World Hiker

2012-01-10T16:54:00.000-08:00

New Year, New Paths, New Directions

Wow, I can hardly believe that it is 2012. Seems like just yesterday I was partying like it was 1999. But, while I continue to grow older (hey-who isn't? The alternative is worse!) I constantly welcome new experiences. This year will be no different. While I'm not sure I can top last year's 50 for 50 campaign, I will be challenging myself in other less intense ways. Like a new book for one thing! I'm working on finishing up the research and manuscript for Day Hiking Eastern Washington this spring and I have already begun the research and writing for a new book-my 10th. I'll be officially announcing it soon. And while I am not planning on running a 50 mile race this year-I am hooked on Ultra running and trail running and will be doing a handful of events here and there-and a few marathons as well. A little less backpacking this year and a little more paddling! I have some paddling adventures planned for this year-an activity I just don't do enough. Likewise for skiing-which I plan to do a little more of this year as well. Of course, I will be writing about many of these adventures and you can check out my stories in the following publications and websites:

Northwest Runner magazine-I continue my Northwest on the Run column for its 13th year, taking you to places and races throughout British Columbia, Washington, Oregon, and Idaho!
Outdoors NW magazine- I continue my Northwest Trails column bringing you to a wide array of trails, parks and preserves throughout Oregon and Washington.
Adventures NW magazine-I'll continue to write features on hiking, backpacking, trail running and paddling for this great regional publication.
Northwest Travel magazine-I'll have a feature on the Columbia River Gorge in this recently revamped classy travel publication.
Hike of the Week.com- Now in its 7th year, look for a new destination every week (usually on Friday morning) -and once again the Snohomish County Tourism Bureau is sponsoring this website. Every other week I'll highlight a Snohomish County destination from urban walks to deep wilderness treks.
Visit Rainier.com-I continue to provide content for this wonderful travel resource for Mount Rainier and its environs. Look for articles on history of the park-hiking, backpacking, skiing, mountain biking, snow shoeing and trail running in the park and its surroundings
Dog About Town.com-I continue to spotlight a dog friendly hike from throughout the Inland Northwest on this great website based in Coeur D'Alene, Idaho.
Gorge Guide- Look for my feature on the amazing Cape Horn Trail in this beautiful annual publication.
Washington State Visitors' Guide-In the 2012 version I'll take you to Okanogan County ghost towns and across SR 20 thorough my favorite part of the state-Ferry County!

There will be more outlets too I imagine-more than enough to keep me busy. I thank you all for your support and interest and I love sharing my love for the outdoors and outdoor recreation with you. I always love hearing from you too-so don't hesitate to drop me a line at any time. Here's to a great 2012! Let's party like it's-like it's 2012 of course!

2011-12-10T11:58:00.000-08:00

A Christmas offer two good to be true!

Hey, I know how tough this economy has been lately. That's why I have teamed up with outdoor photographer Don Geyer to offer you this incredible two-for-one deal this Christmas season. For a limited time only, you can order my Backpacking Washington and get absolutely free, a copy of Don's Mount Rainier. Yep! Two books for the price of one!

Want more details on the books?

Mount Rainier is a collection of Don's favorite photographs taken throughout Mount Rainier National Park, and includes his hints and recommendations about where, when and how to achieve successful photographic images of the park. He breaks his recommendations down by season, and even by weather. There is always something to photograph in the park! If you're not a photographer, you can simply enjoy the artistic images and the moods and emotions they elicit as you take a visual tour through this beautiful national park.

Backpacking Washington is the most comprehensive backpacking guide to Washington State detailing 70 routes from 14 to 45 miles, from the lush Olympic Peninsula to the sun-kissed Blue Mountains of Eastern Washington.

This offer is for a limited time only! Order now to assure delivery before Christmas! Order Here!

2011-11-12T18:34:00.000-08:00

Getting Goosed in Autumn

Our calendars denote changes in months and seasons, but often we mark the passing of time with significant and obvious changes in the world outside. Here in the Skagit Valley, autumn begins when the snow geese and trumpeter swans arrive. The last week in October the first wedges of swans passed over my house. Shortly afterwards the snow geese arrived. We have yet to get the heavy rains that often begin by early November and continue through December. But, the swans and geese have arrived, and it clearly feels like fall now. Of course sunset at 4:30 enforces the autumn mood as well. Throughout the world, it's different-some events change abruptly-others subtly. But a date on a calendar is only how we mark the passage of time in our world of commerce, commitment, and order. In the natural world, it's not always so clear or timely. What natural events do you associate with welcoming a seasonal change?

2011-10-21T16:24:00.000-07:00

Cougars in Heat

Okay, before I get started here. Absolutely no jokes about attractive older women in pursuit of younger men or randy Washington State University students here. This post is about mountain lions following nature's orders to make more mountain lions. And it's about how I nearly walked in on a mating couple. Several weeks ago I was on a solo hike on the Barnaby Buttes Trail in the Kettle River Range of Northeastern Washington. It is a wild and lonely area where I was once stalked by a cougar. You nearly always sense big and wild critters around you here even if you don't actually see them! I was just making a mental note to myself on how good of cougar habitat this area is. Lots of game for them-lots of open space-and very little human activity. Lots of footprints and scat in the area confirmed my observation.

As I left the lonely summit late in the day and headed down a shadowed slope through rows of lodgepole pine, I soon tuned into a disturbing sound. It grew louder as I continued down the trail. What the hell is making that wretched noise, I thought. It sounded like someone or something having rough sex-or something caught in a leg hold trap. My spider senses began tingling telling me that it is something I probably don't want to interrupt. The sound grew more audible as I marched down the trail. My heart racing grew more audible too and I picked up my pace. The noise makers were just below me. I had to make a big switchback in which the noise makers were soon above me-then I bolted down the trail to get the hell out of Dodge.

Upon concurring with others and listening to some audio clips, I have concluded that the culprits to this unnerving sound were a pair of cougars mating. It is not a really pleasurable experience for the female cougar so hence the groans of agony and not ecstasy. And while I relish in yet another cougar experience in Eastern Washington (I saw my first cougar in the Blue Mountains two years ago) I'd rather not stumble upon or near big kitties rolling in the hay again. Okay, now you can make your jokes. But I am seriously interested in some of your cougar (that would be the big cats) experiences as well!

2011-09-15T19:21:00.000-07:00

A little Autumn Reading

I haven't been too good keeping up with blog posts lately as I have been in the field an awful lot making up for lost time from all of the snow we had earlier in the summer- and trying to get in as much research before the snows once again start covering the mountains. I am primarily working on research for Day Hiking Eastern Washington which I am over 2/3 done with and mapping a brand new Stevens Pass-Alpine Lakes Map for Green Trails-which I still have lots of miles to track. Anyhow-here are some pieces I recently published if you are interested in a little autumn reading now that the weather will be keeping us inside a little more.

Check out three wonderful hikes that happen to share the name Table Mountain-but that's all they share as they are quite different geographically and ecologically-other than the fact that they are all flat topped! It's in the latest issue of Outdoors NW magazine.

And check out the Mount Misery Trail in the Blue Mountains of Southeastern Washington. This high country trail traverses the Wenaha Tucannon Wilderness in the Blue Mountains. It is a featured hike in my new Backpacking Washington book too-so check out this article for a little more background on one of Washington's least hiked and known areas. It's in the newest edition of Adventures NW magazine.

2011-08-22T16:36:00.000-07:00

50 for 50 Final Wrap Up

It's nice to once again be concentrating on something more manageable than training for a 50 Mile Run--a new guidebook! I spent most of the first part of this year focused and training on participating in the White River 50 Mile Endurance Run and raising money for the Washington Trails Association in the process. It was a successful event for me culminating in my landing on the cover of Northwest Runner Magazine--a publication that I have written for over 12 years but was never able to secure getting on the cover (I shot a couple of cover shots though). Anyhow-I am now back in a more comfortable role of hiking my butt off instead of running it off- busy researching the next installment in the Day Hiking series-Eastern Washington. Here is the final column I wrote for my 50 for 50 series in Northwest Runner. It was a great journey and great way to celebrate my new age. One thing is for sure, when I turn 60, I'll be doing any such run using the metric system!
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Fifty for Fifty

A Northwest Runner’s golden challenge
By Craig Romano

I DID IT! I successfully completed the White River 50 Mile Trail Run. It was my first 50 miler and my way of welcoming turning 50 years old this year. Before April of this year, I had never run beyond the marathon. I decided in February that I would run a 50 miler—and not just any 50 miler—but the tough and incredibly inspiring White River 50. I decided too that I would do it as a fundraiser for the Washington Trails Association to give back to the trails that I love and keep me employed as a guidebook author. I launched my 50 for 50 campaign (which ultimately raised over $4,000) making public announcements to both the running and hiking communities. After letting thousands of people know of my ambition. I was committed!

After the initial excitement of starting such a grand journey, I would experience a full range of emotions throughout the next six months. Excitement. Nervousness. Anticipation. Dread. Intrigue. Anxiety. Self-doubt. Confidence. Determination. And Jubilation!

But in spite of a couple of physical setbacks along the way; just before the race, I knew that I had trained well. I was ready. Four weeks before race day I did my last long run—33 miles on the East Bank Ross Lake Trail in the North Cascades. My running partners were experienced ultra-runners; Alvin Crain, Joe Tompkins, and Shawna Tompkins (the woman’s winner in this year’s White River). I picked their brains as we put the miles in. They gave me great advice on hydrating, eating, staying focused, and most importantly for this race—how to properly run downhill.

Over the past five months as part of my training plan, I had run one trail marathon and three 50K races. I had run several times up Blanchard, Chuckanut, Hamilton, and Anderson Mountains. I cross-country skied, did numerous bike rides and a fair amount of hiking as cross training. Twelve days before the race I did my last hard run; 16 miles up and over Fourth of July Pass in the North Cascades twice. The fact that I could run the 3,500 feet of sustained elevation gain gave me confidence that I could tackle White River’s infamous climbs. And I got an added adrenaline rush when I ran into a young bull moose along the way!

I tapered to easy maintenance runs during the final week, resting completely the two days prior to the race. I spent most of that time mentally focusing—imagining myself on the run—and most importantly repetitiously seeing myself coming over the finish line.

I arrived early at race headquarters at the Crystal Mountain Ski Area the day before the race. There I picked up my number and got reacquainted with race director Scott McCoubrey, his wife Leslie, and a handful of the wonderful volunteers. Scott had graciously invited me to spend the night at his ski club’s lodge allowing me close proximity to the race start.

Staying at Scott’s lodge was convenient but also gave me anxiety. For also staying at the lodge were some of the Northwest’s ultra-running stars, including William Emerson, Greg Crowther (who along with Paul Morrison had given me great advice leading up to the race), and two-time (soon to be three time) White River winner Uli Steidl. Of course they were all gracious. I was just so nervous going into this race that watching these guys prepare, got my mind playing all kinds of tricks on me. I’m under prepared. I’m not in shape. I shouldn’t be out there. I had to call to my wife Heather to help rid these pre-race demons. She assured me what I already knew. Run your own race.

I got very little sleep that night. I had anticipated that. Up at 3:30 am for a breakfast of oatmeal, banana, yogurt, a blueberry bagel with almond butter, and four cups of coffee— I was out the door at 4:40. I chose the 5:30 early start giving myself an extra hour to make the finish cutoff at 7:30 pm.

The morning was fairly warm and as I met up with old friends and new acquaintances, volunteers and supporters; I relaxed. I was ready to run! Starting out with ultra-veteran Mike Mahaney who I completed my first Ultra, Mount Si with, we set into a good pace. Betsy Rogers joined along—and Betsy and I would see each other throughout the race.

Under a cool canopy of old-growth we cruised to the first aid station at 3.9 miles. Seven miles of climbing would start soon afterward. Most of the climb involved well graded switchbacks, but there was one section through a steep ravine utilizing a staircase. We walked that part, but ran most of the rest of the climb. We paused briefly along the edge of the Palisades, an impressive series of cliffs hovering above the valley we started from. Mount Rainier revealed herself—so did Sun Top across the way. We’d get to that peak later in the day.

Beyond the second aid station we hit snow. It slowed us a little but wasn’t too problematic. Race volunteers had spent days earlier shoveling out steps and leveling sloping sections. Beyond the half mile or so of snow it was smooth sailing along a mostly open ridge hovering around 5,500 feet in elevation. Views were grand—but I mostly concentrated on the tread at my feet. By this time the faster participants were breezing by us. Winner Uli Steidl passed us way before the second aid station around 10 miles into the course. Female winner Shawna Tompkins passed us in the snow.

A little before the third aid station at Mile 16.9 we passed race photographer Glen Tachiyama. I made sure to smile as he captured me coming down the dusty trail with Mount Rainier shining in the background. He would capture us all and then do it all over again on Sun Top at Mile 37. We made it to the third aid station at 4.5 hours and were happy with the pace. We refueled while a volunteer refilled my camelback.

It was then back across the ridge retracing several miles and exchanging smiles with runners still heading to Corral Pass. At Mile 22.1 it was on to the Ranger Creek Trail and a five mile descent. By this point I was running alone—Mike had gone ahead. But as I made my way down the long, but nicely graded trail, passing runners offered encouragement.

At mile 25 I was stung by a yellow jacket, which luckily I didn’t react to. I passed my wife at SR 410 where she volunteered making sure we crossed the busy roadway safely. Reaching the aid station at Mile 27.2 was a welcome. But here over halfway was the hardest point on the run for me. I was having a hard time taking food in. The heat made me nauseous. I was 6.5 hours into the race. I had plenty of time to complete the course, but I was worried because I wasn’t feeling well.

With a handful of animal crackers I walked—first languidly—then with more determination on my way up Sun Top. It was quite warm by this point but I kept taking in plenty of water, electrolyte tablets and gels. The aid station at Fawn Ridge at Mile 31.7 was a lift with its cheerful volunteers.

The climb went on—but the grade eased and shade and cool creeks along the way kept me from overheating. As I approached the summit of Sun Top, something magical happened—I recharged. Here at Mile 37, a wildflower and American flag lined path through open country lured me to the aid station at the 5,271- foot summit. Mount Rainier glistened in the background. It was surrealistic! Friends Bob and Amy Wismer, who were staffing the aid station, helped me refuel for the final stretch. I took some S-caps which a fellow runner suggested to thwart muscle cramping in my calves. They worked. It was now 3:30pm. I had 4 hours to finish the race. My confidence increased.

I ran the next six downhill miles at a good clip. It was on a hard surfaced gravel road. Uncomfortable—but I had my eyes on the prize. Race director Scott McCoubrey passed by in his truck giving a thumbs up. I reached the last aid station at 4:50 pm. Here at Mile 43.4 I figured I could crawl to the finish if I had too. I almost vomited trying to take in food. But I had been smart throughout the race and was well fueled—I continued running. By this time I was starting to chafe a little, but I had very little trouble in that department after experimenting with clothing and body lubes during my training.

I was warned about the last 6 miles being deceptively easy—you actually climb 500 feet on a way lined with roots and rocks. But I found the trail’s tread was generally good and the surrounding old-growth forest and paralleling roaring White River kept me in awe.

I came over the finish line in a time of 12 hours 58 minutes and 55 seconds. I nearly broke down—not because I was hurting—but because I was overjoyed that I made it! My wife greeted me at the finish—so did friends new and old; Mike, Joe, Shawna, Julie, Janna, Uli and Trisha—all who had encouraged me over the months and over the race course. It was one of my proudest moments. I was glowing!

2011-08-08T18:34:00.000-07:00

Reflections on Running

the

White River 50 Mile Endurance Run

I have long been intrigued by this race for its organization, spectacular scenery, and incredibly challenging terrain. This year, in honor of my 50^th birthday I decided I would run it. It would also be my first 50 miler. I could have definitely chosen an easier race to mark my milestone, but why? I was more interested in completing White River, not the distance!

Consisting of two loops and two sustained climbs with a cumulative elevation gain and loss of 8,700 feet, I figured my background as a hiking guidebook author should help a little. That and lots of training runs including with fellow Skagit Runner Shawna Tompkins who on race day ripped up the course with a time of 8.07.53 for a woman’s win.

It was Tompkins who showed me how to properly run downhill, one of her strengths; and a key to successfully completing this race. I was repeatedly told by White River veterans to not spend your legs on the first descent— a seven mile 3,000-foot plus downhill blast.

Another key to successfully completing this race was staying well hydrated on the second ascent—an eight mile 3,000-foot-plus elevation gain ridgeline romp up Sun Top Mountain. And this peak lived up to its name, with much of its lower slopes and wildflower-graced open summit taking on the full brunt of the hot July afternoon sun. Even here in the rainy, snowy Pacific Northwest, heat can be a factor. And despite a very cold and wet spring and early summer this year, race day once again proved to be sunny and in the high 70s. A bluebird day for gaping at the blockbuster views of glistening 14,411-foot glacier- covered Mount Rainier, but a little on the warm side for a challenging run.

The prior colder months did however leave behind a half mile-plus section of heavy deep snow along the first ascent. Race directors were determined not to alter the course like they were forced to in 1999: so they and a handful of tenacious volunteers spent a good week shoveling steps into the snow and placing ropes to aid travel. It was well appreciated making the snowy section just a little slippery and not a downright nuisance!

But despite the lingering snow and warm afternoon temperatures, White River saw its biggest field ever. There were 281 starters (up from 238 the year before) lined up that beautiful morning at the Buck Creek Campground in the Mount Baker-Snoqualmie National Forest; and 244 of them crossed the finish line. “That’s a great finish rate for such a hot day on a tough course,” says race director Scott McCoubrey.

He’s been directing this Northwest Classic since 1993. And he along with his wife Leslie, Brian Morrison, John Wallace, Eric Bone, Eric Sach and a slew of volunteers pulled off a flawless event from this runner’s point of view. The course was well-marked and the aid stations were well staffed with enthusiastic folks quick to fill water bottles and get you the food and l supplements you needed.

