -

PMags Popular Posts

  • Popular
  • Comments
  • Latest
  • Today Week Month All
  • The Colorado Trail “End to End” Guide The Colorado Trail “End to End" Guide
  • Backpacking Loops – Mags Favorites Backpacking Loops – Mags Favorites
  • The Frugal Backpacker – The $300 Gear Challenge The Frugal Backpacker - The $300 Gear Challenge
  • PCT trail marker A Quick and Dirty Guide to The Pacific Crest Trail
  • A Quick and Dirty CDT Guide A Quick and Dirty CDT Guide
  • Stove Comparison – Real World Use Stove Comparison – Real World Use
  • Talus vs. Scree – What is the difference? Talus vs. Scree - What is the difference?
  • Ground Cloths : A quick overview Ground Cloths : A quick overview
  • Build a gear sled the dirt bagger way Build a gear sled the dirt bagger way
  • From GIS Sleepings Pads - A grounded view
  • Magic 8 Ball for Public Lands Management Magic 8 Ball for Public Lands Management
  • Presidents Day Weekend 2026 Presidents Day Weekend 2026
  • Standard vs Grid vs Alpha vs Octa Fleece for Backpacking: Real-World Pros and Cons Standard vs Grid vs Alpha vs Octa Fleece for Backpacking: Real-World Pros and Cons
  • Off-Piste: Keeping an Aging Laptop Useful Off-Piste: Keeping an Aging Laptop Useful
  • Canyon Country in February Canyon Country in February
  • Local in Moab – Flu Recovery Local in Moab – Flu Recovery
  • Some small, good things. Some small, good things.
  • Moab area – January 2026 Moab area – January 2026
  • Our campsite one Friday evening nine miles from the chair where I type. On being an amateur professional
  • Gear Review – Nalgene Ultralite Wide-Mouth Bottle Gear Review – Nalgene Ultralite Wide-Mouth Bottle
  • Today Week Month All
  • Sorry. No data yet.
Ajax spinner

Archives

Recent Comments

  • Alex on Canyon Country in February
  • Paul Mags on Some small, good things.
  • Paul Mags on A Quick and Dirty CDT Guide
  • Matt clark on Some small, good things.
  • Mel Church on Some small, good things.

Disclosure: This website may be compensated for linking to other sites or for sales of products to which I link. These sites include Amazon, REI, Moose Jaw, Gaia GPS, Six Moon Designs, Squak Mountain Co, and ULA Equipment. There is no additional fee for purchasing items through these links.

 

© 2026 - PMags.com - All Rights Reserved -Privacy Policy
Scroll Up
  • Home
  • Ramblings
    • Musings
    • Books and Media
    • Videos
    • From The Web
    • Thru Hikes, Long Walks, or Routes
      • My Alphabet Soup summary
      • Vermont’s Long Trail
      • Appalachian Trail
      • Pacific Crest Trail
      • Colorado Trail
      • Continental Divide Trail
      • Ring The Peak Trail (Pike’s Peak)
      • Benton Mackaye Trail
      • Tahoe Rim Trail
      • Uinta Highline Trail
      • Collegiate Loop
      • A Walk Across Southern Utah
      • Great Divide Trail (Canada)
      • The Northern New Mexico Loop
      • Grand – Moab Route
      • SEUG Circuit
      • A Walk Across New England
    • Other Outdoor Jaunts
      • Utah
      • Colorado
      • New Mexico
      • Arizona
      • California
      • Florida
      • Georgia
      • Nebraska
      • New England
      • Nevada
      • North Carolina
      • Oregon
      • South Dakota
      • Texas
      • Wyoming
    • Photos
    • PMags News
    • Press
  • Nuts and Bolts
    • New to the outdoors? Start here!
    • Getting Started
    • Quick Tips
    • Trip Planning
    • Quick and Dirty Guides
    • Food
    • Gear
      • All Gear Posts
      • Gear Reviews
      • Gear Quivers
      • Gear Lists
      • Budget Gear
      • What I’m Wearing
      • Clothing and related
      • Footwear
      • Packs
      • Shelters and related
      • Sleeping bags, quilts, and pads
      • Stoves, cooking, and related
      • Tools
      • Water containers
    • Road trip and car camping – gear and techniques
    • Winter trip reports, gear overviews, tips, and techniques
  • Subscribe by email
  • Write Me
  • About PMags.com
    • Who is Paul Mags?
    • About Joan West
      • Joan’s articles

Subscribe to PMags.com

  • Receive an email notification of new posts direct to your inbox once a week.
  • Old school text email digest
  • It is easy!

ClickHereButton

×