2009 Book Tour

Destination: Everett

The 2009 Day Hiking Book Tour continues. Tomorrow I will be giving a slide show and talk at the Everett Library in downtown Everett, WA. Come on down. The event is free and I'll be signing and selling books for the recession deal price of just $15 (tax included). I'll give you some great suggestions on excellent hiking destinations in the North Cascades region-from the San Juan Islands to the Loomis State Forest. And before you come on down tomorrow, be sure to check out the feature that Andy Rathbun of the Everett Herald wrote about me. Also check out Karen Sykes's latest Hike of the Week in the Seattle Post Intelligencer which also features me as well as the Skagit Land Trust and some great terrain right in my backyard. Hope to see you tomorrow.

The Goose is Loose

Cyclists, hikers and runners looking for a superb long distance rail trail that blends urban and rural settings need to set their eyes on Victoria BC's Galloping Goose Trail. Extending from Victoria's Inner Harbour to the Sooke Hills, the trail travels for 60 kilometers through the gorgeous British Columbia capitol city and its spectacular surrounding countryside. But there is even more! The Lochside Trail branches off from the Goose to travel to Sidney and Schwartz Bay adding another 30 kilometers. I recently had the opportunity to do some running and walking on these two trails and now I can't wait to return with the bike to do the whole Goose! There is a reason why Victoria is ranked as the fittest city in all of Canada. With such an amazing trail system coupled with the mildest weather in the country, how can it not be? There were plenty of people out running,walking, and cycling while I was there and despite the fact that the city had just received a rare snowfall and the temperature was hovering at 0-Celsius! Anyhow take a gander at the Galloping Goose's website and perhaps I'll see you on the trail this year. And check out the upcoming articles I'll be writing about Victoria's running scene including its glorious marathon in Northwest Runner this year.

Heading to Victoria

On Wednesday February 25th I'll be doing a talk on Day Hiking the Olympic Peninsula and Day Hiking the North Cascades for Club Tread in beautiful Victoria, British Columbia. If you live on Vancouver Island, come on down and say hello. I always enjoy giving book talks in BC, because so many of the province's residents love the outdoors. I also love doing talks in BC because I get to stop at one of Canada's greatest institutions-no not Parliament, a curling rink, Brian Adam's or Celine Dion's home-but Tim Horton's! They better have some blueberry fritters ready for me!

Blind Faith

Heather and I once again took advantage of our local arts/music venue, the Lincoln Theatre to catch one heck of an inspiring, soul-lifting and soul-moving performance. The Blind Boys of Alabama graced us with their amazing heartfelt God-praising from the soul gospel, blues and soul fused music. What a show! And what a show it is to see men in their 70s singing to an audience of predominantly over 60 bringing the house down! Hey, these are times that will try a man's soul. The Blind Boys spread hope and the good word, and with such energy and vigor. These guys are American Music institutions right up there with Frank Sinatra, Miles Davis, and Johnny Cash. Don't miss 'em. For my New Hampshire friends, the Boys will be performing at the Lebanon Opera House on March 26th with the New Orleans Preservation Hall Jazz Band.

Giuseppe Mourns Socks

Giuseppe got the sad news today that former President Bill Clinton's cat, Socks passed away. He lived a good life no doubt-to a ripe old age of 18 and Giuseppe can only hope that he too sees that many years. Giuseppe was a little upset hearing how Socks took a back seat to Buddy, the chocolate lab, and then how Clinton abandoned Socks (don't feel bad Hillary, you weren't the only one) after he left office. Perhaps the most (and maybe the only in quite some time) honest resident of the White House, Socks will be missed. Giuseppe has instructed all felines out there to half-mast their long fuzzy-tail things that they like to chase.

New Jersey Considers

a Bond to Save its Parks

Washington isn't the only state with its state parks and forests on the chopping block. California. Arizona, Michigan, Illinois, and New Jersey (and I'm sure there are a few other states too) are all considering closing and sunsetting some of their state parks. Citizens in Illinois rebelled by holding their legislators' feet to the fire (a state not exactly known for harboring honest politicians-Sorry Abe- but look at what is currently coming out of the Land of Lincoln) demanding that they not close their parks.

And in New Jersey, a state with the highest population density but also one with the strongest support for open space among its populace, Garden Staters are also demanding that their parks and forests not be closed. Hey-you gotta problem wit dat?