I opted for the 5:30 am early start to give myself an extra hour for making the 7:30 pm cutoff. Turns out I didn’t need it, completing the course in just under 13 hours. But taking the early start did have another added bonus. At about 10 miles into the course I got to witness the front of the pack come darting by. Former course record holder Uli Steidl was first—and stayed in that position until the end crossing the finish line at 6:49:25 to claim his third White River win.

The out and back section from Corral Pass across open meadows one mile high was another great spot for spotting the lead runners—and for encouraging everyone else who came prancing by. And the last six miles are notorious for messing up your pace falsely leading you into thinking that with the two climbs licked, you can now sail into the finish. But with a 500-foot climb on at times rocky terrain, many a White River runner has let this section—Skookum Flats—get the best of them. But with its course through cool old growth giants and along the glacier-fed roaring White River, I kept a skookum (Chinook for strong) pace to come smiling into the finish—happy to join my fellow White River runners who all tackled one of the most challenging and beautiful races in the Pacific Northwest.

(photo-approaching Sun Top at Mile 37-photo by Bob Wismer)

2011-07-26T19:07:00.000-07:00

Lee Mann

Rest in Peace

The Skagit Valley is a better place because of you

I learned last Friday that renowned outdoors photographer Lee Mann passed away on Wednesday, July 20th. The news was a shock to me as it was to others who knew him. Lee lived a remarkable life and I am glad that I had gotten to know him. An outstanding photographer who came from a hardscrabble upbringing--Lee was also an outspoken person when it came to politics, policy, and the environment--and a great champion of the environment-especially here in Skagit County-where he was a big advocate and mover in the Skagit Land Trust.

I met Lee shortly after moving to Skagit County in 2007. At a Skagit Land Trust function we got to know each other--and talk frankly and pointedly on politics, policy and the environment. I respected Lee because he was passionate about these things and not afraid to discuss and share his views. And while Lee and I didn't often see eye-to-eye on political issues, we had a respect for each other and we enjoyed some good spirited ribbing. Lee and I even had a little crossfire going on in our local newspaper. It was all good natured, even though some of our mutual acquaintances thought that we were having a feud.

Lee and I got to work together on the beautiful Skagit Land Trust coffee table book, Natural Skagit; one of my (and probably Lee's too) proudest literary accomplishments. One of Lee's stunning photos opens my chapter on the county's history and unique people. Very apropos as Lee was a solid Skagitonian who loved with all his heart his home and the beautiful environment that it encompasses.

I'm going to miss you Lee, especially with another election cycle coming-it was always fun talking politics and policy with you. At least we agreed that Dan Evans and Albert Rosselini were great governors and they just don't make them like these guys anymore. And they don't make them like you anymore either, Lee. You will be missed here--but also remembered-especially every time I visit or pass by a protected property in the valley. And my truck carries a special Washington National Parks license plate-with your gorgeous photo-reminding me of your work and passion for the natural world every time I head to a trailhead.

I know Lee that you didn't believe in God, one of the other areas we liked to discuss. And in a 2007 interview in the V Groove you where asked-

"If Heaven exists, what would you like to hear God say when you arrive at the Pearly Gates?"
Your straightforward answer-
"It doesn't, but if it did I would expect a just God to say, "You have been an honest skeptic and tried to leave the world a little better place. Come on in!"'

You have indeed left the world a better place, Lee. Thank you. Your spirit will live on here in the valley you loved.

2011-07-26T18:20:00.000-07:00

50 for 50 Coming to a Finale

Since the beginning of the year in celebration of turning 50 I have been training hard to compete and complete my first 50 mile trail run . I chose the White River 50, which with its 8,700 vertical feet of climbing, is not exactly the easiest 50 miler I could have chosen. But it is without a doubt one of the most beautiful, prestigious, and well-organized. There will be a record turnout this year too-nearly 300 folks have signed up. The more the merrier for helping me stay excited and focused to run 50 miles in a day. The weather is looking good and may even be warm on parts of the trail-particularly the appropriately named Sun Top. I'll be wearing a camelback and packing lots of bars, gels, goos and electrolyte tablets. There is a 1.5 mile of trail still covered in snow and that may prove problematic. I have 14 hours to complete this course and I need all the time I can get! I hope the snow only proves to be a minor nuisance.

I am in my taper mode now-doing easy workouts and trying to stay focused. I've learned on my training runs that a couple of things help get my heart going on a long run-scantily clad good-looking women (has experienced at the Rainier for Ruston 50K) and a charging moose (as experienced in the North Cascades on a training run). I am anticipating neither at White River so I'll need other motivators and adrenaline rushers!
I am looking forward to crossing the finish line-and putting to end a six month focus, adding it to my life experiences and challenges. I am looking forward too to turning over a sizable amount of cash to the Washington Trails Association as part of my fund raising efforts in this run. Will you please help me do this by donating if you haven't yet. Thanks! And thanks too to all of you who have encouraged me along this very long journey. White River 50-here I come! And after this, marathons will look like easy runs!

(photo-Fourth of July Pass-Ross Lake National Recreation Area)

2011-07-15T19:00:00.000-07:00

Fifty for Fifty Update

The White River 50 Trail Run is rapidly approaching--the target for My 50 for 50 campaign, which is my attempt to run 50 miles in celebration of my 50^th birthday raising $10,000 for the Washington Trails Association along the way. Am I ready? Before April of this year I was not an ultra runner. From April to June I ran in and successfully completed four runs of at least 50Ks including the incredibly challenging Lost Lake Ultra.

I’ve done a lot of sustained elevation runs too—runs of two to three thousand feet of elevation gain. A lot of cycling as well—I’m just not made for running day after day. I’ve had a couple of setbacks—a long illness in February and March that hurt my training and after 50 years I developed an allergy to peanuts! Do you know how many peanut products I have consumed for power food? Do you know how many products contain peanuts? I have had to change my training diet and be vigilant about not accidentally ingesting these beloved tubers. Just think—no more Reese’s peanut butter cups. Sigh.

I have trained in three different shoes-Brooks, Oboz and Montrail and haven’t decided which ones I want to wear for the race. I tried new shorts and packs. I’m set on my Bridgedale socks. I’ll take the early 5:30 am start—I probably won’t get any sleep the night before anyway. What’s my strategy? Run steady and strong in the beginning taking advantage of shade and cooler temps. Eat and hydrate constantly. Take electrolyte tablets and other goos, gels and beans. Summon inner strength and do a little soul searching along the way too.

And how’s the fundraising coming? I still have a way to go for my goal, but the donations are coming in! I have currently collected over $2,700 for our trails. The Cowlitz Valley Running Club was the latest of our Washington Clubs to make a generous donation. I hope a few more running clubs will make a donation as well. And of course all individual donations are accepted no matter the amount. Donate $40 or more and you’ll become a WTA member. Visit http://www.wta.org/50for50 to contribute. Please help me make my fundraising goal. I'll work on the running goal! And if you already donated--thanks!!! Our trails will be better because of you!

(photo-Trail running at Hozomeen Lake in the North Cascades-photo by Alvin Crain)

2011-07-05T15:42:00.000-07:00

Paddle packing beats backpacking hands down!

I love backpacking. Love the freedom to head deep in the wilderness with all that I need for survival strapped to my back. But, you know? I like a little comfort too deep in the woods. While I do pack camp shoes and a camp chair on my trips, a little wine and perhaps a dessert, comfort is still at a premium when I'm trekking through the backcountry. But give me a canoe and I can really live it up. Heck give me a canoe and two guides and I'm never coming back. When I was writing for Paddler magazine, before the Great Recession put an end to its run, I made regular trips to Canadian waters.

There I was occasionally set up with a guide to help me explore such intriguing places as Saskatchewan's Prince Albert National Park, and Ontario's Great Lakes and Boundary Waters. By far one of the best trips I was assigned to do was down the French River-an important connector between the Great Lakes and the Ottawa River for the fur trade. On that trip I was assigned not one guide, but two-and one was of British descent and the other French-very cool indeed. And aside from possessing a strong knowledge of the area and strong paddling skills-these two had amazing culinary skills. And when you pack a trip with two canoes you literally can take the kitchen with you. Pack it all-then flip your canoe over to set up shop. Do a trip like this and you will never look at those crappy little dehydrated backpackers meals again. Anyone up to take me for a canoeing excursion? I'm hungry!

2011-06-25T18:04:00.000-07:00

I Should Have Been A Rock Star

Here I am busy busting my hump training to complete a 50 Mile Trail Run and hoping to raise $10,000 for the Washington Trails Association in the process—and I have rounded up $2,000 so far! But check this out—Pearl Jam’s Eddie Vedder donates an autographed ukulele to the Ferry County Rail Trail Partners and he ends up raising over $17,000 for them! I mean what the heck!!!!? I am running 50 freaking miles!!!! What did Vedder do? He cleaned out his closet!!! You know the song—money for nothing and your chicks for free!!

But seriously—good for the Ferry County Rail Trail Partners! That’s excellent news for this trail in progress. That $17,000 will go a long way in making that trail a reality. And good for Eddie Vedder too—he has been a real partner in helping some of Washington’s special places. And how did Eddie Vedder get involved with a 30 mile trail in one of the remotest sections of Washington State? You can thank Bob Whittaker, President of Ferry County Rail Trail Partners for that—he has quite a few rock n roll buddies to call on!

So hey, Bob and Eddie—how about sponsoring me in my 50 for 50 campaign to raise $10,000 for the Washington Trails Association!?! I’ll even hum a few Pearl Jam songs while training this week to make my 50 mile run become a reality. In the meanwhile—while I wait for Eddie to respond, you can make a donation to my cause. Just click here and make your donation. Donate $20 or more and I’ll give you a special series Green Trails Map. Donate $40 or more and I’ll give you a map and you become a member of the Washington Trails Association (WTA)—an organization dedicated to maintaining and protecting our precious trails—in Ferry County and throughout Washington State!!

(photo-Eddie and the $17,100 Ukulele-photo by Bob Whittaker)

2011-06-13T12:24:00.000-07:00

Gear I Use

Kate's energy bars

As part of my 50 for 50 campaign—for those of you coming onboard late, 50 for 50 is all about me training and running in the White River 50 Mile Endurance Run in celebration of turning 50 years old all while raising $10,000 for the Washington Trails Association. If you haven’t “sponsored me” yet, please consider a donation in any amount. If you donate $20 or more, I’ll give you a Green Trails Special Series Map. And if you donate $40 or more you get the map and a Washington Trails Association membership.

Okay-where was I? Yes, as part of my training to run 50 miles (which I have never done before) I have been experimenting with new gear and food. I never was a big fan of sports bars and gels. After all I am Italian and I prefer real food, not products that taste like sawdust or have the consistency of Vaseline. But when you run long distance you have to take in plenty of calories and nutrients. And I don’t have an iron gut, I need substances that I can easily digest when putting in miles up steep hills.

I recently became aware of Kate’s Bars; and after putting them to the test on several endurance runs including the Lost Lake Ultra which consists of 34 miles and 8,000 vertical feet of elevation; let me tell you how happy I am about these bars. First of all Kate’s refers to these bars as Real Food, Real Energy. And she’s not kidding about it either. It is real food. The company only uses all-natural, organic ingredients making it taste like real food—not sawdust or petroleum jelly.

The company offers several different bars all with catchy names that play on the word bar. Originating from Jackson Hole, Wyoming, the story goes that Kate wanted to maximize her time skiing and not wasting time stopping for lunch—so she came up with something nutritious and energizing (and tasty) to munch on the tram—hence the name of her first bar, the Tram Bar. Among its ingredients are rolled oats, honey, peanut butter and milk chocolate.

The company has added several bars since, including the Handle Bar, Caz Bar, and Stash Bar. My favorite is the Grizzly Bar which consists of all the goodies in the Tram Bar except with dark chocolate instead of milk chocolate. And these bars are packed with energy. The grizzly bar contains 360 calories (130 from fat) which means you will get the boost. And since this is real food, during my runs I actually get to nurse these bars, nibbling on them over some distance—helping to keep my stomach growling at a minimum as I slowly refuel

Kate’s Bars aren’t cheap—but neither are their ingredients. And in comparison to a light meal, which these bars can certainly replace when out hiking, running, and biking, they are a good deal. And like I said before, it’s real food! I plan on packing a few of these bars in my pack when I run White River next month. Check ‘em out—you may not go back to the sawdust bars you are currently wrangling with!

2011-06-08T16:28:00.000-07:00

Bless your scantily clothed little heart

My 50 for 50 campaign moves on one tired step after another! And my target 50 Mile Race is getting closer. So, how’s my training going? Well, the Lost Lake 50K which is really 34 miles and includes 8,000 vertical feet of elevation certainly challenged me by keeping me in my running shoes for nearly 10 hours! And my third Ultra race, the Rainier to Ruston 50K gave me a different challenge—heat! But it wasn’t supposed to be hot! I was anticipating an “easy” 50K knowing that the majority of this race’s course was on a nice paved rail trail and there was virtually no elevation gain. But alas summer decided to show up on race day giving us temperatures close to 80. With no heat training so far this year and virtually no shade on the course, my “easy” 50 K became a bit more of a challenge.

Originally I was aiming at finishing around 5 hours 15 minutes, but ended up coming in just after 6 hours. And if it wasn’t for Janna Theriault of Fleet Feet Sportsin Bonney Lake, I probably would have finished even slower. Janna caught up to me around mile 12 and we ran together for nearly 16 miles. Her positive attitude kept me focused on finishing. And during the darkest (actually the brightest and hottest) miles of the course-that would be the gritty industrial strip of Tacoma that we had to run through from Mile 24 to mile 26, I really started to fade.

At Mile 25 I was out of water and dreading the terrain that still lay ahead of me. I was shutting down. The next aid station was still a mile or two away and I badly needed water. So, I headed to a drive up espresso stand to have my water bottle filled. And to my surprise a rather slender cute-young-thing wearing very skimpy (and I’ll add sexy) lingerie heeded my call. Talk about a tall skinny non fat you get my point! Turns out I showed up at one of those Sexpresso stands—the ones I have only read about (honestly) — and now a bodacious barista was coming to my aid. Bless her scantily clad little heart. I realized at that moment that I wasn’t dead! I got my second wind! And amazing too that my espresso stand revival didn’t even involve caffeine!

With my heart now pumping strong again and with a full bottle of water, I was able to finish the last 5 miles of the course. Janna and I got a kick out of the incident and she had gotten a great laugh when she saw the look on my face once I realized that I was talking to a near naked woman! So, maybe that’s what I need to help me finish the White River 50 Mile Race. Sexy baristas cheering me on—and who needs the espresso shots?!

(photos by Janna Theriault)

2011-06-03T18:32:00.000-07:00

Trail Funding Continues to Trail Behind

I miss the good old days of the 1970s and 1980s. Seems like back then we had more trails and more funding for trail construction and maintenance. That's because we did! State and federal governments under both Democrats and Republicans allocated fair amounts of money to parks and forests to build and maintain trails--and provide access to them. The money was never enough-but compared to these days of fiscal meltdowns-the money was a windfall. Sure, taxes were higher back then (you get what you pay for) and ironically the extraction of timber from our national forests meant a lot of money coming back to fund roads and trails. But alas, the timber industry has collapsed here in the Northwest and both the federal and state governments aren't giving out too much doe any more for trails and land acquisition. And roads and access? We continue to lose them too and our trail inventory shrinks while our population continues to grow.

What to do then? We certainly can wait for better economic times and vote in government officials that will give us sound fiscal policies and sustainable and adequate funding. But I wouldn't hold my breath on that one. Instead, We the people need to get involved in the private sector and partner with state and federal agencies to help maintain our trails and acquire more public lands. Land trusts are great for protecting land and I belong and actively support a handful of them. Trail organizations fill the gap in keeping our trail system in good shape and I belong to a couple of these groups as well. I throw the bulk of my support to the Washington Trails Association which works statewide building and maintaining our priceless trails in a wide array of public lands from city and county parks to national park and forest wildernesses. But while our trails may be priceless, they do require some funding to keep them open. And that money isn't coming from the government. It's coming from you and me-or at least I hope it is coming from you and me. I invite you to join the Washington Trails Association and become one of thousands of Washington hikers who put their money where their mouths and boots are.

And I invite you to join the WTA through my 50 for 50 campaign. I have taken it upon myself to raise $10,000 for this organization by running in the White River 50 Mile Endurance trail Run in celebration of my 50th year here on planet earth. Please sponsor me by making a donation to WTA. Of course, any amount will help! But if you donate $20 or more, I will give you a special series Green Trails map ($12 value) and if you donate $40 or more I'll give you a map and you will become a WTA member which entitles you to a subscription to Washington Trails magazine (which I contribute to from time to time). How about it? Can I count on you for a donation and call you a fellow WTA member? It would be a great move to celebrate this year's National Trails Day!

(Picture-A WTA volunteer crew construct a trail on the future Miller Peninsula State Park, WA)

2011-05-26T17:11:00.000-07:00

Fifty for Fifty
A Northwest Runner’s golden challenge

In this month's Northwest Runner Magazine is the fourth installment of my Fifty for Fifty column documenting my progress towards running my first 50 Mile Trail run and raising $10,000 for the Washington Trails Association along the way. Enjoy the column-reprinted below and if you haven't made a donation yet-would you please consider making one on behalf of our threatened trails? Thanks-just click on this link-50 for 50 and make a donation. If you make one of at least $20 I will give you a beautiful Green Trails special map and if you make one of at least $40, I'll give you a map and WTA will give you a one year membership which includes their beautiful magazine, Washington Trails.

Fifty for Fifty
Part Four

As I write this month’s column, my fiftieth birthday is staring me in the face. Looks like I’m going to make that hurtle; but what about the bigger one that I set for myself—running the White River 50 Mile to celebrate this passage of time? And what about the monumental fundraising objective I also set for myself—raising $10,000 for the Washington Trails Association?

