Becoming an NPS ranger – The nuts and bolts
How Joan became a National Park Ranger mid-career; discussed are ways to volunteer, finances, housing, and even healthcare from a nuts and bolts perspective. Read More …
Category: Getting Started
Some articles if you are just starting in the outdoors. Or want to pick up some new ideas.
Hands-free umbrella rigging
Joan shares her techniques for using an umbrella hands-free. Bonus: She also shares some unique, and colorful, alternative uses for an umbrella, too! Read More …
How to Survive Your First Trip in the Wild: Backpacking for Beginners
My book focused on beginner backpackers will be available on Sept 3rd. And pre-order copies are available for a discount. Read More …
An outdoor library: Colorado Plateau collection
Some suggested books for the outdoors person that make a good read for someone interested in the history, culture, or politics of The Colorado Plateau. Read More …
Quick Tip: Instagram for trail conditions
How to use Instagram for quick and dirty researching of trail conditions. Read More …
All about the lumens and some real world use
What the heck is a lumen? And what does this rating mean for real-world application? Read More …
Rock Images: Petroglyphs and Pictographs differences
What are the differences between petroglyphs and pictographs? Read More …
Quick Tip: Newsprint for drying shoes
An effective, easy, and inexpensive way to dry out your shoes quicker. Read More …
Glove in Hand – Layering for Cold Weather
A fair amount of people ask what to wear on the hands for cool and cold weather hiking. Here’s my take.
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A hike in the museum
Try to not to make “museum displays” as those displays can destroy the archeological record. Read More …
Quick Tip: Easy Cowboy-style Coffee
An easy way to make Cowboy-style coffee without the muss and chewy grounds by using a coffee filter sachet. Read More …
Stove Comparison – Real World Use
An overview of backpacking stove types with their pluses and minuses. No such thing a the “best stove”…just what is best for you. Revised October 2018. Read More …
Quick Tip: Psuedo Deadman Anchors
Deadman anchors are the way to secure a shelter in soft sand or snow. But there is a happy medium between a true deadman anchor and hoping your stakes hold. Read More …
Sleepings Pads – A grounded view
An overview and comparison of sleeping pads for backpacking and camping. Updated October 2018. Read More …
Rain Gear – What To Wear?
Which rain gear or shell to wear? Depending on the conditions, one piece of gear may be better than another. Updated October 2018. Read More …
Quick Tip: Baking Soda and Vinegar for stains
Nasty dirt, oils, sweat, and salt in your outdoor clothing and gear? Grab some white vinegar and baking soda! Read More …
Ground Cloths : A quick overview
An overlook at some options for ground cloths when backpacking or camping. Updated for 2018. Read More …
Quick Tip: LNT Rule of Thumb for Animal Photos
A literal rule of thumb for gauging if you are too close to an animal for photo taking. Read More …