Witness- according to the Trust for Public Land

Last November, New Jersey voters approved funds for open space, despite the poor economy. On November 4, 2008 voters nationwide approved $7.3 billion in new public money to protect land for parks and open space-the highest amount ever according to The Trust for Public Land (TPL), a national land conservation organization. The increase can be attributed in large part to the Minnesota Clean Water, Land and Legacy constitutional amendment accounting for $5.5 billion. Overall, 62 out of 87 measures (or 71 percent) were passed by voters. In New Jersey, voters approved 14 of 22 county and municipal measures generating $191 million in conservation funding. New Jersey had more open space ballot measures than any other state.

And now this year, Governor Corzine has called on the New Jersey Legislature to place an Open Space Bond Referendum on the 2009 November Ballot to thwart closing of parks and forests as well as acquiring additional lands.

According to New Jersey's Keep it Green Campaign:

Although Governor Corzine prefers a “long-term funding solution” for open space preservation, which he recognized as “an area of vital importance and concern” to New Jerseyans, he urged the Legislature to place an interim bonding question on the November 2009 ballot in his State of the State address.

These are certainly trying times for our state government agencies. And while many have been bloated and corrupted and abused, parks departments have not-in fact many of them were underfunded even during the boom times. In Washington, with its 8 billion dollar deficit (Thanks Christine- you told us before the election that we had no deficit-and enough naive voters believed you-thanks for spending our state into financial despair) our reckless-with-our-wallets governor wants to close parks to make up for her spending indiscretions of the past. How about getting creative or at least offer some alternatives to funding than letting the parks go. Ask the voters what they want to do with their parks (and maybe how to fund some of the other agencies as well). And voters if you cherish your parks-you better be willing to start putting your money where your hearts and boots are!

(photo-The Appalachian Trail traverses this New Jersey Natural gem, Worthington State Forest)

In Support of National Scenic Trails There was a front page article in the Seattle Times yesterday on the prospects of the Pacific Northwest Trail becoming our newest National Scenic Trail if the Omnibus Public Lands Management Act of 2009 becomes law. The same bill also contains a provision for the creation of the New England National Scenic Trail. As someone who hikes frequently and loves the trails of both my home state New Hampshire and adopted state Washington, I couldn't be happier about the prospects of two new great long distance trails traversing my favorite hiking haunts.

Most Americans- folks from all walks of life support these trails. And it would seem that they are pretty non-controversial, right? Well, you'd never know it based on some of the idiotic posts on the Seattle Times article. Most of the drivel came from far right kooks convinced that the National Trail Act is a land grab or yet another way the Federal government is undermining a state's rights. Far from it! Most of the land that the trail traverses is already public land. Where it traverses private lands, the owners have consented to its placement there granting an easement. The owner does not relinquish his right to do what he pleases (within the confines of the law of course) with the rest of his property. And land grab? All that is purchased for a national trail in most cases is just a narrow corridor. Once again only from willing sellers and at fair-market value.


The National Parks Service has jurisdiction over the trail but maintains a very small role. Local land managers of lands that the trail traverses still make the land use decisions for those properties. Land managers work together- and that is a good thing- but the trail and surrounding lands are by and far managed by local people. And there is a huge amount of private participation in the form of financial donations and trail work. Most of the National Scenic Trails have private conservation groups working on their behalf-these groups are not funded by Congress, but by private citizens like you and me. So, will the anti-conservation, anti-trails, anti-public lands kooks stop sipping the kool aid for minute and actually do a little research on what they are so against? And then perhaps actually get out on one of these trails and see just what a great asset they are. Far better than another race track, mall, casino, and second-home development I assure you!

(photo- granddaddy National Scenic Trail, the Appalachian Trail)

Pearl of the Chuckanuts

How much is it worth ?