Well, I’m making progress on both counts! On April 9^th despite fighting a chest cold, I successfully ran my first 50K. It was the Eastside Runners’ Mount Si Ultra, a perfect first time ultra race with its relatively easy grades and good support. Accompanying (and encouraging) me along the way was veteran ultra runner Mike Mahanay, who I met at a previous trail run. I finished in 6 hours and 12 minutes and I knew that I was capable of running faster. But after being sick for weeks and wanting not to overdo it, I was content!

As far as the fundraising angle, I raised $1,000 in the month of April for the WTA. I plan on doing more promotions, talks and maybe a group hike and run to help bring in more funds for this great organization that works on behalf of our public lands and trails statewide. I invite you or your club to make a donation through my 50 for 50 campaign by visiting http://www.wta.org/50for50 . Maybe we can get a little friendly donating competition going on among the clubs? Skagit Runners, you better get on it!

And as far as the running? Next month, I’ll let you know how I did on May 7^th’s Lost Lake Ultra, a 34 mile trail run with 8,000 vertical feet of elevation. The vertical matches White River, so this run will be a good conditioner and harbinger for my goal race. I’m planning on running the Rainier to Ruston 50K Ultra on June 4^th which happens to be national trails day. It would be nice to see some of you there.

And what else am I doing? Experimenting with new shoes thanks to trail runner Boo Turner of Footloose Communications for setting me up with some Oboz shoes. Trying out some new shorts, packs, foods, and gels too—and hitting the trails around my home in the Skagit Valley. And as always I welcome your comments, suggestions, and encouragement (Craig@CraigRomano.com). See you on the trails!

2011-05-19T17:35:00.000-07:00

The Hanford Reach

One of the great protected landscapes of Washington State

When we think about Washington's great national parks and monuments we are often quick to note, Mount Rainier, Olympic, and North Cascades National Parks as well as the Mount St Helens National Volcanic Monument. Very few of us however think of the Hanford Reach National Monument. Created by President Clinton in 2000 by using the Antiquities Act of 1906 (the same law that President Teddy Roosevelt used to establish Olympic National Monument -later changed to park by his cousin President Franklin Roosevelt), the Hanford Reach is one of the most stunning and ecologically important places within the state. Aside from harboring the last large free flowing non-tidal stretch of the Columbia River, the monument teems with wildlife and spectacular beauty.

Here elk, coyote and eagles flourish. White pelicans and avocets too. All told there are 43 species of fish, 42 species of mammals, 258 bird species, 4 amphibian species, 11 reptile species and over 1,500 invertebrate species including many found nowhere else in the world. And the reach contains scores of flowering plants, too. Quite remarkable when you consider that the Hanford Reach consists of some of the driest and hottest landscapes in the Columbia Basin. And it is some of the finest shrub-steppe habitat remaining in Washington state.

I finally had the opportunity to hike there. The place is stunning. I will be back--the place is large with over 57,000 acres open to the public. Information on hiking in the area is scarce. But, no worries as the Hanford Reach will be included in my upcoming Day Hiking Eastern Washington book. In the meanwhile, try not to wait for the book to start exploring there!

2011-05-06T17:33:00.000-07:00

Off to the Printers!

I hope you are anticipating as much as I am the release of my 8th book, Backpacking Washington. Of all the books that I have worked on over the years, this one was the most demanding. Requiring over 1,500 miles of hiking research statewide and taking me three summers and three falls to complete, it was not without its challenges (other than the 1,500 miles!). I had to deal with some weather issues-late snow packs and a very wet 2010-and on top of that I got caught in a forest fire in the summer of 2009 that had me wondering if I would finish the book at all! It was an adventure to say the least. The book should be available by the end of the month-and you can pre-order it now from Amazon for only $12.89. It includes 70 trips from the Olympic Coast to the Salmo-Priest Wilderness. I look forward to sharing tales of these trails with you at the numerous book talks that I have (and am still) lining up. The first one will be at the REI in Alderwood (Lynnwood, WA) on June 1st. Register early, as space is limited. And my publicist is working really hard right now so that we may even have a launch party or two in the works. Wouldn't that be fun? Looking forward to seeing you at one of my upcoming events and thanks for all of your support and encouragement over the years.

(photo-Me trekking across Devils Dome in the Pasayten Wilderness-photo by Ted Evans)

2011-05-05T12:04:00.000-07:00

Guidebook Authors I admire

I have always had a fondness for guidebook authors. What a cool job! And what authority they have about trails and places! Over the years I amassed quite a collection of guidebooks too, especially for my favorite areas; New England and the Pacific Northwest. But I also have books for places I only have traveled to once or twice; places like the Yukon, Argentina, Nevada, and Korea. When I moved to Washington State in 1989, I commenced to purchase nearly everything by Harvey Manning and Ira Spring. Never in my wildest dreams that I ever think that I would be following their legendary bootprints.

As I have gotten older, and have become an established guidebook author realizing the amount of work and commitment involved to put out an accurate and well written book-I turned a critical eye at other guidebooks. I found many are not well researched, not well written or presented--and a few left me wondering if their authors did indeed even hike the trails within their pages.

But, I am not here to rip on other authors. I prefer instead to call out authors I admire. It's funny, but some authors feel threatened by other guidebook authors--especially if they are writing about similar locales. But, I don't feel that way at all. A good guidebook author will present his or her own take on a location and present it from an entirely different angle from another writer. In which case any "competing" books can actually enhance each other. I have felt that way with my titles compared to "competitors" that I admire.

So whose books do I purchase and praise? William L. Sullivan of Oregon for one. He is THE authority for hiking in Oregon. And while his 100 Hikes in Northwest Oregon covers the Columbia River Gorge, my Day Hiking Columbia River Gorge book covers so much more of the gorge that the two books are companions. Of course, Sullivan and I have different takes on the same hikes-and he, like me appreciates history and he has quite a knowledge of the stories behind the trails and places in his books.

I also admire Oregon-based writer Doug Lorain. And my upcoming Backpacking Washington Book is completely different than his backpacking Washington book. We have a couple of similar locations in our books-but once again focusing on different angles. And his book is meant more for longer distance trips and bigger excursions, while mine is focused more on weekend and week long trips.

I think Erik Molvar does a good job too, especially when it comes to details. I have both his Olympic and North Cascades books event though I am "competing" with him! My brother, Jeff does a great job covering New England and I always liked AMC's guidebooks which are more committee than author written. British Columbia based author Jack Bryceland I like too and his 103 Hikes in Southwestern British Columbia is a must for hiking BC.

Chis Townsend is another author I like. The Scottish based writer knows the Scottish Highlands and the Pyrenees where I guided for five seasons. But ironically the book of his I first bought was on the Yukon of all places. It's one of the few books written on hiking in the Yukon. Last September I met Chris on the trail! We shared a campsite together at Big Beaver Pass in the North Cascades National Park. I was researching my Backpacking Washington book and Chris was researching the Pacific Northwest Trail! Of course we had plenty to chat about over coffee (for me) and tea (for him)!

I met Bryceland in his hometown of Chilliwack during one of my presentations. We exchanged books! I haven't met Sullivan or Lorain yet-but just missed Lorain at Image Lake last summer by a week or so!Anyhow that's my take on my "competitors." I am always looking for a few more good guidebooks to add to my collection. Who are some of your favorite guidebook authors?

(Photo-guidebook writer Romano meets guidebook writer Townsend in the North Cascades backcountry-can you guess which one has been on the trail longer?!-photo by Ted Evans)

2011-05-04T15:57:00.000-07:00

Discovering Eastern Washington

With near record snowpacks this spring throughout most of Western Washington, other than the fact that you'll need to take out a second mortgage to put gas in your tank--this is the perfect time to discover Eastern Washington. Don't be fooled into thinking there is nothing worth hiking east of the Cascades. Surely, if your cross Washington travels have consisted of nothing other than I-90 crossings, I can see how you hold onto this incorrect notion. But veer northeast and southeast and you'll find plenty of mountainous terrain-and trails-and surprises-and even a few wilderness areas. Heck, even on the Columbia Plateau in the channeled scablands north and south of boring I-90 you'll find delightful places to walk with nature. Between promoting my latest books and training for my first 50 Mile Trail Run, I am busy researching trails and wild places for my next book, Day Hiking Eastern Washington. I always love heading over the passes. I admire Eastern Washington's wide open spaces, incredible biological diversity, sunshine, and friendly people. So, bite the bullet and fill up the gas tank and head east of the mountains this spring. The sunshine alone is worth the effort. It will be some time before the snow melts in the Cascades. Meanwhile, there are lots of untrammeled trails awaiting your boots in the wild corners of Washington's big empty!

(Photo-Palouse Canyon, Palouse Falls State Park)

2011-04-27T11:08:00.000-07:00

How about a Set of Guidebooks for Five Dollars?

My 50 for 50 fundraising campaign is literally off and running! In celebration of my 50th birthday this year, I am challenging myself to compete in and complete the White River 50 Mile Trail Run on July 30th. That's a big challenge and I continue to train setting my sights on my next 50K race in two weeks- the hilly and rough and tumble Lost lake 50K. I have also challenged myself in trying to raise $10,000 for the Washington Trails Association. To date, I thorough your donations have raised over $800. I am hoping that more of you can donate to this great cause with all that money going back into our trails and public places. Any donation is good. And if you donate at least $5 this month (time is running out) you will be entered into a drawing to win a set of my day hiking books. That's right-for just a $5 donation, you may end up winning $76 in books. So, click on this link and make a donation-please! Any amount of $40 or more will also land you a one year membership in the Washington Trails Association. You'll receive a year's subscription to Washington Trails Magazine and become part of a 10,000-plus member strong community of hikers and trail users. Can I count on a donation from you? I'm running my culo off in the process!

2011-04-15T10:32:00.000-07:00

A Si of Relief (and Joy)!

Okay-first of all I want to apologize for the long lapse of time between entries. I have been busy beyond belief! With the launch of my new book, Day Hiking Columbia River Gorge, assignments for VisitRainier.com, Seattle Met, Adventures NW, Northwest Runner, and a few others-I can't keep up! And of course there is the launch of my 50 for 50 fundraising campaign for the Washington Trails Association in which I am training to run and complete the White River 50 mile trail run in celebration of my 50th birthday and to raise $10,000 for trails here in Washington.

With our country buried deep in debt and Congress slashing the budget; trails and parks are feeling the pain. Now, more than ever, we the people need to take responsibility for funding and caring for our parks. The Washington Trails Association provides thousands of hours of trail maintenance on our public lands-and they represent us trail users going to bat for us in Olympia and Washington DC. So far, I (thanks to many of you) have raised almost $700 for WTA. Yahoo! I am excited for this response and I thank you.

Last week was also a milestone for me in that I ran and successfully completed my first 50K (31.1 miles) trail run. Taking just over 6 hours to complete, I participated in the Eastside Runner's Mount Si Ultra Runs. Directed by avid hiker and runner John Dickson, it was a great event, even though the weather wasn't optimal. But for the most part I was able to stay dry, and with the help of a drop bag was able to change into a dry shirt 10 miles into the run. I ran the entire race with Mike Mahanay who provided me with lots of support. He's a veteran at this Ultra stuff. I've only just begun-and I still have lots of training to do to reach 50 miles. Egad!! In the meanwhile I hope to see you on the trail and see your name on the donor list for 50 for 50! (photo-All smiles at the first kilometer. Photo by John Dickson)

2011-03-07T11:06:00.000-08:00

Live Free and Pony up for Conservation!

While I have been living in Washington State since 1989, my heart will always be in the Granite State. New Hampshire made me who I am-conservation minded, fiscally conservative, fiercely independent, and socially libertarian. Boy, that’s a mouthful! My home state has always been independent and libertarian. The state’s slogan is, Live Free or Die. It was uttered by General John Stark (a New Hampshire boy of course) at the Battle of Bennington during the American War of Independence.

In New Hampshire money isn’t wasted. There’s no state income tax. No sales tax either. The state looks for creative ways to solving problems and making life better on very little public funding. The state has one of the lowest crime rates in the country, and some of the best schools and health care facilities. It is neither particularly liberal nor conservative. It’s New Hampshire—a place where you don’t have to wear a helmet on a motorcycle, or wear a seat belt driving. You don’t need a license for a gun and you can get a marriage license if you’re gay.
When it comes to conservation, NH is bold and innovative. The state has been a pioneer in public-private conservation initiatives. Nearly 20% of the state’s land is protected. The state has the largest amount of federally protected land in New England. But the majority of the state’s protected land is through the private sector in land trusts and conservation easements. And almost all of that private land is open to the public.

I realized long ago even as a young idealist that it is true, that government is not the answer. We the people are. Of course we need government and we need regulations—and we need public land. But government simply cannot provide all of our conservation needs. I realized that back around 1985. I realized too that I had an obligation to help protect my planet. While I encourage my elected officials to do the right thing when it comes to conservation—and they do at times—I also realized that it is up to me and my fellow citizens to be involved, too. That is why I support land trusts and conservation groups. That is why I donate money and time to them. That is why I encourage all of you-liberal-conservative-moderate alike to get involved. Don’t wait for the government to buy that cherished open space threatened with development. You need to do it! Get involved with a land trust. They are some of the least-controversial conservation organizations around. You want to save land? Buy it! How American is that?

This year I received my 25 year lapel from the Society for the Protection of New Hampshire Forests (SPNHF). Founded in 1901, SPNHF is now one of the country's most effective statewide land conservation organizations. They are dedicated to protecting the state's most important landscapes while promoting the wise use of its renewable natural resources. SPNHF has been responsible for: helping to protect over one million acres of open space in the state; promoting good land stewardship through education and by example; and advocating for public policies that encourage the wise conservation of natural resources.

They were the first conservation group I joined. I have been a member now for more than half of my life. I am very proud of this organization. They have done more to save and protect NH than any other organization or government. The state of New Hampshire and I owe them so much. I look at this organization as a model of what conservation organizations should be. There’s nothing extreme about them and they are made up of and supported by folks from all walks of life. They support protecting important wildlife habitat as well as maintaining sustainable natural resource industries, primarily forestry. They were one of the driving forces behind establishing the White Mountain National Forest too; the largest open space in New England.

The White Mountains and New Hampshire helped instill in me a strong conservation ethic. I thank SPNHF for all of the inspiration they have given me and I wish them the most success for the future. I plan on continuing to support them as well as the various other organizations that I have joined since here in my new home state of Washington. I actively support the Skagit Land Trust, Conservation Northwest, and Friends of the Columbia Gorge—three more organizations that are innovative and leading governments to do the right thing instead of waiting for the government to do it. Conservation starts with you. Get involved. Living free and living on a planet of plentiful parks and preserves unfortunately is not free. We have an obligation to put our money and our actions where our words and thoughts are.

2011-02-25T19:31:00.000-08:00

Snow going in Skagit County!

So, two days ago when the Seattle area weather people were once again predicting Puget Sound would cease to exist under an impending blanket-of-God-forbid-snow! A measly inch or so fell in Seattle, and most area folks continued their lives, albeit now with a fully stocked pantry. Should have it stocked anyway for impending earthquakes and terrorist attacks-so this is good practice!

Meanwhile, up here in Skagit County-the Snow gods must have felt we needed a blast of winter-so they unleashed on us-14 inches of snow in the west up to three feet in the eastern regions. Twenty miles to the north and south-Niente neve! But we got covered! One of the more remarkable things about this snow epidemic was the rate that it came down-about 3 inches an hour for a couple of hours. So, the next morning, Skagit County awoke to a wintry wonderland.

This New Hampshire transplant loves it-and I might add that I work at home, so I don't need to fret about hitting the roads. Now, if you aren't a western Washingtonian you'll have a hard time imagining this - we had a storm drop 14 inches of snow in my neighborhood-and a plow never came by! A day later when he finally did, all he did was drive around-you actually have to have that blade scrape the pavement to do any good-and use some sand and salt while you are at it!

So, my road is not looking so good. No problem though-life continues for me. Heather and I shoveled our driveway and -it's impeccable-cleared right down to the pavement. So are the driveways of my neighbor from Alaska, my neighbor who once lived in the Cascades, my neighbor from the Midwest, my neighbor the fireman (who is also former military) and my Mexican neighbor (he works hard and so does his young son doing what I had to do back east when I was growing up-help my dad shovel the blasted driveway! These coddled American-born kids can learn a little responsibility and work ethic from their Mexican-born peers!)

Now, some of my western Washington born and raised neighbors have yet to leave their houses. No sign of them. Driveways completely buried. Cars covered. Do they not go to work? Are they in their bomb shelters? Meanwhile-Heather and I have some skiing to do-off to Sedro-Woolly to cut some tracks in all that fresh powder at Northern State Recreation Area. What a day! Only the second time in the four years I have lived in Skagit County that I got to enjoy low country Skagit County skiing.

The first time-during the winter blast of Dec 2008-we were the only ones there-we even made the paper! This time the word is out-the place has been tracked. More East coast and Midwest transplants moved into the area I suppose? Maybe if enough of them keep moving here they can hold a plowing seminar-and have a fundraiser to buy more plows! Think about it. We spend a lot of money preparing for earthquakes, yet I have only been in one here in my 21 years in western Washington. Snowstorms? At least one or two a year-and they are getting fiercer than they were in the 90s. I think its time our cities and towns budget more snow removal equipment-and for the rest of you-buy a shovel-and some cross country skis! Let is snow! The world will go on-and it can be fun!

