Before a thru-hike, many people discuss the plans before the trail and what being on the trail will be like. Few people ask what it is like when you FINISH the trail. Adjusting to life after the trail can be Read More …
I’ve recently been a bit more strict about the size of trips I organize. Some members of the outdoor group to which I belong have questioned this TRIP IS FULL designation. Some seriously, some teasingly, all wondering. Here is my Read More …
Two questions I am always asked about my thru-hikes are "How many miles per day did you hike?" and "What did you eat?". My Colorado Trail thru-hike was short enough where I was able to keep track of this information. Read More …
Over the years my base pack weight has become lighter and lighter. It took many miles and years of tinkering to get to this point, though! I have been asked if I had gear lists for the different trails I’ve Read More …
Well, August was not quite my month for outdoor fun…. In the first weeks of summer, I think I did 4 backpacking trips, 2 multi-day camping trips, misc alpine climbs and even some backcountry skiing! August? Well, the clutch went Read More …
A few trips in the past month. Trail work. A wedding weekend (not mine!) stroll. A quick backpack where I did not bring any camera memory (doh!), and a day hike last weekend with an old friend. But the most Read More …
There are some trips (such as the one to the Rawah Wilderness)) where I want high mileage, physical challenges and getting off the beaten path. These trips are (usually) solo and are an intense experience for me. Sometimes, though, I Read More …
A three-day, mainly off-trail, backpacking weekend in the Rawah Wilderness of Colorado
There are certain areas in my ‘backyard’ that I return to ever year. A favorite local hike in the nearby foothills. A route that lets me stride in the fresh snow. And an area that beckons for my first backpacking Read More …
A rare rainy weekend here in Colorado. The girlfriend and I wisely decided that maybe backpacking at 10k-11k when it is snowing and high 30s/low 40s may not be the best idea. (And up to half a foot of snow Read More …
At this time of the year, it is sometimes difficult to get in some backcountry jaunts. The high country is still very snowy for backpacking..but not really enough for extended skiing. Sure, the local foothills are nice..but I like to Read More …
Every year my friends and I do what we call the Boulder Super Slam. A stroll of the Boulder foothills that is ~25 miles, 10k ft elevation gain and AYCE Indian food!!! Not many scenic photos because this hike is Read More …
The first part of Spring 2010 was learning the rudiments of climbing under the tutelage of my friends Mark and Kevin…. Some highlights are below. Here is the link to all the photos It started off with a knot/belay lesson Read More …
Not a lot of verbose trip reports for most of the winter…but man, did I do a LOT of skiing!!! Hut trips, ski tours and even some nice walk-abouts. You'll also see a certain German national who became a very Read More …
With thru-hiking season starting in a few months, (and planning in full swing), thought I'd republish this article. It is something I wrote for 1999 Appalachian Trail Thru-Hikers. The thoughts can apply to any long journey, however.
Four seasons ago was when I really started to get into backcountry skiing. I had dabbled a little bit in it when I first moved to Colorado back in 1999. I bought a pair of used rental skis and boots Read More …
There is no such thing as bad weather; just bad clothing. —Scandinavian saying A friend of mine just finished his contract. I do not plan starting a new job until after the First. Another friend is gainfully unemployed. In Boulder Read More …
My friend Markhamm proposed a trip to Utah prior to Thanksgiving. A chance to see one of the most gorgeous places in the American West, get in one last backpacking trip of the season and get in some needed outdoor Read More …