Heather and I spent Valentines Day yesterday cruising the trails of Blanchard Mountain, covering over 13 miles worth on what turned out to be a wonderful February day. From my home office window I have a straight shot view of Blanchard Mountain-often luring me to stop keyboarding and start thinking about hitting the trail. The trail system at Blanchard is excellent and it makes for a great backyard recreation area for Skagit and Whatcom County residents. We hiked in from the quiet Alger side-cruised to snow covered Lizard and Lily Lakes before taking in the spectacular San Juan Islands View from the Oyster Dome, the pearl of this mountain-to- sound-greenway. The whole area makes for a great winter hiking destination and you can find more information on the area in my Day Hiking North Cascades Book. The region is also highlighted in my upcoming Western Washington Winter Hikes Card Deck. Definitely come on over here if you haven't yet and are itching to stretch your legs in now in the heart-of-winter.
And while hiking these trails, I leave you with a couple of things to contemplate. The Pacific Northwest Trail which traverses Blanchard Mountain could possibly become a National Scenic Trail this week if Congress passes the Omnibus Public Lands Management Act of 2009 (See earlier posts). If this bill gets passed, there will be more funding and recognition for this this long distance trail which travels from the Olympic Coast to Glacier National Park in Montana. Much of the route currently utilizes roads and it would be great to get it all onto actual trail. A good portion traverses the Cascades foothills of Skagit County too offering quieter hiking alternatives than the Issaquah Alps. A Major trail upgrade would have many benefits.

And while we are talking about upgrading and up keeping trails, Washington State is facing a 7 billion dollar deficit and its looking like that will be having a heavy toll on our parks and public lands. Other than the state considering eliminating state parks, government officials are considering enacting a day use fee on DNR lands to help offset the drastic reduction in funding due to the hemorrhaging of the timber cut from those lands. While supporters and objectors for day-use fees on public lands will no doubt once again retrench into their familiar ideological arguments for or against-to me it looks like a nominal day-use fee is a necessary evil. I would rather purchase a $25 annual pass to recreate on Blanchard, Tiger, Si, Silver star, Loomis, Table and a host of other places than let my public lands become run-down and over run with methheads, vagrants, shooters and other dregs. A healthy society needs healthy public lands and easy access to them. Closing parks and forests or letting them run down and become havens for criminals is not a wise option. Swallow your objections to day-use fees and reach a little deeper into your wallets this year to help save our irreplaceable natural heritage. Contact our legislators and governor and demand that they not close or decrease access to our public lands. Then be sure to vote out the irresponsible reckless politicians (Democrats and Republicans) that got us into this financial mess. Now go take a hike and put all this on the back burner for a few hours!

(Photo- Its one shell of a view from the Oyster Dome- Feb 2009)

Welcome Back to the Senate,

Judd Gregg!

I couldn't be happier to have Senator Gregg come back to the senate than to serve in the Obama Administration. Other than his terrible lack-of-judgement on the TARP funds, Gregg has proven to be a sound fiscal conservative-and an excellent conservationists too. A rare breed and one that our nation can be proud of. So, get back in the Senate and add a voice of reason to the insane Stimulus-pork spending special interest hand greasing free-for-all that Reid and Pelosi have crafted. And get back in there and continue to vote for good sound pieces of environmental legislation-like land protection in New Hampshire's White Mountains and Great Bay. And Senator Gregg, you said you weren't interested in running again for the senate in 2010. Could a presidential run be in the making for 2012?

(photo- Great Bay Land Preservation made possible by Senator Gregg)

The New England

National Scenic Trail?

While all eyes are currently on the Perpetual Debt Act of 2009; I mean the Obama-Reid-Pelosi Stimulus Bill; Congress, that great body of special interest influence and notorious for not listening to their constituents is also taking up this week, the Omnibus Public Land Management Act of 2008. I for one actually support this bill! Hurray! Among the many things that this bill will establish is a New England National Scenic Trail. Cool! It would elevate the historic Triple M - the Metacomet-Monadnock-Mattabesett trail system which runs from southern Connecticut to southern New Hampshire to national scenic trail status-on par with the Appalachian and Pacific Crest Trails. This of course would help in securing funding to protect the beautiful corridor that this trail follows. I'm all about no-nonsense land preservation. This is a good (not perfect) bill and one that I hope that we all (Reps, Dems, libs and conservatives) can get behind. America is too beautiful to completely pave over. Let your senator know you care about our natural heritage. Get this bill passed!

In Defense of our State Parks

While the Recession of 2008-09 will claim many casualties, Washington State Parks shouldn't be among them. With over six million visitations each year by folks of all walks of life, our state parks provide close to home and affordable (free to enter-nominal fees to camp or launch a boat) recreation.And I can only imagine as many Washingtonians shun trips to the Grand Canyon and Yellowstone this year due to financial hardship, that our state park's will be visited even more.