(photo-Heather breaking tracks after the big Skagit snow blast of 2011)

2011-02-21T16:00:00.000-08:00

A Golden Opportunity for a major Milestone

In this month's Northwest Runner magazine I made a big announcement through a new column, Fifty for Fifty, that I am writing for the next six months. My declaration? I'm getting old! My challenge? I will attempt to run my first 50 mile race to usher in my 50th year of living! The day and place of reckoning? The White River 50 Mile Trail Run--one of the more challenging, exhilarating, and exceptional trail running events in the country. I will be turning this journey-the training-preparing and running of this event into a fundraiser for the Washington Trails Association, too. And what better way to blend my love of hiking, running, trails, and the great outdoors than as a way to give back to an organization that helps make my lifestyle happen? I'll be announcing soon on how you can become part of the fundraising-and there will be ways for you to earn a prize along the way by joining in. For those of you who don't read Northwest Runner-here's an abbreviated version of my first column which announced my decision to do this event. I look forward to training with and seeing many of you on the trails and at the races in the next six months-and I hope that you will be part of the fundraising to help keep Washington's Trails in excellent shape and open to hikers and trail runners of all ages and backgrounds!

Northwest Runner magazine excerpt-

I suppose it was inevitable that the day would finally come when I would have to accept that—gasp—I’m middle age! While 40 may be the new 30, and 50 the new 40; new 40 or old 40, I’m finally there—middle age! Of course, we runners do our best to try to beat aging, but who are we kidding? Time keeps ticking away for us, too. But, at least we try to beat time in the process. And this time, since I have stopped beating my running times long ago, I decided I am going to beat being over the hill, by running over the hill. Lots of hills actually and 50 miles in the process! Yep, I’ve decided to mark my turning 50 milestone by running 50 miles.
Now if you’re a seasoned ultra runner, you’re probably yawning at this announcement. But if you’re a runner contemplating going beyond the marathon, and if you’re a runner staring at your own mortality, then you might be interested in this new column. For the next six months I invite you to come along with me as I prepare to run my first (and probably only) 50 mile run. My target race is the famous White River 50 Mile Trail Run on July 30th. I actually turn 50 in May so I have two months to acclimate to my new age!

Those of you who are perfectly content running 5 and 10Ks—heck half and full marathons even, might be wondering, why am I doing this? Good question. I’m wondering about it too! But, seriously—I have always been aerobically active and always enjoyed a good challenge. When I was 18 years old I rode my bicycle around America on a 41 state, 9 month, 13,000 mile bicycle trip. The following summer I rode 8,500 miles on another cross-country bike trip. This time to Alaska via Arkansas (and the other states I missed the first time) and started back home (I was living in New Hampshire at the time) across Canada until I had to finish early in Manitoba due to sickness. The next year I biked east to Newfoundland polishing off my last Canadian province.
I eventually tired of cycling (but I still do it for fun, now!) and took up hiking and running. I’ve logged over 20,000 lifetime miles on the trail from Quebec to Argentina. And I make my living now primarily by writing about hiking. I’ve been running religiously since the late 80s. I ran my first marathon at age 29 and qualified for Boston at my second marathon. My third was Boston. Then due to injuries I fell out of marathoning.

I’ve returned since to the marathon, but I don’t train like I used to. After all I’m older, slower and fatter now than I was back then! I ran my 10th marathon in October of 2009. I didn’t run any last year as I was too busy hiking and researching a backpacking book. I did however log over 1,200 miles on the trail last year, and fit in 800 miles running. I figure 2,000 miles running and hiking should give me a solid base to run a 50 mile road race.

Mentally, I’m ready for this. I’ve wanted to do this race for some time, but my hiking obligations were always in the way. Now, my next manuscript isn’t due for some time and you only turn 50 once (thank God). This is the time to make this happen!
So, that’s it. I’m about to begin a long journey to successfully compete in and complete a 50 Mile Ultra Run. I’ve had 50 years to think about this! Bring it on!

(photo-still standing-barely-after doing a "training" trail marathon on President's Day Weekend)

2011-02-15T10:50:00.000-08:00

On Great Pyrenees
The dog and the mountains!

I recently became aware that one of my newest followers on Facebook is a Great Pyrenees dog named Tubbs Dewclaw. I welcome Tubbs to my site-after all I have a cat that follows me too. And the Great Pyrenees breed gets along well with cats, so Giuseppe Gattino shouldn't mind at all. What Giuseppe knows, but Tubbs doesn't, is that I have a fondness for Pyrenees breed. The great Pyrenees dog is one of the most handsome breeds (IMHO)-and I have had the honor to spend time with these dogs in their natural habitat! Heather and I spent five seasons as hiking guides in the Pyrenees of France and Spain. And while this dog is not as common there as you'd expect, you can always count on one working the fields or lounging in town (usually the latter-after all this is France!). The French love their chiens and the Great Pyrenees are well loved too-and they get to work (like we did) in one of the prettiest mountain ranges on the planet. Now while the Great Pyrenees dog is not as common in the mountains of France and Spain like he used to be-his cousin the Abruzzese shepherd is quite common in his native Italian Apennines. I met many of these fine dogs while hiking in another one of my favorite places on the planet, Abruzzo National Park. So, if there are any Great Pyrenees and Abruzzese shepherd fans out there, chime in! And Tubbs, you too feel free to bark in-and I hope you turn out to be a great therapy dog.

(photo-Heather and new friend, a Great Pyrenees that works as a volunteer at Nevada's Great Basin National Park)

2011-01-29T19:10:00.000-08:00

Roll on Skagit Roll on!

In Skagit County, it's all about the river-the Skagit River. It runs through the county from the North Cascades to Puget Sound threading together an array of communities that are home to most of the county's 120,000 residents. I am one of them; and like many in the county, I live near the river. When it floods I can see it (safely) from my office window. I have driven along it, hiked beside it, and cycled along it. Today I finally experienced the river by being on it. My wife booked a float trip on the river with Pacific NW Float Trips-part of their winter bald eagle watching trips in conjunction with the Skagit River Bald Eagle Festival in Concrete and Rockport.

While the trip is more passive than the type of recreation I am more used to-I usually prefer to be paddling, pushing, pedaling-you get my point-it was fun to sit back and let the river (and our guide Donavon too) do the work. Under a gray cloak that held off drenching us until the last mile or two, we just languidly (with a few brief and small rapids) floated down the river and absorbed nature and winter in the Northwest at its finest. Eagles, mergansers, dippers, moss draped maples, and majestic firs-and then rain-the life force of the Pacific Northwest. It was a nice trip-a nice experience to feel the river-the river that defines my home-my region-and my special corner of God's green (very green here in Skagit County) planet!

2011-01-14T10:12:00.000-08:00

The State of our State Parks: Not good

Below is an open letter from the Washington State Parks and Recreation Commission on the state of funding for our state parks. Read it and feel free to comment both to the commission and to your elected representatives. Feel free too to leave a comment here. As most of you know I have been very critical of the way we have been funding (rather lack of funding) our parks for the past several years. I have been deeply impressed with Oregon's solutions for funding their parks and I wish that we can adopt a few of those methods here. In a perfect world it would be nice to have our legislators (with the governor's insistence)fully fund our parks. But it is not going to happen-it didn't happen during our boom years. Therefore we are left with two choices: to accept (onerous to many) user fees or a greatly reduced state park system. I'm willing to pay for our parks-they are too valuable to be sold off or left to languish. Evidently many of my fellow citizens are vehemently against user fees. And while I respect your opinions and understand the principles that you stand on-I ask you then how are we going to keep our parks from being shut down and/or sold? I welcome your solutions-and I hope that we can all weather this economic climate to get our parks through this very trying time.

Governor’s 2011-13 budget moves State Parks off general fund tax, supports user-based fees to keep parks operating

Dear state parks friend,

The start of the 2011 legislative session finds State Parks at a crossroads. Now, more than ever, donations tied to vehicle license tabs are needed to bridge the budget gap, as we potentially move from an agency that relies on general fund state tax dollars to one that may rely primarily on user fees.

In response to the state budget crisis, the Governor’s budget makes dramatic reductions in basic health, social and education programs and in the mix proposes a reduction of 70 percent of the agency’s general fund tax support in the 2011-13 biennium, which begins July 1, 2011. This would leave $20 million in one-time tax support to help the agency transition to a funding base built on new user fees. Then in 2013-15, there would be no general fund tax support, and State Parks would rely on user fees alone. In addition, the State Parks Commission knows that it will have to manage the park system differently in order to sustain it in these times.

Faced with the prospect of losing tax support for parks operations, the Commission believes that user-based fees are the best and fairest option we have to operate the park system, because it relies upon those who use the parks to pay for them. We are optimistic that this could support the system. We are already deeply involved in the Governor’s reform initiative and are working together with other natural resource agencies to find savings and efficiencies. As part of this effort, State Parks, Washington Department of Fish and Wildlife and Department of Natural Resources are exploring the idea of charging a reasonable fee for a single permit that would provide access to state parks and recreation lands.

If the Legislature includes the permit/fee in its final budget this spring, one model being considered would enable vehicle owners to buy their recreation permit at reduced cost when they renew their vehicle license tabs through the Department of Licensing. Without the permit/ fee in the next biennium, parks all over the state could be reduced to zero service.

While we wait for things to unfold this legislative session, your donations are still very much needed to help us keep operating through the current budget period and into the next.

For more information about the donation program and current charts showing monthly donation levels, visit www.parks.wa.gov/donations/ and public comments are always welcome via e-mail to public.information@parks.wa.gov. We will provide you with periodic updates on the State Parks budget and parks services.

Thank you for your support,

Washington State Parks and Recreation Commission

2011-01-12T09:45:00.000-08:00

A Suiattle Sooner can't wait to hike the Suiattle any sooner!

Count me to be one of the Suiattle Sooners. That is, I plan to rush the magical Suiattle Valley as soon as the road is reopened which should be sometime late this summer. Finally! Access to the much of the Suiattle Valley and Whitechuck River Valleys was lost in 2003 when devastating floods claimed the Forest Service Roads leading through them. Lost was access to miles of some of the most magnificent hiking trails in the Northwest. And with loss of access, came loss of maintenance and a threat of permanent loss. Which was the case for the Whitechuck, the road washed out in so many places that not even the most stimulus happy Congress could ever justify or provide the funds to rebuilt it--not to mention new environmental concerns as well.

The Whitechuck Trail was a favorite for many and I will always cherish my Halloween 1999 hike on It to Kennedy Hot springs. They're gone too-reclaimed by the earth they once bubbled up from. Lake Byrne will still be accessible via Lost Ridge and the upper Whitechuck still accessible by the Pacific Crest Trail-now fixed and fortified as well. These destinations will be within the backpacking domain-and that's okay, leaving them for the more adventurous intent on a bigger payoff of solitude and true wilderness. But day hikers have plenty to rejoice about too, for Green Mountain, Sulphur Mountain, and Huckleberry Mountain will once again be within their sights.

Thank God-my Day Hiking North Cascades Books has been pitching them for years. And the most glorious spot of all in the Suiattle Valley, Image Lake and Miners Ridge will once again be hikeable from the west. I hiked this area from the east this past summer for my upcoming Backpacking Washington book and can conclude that Image Lake is truly one of the most spectacular places in all of Washington-make that the nation! Yeah, sure there will be a few more people there in 2012-but it's still a 16 mile slog from the west-one that only the hardiest and most determined backcountry trekkers will attain-and they deserve it! Bring on the Suiattle-I can hardly wait-hope to see you on the trail-I'll be there first thing on opening day, pack on and boots ready to kick up some tread!

(photo-Glacier Peak rising above the Suiattle River Valley from the Miners Ridge Lookout 08.10)

2011-01-08T08:59:00.000-08:00

2010 Milestones

It's that time of the year again when I spend much time planning for the future (present year) and reflecting on the past year. While 2010 was definitely a challenging year for our country and many of her citizens--for me it was a good year overall. I spent the brunt of it working on two books which had me on the trail an inordinate amount of time. In all I recorded just shy of 1,200 miles of hiking (200 miles more than last year). And while hiking took up most of my time, I did manage to still enjoy my other passion, running too. While I was not able to participate in any marathons last year, I did run in a few good races and recorded just shy of 750 miles (100 miles less than last year. This year I will be shifting my priorities with running over hiking as my book workload consists of just one book (so far) and I will be training for something entirely new (details later).

But before I jump into 2011, one last look at 2010. For hiking, it was a great albeit challenging year getting to so many places in so little time. I never hiked so many 25 one day trips in my life than last year. And where did I hike to last year?

All over the Columbia River Gorge

The Olympic Coast from the Hoh River to Lake Ozette

Image lake in the Glacier Peak Wilderness

Lake LaCrosse in the heart of the Olympics

Devils Dome, Desolation Peak and Copper Ridge in the North Cascades National Park

Chain and Doelle Lakes in the Alpine Lakes Wilderness

The Kettle Crest

And so many other great places. I relish the memories of those places and the great folks I hiked with as I reread the manuscripts accounting those adventures.

And while I didn't run in any marathons last year, I take with me a cherished memory of almost winning my first race! In tiny Pomeroy, Washington I came in second place in the little Dash for Cash 5K-but had the pleasure and excitement of actually leading the race for about one mile. Ultimately I lost to a young contender who was overcome with joy-and that made me happy too. A medal is meaningless. A warm memory however of someone else overjoyed and glowing is priceless and everlasting.

How about you? What are your warmest memories of hiking and/or running in 2010? And I hope that you, like me, look forward to a wonderful 2011 as well!

(photo-Dash for Cash Awards Ceremony, Pomeroy WA- John Hastings photographer)

2011-01-05T12:05:00.000-08:00

"We Need the Tonic of Wildness"

"We need the Tonic of Wildness," wrote Henry David Thoreau in the 1840s while living on Walden Pond. Back then, Walden Pond was an island of wild surrounded by farms and a newly industrializing landscape. Thoreau constructed a tiny cabin in a grove of pine and oak above a cove on the placid kettle pond. And although just a mere mile from the hubbub of Concord, he was quite removed at Walden. He spent his days observing the wild world around him and coming to the realization that we very much need that wild world for our own sanctity-and that there is much virtue in a life of "voluntary simplicity."

Fast forward to 2010. Walden Pond is now a beloved state park visited by 100,000s of folks every year. Still forested and undeveloped, and still just a mere mile from the hubbub of Concord, it is no wilderness as it was 170 years ago. But it still calls to those who wish to perhaps leave the industrial world behind for a short moment and partake instead in quiet contemplation and natural observation. Is there room left for wildness and wilderness in a country approaching 310,000,000 residents intent on constantly acquiring and consuming? What will Walden Pond and the surrounding countryside-and country be like 170 years forward?

"I went to the woods because I wished to live deliberately," wrote Thoreau in Walden. "To front only the essential facts of life. And see if I could not learn what it had to teach and not, when I came to die, discover that I had not lived."

It's a new year--start living!

2010-12-14T18:28:00.000-08:00

The Skagit Overfloweth

Floods are awesome acts of nature and part of the continuous cycle of life, death, renewal. But if you live on a floodplain, floods are simply destructive and to be feared. Nearly 40% of the 120,000 people who call Skagit County live on the Skagit River Floodplain. Practically the entire cities of Burlington and La Conner are completely on the flood plain. Excellent soils for agriculture-terrible place to live. The county has maintained decent dikes and levees to protect folks and their property from a swelling river--and the county has done a pretty darn good job seeing to it that no more development occurs on the floodplain. It is some of our best agricultural lands after all-excellent wildlife habitat too-and a safety zone for when the river spills over its banks.

I live on higher ground overlooking the floodplain. I am well aware of the folks whose nerves must rattle when the skies open up and the monsoon rains fall. I pray that they do not become victims of a broken levee or a failed dike-and I pray that we stop developing floodplains so that nature may take its course and needless property damage can cease. When I watch the river overflow, for me safe on higher ground-it is truly awesome-man has no dominion over nature when she is raging with water. I marvel when the floodplain suddenly-overnight in many instances sports new lakes. And being in the center of some of the largest wintering grounds for swans-the new lakes soon become dotted with these majestic birds. I love to run down to the new lakes and see these birds-and the clouds reflecting on the murky water. It is eerie and beautiful. Nature recharging right in front of my eyes. In the circle of life, floods are good-they flush nutrients and recharge wetlands-they make new channels and oxbow lakes-they are an important part of of our natural world. But to humans who live and conduct commerce on the floodplain, they wreak havoc and instill fear. Nature is an awesome force and she needs to remind us of that fact every now and then.

2010-12-04T10:49:00.000-08:00

Alice Walker

on why writer's should care

Pulitzer Prize winner, Alice Walker recently said in an interview by Jessica Strawser in Writer's Digest Magazine (October 2010):

"I don't like writer's who don't care. I think writers should care desperately."

Strawser then asked her:

"Do you feel writers have a responsibility to address issues facing the world?"

Walker's response:

If they call to them--not, of course, if they don't. But I would think nine times out of 10, something would call to a writer, because that's just the way it is. And it doesn't have to be something dreadful; it can be just something exquisite, or something that you want to share with the world, and you feel they're not paying enough attention. It could be about anything, but you should care always about what it is that you're offering: I care, and therefore I offer this.

Which led to me to some introspective thinking on my own writings and whether I care too little or too much when expressing myself. Many guidebook authors take a safer route of just explaining the trail and what you will see and not offer their own opinions on what are often controversial and political views on land management and environmental issues. A few other guidebook authors can be rather polemic (and therefore dividing) when presenting their views. I try to take a more middle of the trail approach. I do indeed have strong opinions on conservation issues and I feel it is my duty as a guidebook author to go beyond just describing a trail and park. But, I also acknowledge other views and opinions that differ from mine and I do not want to denigrate or dismiss folks (who may be my readers) who hold those opinions. I welcome dialogue-safe and healthy and respectful so that we all may come to some kind of agreement on solutions to the pressing environmental issues we are confronted with.

So I ask you. Should I care? Should I take strong stands? What if I take a stand you don't agree with-do I lose you as a reader or do I make you think about your position? What about you? If you're a writer, do you freely express your views on something that could lead to possibly losing readers. Do you think in this current highly divided and partisan atmosphere that we can even have real, thoughtful and respectful dialogue anymore that will result in real change and reform?

