The View from Pugh

My recent climb of Mount Pugh off of the Mountain Loop Highway had more significance than just subduing another peak. It was the last hike I needed to complete for my upcoming Day Hiking North Cascades Book (Mountaineers Books, Spring 2008). What a hike and what a day and what a relief to be done with the research. I first hiked this amazing mountain back in 1991 and it was great to revist it-this time with my wife, Heather and my brother Doug from New Hampshire. The hike is a challenge and there are parts to it that'll jitter your inners. But if you are sure-footed, able to tackle 5,300 vertical feet, aren't afraid of a little exposure (okay more than a little) than you'll probably want to head out and tackle this North Cascades classic. Of course, you can just read about it in my upcoming book, too. And speaking of upcoming books, I am already busy working on my next one, Day Hiking Central Cascades (Mountaineers Books, Spring 2009). Yep, once again, I have lots of research ahead of me. At least this time I am getting a little (okay, more than a little) help from photographer, Alan Bauer. Happy hiking!

And that's the truth, Ruth!

With my gratitude to Spike Lee for lifting a famous line from Do the Right Thing, I am just about done writing my latest guide book, Day Hiking North Cascades. Man, talk about another incredibly arduous, amazingly rewarding project. Writing a book is like running a marathon. You have to pace yourself and stay focused-and the closer you get to finishing, you want to quit 'cause you just hit the wall. But just like coming over the finish line- when you see your product in print and people enjoying it-it was all worth it! Just a few more pages to write, a couple of more hikes to revisit, and a few more photos to take and I am done! Then what? Begin my next book of course-and that's the truth, Ruth. And that mountain to the right is also Ruth-you'll find her in my new book on the hike to Hannegan Mountain.