Then why the hell is our governor instructing the state parks commission to liquidate 13 state parks? Why should the people of this state who rely on these recreational gems pay the price for her reckless spending during the past 4 years-and the financial indifference given to the parks from her predecessor Governor Gary grid-Locke?

Now, I can understand the mandate for some of the parks to be moved to other government agencies because they would be better served as such. But there are three problems with that notion. County and city governments don't have the money to manage these parks either. County and city parks departments often don't manage their parks at the same high level of resource protection that state parks does-and finally-while some of the parks that are slated to go don't represent any statewide or regional significance-surely a handful do.

According to the State Parks Commission dictate for ridding itself of 13 parks is (Bold emphases by me):

How the parks were chosen: The 13 parks that could be transferred to other owners are in a category of parks deemed by the Commission as “potentially consistent” with the Centennial 2013 Vision. The Commission’s vision, adopted in 2003, identifies a system of parks of uncommon quality,” parks of statewide or greater regional significance.

So, lets look at Osoyoos State Park-one of the parks slated for liquidation. One of only two parks in the state in the Okanogan Valley (the other, Fort Okanogan also on the hit list), a desert-steppe community rife in history (fur trade, the historic Caribou route) and the only piece of public property on the American side of Osoyoos Lake, a huge natural body of water shared by Washington and British Columbia. The warmest lake in BC and one of the warmest in WA and the one of the largest in north central Washington, this lake's shores are rapidly being developed. So instead of protecting even more Osoyoos lakeshore, the governor and the commission find it prudent to get rid of this park?

There's a simple solution for keeping Lake Osoyoos State Park. Its called a day use fee. With over 6 million visitors to the state parks last year and the State Parks Department having to incur a 10 million dollar cut-a day use fee of just 2 or 3 dollars (25 dollar annual) which is very fair and very nominal, can keep these parks from being closed. Add a concession to the day-use area for selling food and sundries and take 10-20% of the profits and more money comes in. It is ridiculous that we won't consider a day use fee (like the majority of state parks departments around the country) and instead rid ourselves of irreplaceable pieces of our natural, cultural, and recreational heritage. Our parks are worth $3 to visit. And our parks are worth saving. Demand that your governor not liquidate OUR lands.

It's ironic that here in the worst economic times since the Great Depression we are thinking of getting rid of public lands. In the Great Depression we increased our inventory of parks. And it is ironic too that Osoyoos, whose full name is Osoyoos Lake State Veteran's Memorial Park because some of the land was given to the state by the American Legion, and now houses a plaque donated by veterans as a memorial to all veterans who served our country-is about to be a Gregoire casualty. What a way to honor our veterans and the rest of our citizens.

(photo- Osoyoos Lake in British Columbia, where they are not closing their provincial parks on this unique body of water)

An Expanded

North Cascades National Park?

In a perfect world our national parks' boundaries would follow natural landmarks encompassing entire watersheds and low country valleys lacking the "awe factor" but are actually more important ecologically than the pretty landmarks because of their biological diversity. Like I said, in a perfect world. But the truth is that many of our national parks were formed at great compromises to opposing factors such as resource extraction industries, motorized recreation groups, and real estate developers. The North Cascade National Park was one such park, created in 1968 against great odds from those competing forces, particularly the timber industry. Well with the timber industry no longer a major player in the greater North Cascades ecosystem, perhaps its time to revisit the borders of the North Cascade National Park and expand it where appropriate. The Park Service would be a far greater manager of lands such as the Golden Horn Roadless area than the Forest Service with its multiple use philosophy, cave-in mentality to the motorized minions and lack of funding. However, I am concerned that one group of conservationists-sportsmen, would be locked out of these lands in an expanded national park. Therefore I have no problem with exploring the establishment of national park reserves (like around many of Alaska's parks) to accommodate hunters where appropriate. While some hikers/conservationists would say why bother? The Reserves would still protect the land from ATVs, logging, and Forest Service ineptness and lack of oversight. Its all food for thought. In this month's Mountaineer (publication of the Seattle Mountaineers) Leesa Wright, a public policy associate explores the idea of expanding the North Cascades NP's boundaries. Are you interested? Let Leesa know what you think-and if you believe that the park should be expanded- what should be included within a larger park? Leesa can be reached at leesaw@mountaineers.org.