I know that I welcome your opinion. Do you welcome mine? Feel free to respond, I'm truly interested in what you have to say.

(photo from Alice Walker's official website)

2010-11-27T17:17:00.000-08:00

Winter Wander Land

With our recent White Thanksgiving here in Washington State, I'm preparing for what most meteorologists are predicting to be a colder and snowier than normal winter. That's okay by me. I'm done researching my Backpacking and Columbia River Gorge Books and I won't start researching trails for my Eastern Washington book for a couple of more months. This doesn't mean that I go into hibernation. Not at all! Although it is difficult to get out sometimes in these dark, gray wet days; I still manage to run 4 to 5 days a week and sneak in a bike ride on those rare dry sunny days.

I'll probably get some skiing in too this year. I don't do enough of that anymore. I used to work at ski resorts and downhill skied over 100 days a year back in the day. I miss cross-country skiing too. When I lived in New Hampshire and Vermont I often skied right from my home. But if we get some decent snowfall here in the lowlands of western Washington this winter (like we did two winters ago) I imagine I'll be strapping on my cross-country boards a few times. And since I landed some stories this winter on downhill skiing here in the Evergreen State, I'll be doing a little schussing this year too! Yahoo!

But how about hiking? You bet-I still like to get out and hike throughout the winter. Occasionally I'll snowshoe, but there is some decent hiking in the lowlands that doesn't warrant donning much more than a good pair of trail running shoes. What are some of my favorite places for winter wandering? The nearby Chuckanut Mountains of course; Whidbey and the San Juan Island too and the coast. The coast is particularly striking in the winter with its fire red sunsets and glowing skies. Mind as well throw in a rainforest hike too if you are going to be out at the coast during the winter months. How about you? Where do you like to do your winter wandering? And how? On board, bike or boots?

(photo-winter sunset at Ruby Beach, Olympic National Park)

2010-11-22T16:40:00.000-08:00

A Reading from the Book of the Columbia Highlands

Today, Mitch Friedman of Conservation Northwest and I had the opportunity to talk about the Columbia Highlands on KUOW's Weekday program. To those who know this area, no introduction is needed. But to most residents of Washington state, a blank stare is what usually follows when you mention this area. Or worse, a false image. The northeast corner of the state from eastern Okanogan County to the Idaho border is a mountainous, forested, sparsely populated region. Politically, economically, and geographically resembling more the northern Rockies than the Pacific Northwest, it is truly a unique region of the Evergreen State. A good portion of the area lies within the Colville National Forest. Yet this 1.1 million acre public forest reserve only contains 40,000 acres of wilderness; a mere 3% of its base. Of all the national forests within the country, the Colville ranks among the bottom in wilderness protection. The Kettle River Range, the crown jewel of the Columbia Highlands was negotiated out of the 1984 Washington Wilderness Act. One of the biggest conservation shames in our state's history. Conservation Northwest and others have been working hard to correct this--and we are getting really close to having new legislation introduced to protect over 200,000 acres of this ecological haven as federal wilderness. I hope you join in the movement. Below are some excerpts from my book, Columbia Highlands- Exploring Washington's last Frontier. I hope they inspire you to explore this area and vow to protect it.

Beyond the craggy and glacial-covered Cascades, and north of the arid Columbia Plateau lies Washington’s Columbia Highlands. Spanning from the Okanogan River to the Idaho border, this isolated region contains the wildest lands remaining in eastern Washington. Rising to heights exceeding 7,000-feet, the Highlands’ Selkirk and Kettle River Mountains are impressive and imposing landmarks.

But it’s not the lofty peaks, the highest in eastern Washington that attract me here. It’s the region’s pure wildness and remoteness that I find so alluring.

The Columbia Highlands are a land of incredible biological diversity; where east meets west in the Evergreen State. A transition zone between the wet Cascades and the drier Rocky Mountains, the Highlands act as a land bridge for wildlife populations from these greater ecosystems. Moose and lynx, species more associated with the Rockies, thrive here. Flora too mingles in this ecological conversion zone. Sagebrush creeps skyward on south slopes, while north facing ravines shade dense stands of moisture loving fir and cedar.

Deer are profuse in the region’s open pine forests and rangelands. This land is a refuge for grizzly, wolves, and wolverines. Black bear and cougar roam freely within this wild country, and woodland caribou hang on to their last stomping grounds south of the Canadian border.
To the Colville Nation these mountains are sacred-a sanctuary for young warriors engaging in vision quests. And I too, have felt spirits in these mountains; in winds whistling through silver snags and in thunderous clouds swirling over high peaks aimed toward the heavens.

Words like, awesome, stunning, and defiant roll off the tongue when describing the beauty of the Cascade and Olympic Mountains. The mountains of northeastern Washington rarely garner such lavish praise. Here the landscape is more likely to soothe the soul than stimulate it. The beauty in this region is subtle. It is measured in rays of sunlight filtering through a cathedral forest of ancient pines; a golden hillside teeming with deer; an alpine meadow kissed by morning dew and brushed in a rainbow of colors; or a colonnade of blue peaks fading into the night. Solace is felt in the soft breezes that whistle through shiny snags perched in heavenly gardens. The highlands are cherished for its vastness-its lack of human intervention-its rejuvenating properties, and its abundance of God’s living creations.

Yet, while the Columbia Highlands contain some of the most beautiful, remote, and wildlife-rich lands in Washington, only a mere fraction of it is protected. Less than 3% of these public lands are classified as federal wilderness. Just one small wilderness area of 41,000 acres is all that has been set aside from the ever-present and ever-growing threats of road construction, resource exploitation, and off-road vehicles.

For decades the Columbia Highland’s best protection was its obscurity. But as Washington’s population continues to burgeon, pressure is mounting to open up these wild lands to development and other incompatible uses. How we respond to these impending threats depends on how much we cherish and value this special place?

2010-11-13T18:01:00.000-08:00

You Can't Have It Both Ways!

We Americans are in a quandary. Many of us have grown quite alarmed at the size of the national debt. It is staggering and many economists believe that we are on a path to financial disaster. The current president and the previous one have exacerbated the debt to a staggering level. In the last 60 years only presidents Clinton, Johnson, and Eisenhower have resided over balanced budgets-and only for a year or two of their terms. We clearly cannot spend more money than we take in any longer and most Americans realize this. Whether Congress does or not is another story however.

And on the state level, the current revenue scene is even bleaker. For most states, unlike the federal government must balance their budgets-it is the law, cemented in their constitutions. Achieving a balanced budget is simple in theory. You either raise revenues-ie TAXES- or reduce spending-ie CUTS. Simple, right? But, just like losing weight it is easier said than done. You either eat less-or exercise more-everyone knows this, yet many of us continue to struggle with weight gain. And we continue to struggle with bloated budgets starved of revenues. The economy is whimpering, so revenues are barely trickling in. We don't dare tax more, especially when so many folks are losing their jobs, their houses, and soon the battle with inflation.

So, it's time to cut the budget-until it is your sacred cow that gets slaughtered. Parks are one of my sacred cows. They are good for society, nature, and our nation. I don't believe I have to argue that point to you. Our parks have never been funded properly even during good times. The slide to fee collections began during the booming 1990s. Many folks protested loudly over park and forest fees and understandably so-but many of these same folks would probably yell loudly if we raise taxes to pay for these lands. We simply cannot have it both ways. We must resign ourselves to accepting fees, or lest we lose our parks and forests. In the United Kingdom which is suffering from crushing debt right now, members of parliament have approved the drastic measure of selling off public lands. The bi-partisan commission here in the US which is about to release their suggestions on how to cut the debt also includes the suggestion of selling off public land. That would be a tragedy on so many accounts and an affront to the millions of citizens and thousands of lawmakers both Democrat and Republican that have fought hard over the past century assuring us a legacy of public lands. Ironically, one of the periods of the greatest acquisition and development of parks and preserves was during the Great Depression, our worst economic period in our nation's history.

Selling and shutting down our public lands should not-should never-be an option. And our nation must practice fiscal prudence and responsibility and get its finances in order and balanced. But we as a nation have to decide-are our parks worth paying for? One way or another-increased taxes or increased fees seem to be the only answer. We can't have it both ways-We can't demand no tax increases and fees and expect our parks and preserves to remain open. Some things in life are worth fighting for and paying for-parks are one of them. I hope that regardless of your political leanings you agree with me. We have our work cut out for us if we are to continue our amazing legacy of parks and conservation in this great nation.

2010-11-12T11:00:00.000-08:00

Let me give you a Book

to take away

the

November

Blues!

This month I am giving away two of my books! And perhaps you'll be one of the recipients. Choose from Day Hiking North Cascades, Day Hiking Central Cascades, Day Hiking Olympic Peninsula, Best Hikes with Dogs Inland Northwest or Winter Hikes of Western Washington Card Deck.

Are you interested? Here's how to win one:

Suggest to your friends "liking" me on Facebook!

When I hit 500 Likes I will give away a book by random drawing to one of the new recruits (as of November 11).

The person responsible for suggesting that person (the recruit) will also receive a free book.

And the more people you recruit increases your odds of winning a book!

Are you interested? Send your recruit here. And the sooner I hit 500 Likes, the sooner I can get those guidebooks into your and your recruit's hands! Use your book to plan future trips, venture out now, or give away as a gift. Good Luck!

2010-11-08T11:12:00.000-08:00

Solitude and Serenity flow from the Kettles

In a state bursting with so much spectacular alpine scenery, it would seem hard to pinpoint my absolute favorite area. And it is. I have hiked Washington State quite thoroughly in the past two decades. From the soggy saturated Olympic Coast to the sun-kissed canyon country of the Blue Mountains—and everything in between. I love the teeming with wildlife Olympic Mountains; the icy cloud piercing jagged crags of the North Cascades; the sprawling flower carpeted alpine meadows of the Central Cascades; the glittering lakes of the Snoqualmie Region; the in your face superlative nature of Mount Rainer; the volcanic country of the South Cascades; the waterfalls and basalt walls of the Columbia River Gorge; the swaying grasses and basalt canyons of the Columbia Plateau; the emerald ridges harboring grizzlies and caribou of the Selkirks; and the lonely sun baked Blue Mountains.

And then there are the Kettles—which may very well be my favorite place in the state. Why? They are not the highest, most rugged mountains in the state. And they’re certainly not the subject of countless calendars and placemats either. What is it then about the Kettles that lure me to them over and over again? There is simply nothing else like them anywhere. When I hike these old rounded gentle giants, I feel like I am hiking in the Appalachians—but without the crowded eastern seaboard nearby. And when I look out at the golden rangelands and rolling empty hills below I feel like I am in the foothills of the northern Rockies, not the Pacific Northwest. And when I walk along the Kettles’ empty trails, I feel like I am in northeastern British Columbia—far removed from the burgeoning urban centers of the West Coast.

I share these mountains with wolves, lynx, the occasional grizzly and the spirits of hardscrabble miners, prospectors, trappers, and First Peoples. I feel the hand of Providence here as only a divine being could be responsible for making this place so perfect. And I fear the power of man here, for only man can denigrate this place—if he chooses to—or preserve it and cherish it and seek it for rejuvenation and celebration if wisdom and stewardship prevail. I love the Kettles and have devoted a good part of my life as a writer to help protect this vestige of the past.

I invite you to walk among these mountains leaving your preconceptions behind. Here, you won’t have a two mile high glacial clad peak bringing you to your knees. But you will have a soft breeze whisk through you touching your heart and alerting your senses to an incredible natural world that remarkably still exists despite the advancement of civilization on practically every other corner of the world. These mountains are gentle and inviting but among the wildest places left in America. In the Kettles I seek rejuvenation and reflection, guidance and redemption. If you have never stepped foot in this wild and enchanting area, I urge you to do so. And if the Kettles touch your heart and tug at your soul, I invite you to join me and many others working to make sure this place remains wild and special forever. For more on the movement to protect the Kettles visit Columbia Highlands.org. For more information on exploring the Kettles check out my book on the Columbia Highlands. And at anytime you want to talk about the Kettles, I’m always interested in what you have to say.

2010-11-01T19:46:00.000-07:00

Go East Middle Aged Man!

Well with the Columbia River Gorge and Backpacking books now behind me, it's time to focus on Day Hiking Eastern Washington. I am excited to be working on this book for so many reasons. First and foremost is that it is going to be so much easier to work on than my last two projects. I just completed 2 complete manuscripts in which I hiked over 2,000 miles- did all my own photography and mapping. Now I am working with a co-author, Rich Landers, and we are splitting the tasks of researching, photographing, mapping and writing. So my work load goes from toiling over 2 books to now working on a 1/2 book-that means I am only working at 25% of my previous capacity! Now, normally working below your capacity is nothing to celebrate about -but boy do I need a break right now after working on my hardest project to date. So. it's off to Eastern Washington for me for the next several months. I'll be researching trails in the Kettle River Range, Columbia Plateau and Okanogan Highlands. What's really cool is that this was the area that I originally proposed doing a book on many years ago. I have finally gotten my wish-and I get to revisit so many of favorite places and scope out lots of new places too. And though I have written about Mount Rainier, the North Cascades, the Olympic Peninsula, and the Columbia River Gorge-places of incredible beauty-I find that the northeastern part of the state is one of the most beautiful places in Washington too. I hope you will as well when you pick up this great book. Okay, I have work to do! Happy hiking!

(Photo-looking northwest from Sherman Peak in the Kettles)

2010-10-24T15:47:00.000-07:00

Mapping out a New Hiking Future

To all my faithful followers, thanks for sticking with me! As you know this has been an extremely busy year for me having just completed researching and writing (and mapping and photographing) two new books. Good news-they're done! They'll both be out next spring and then I'll be busy out and about promoting them. I look forward to seeing many of you at these events and sharing all kinds of great hiking information with you. In the meantime, I'm back to blogging on a regular basis now that I am no longer in the woods and working on a manuscript every waking moment of the day. And if you're wondering what I'll be working on next-I am currently working with Rich Landers of the Spokesman Review of Spokane on a Day Hiking Eastern Washington Book. And I have been working with Green Trails cartographer extraordinaire Marc Rothmeyer on two new Columbia River Gorge maps. You are going to like these, and my new book references them. What we have found is that many previous existing maps of the gorge are simply inaccurate. They don't show many trails or they show trails in the wrong places. And of course with all of the new trails recently constructed in the gorge, most maps don't show these as well. So, definitely check out these new maps when you head down to the gorge this spring putting my new Day Hiking Columbia River Gorge Book to work. And of course I'll be out mapping and writing about many new places soon. So, let me ask you this--where would you like me to write about next? Where do you think a new book should be written for? Let me know and as always I thank you for your support and I look forward to seeing you on the trail or at an upcoming book event where we can talk about our great trails and outdoors!

2010-10-07T15:48:00.000-07:00

Black and White

and soon to be read all over!

Yesterday marked a miner triumph for me. With the success of my hike into Olympic National Park's Flapjack Lakes and Black and White Lakes, I finally completed research for my upcoming Backpacking Washington Book. The research included 70 hikes that I chose to represent some of the best backpacking/multi-day destinations within the state. Yep-the state-as in the entire state. From the Olympic coast to NE Washington's Salmo-Priest Wilderness and Southeast Washington's Wenaha-Tucannon Wilderness-that's a lot of ground to cover. And the hikes ranging from 17 to 50 miles with most in the 20-30 mile range was a lot of ground to cover too. I haven't yet tallied how many miles I have hiked total researching the book-nor the total miles I have hiked this year researching three books-I'll have those numbers soon. But all I can say is the the Backpacking Book is definitely the most challenging project and most demanding project that I have ever worked on. It is also one of the most satisfying, bringing me to amazing places and keeping me in shape. I am now finishing up the manuscript- 67,000 words currently penned, about 13,000 more to go. I look forward to this book's release and I look forward to sharing it with you. In the meantime-I welcome the autumn rains and a needed refrain from long distance hiking!

2010-09-11T13:06:00.000-07:00

Busy as a Beaver

and learning a few things in the process!

This week's adventure was yet another research destination for my upcoming Backpacking Washington book. And like other recent destinations, was yet another all-out grind as I condensed what is normally a 3 or 4 day trip into two. Yep, another one of those-37 miles in two days type of adventures. But this trip was also different in that through my Facebook Guidebook Author Site ; I put out a request for a hiking partner to do the the Little Beaver-Big Beaver Loop in the North Cascades National Park. My recruit had to meet the following requirements:

Be willing to take off immediately (the day after request was made)

Be willing to share cost of the Ross Lake water taxi, not exactly a cheap fare

Be able to hike 37 miles in 2 days in which the second one was 21 miles

Be adventurous enough to hike with someone they really don't know

And be able to put up with me for such a time and distance!

Well, one person came through-Ted Evans. An East Coast transplant with a Sicilian nonna, I had a feeling we were going to get along-and this guy is a professional photographer too which would make this hike even more fun. And as always, I love spending time in the outdoors with different folks to perhaps learn a thing or two myself. I may have penned 8 books on the outdoors, but I have a lot to learn too. And on this trip into the wilds of the North Cascades National Park, this is what I learned.

1. Terry cloth light-weight towels make great water (ie rain) vanquishers for your tent fly when you need to pack them up.

2. The canisters for the pocket rocket contain a lot less fuel than I expected.

3. It is amazing how you can make a fire in the most wettest conditions when the need for a fresh cup of coffee is life or death.

4. Starbucks' Via rules. It tastes even better backpacking. Its tastes heavenly made from water boiled on the a makeshift fire that saved me from serious caffeine withdrawals and the prospect of hiking 21 miles decaffeinated!

5. Take chances-I found a great new hiking partner!

Okay, have fun out there-carry lots of fuel and perhaps some day I'll be drinking coffee in the backcountry with you too!