(photo- the Northern reaches of the North Cascades as seen from Hannegan Peak in the Mount Baker Wilderness)

An Expanded

Alpine Lakes Wilderness?

Congressman Dave Reichert (R WA 8th District) has set the wheels rolling this Congressional session to get more wilderness protection in the Central Cascades. His bill which purports to expand the Alpine Lakes Wilderness by 26,000 acres mostly within the Pratt River and Middle Fork Snoqualmie River Valleys is a no-nonsense no pork-spending no partisan-bickering bill. I know this bill is minuscule compared to the Trillion dollar leverage our future on a lot of ridiculous projects bill- I mean the Obama stimulus bill- but it would be nice to get this little wilderness bill passed-and keep the ball rolling for more wilderness protection. Can an Eastern Washington Wilderness Bill be on the horizon? The economy may be melting down, but lets try not take our roadless areas with it.

(photo- Middle Fork Snoqualmie River just outside of the proposed new wilderness expansion)

Senator Gregg:

A Republican Rarity,

An Environmental Champion

It both pleases me and saddens me that Senator Judd Gregg of New Hampshire has accepted to be President Obama's Secretary of Commerce. It pleases me because I have nothing but high respect for Senator Gregg and I believe he is a highly capable person for the position. He is a moderate Republican and a politician that I have very similar views with. He's a fiscal conservative and a conservationist. He has been a true champion of the environment and there are few large protected tracts of land in my home state of New Hampshire that he was not part of-especially when it came to getting the funding for these lands. He has helped expand the White Mountain National Forest and created both the Lake Umbagog and Great Bay National Wildlife Refuges. The latter, is one of my favorite places in the Granite State, a place I visit every year and a place that I have written about. Perhaps no other politician has been so instrumental in helping to protect this ecologically important and beautiful natural area.

Okay, so why am I saddened about his ascension to the Obama throne? Judd Gregg is too good of a senator to leave the senate. He is a rarity- a moderate and a conservation-minded Republican. Fellow New England green elephants, Snowe and Collins from Maine have just lost a great ally. The Republican party is growing increasingly far right-leaving moderates and slightly right of center folks little choice. There aren't enough Blue Dog Dems yet to woo them over. What's a Teddy Roosevelt disciple to do? I also would hate to see Gregg's illustrious career go down in a thud- I have little faith in the Obama administration and this may be the end of Gregg's influence. If the Republicans are able to win back the senate-Gregg would be one of its most powerful members. That is not an option now. But I have one issue with Gregg-one I have with Bush and Obama too-while I admire Gregg on fiscal issues, he did vote to release the remaining $350 million of Tarp funds (a taxpayer ripoff for reckless banks and corporate bottom feeders!). Ouch. New Hampshire's newly minted Democrat senator Jeanne Shaheen voted against. Kudos to you senator Shaheen.

I wish Senator Gregg the best and I have only one word of advice for you before you join Obama's cabinet. I hope you paid your taxes! Warren G Harding must be laughing from his grave watching this administration being formed.

(Photo- Great Bay from the Sandy Point Discovery Center, a Judd Gregg legacy)

Forget the Steelers- Its Groundhog Day!

Happy Groundhog Day! Yep, its that quirky holiday again that was brought to us by German Catholic immigrants to Pennsylvania many moons ago when all eyes are on a woodchuck (aka groundhog, whistling pig, eastern marmot) and his prediction on whether winter will last for another 6 weeks. Over in Western PA hungover Super Bowl revelers waited for the most famous ground hog of them all, Punxsutawney Phil to see if he could see his shadow-guaranteeing more winter-or not see his shadow guaranteeing an early spring. And despite some heavy lobbying from Al Gore, Punxsutawney Phil did see his shadow so don't put away those shovels just yet! Its shaping up again to be quite another winter back east and throughout many other parts of the country as well. Not sure the groundhog can take much credit for any of it though. Winter happens. And I'm sure that even with all the doom and gloom climate change fear mongers and the industry as usual climate change deniers spewing plenty of hot air- winter will continue to happen. Okay, Phil- go back to sleep-you're not missing much-unless you can predict whether the 1 trillion dollar stimulus bill will pass. But , I think for that we'll need to find your cousin Porkbarrelspending Swill to Make that prediction!

(photo- Phil's Washington cousin, Cadymeadows Jill wondering if it will be another 6 months of winter in the high Cascades).