2010-09-05T09:22:00.000-07:00

Around the Chiwaukums in a Day

This past Wednesday marked yet another 20-plus mile day hike I have engaged in this season. In fact, at 24.5 miles--it was my longest day hike of the year. Why so many miles in so little time? Why, I must admit that I do enjoy the challenge and I am doing all that I can to stay fit as I slide into a major milestone next year (Gasp, will I really be turning 50!?)--but the main reason for the serious hiking is that my Backpacking Washington book deadline is moving in on me! A two year project encompassing 70 hikes ranging from 15 to 50 miles (most in the 18 to 35 mile range) from around the state--this project has been my toughest and most challenging writing project ever. It would have been hard enough completing this work just alone on the magnitude of the hikes and the geographical range of them-but then add in all of the foreseen and unforeseen obstacles that can slow me down-actually frustrate my progress. Things like incessant rains, lingering snow packs, washed out roads, forest fires, unmaintained trails, other nagging deadlines and just plain being wiped out!! So here I am with 5 weeks left to finish Backpacking Washington. I have 61 of the 70 hikes completed and 50,000 words of the 75,000 word manuscript written. This all coming off of just completing (and now editing) my Day Hiking Columbia River Gorge Book. It has been one heck of a hiking season for me-and it will indeed be a record year for mileage. Of course there is no resting once this project is complete, for Day Hiking Eastern Washington is due next summer! By the time I turn 50 next spring I should be in pretty damn good shape-or totally wiped out!!! Hope you enjoy the books when they come out-I've worked hard to get them to you!

(photo- 24.5 miles is easier to handle with hiking partners, Don and Barbara-two hiking machines!)

2010-08-28T09:41:00.000-07:00

The most beautiful place on earth!

Okay, well that may be a slight exaggeration-or then again maybe not! Ever since I first landed my hands on Spring and Manning's 100 Hikes in the Glacier Peak Wilderness guidebook back in the fall of 1989-just a few months after moving here from the east-and caught my first look at Image Lake in the Glacier Peak Wilderness-I wanted to see it and experience it firsthand! It took 21 years and an impending deadline on my Backpacking Washington book to finally get me there-And with the Suiattle River Road washed out since 2003, I came to this magical backcountry locale via Spider Gap and the Lyman Lakes. With friends Don and Chris Hanson of Scottish Lakes High Country Camps fame-we entered the lake basin in early afternoon. Set up camp and caught our first glimpse of the famous Glacier Peak rising behind Image Lake scene in early afternoon. Returned with a half platypus of red wine for the evening show. But it was the early morning show that completely WOWed us! In all of my years hiking the Northwest -over 21-and all my miles hiking the Northwest -approaching 14,000 miles now-Image Lake is one of the most beautiful, if not most beautiful place in the state. An absolute must hike-bucket list place for all backpackers. Surreal-ethereal-mystical, magical, spiritual, celestial-pure heaven on earth. Don't miss it. This show is for a limited time only-for once Glacier Peak decides to blow-well Image Lake may very well end up looking like one of the Mount Margaret Backcountry lakes of St Helens.

2010-08-22T13:08:00.000-07:00

Caught with my zipper down at the Ice Lakes!

Okay, I got your attention with my headline-no, nothing like that! The zipper I am talking about is on my tent-and the down part is- as in down-not working-kaput! The culprit? Pumice dust! I just recently spent an am zing night camping at the Lower Ice Lake in the Entiat Mountains. Set up camp on a pumice flat above the lake-minimal impact on the fragile environment-but blowing gusts that evening had a big impact on my Northface tadpole tent. The fine pumice dust that blew into my tent-and all over my gear jammed and screwed up the zippers on my tent! Sigh-so now it is out of commission as I head to Image Lake this week-good thing I have another tent for this excursion-although it is much bigger tent-and while I wait to have my tadpole tent repaired-I am busy trying to dry my down sleeping bag-what a process drying those wet clumps of down-it is no wonder ducks and geese don't sink-I need them to preen my bag! Okay-back to writing about the Ice Lakes-a featured hike in my upcoming backpacking book!

2010-08-11T09:03:00.000-07:00

Making the Cut in my Guidebooks

So-I am often asked:, when I'm putting together a guidebook and I have to decide what to include in it, what is the criteria I use? Well, obviously I am going to include popular trails (I can't possibly leave them out even though I may not care for a few of them!) and my own personal favorites as well as trails that are generally in decent shape and are easily accessible within the geographic area that I am covering. And of course I want to capture a wide array of trails and hikes ranging from easy to challenging-historic-alpine-lake shore-river side -forest-etc- Then I get to make some personal additions based on among other things-advocacy-Perhaps there is an area or trail that I believe is threatened and needs attention-I want to let you know about it-and I want to let you in on a few "secret trails" too that despite the criticism that I may take for it-I find that most people still go to the same trails over and over again and that the people who seek out different places deserve to be there! So, what doesn't make the cut? Generally paved and urban trails (but not always) because they offer more of a walk than a hike (but what is the fine line difference between those two activities?) and if a trail or road leading to it is dangerous, inconvenient or I would be cursed out for sending you there. The Boulder Lake Trail in the Glacier Peak Wilderness which was never officially built was going to go in my Day Hiking North Cascades Book-until the road leading to it washed out. Being user built and now requiring a long road walk or mountain bike to it, lead me to leave it out. Well, now the good news-the road has been reopened and is drivable for most vehicles and the trail has been greatly improved to almost official standards in places. So what does this mean as far as my books are concerned? Count on it being in the second edition of Day Hiking North Cascades. Matter of fact I plan on increasing the hikes in all of my day hiking books by 25 to 150! I will probably yank a few hikes out for various reasons -so count on having at least 20% new hikes in the new editions as well as updates on all the other trails and new extensions and variations. Of course I always welcome your suggestions-is there a trail I left out that you would like for me to cover? Let me know! In the meanwhile I continue to look for great trails throughout the state to share with you!

(Photo-despite the cold weather, Heather works in a nap at Boulder Lake)

2010-08-03T09:17:00.000-07:00

Quietest Stretch of the Wonderland Trail

A Golden Opportunity for Solitude

Mount Rainier's 93-mile Wonderland Trail is definitely one of the most beautiful and loved hiking trails in the country. Folks from all over the county take to all or sections of it each year. And more than a few folks who live within the shadows of the "Mountain" have hiked the entire trail either section by section or in one glorious outing. I have hiked a good portion of the trail with just bits and pieces left unexplored; particularly near Stevens Canyon yet to be hiked. My favorite sections of the trail are along the west side of the mountain. For not only do you pass some spectacular backcountry here, but also it is the only place on the trail away from roads and therefore away from the throngs of day hikers that often crowd the trails in places. True, that Summerland and Indian Bar are amazing places and claimed to be the best parts of the trail by so many--but they are also downright crowded. Try a hike to the Golden Lakes and Sunset Park. While not nearly as dramatic as Summerland-you will be amazed at the peacefulness of the area. I recently hiked to the Golden Lakes on a gorgeous July day and passed not a single soul from the lakes to Mowich Camp; a section of trail over 6 miles long. You won't have that experience on other places of the Wonderland Trail. What's you favorite section and why?

(Photo-Silence is golden at the Sunset park Ranger Cabin)

2010-07-20T10:26:00.000-07:00

Day Hiking the Columbia River Gorge

Mission Accomplished!

Sorry to have to use a phrase left over from the W years, but my mission truly is accomplished and I don't plan on spending eight more years or more in the Columbia River Gorge-although I would if I had to! Basically, my research for my latest Day Hiking book is now complete after 13 months of hiking and chronicling 100 hikes in this spectacular region. It truly is one of the great places of America and would definitely have been a national park if it wasn't such an important trade and travel route-but in 1986 the gorge became a National Scenic Area, the only one of its kind with all sorts of important protections and ways to allow residents who call this place home ways to still live and prosper here. Next year marks the 25th anniversary of the landmark act that established the national scenic area and my book will help with the celebrations. My final hike for the research was 21 miles to Greenpoint Mountain from Herman Creek-Now, that entire hike isn't for the book for very few folks (sane ones I might add) consider 21 miles a day hike. The day hike portion is actually a nine mile loop up Nick Eaton Ridge to Indian Point. Why I did the extra miles is because I am working in tandem with Green Trails Maps on two brand new Columbia River Gorge special series trails maps. One of the two-the western one will also be out for the 25th anniversary celebration. Can't wait to celebrate-but in the meantime-still much work needs to be done on the manuscript. Okay, 'nuff said-back to work!

Photo-the view east from Indian Point on Nick Eaton Ridge, Hood River County, Oregon.

2010-07-07T08:55:00.001-07:00

Wilderness Through the Backdoor

So, there I was standing on a gorgeous remote Olympic Beach after trudging for over 10 miles on slippery rocks and soft sand-waiting out tides-gingerly skirting around rocky headland cliffs-and now I had a beautiful wilderness beach all to myself! Well, not exactly- Three people were camped on the beach and they were quite comfy-no scrapes, aching backs, nor tired legs after a hard day hike. And then suddenly a couple appeared on the beach fresh as the morning dew-no sweat-no signs of struggle -no problems getting to the beach that I toiled all day to get to. You see, there is a secret trail (actually not so secret thanks now to the Internet) that allowed these folks access to this wilderness beach by driving a maze of logging roads then following a bootleg path a mere mile (if that) to this special place. I felt robbed. Now, don't get me wrong-the folks I met that evening at the beach were nice folks-and some of them have gotten to the point that they can no longer backpack great distances-so getting to this beach would have been impossible for them the way I did it. But, still I felt that part of the allure and attraction of hiking the Olympic Coast is the wilderness aspect and that you needed to actually work to get to it. There are plenty of nice beaches in the Kalaloch section of the national park that are easily accessible to anyone. And while these folks I shared the beach with that evening were wonderful and the types of people you'd be glad to share a campsite and nature with-I know that judging by spent beer cans on the beach, that the types of folks you don't' want on a wilderness beach make their way here too-and surely they wouldn't if it involved actually hiking to this spot. Now, I have friends in Forks who cherish these secret trails and they take care of the land and this allows them a quick access to the natural beauty that they live so near. I would not want to deprive them of their simple getaways. But, then again the Olympic National Park is a wilderness coast that is one-of-a-kind and I know that all good things in life are worth working for. Can we have it both ways? What are your experiences here? Your thoughts?

2010-07-03T16:05:00.000-07:00

Too much snow in the Mountains?

Head to the Coast-It's a Shore Bet!

This spring's cold and wet weather may finally be making an exit, but it'll still be some time until many my favorite high country trails will be snow free and accessible. Of course, this doesn't exactly help me out with my impending deadline on my Backpacking Book. I still have 22 trips to research and I need all the time I can get. The snowy hills however did force me to head to the coast to research the wilderness beaches of Olympic National Park. I have long wanted to hike the entire coastline and after two consecutive trips, I have pretty much hiked all of the Olympic beaches now from the Queets River to Shi Shi. Which beach is the prettiest? Hard to say, they're are so many special and gorgeous places along the entire coast. And which section of the coast is the most difficult to hike-Again hard to say because each section has its challenges, be it rounding headlands, traveling over slippery rock, across deep sands, fording creeks, or negotiating sand ladders up and over steep bluffs. I'll have all the details in the new book. In the meanwhile, if you are itching to get out and do some snow free hiking, my Day Hiking Olympic Peninsula book has plenty of good day hikes to Olympic Beaches--and to some pretty nice beaches along the southwest corner of the state, too. Check them out-and then perhaps in a few weeks I'll see you in the high country!

(photo-evening at Toleak Point)

2010-06-27T10:01:00.000-07:00

Paddling a Day Hike!

Of the 125 hikes in my Day Hiking Book North Cascades Book, several can be explored by alternative methods. You could horseback ride or mountain bike a few of the routes described-but how many of them can you paddle? Just one! The Padilla Bay Dike Trail in Skagit County. With a high tide; my wife Heather, friend Mary Jo, and I took to the bay and paddled up Indian Slough following along the shoreline trail. Got to plod through plenty of eel grass-one of Padilla Bay's famed natural features which feeds 1,000s of brants come fall. The coolest aspect of the trip other than the late evening light illuminating the waters and grass beds-was paddling by the shoreline barn-a much photographed landmark along the trail. It makes for a wonderful shoot too from the water. A great adventure-and nice to finish a "hike" with sore arms instead of legs!

Photo- Mary Jo paddles by the famous Padilla Bay Trail slough side barn

2010-06-20T11:33:00.001-07:00

Drop and Cover!

It's that time of year again when its easy to pass the buck when taking to the trails. Upon recently hiking Clackamas Mountain in Eastern Washington's Columbia Highlands, hiking partner Aaron and I fawned over this little guy lying in the grass. Yep-the buck stopped here! Not wanting to stress the little guy, I hastily snapped a few photos and we moved on. Mama was waiting nearby and as soon as we left, the little guy would be treated to some welcomed doe! Okay-I'm finished with the horrible puns my deer friends.

2010-06-15T21:33:00.000-07:00

Summer Freeze Makes Me Feel Not so Fine!

With all due respect to Seals and Croft; that song brings back so many fine memories of hot humid summer days back on the East Coast. Now just a memory as I spend my 22nd summer in the Northwest-and well, I am anticipating-no wait-looking for-no wait a minute-pleading for summer to arrive! I just finished up a 16 mile hike to Dublin Lake in Oregon's Columbia Gorge National Scenic Area in which I was treated to heavy down pours and 36 degrees. I have been working on my Day Hiking Columbia Gorge Book now for a year and am really close to finally wrapping it up. What a difference this year has been. Last June I launched the project working in one week of hot humid -well just like East Coast summer weather-in which I dodged afternoon summer thunder storms and peeled a dripping with sweat shirt off of my back at the end of the day. This year- I am dodging hail and rain and snow and strong breezes and piling on the Goretex as I trudge the trails. I'm waiting for the Summer breezes to return before I finish this project-which is soon. In the meantime, you can have the summer freeze!

2010-06-08T18:06:00.000-07:00

Ruth Ittner
1918-2010
Thanks for all you've done!

Another one of Washington's great trail giants has left us to for more heavily trails. Ruth Ittner passed away on June 3 at the age of 92. She lived an incredible life and was responsible for the construction and revival of many of our beloved trails, including two of my favorite historic trails-the Iron Goat and Lime Kiln Trails. She was also responsible for our Sno-Park system for winter play.

According to Washington's HistoryLink.org; she was an:

Ecologist, trails advocate, hiking legend, tireless volunteer, author, and University of Washington public policy administrator, Ruth Ittner is most remembered for her work with Volunteers for Outdoor Washington and for building the Iron Goat Trail, a hiking trail near Skykomish that follows the old Great Northern Railway line. The Iron Goat Trail would eventually take more than 20 years to complete and Ittner is credited with getting the job done. Her skills in organizing and connecting government agencies and volunteers made the easily accessible and popular trail a reality. The first segment of the trail opened in October 1993.

In my Day Hiking Central Cascades book, I reference Ruth's dedication to the Iron Goat Trail:

The focal point of the Stevens Pass Historic District, the Iron Goat Trail retraces part of the Great Northern Railway, northernmost of the 19th century US transcontinental rail lines. The creation of Minnesota tycoon James J. Hill (“The Empire Builder”), the Great Northern reached Seattle in 1893 greatly stimulating commerce and settlement in the region. Iron Goat, the name chosen for the trail comes from the railroad’s logo, a mountain goat.
Before beginning, check out the 1951 caboose and informative kiosk dedicated to Ruth Ittner, driving force behind the trail and one of the founders of VOW. And before arriving check out the trail’s website (http://www.irongoat.org) or the Iron Goat Trail Guidebook (Mountaineers Books) to get the most out of your visit(s).

I had the opportunity to meet this incredible woman earlier this year. It was a great honor to meet this Washington Trails Legend. We'll miss you Ruth--but you will always be with us thanks to your tireless and unselfish work to the hiking community of Washington. Celebrate Ruth's life this weekend by taking to the Iron Goat or Lime Kiln Trail . Let her spirit, dedication, and commitment to the environment and trails live on!

2010-06-06T09:40:00.000-07:00

Save the Whales Part II?

Wow, I'd never thought that we in America would have to rally once again at our own government to Save the Whales. I remember well back in 1986-I was a left-leaning 25 year old angry at my government because they weren't doing the right things when it came to environmental preservation. It seemed like all of the great environmental strides that we accomplished under Democrats, Johnson and Carter and Republican Nixon would be the zenith in conservation acts. The Reagan administration just wasn't as interested in environmental protection-after all this was the time of the Sagebrush Rebellion and the New Right-a shift that began pushing moderate-conservation-minded Republicans to the side. But Ronald Reagan in 1986 signed two landmarks pieces of environmental legislation-one, the Columbia Gorge National Scenic Act (more on that later with my upcoming book on the gorge) and the other, the International Whaling Commissions (IWC)'s ban on commercial whaling. The slaughter at sea of our majestic sea mammals would finally end-well at least abate greatly-

Well-then again maybe not. So, here 24 years I was absolutely shocked when I saw a headline from Fox News that President Obama plans on lifting the Whaling moratorium. Surely that can't be correct-those right wingers at Fox just want to smear the president. Right? Well, maybe not- So I went over to Greenpeace, that seminal organization responsible for bringing the whaling issue (that and a Partridge Family episode) into my conscious. Yep-according to Greenpeace-it is true! Funny though how I can't seem to find much in the mainstream media about this-just like I had a hard time finding that the Obama administration has a worst record on protecting endangered species than George W Bush. Now, I'm not smearing the president. I'm just reporting some inconvenient truths. I commended the president when he signed into law last year an Omnibus Wilderness bill. Bravo Mr President-but you still have a long way to go convincing me that you are a conservationist. You are no Dick Nixon or Teddy Roosevelt or even Jimmy Carter (on the environment that is-one of Carter's few bright spots).

Oh yeah-Candidate Obama said in 2008, "As president I will ensure that the U.S. provides leadership... including strengthening the international moratorium on commercial whaling." You wouldn't break your promise now would you? Not like the one on having the most transparent government in US history? Nah-

Mr President, in case you need to hear why it would be a terrible idea to let the whaling moratorium lapse-I quote you Rich Lowry from the conservative magazine the National Review-

Why protect whales? They should be preserved as befits anything else that evokes wonder; they are the mammalian equivalent of the Grand Canyon or of the giant redwoods. They are also incredibly long-lived creatures with a sophisticated social structure, closer to chimpanzees than to cattle.

Besides, there’s no reason to kill whales. No one has needed whale oil to light lamps for at least a century, and blubber isn’t a necessary source of nutrition in a modern society. Yet Japan persists. It agitates against the moratorium and organizes international opposition to it at the same time it cynically defies it.

This would be one case for you Mr President and your administration to now be the party of "No!" That is NO TO WHALING! I hope I made myself clear.

(Picture from Greenpeace UK)

2010-06-03T18:55:00.000-07:00

Quinault, Queets, Hoh, Bogachiel

What's your favorite Olympic Rainforest Valley?

There are only three places on the planet where you can find temperate rainforests. Southern Chile, New Zealand and Washington-British Columbia. And nowhere is the temperate rainforest more ingrained in the identity of a region than in Washington's Olympic Peninsula.

I have explored tropical rainforests in Peru and Paraguay and they are lands of incredible bio-diversity. But in Washington's Olympic rainforests it's all about biomass! Nowhere on the planet is there so much living (and dying and decaying) matter than in these saturated valleys. You feel as if you're breathing biomass (you are!) and if you stay stationary for the shortest period of time, you'll sport mosses, lichens, ferns and other epiphytes (and you probably will!). And while the rainforest valleys of the Olympic Peninsula share the same characteristics when it comes to ecology and biology--their historic and cultural backgrounds, and aesthetics are unique. And a trip into each one will provide different experiences and perceptions. Of course, I love them all--but that doesn't stop me from favoring one valley over the other. What's your favorite Olympic Rainforest and why?

(photo-mossy maple along the East Fork Quinault River)

2010-05-26T11:02:00.000-07:00

Roads to Trails

Can you bank on them?

One of the last projects that the late great Ira Spring worked on was a Roads to Trails Book in cooperation with the Washington Trails Association. Published in 2002, Ira saw that the glory days of trail building and funding for the US Forest Service was over-and that they were probably not ever going to come back. Since 1990, the Forest Service has been rapidly diminished in its scope and work force. Timber production has been greatly curtailed resulting in very little money being allocated by Congress (under both parties) for road construction (to reach trails) and for trail construction and maintenance itself. The result in the last 20 years is that we are losing trails. Ira saw that perhaps as the Forest Service abandoned many of its roads (roads that were built primarily to access timber) that they would be good candidates to be converted into trails. A great concept indeed-except for a couple of problems-

Many roads simply don't access areas that are of interest to most hiking enthusiasts.
Roads can be a drag to walk-especially when they wash out and their beds become strewn with rocks.
Roads need to be maintained too-even as trails-and in just 10 short years after abandonment a road can be cloaked in alders and other greenery rendering it pretty darn difficult to hike

Recently I blew some dust off of that old Roads to Trails book to see if there were any gems in there worth exploring. Many of the highlighted roads held no interest to me-and many others have already been either fully obliterated or cloaked in greenery. Point is that even a great concept as roads to trails still requires budgets in the form of hacking back encroaching plants.

I did however zone in on one particular walk. Jumpoff Ridge seemed like an interesting candidate-and in fact it turned out to be-except that the views that Ira's crew railed about back in 2002 are going fast. Now it wouldn't take much to get them back-just a crew of two or three people with some loppers and saws. We have to assess as a hiking community, do we want to keep any of these routes open-and if we do, we need to incorporate them into our hiking agendas and maintain them. A hike like Jumpoff Ridge just outside of Index can certainly draw hikers and be a nice alternative to very busy nearby Lake Serene. I encourage you to check it out and and decide whether road-trails like Jumpoff Ridge should be part of or trail inventory. Stay tuned for this week's Hikeoftheweek.com for the full scoop on hiking Jumpoff Ridge.

2010-05-21T10:48:00.001-07:00

Bitterroot Memories

You might have noticed that the frequency of my blog posts as grown longer. That can only mean that I must be spending more time in the field. And I am! As the days grow longer and the weather grows better (mostly) I spend an inordinate amount of time on the trail scrambling to complete hikes for my three current book projects, hikeoftheweek.com, and various magazine articles. Its hard to post when deep in the woods--and I do go offline (gasp in this day and age) for periods of time. And you know something-it is kind of liberating! Anyhow, I will try to keep up with informing you on my projects as well as on current environmental and trail issues. I do post more frequently on Facebook and I invite you to "like me" if you don't already. Kind of sounds middle schoolish doesn't it? Do you like me? Aw shucks! Anyhow, I have just returned from eight excellent days (kind of like a hiking Hanukkah receiving gifts of nature each day) of research (my tax status term for hiking) in the Columbia Gorge. Among the things that you absolutely have to know right now is that the flowers are superb-especially in the gorge's eastern reaches. So, get out there now-and especially to Catherine Creek located between Bingen and Lyle, WA. One of my favorite blooms, the Bitterroot is now in full blossom there. Its bittersweet-savor it!

2010-05-09T12:37:00.000-07:00

Show me a sign!
But I hope it is in English!

I can never overemphasize the importance of carrying a good map and guidebook with you when out on a hike-especially in unfamiliar territory. Yeah, I know this sounds like a sales pitch since I write guidebooks and work for a map company! But seriously, do you want to end up like me here pictured in South Korea's Seoraksan National Park?! The only place left in the crowded country remaining home to brown bears, could this sign reveal something about their whereabouts? Or am I on the right path to climb, Mount Seorak, the third highest peak in the country and one of the largest single slabs of granite in the world?
Good thing I had along a trusty guidebook-and a friend who spoke Korean! We never saw any bears on that trip but we did find our way to the summit of Mount Seorak!

2010-05-07T11:32:00.000-07:00

Mapping a new future (map!)

Green Trails Maps recently released a brand new Mount Rainier National Park Map which includes:

Trails within the entire park

Trails along the park's periphery including the Cougar Lakes Area

A close up climber's map of Paradise and Muir Snowfields

A profile of the entire Wonderland Trail

And all of it is water proof and tear resistant. How cool is that? I was part of the mapping team last year that put it together. We tracked every trail in the park to make sure they were accurately measured and accurately portrayed. This map is a must have in you hiking resource library.

And heads up-I am currently busy working with cartographer Marc Rothmeyer to produce two new Columbia Gorge National Scenic Area Maps. These maps too will include some great features including the entire Deschutes River Trail and new trails on the Washington side of the gorge as well as indicating the newly expanded Hatfield Wilderness. The first map for the western half of the Gorge will be out next spring-just in time for the Columbia Gorge National Scenic Area's 25th Anniversary celebrations and the release of my Day Hiking Columbia Gorge Book. Of course, my book will have all its hikes referenced to the new maps. The book and the maps will be worth waiting for. Meanwhile don't wait any linger to do some good hiking-get out there and enjoy the spring weather!

2010-04-28T16:54:00.000-07:00

Tracks of my Tears

I like to mountain bike too-so bear with me on this post-although I am more of a logging road type of biker than a trail rider, I see the fun and worth of this pursuit. But what I am growing more and more alarmed at over the years is the amount of backcountry degradation and disregard for land management rules that mountain bikers are responsible for. Granted, most mountain bikers are decent people who hold the natural environment in high regard-but I have found too many of them to be thrill seeking yahoos who don't. On a recent trip to the spectacular Columbia Gorge area known as the Coyote Wall, which is pretty much a mountain biking playground, you can see some serious environmental degradation. There are trails-or as the bikers like to call them-tracks- all over the place- gutted, rutted messes across gorgeous meadows- erosion-inducing gouges and flattened plants. I have seen motorized backcountry areas in better shape. And in the forest below the canyon wall there are all kinds of illegally built bike "catwalks"-again I have seen motorcycle areas in better shape. And this is just the Coyote Wall. I have seen plenty more fat tire mayhem on our public lands-it's growing. Harvey Manning was concerned about it back in the 1980s. I'm growing more concerned about mountain bikers on our public lands too-especially as they are getting more organized and demanding more land and trails being open up to them. Do you think that is a good idea? I love to mountain bike too-but I also realize that there are places that my bike shouldn't go. As the public weighs in on the Coyote Wall and nearby Catherine Creek, it's quite possible that two user groups (hikers and mountain bikers) that should be working together will instead be going to battle against each other. In the long run that is not good for either of us-or if you are like me-both of us. I think mountain bikers have to reign in more of their renegade riders. What do you think?

(photo- rutted track on the Coyote wall-and this is one of the good ones)

2010-04-24T18:06:00.000-07:00

Post Industrial Disease

You'd never know that there's a recession going on if someone dropped you off in the Lower mainland of British Columbia. Every time I venture into the region from Chilliwack to Whistler, I am constantly floored at the amount of development going on and at the pace its going up. High rises in Surrey, Burnaby, New Westminster, North Vancouver, and West Vancouver sprout like mushrooms after a deluge. And the deluge feeding this development frenzy is an unrestrained population boom fueled by immigration and migration. New residents need homes, roads, places to work and places to conduct commerce. The conversion of farmland and woodlot to high density urban development carries on in a frenzy. And along the new and improved Highway 99 thanks to an infusion of Olympic-inspired investment money, former gritty mining towns and timber towns are being transformed into tony vacation towns. All those folks generating new wealth need places to play. Squamish is rapidly becoming an urban exclave for the mountain biking, backcountry skiing, wouldn't it be nice to own a condo here in the wilds folks. I once lamented the loss of old growth trees that fueled the timber mills of Squamish. The mills are long gone-a victim of the WTO. Now I lament the loss of the former cut over timberlands-where once regeneration was possible to productive woodlots and viable wildlife habitat-now forever lost to golf courses, second homes, high density homes, shopping malls-sprawl. In 20 years Squamish has gone from a somewhat isolated small industrial town to yet another high density urban mess emanating from Vancouver. But, hey the folks who come here are "green." They ride their bikes and cross country ski and recycle. But their homes and business and continuous numbers of them use up incredible amounts of power lighting up their city-and powering their gadgets-and fueling their rigs to get them to the trailheads and back and forth to the city. And there's nothing green about unnecessary developments devouring wildlife habitat.

Yep-(sarcasm here) I'm glad the evil timber mills are gone-I much prefer to see them replaced with 1000s of condos sprawling across the valley and up the ridges to Garibaldi Provincial Park. Yep-that's the new economy-recreation based-and fueled by unsustainable and ecologically disastrous immigration and a whole lot of new wealth that does nothing but consume. And its not just happening in Squamish-this is playing out all over Canada and the states. Have you been to Bend, Oregon lately? Good thing those resource-consuming sawmills are gone, uh? They've succumbed to post-industrial disease.

(photo-a giant logger greets you in Squamish, BC. Loggers are all but gone from this town-and so too are the sawmills -replaced by a post industrial world of condos, shopping centers, golf courses, sprawl, and an endless supply of folks looking for the good life)

2010-04-18T10:48:00.000-07:00

Don't Tread on Me!

Now this is a cool sign! Perhaps the Tea Partiers can use this sign instead of rehashing those old Revolutionary War banners. And just think what a sign like this can do for you if you put it up on your lawn. No more solicitors, soul-savers, signature-seekers- girl scout cookies! Okay, the last one would be missed-but that would be a small price to pay to keep those other annoyances at bay at home. So the heck with the "Beware of Dog" sign or "Private Property Keep Out"-I'm getting me one of these Rattlesnake signs. I have a feeling though that it won't keep the political candidates away from my house-likes attract- and those snakes are already in the grass.

2010-04-16T17:44:00.000-07:00

Oregon Sunshine!

I was down in the Rogue River Valley of Oregon last week researching running articles for Northwest Runner magazine. I'll have features on Medford and Ashland coming your way shortly as well as a race report on the Pear Blossom 10 Mile Road race. The running is great in those communities and I had more than enough places to check out for running. I was able however to swap my running shoes for my hiking shoes for one afternoon to check out the Table Rocks Preserve. Do you want spring flowers? You've got them here! These preserves are amazing with their astonishing array of blossoming beauties including the found-nowhere-else-in-the-world dwarf woolley meadowfoam! The flowers are indeed a draw to checking this area out, but so are the forests-mostly chaparral-a transition zone between California and Oregon topography. If you are heading down to this area anytime soon, definitely set some time aside to do some wandering here.

2010-04-05T15:39:00.001-07:00

The Most Eloquent Public Restroom in the West

I don't care how badly I have to go-if I am in a major metropolitan area, the last thing I am going to do is head to a public restroom. You see I'd rather endure excruciating pain than fight disease, risk stepping on a needle, rub shoulders with people who smell like what I need to do, walk in on a drug deal, trick, or God knows what else that is taking place in some of the most vile and foul buildings on the planet! But if it was 1935 and I was strolling in Portland's Forest Park and I had to go; you wouldn't be able to get me out of the public restroom nestled in the Balch Creek Ravine. What a gorgeous and eloquent building-of course proudly built by the men of the CCC. On a recent hiking research trip for my upcoming Day Hiking Columbia Gorge Book I was out patrolling trails and parks in Portland. I'm including some of the best places to hike in both Portland and Vancouver in this book. While hiking a section of Forest Park's Wildwood Trail I came upon the famed old stone house. I had no idea what purpose it once served. I pondered--a summer cottage, inn, stage house, tea house perhaps? Nope-turns out after researching the history of the park, I found out that the classic stone house of Balch Creek was not a tea house but a pee house. It served walkers with active bladders until the 1960s. I suppose the surrounding trees had significantly grown in by then to offer alternative relief spots. The Balch Creek rockin' restroom is truly an architectural gem-an aesthetically appealing building in a beautiful part of Forest Park. I only wished that I had the chance to experience it the way it was meant to be--but alas when it comes to places to pee, Urine some, You lose some!

2010-04-02T09:49:00.000-07:00

Build them and they will come (hike, run, walk and bike)

-but build them fast!

Although I am a fiscal conservative, let me be clear (to paraphrase our president) we can't spend enough money on parks, trails and nature preserves. I'm a utilitarian to some degree-believing in spending money for projects that do the greatest good for the greatest amount of people. Parks and trails fit the bill. As our population continues to spiral out-of-control and we continue to consume land for residences, industries, commercial establishments, roads, airports, power plants, wind farms, Walmarts, Costcos, etc,etc, etc-we are not keeping up with parks, preserves, open space, and trails. As American waist lines continue to expand and at ever younger and younger ages, we are not giving an increasingly large amount of them convenient access to trails and bike paths. We need to make the expansion of trails and parks a national priority. This administration is throwing around all kinds of stimulus money for roads, schools, rail lines, and God knows what else-and why I believe that some of this spending may be reckless, some of the projects being funded will indeed benefit the country. Expanding and improving our infrastructure is good. Our trails and parks are part of our infrastructure too for a healthy America. How about it, President Obama? Some money for parks and trails? And you governors? Insist on it! And the GOP-this is one area you don't want to say "No" to. Put this fiscal conservative on record. "I support spending more money on parks and trails--and I want to see it happen now!"

(Photo-Snohomish County's Whitehorse Trail. How much longer do we need to wait to run, hike, and bike this recreational treasure?)

2010-03-30T09:06:00.000-07:00

Hiking the Tick-a-Klat Trail!

I love spring time and I love hiking in the eastern, drier, sunnier reaches of the Northwest, but I hate ticks! Throughout my younger years hiking in New England I only had one tick encounter. In my Explore America years during the 1980s I pulled a record 16 ticks off of me while out hiking one March day on South Carolina's Cape Romain National Wildlife Refuge. This weekend while out hiking the Columbia Gorge's Klickitat Trail I shook off eight of the disgusting and vile, but fascinating critters.

I had just parted ways with hiking partners Kim and Susan and was on my way to Lyle-a good eight miles of rainy hiking ahead of me. Stopped to get some water and a granola bar and then I spotted him-a lone tick inching up my sock. This immediately triggered my tick defense system. Snapped the sock lines-check! Scan the calves-ick-two more marching up. Scan the hairline on back of neck-shake the cap-clear! Check socks once more-this time in and about shoe tongue-oops-missed those two-

Check the armpits, sleeve lines-and waist band-whew-safe-then finally-check the shorts-tug them down a bit-and shake them-yep- as I suspected -a tick marching up my thigh still on my shorts liner-phew that could have been close! Thwarted six!

Continued hiking doing random stops and checks-caught two more-

On the drive home-defense system went up every time I felt a tingle-usually just a hair or lint-but can't be too safe-

In the shower that night-a thorough cleansing-and more checking that would make an over-zealot airline security guard proud. I'm almost sure I saw one of those little suckers spin down the drain-that could have been close-Yep, hiking in the spring in the Northwest's drier locales has its downside. If you see me on the trail acting weird and paranoid-just chalk it up to my nervous tick! Happy spring everyone!

(photo courtesy of Wikipedia)

2010-03-25T22:00:00.000-07:00

Portland Metro's Natural Areas Program Makes its largest Acquisition!

I just returned from a great day of hiking at Portland Metro's Oxbow Park. Located about 10 miles outside of Troutdale, this gorgeous park on the Sandy River protects over 1,000 acres including prime riverfront and old growth. The park is managed to protect natural resources as well as provide exceptional hiking and camping opportunities. It is one of the 100 hikes featured in my upcoming Day Hiking Columbia Gorge Book. The Portland Metro area has several other wonderful properties within the greater Portland area as well. And this year they are adding Chehalem Ridge to their line up.

According to Metro's press release-

Straddling the top of Chehalem Ridge, Metro's newest natural area looks out over Tualatin Valley farmland and five Cascade Mountain peaks: Rainier, St. Helens, Adams, Hood and Jefferson.

At 1,143 acres, Chehalem Ridge is the largest property ever purchased by the Portland region's voter-approved Natural Areas Program. Along with all that land, Metro took on a lot of opportunities. The science team will spend a year or so learning more about the land's forests, streams and habitats, and considering options for public access.

This sounds pretty exciting-Read more about it here! And if I continue to write books on this region, you can be assured that this place will be featured in one of them!

2010-03-18T20:23:00.001-07:00

Of Lady Birds and Wildflowers

This issue of Wildflower Magazine has a feature written by Melissa Gaskill called Trail Blazers- our picks for trails that put wildflowers in focus. Melissa interviewed me to pick a favorite wildflower hike in the Northwest-I chose Cady and West Cady Ridge in the Henry M Jackson Wilderness (and featured in my Day Hiking Central Cascades Book). Wildflower is the magazine of the Lady Bird Johnson Wildflower Center, the organization that first lady Lady Bird Johnson started back in 1982. LBJ wasn't my favorite president, but he did some good things in the conservation arena. Lady Bird was instrumental too in beautification projects, the establishment of Redwood National Park and a host of other important environmental campaigns.

Back in 2004 I had the opportunity to spend a week with Lady Bird's daughter, Linda Johnson (and her husband Chuck Robb, former senator and governor of Virginia) in the French Pyrenees. I was leading a hiking group with my wife-and Chuck, Linda and their entourage of friends from Texas and Georgia were our clients. We had a lot of fun and it was especially interesting for me to talk politics and history with this group. I'll never forget riding a chairlift with the former president's daughter and we talked about everyday American things-life in the suburbs. Only in America (I know we were in France-but you get my meaning) would this ever happen- a president's daughter and a lowly hiking guide chatting and sharing dinners and spending time on the trail. In fact, we had Linda in our hotel room talking to Lady Bird because she couldn't figure out how to use the phone-we had to make the call for her!

But one of the things that I'll always remember and cherish, is when I told friends of the First Lady that I had looked up Chuck Robbs' environmental record while he served in the senate and I told them that I was pleased with it. One of the friends, a refined southern woman-looked at me and softly but emphatically said- "of course it is-do you think that having Lady Bird as a mother-in-law-that she'd let him get away with not having a good environmental record!?" It was a warm moment and a nice view into the power brokers and politicians that we all too often demonize and denigrate. It was a great little anecdote-and I will always cherish it. When Lady Bird passed away a few years later-I felt as if I had known her. And now being in the magazine of the foundation that she started-I feel a stronger bond than if I was just interviewed for any old magazine. Thanks for all you have done Lady Bird--may those that follow shine in your example.

2010-03-11T21:11:00.000-08:00

Coming Home View Protected

Those of us who call the Skagit Valley home have an expression about the mood shift we experience on I-5 as we begin to drop into the fertile, green and rural valley--we call it the Coming Home View. It can be felt coming from the north down Bow Hill--but it is especially felt coming from the south cresting the first green wedge of a ridge after 100 miles of numbing suburban and urban sprawl in Snohomish, King, Pierce and Thurston counties. We want to keep our coming home view rural and pastoral-and not just for the view's sake. We cherish our agricultural heritage and its role in our region's economy. We understand that our county is one of the last in western Washington that has a viable agricultural component and we are one of the last rural slices remaining on I-5 in the Evergreen ever-growing state. Sure we have our big box stores too-but they're pretty much confined to just a two mile strip in Burlington. Head a half mile west and you're back in farmland=and it will remain farmland! And now our coming home view has just gotten a little closer to remaining the same due to the recent passage of the Agricultural scenic corridor bill. The governor signed it into law today. It states:

"Creating an agricultural scenic corridor within the scenic and recreational highway system" -- designates a portion of state Route 5 in Skagit and Snohomish counties as an agricultural scenic corridor, showcasing the state's historical agricultural areas and promoting their maintenance and enhancement.

Basically a 15 mile stretch of I-5, the first piece of interstate highway in the state to gain this designation. It won't stop development, but it will make it easier to secure funds and teeth for protecting farm lands and in our county folks of all walks of life and political persuasion have repeatedly shown that they support that! It is one of the things that makes living in the Skagit Valley special. You won't get this designation on the Valley Freeway in Kent and Auburn. Forty years ago however-it could have fit. We don't want what happened to the Kent Valley to happen here. We have seen the past and it is not what we want for our future. We've destroyed some of the best farmland in the west all ready in places like the Kent Valley. Let's keep Skagit green and agriculturally viable, not just for my view-but for our health and well being too!

2010-03-09T18:40:00.000-08:00

Scruffy Gray One Year Later

It was on a cold March 9th evening one year ago, that a scruffy gray cat came out of nowhere to win over our hearts and sensibilities. Giuseppe and I were enjoying lunch the following day when this scraggly, heavily-matted cat came from under our deck and plopped himself down to soak up the warming rays of the afternoon sun. We went out to meet him and saw that beneath all of that scruff was a loving cat. We fed him and allowed him to sleep in our garage to escape the 20 degree nighttime temp. After three days we took him to the Skagit Valley Humane Society. And after much debate we decided to adopt him as we knew that this older somewhat special needs kitty was probably not going to be adopted by anyone else. We questioned our sanity as we took this abandoned cat in and slowly nursed him back to life giving him supplements and administering eye drops to his malnourished eyes. We had him shaved removing the heavily matted and dirty fur that covered him. And then we quarantined him in Heather's office until his fear slowly subsided and he was able to get along with Giuseppe. Now one year later and after spending a few hundred dollars on him, we have an incredibly loving cat that we can't understand why anyone would have abandoned in the first place. Every morning Scruffers sits on my lap and we read the paper together. He takes the news a lot better than me! Every evening he gets back on my lap and helps me enjoy my nightly glass of red wine. He appreciates his food, never complains, loves to nap all over the house and enjoys chasing Giuseppe around from time to time. And when I'm on the road, he misses me. He's a great little guy and we hope that he hangs around our home for years to come. There are lots of abandoned cats and dogs out there that need a loving home. And despite the expense and sometimes inconvenience of caring for one of these furballs, they pay you back with unconditional (yes-even cats are capable of this) love and definitely help you get through this crazy world and times. Thanks Scruffers for picking us-you did well for yourself!

(photos -left Scruffy Gray March 2009, right Scruffy Gray March 2010)

2010-03-07T09:01:00.000-08:00

Spotted an owl-Snowy Actually!

Yet another first in my life of outdoor adventure. Despite living the majority of my life in northern latitudes including very close to the province of Quebec which boasts as its provincial bird the snowy owl-I had never seen one of these majestic birds. Yesterday my snowy owl drought ended. On a long bike ride that took me to Fir Island (where I saw 1,000s of snow geese) and along the Skagit River (where I saw 100s of trumpeter and tundra swans) and then finally to Edison on Samish Bay-all alone on the side of the road surveying a field was a young snowy owl! It just stared as all five in my bike group pedal by. Gorgeous bird. At first I thought it was a hawk and was perplexed by all of its white. Then I realized with its rounded head and flat face it was a young snowy owl as it was still sporting lots of gray bands. Of course I didn't have a camera on me to capture it. But boy this was a much better experience than last April's owl experience at Alice Lake Provincial Park in British Columbia where a barred owl swooped down at me and chased me down a trail for a good quarter mile. I'll take the roadside snowy owl any day over the in flight Barred owl coming at me. And who would have thought that my snowy sighing would have been by way of spoke and sprocket?

(photo of adult male snowy owl courtesy of Wikipedia)

2010-03-03T08:34:00.000-08:00

George W Bush 11- Barack Hussein Obama 2

That's the number of endangered species that both presidents granted federal protection to in their first year of office. While George W Bush was perhaps one of our least environmental friendly presidents ever, Obama isn't exactly moving full steam ahead when it comes to endangered species and particularly wolves. Presidents Clinton and George HW Bush on the other hand were exceptional when it came to protecting endangered species-they averaged listing 58 (Bush) and 61 (Clinton) species each year while in office. Clinton had a wonderful environmental track record and so too (and much to the shock of many liberals) did the elder Bush. Read the full report here in Treehugger. I'm a little dismayed that the MSM isn't carrying this story much. My local paper did. But then again many newspapers were probably reluctant to carry this headline too. Sometimes the truth can simply baffle the perception!

(picture courtesy of wikipedia- Northern Spotted Owl listed under the first Bush administration)

2010-03-01T14:58:00.000-08:00

National Forests-lands of multiple misuse

A very disturbing AP story today about Mexican drug gangs and illegal immigrants using our public lands for their criminal activities. Once again our refusal to deal with these two issues as the serious plagues on this country that they are is having a real impact on our society, safety, and freedom. It is only a matter of time before some horrific event will happen when an innocent hiker, hunter, law-abiding citizen stumbles upon one of these criminal enclaves. And I want to know how we as a nation of laws can tolerate this? It is our (Law-abiding Americans born and naturalized citizens) land! Not the land of illegal drug running criminals. If this doesn't disturb you, don't dare venture too far from the trail then. And if you think this is just a California problem, I have seen the drug runners right here in the North Cascades and we had a major drug growing operation busted right next to Ross Lake last summer. This is our problem too here in the Northwest and having a complacent attitude towards drugs and illegal immigration isn't going to help maintain the integrity of our public lands and safety of those who recreate on them. This is not the type of use that Gifford Pinchot envisioned with his utilitarian views of our national forests of greatest good for the greatest amount of people. We are failing as wise stewards of our public lands and our society at large will suffer along with our forests.

2010-02-28T10:43:00.000-08:00

Burning down the sh*t house!

To quote one of my all time favorite bands-the Talking Heads:

Hold tight, wait 'till the party's over
Hold tight, we're in for nasty weather

My house S'out of the ordinary
That's right Don't want to hurt nobody
Some things sure can sweep me off my feet
Burning down the house

That's what went though my mind on Oregon's Nesmith Point when I stumbled upon this pitiful privy, this dilapidated house of defecation, this languished log cabin, this crumbling crapper, this bombed out bun warmer! Okay, you get my point. I have a soft spot in my heart and a rumble in my stomach for outhouses and I often shed a tear and pass a little gas at the thought of seeing one of these structures that has served me and others so well left abandoned, abused, unloved and fading into the anals (yes, that's no word usage error) of history. Let's all bow our heads now, a little moment of silence-RIP!

2010-02-18T20:21:00.000-08:00

Winter in the Olympics!

No, not the Vancouver Winter Olympics, although they are definitely worth writing about. Great to see the good ole U S of A is bringing home some medals-and some great skiing and snowboarding from my New Hampshire, Vermont and Quebec brethren. We eastcoasters can ski! When you learn how to ski in New England, you can ski anywhere including the slop on BC's Cypress Mountain. And cheers too to our speed skaters-someone has to keep those Koreans working hard. And great to see the Canadians score well on their home front!

But still, as much as these Olys are fun, nothing beats Lake Placid in 1980 when we fought World War III and sent the Russians back to Moscow to pound their skates at the Kremlin and ask, "Who will bury whom?!"

Anyhow-if you are a fan of me on Facebook you probably have noticed that I just posted a bunch of great news on our Olympics-the Olympic Peninsula that is-compliments of the Peninsula Daily News of Port Angeles. Check out this good news when you take a break from watching Shaun White orbit the planet-

1. North Olympic Land Trust turns 20 years old!
2. Hurricane Ridge Road is getting close to reopening
3. More fishers are reintroduced to the Olympic National Park
and
4. Olympic National Park may add some acreage near lake Ozette.

All good news indeed for one of the finest regions/places on the planet!

2010-02-16T09:21:00.000-08:00

Tread lightly and mind your manners on this trail!

I think that one of these days when I get a break between putting out hiking guides (I am currently working on three new ones-so this won't be for awhile!) I should put together a little photo-book on humorous signs in the backcountry. A couple of my favorites I have shared with you in the past is Feces Alert and Bury your Poop- two signs that I plan on carrying with me to upcoming political rallies! But here's one I like, "Sylvia Creek Trail is a Sensitive Trail!" Does that mean that this trail will coddle me and make me a cup of hot chocolate when I am having a bad day? Be a great hike for someone going through a divorce, death, or financial meltdown? A new kinder gentler type of trail? Just what is a sensitive trail? I know what sensitive habitat is! But a sensitive trail-truly it must call for walking softly-and leave the big stick at home!

2010-02-15T09:19:00.000-08:00

Happy President's Day!

I must admit that I am traditionalist though, and I don't care much for a generic President's Day. I believe that we should honor George Washington and Abraham Lincoln as was originally intended on their birthdays--and not just have an excuse for a three day weekend. I believe this for all holidays and I am glad that we haven't corrupted Independence Day, Christmas and Veterans Day with this sort of thinking! Many people today have no idea why we even celebrate Martin Luther King-George Washington-Abraham Lincoln and Memorial Day-it is just a sale! Sigh-And as far as celebrating any president-I don't wish to include a handful in a generic celebration of chief executives. Ugh-perhaps we can dedicate April Fools Day to some of our worst presidents-but alas in our age of partisan polarization I believe that we would rate these presidents by our own political leanings. I try to stay objective and as an historian I like to proclaim that two of our greatest presidents ever were Theodore Roosevelt and Harry Truman. I would vote for either one of them if the were running today! I'd like to leave for you an interesting article from the Daily Green on the ten greatest environmental presidents. Roosevelt is the greatest as you can image-and Richard Nixon is in the top also-Nixon would have been one of the greatest residents ever if it wasn't for Watergate. Carter is one of the greatest environmental presidents we ever had too, but also one of the worst presidents overall! Oh, well-the article is worth a read even though it leans pretty left-but then again they did give a Republican the highest honor (and the worst too-but they didn't think too highly of Andrew Jackson either). Okay-have great day and thank these guys for a day off -sigh-

2010-02-14T18:19:00.001-08:00

Happy Chinese New Year!

This year is the year of the tiger. Last year was the year of Tiger Woods! It wasn't a good year for him. This year Tiger Mountain may shut down (doubtful) because there is no money in Olympia (Actually the money was just misappropriated) but you can assure yourself that there will probably be new fees to hike. Today is also Valentines Day and a Happy Valentines Day to all. Hiking and my wife are my two biggest loves. I took my wife hiking on our second date-it was to Surprise Lake in the Alpine Lakes Wilderness. Six weeks later I took her camping for the first time-it was to Curlew Lake State Park. Eight months after that we did our first major trip together-it was a 2 month backpack in South America. My wife was born in a year of the Tiger. I look forward to another great year of spending it with her on and off the trail! Hope this year is a good one for you and your loved one too!

(Photo- yeah, I know its not a tiger-its the best I can do-from Richmond BC)

2010-02-12T09:41:00.000-08:00

Let it Snow, Let it Snow

all across this great nation!

Well if the forecast is correct today for parts of the Florida panhandle and 2 to 4 inches of snow does indeed fall to the ground-then University of Oklahoma student Patrick Marsh will be able to put together his collection of pictures documenting snow in all 50 states! Yep-all 50 of them with snow on the ground. Yes, Hawaii's highest summits are snow topped right now. Louisiana, Mississippi and Alabama have snow on their hills too. Just waiting for Florida! Geez-too bad the Olympic Committee didn't consider this several years ago when they chose Vancouver for the Winter Olympics. Atlanta would have been a better choice this year! Meanwhile here in the balmy Northwest, just be glad we're not in Florida right now-they can have that cold!

(photo-Giuseppe practices his Siberian Tiger moves in a rare western Washington lowland snow fall)

2010-02-09T09:09:00.000-08:00

No Mealy Mouthing Here

on the Mealy Mountain National Park!

To quote our president's most overstated phrase-Let me be clear here-Canada's new Mealy Mountain National Park in Labrador is now eastern Canada's largest national park!

According to a press release from the Canadian Parks and Wilderness Society:

The Canadian Parks and Wilderness Society welcomes the announcements today by the Governments of Canada and Newfoundland-Labrador that they will establish a new national park reserve and an adjacent provincial waterways park in the pristine Boreal wilderness area of Labrador’s Mealy Mountains.

This area, which has long been treasured by Aboriginal people, shelters spectacular wilderness, along with a threatened woodland caribou herd, moose, black bear, osprey, bald eagles and a species of special concern, the eastern population of the harlequin duck. It is also a prime destination for salmon anglers.

Today's announcement by the Government of Canada to move ahead with the establishment of the Mealy Mountains National Park, encompassing 10,700 km2, and by the Government of Newfoundland and Labrador to designate 3,000 km2 of the adjacent lEagle River watershed for inclusion in a new waterway provincial park, will create a total protected area of nearly 14,000 km2 in central Labrador. It will become the largest protected area in Eastern Canada, and nearly double the total area protected within the province of Newfoundland and Labrador.

Wow! Looking for a little adventure this summer? To counter-quote fellow New Hampshire native son Horace Greeley- Go East Young Man! (Heck Young woman too-old and middle aged men and women as well!)

Read more here in the Halifax Chronicle-Herald.
(Picture of the new park from Parks Canada)

2010-02-08T18:53:00.001-08:00

Happy 100th anniversary Boy Scouts

Today marks the 100th anniversary of the Boy Scouts of America (BSA). Happy Birthday. If there was ever an organization that helped bond me to the outdoors, it was the scouts. My family moved to a small town in New Hampshire (population 3,000) when I was 8. It was there that I became a scout-Troop 266, Daniel Webster Council-Algonquin (now Nutfield) District. Did my first backpacking trip with the scouts-first mountain climb too-and boy did I ever look forward to camping jamborees and week long summer camp at Hidden Valley in New Hampshire's gorgeous lake district. I learned camping skills, survival skills, how to shoot a gun, how to use a bow and arrow, paddle, backcountry cook and a myriad of other great survival and life skills. I find it sad now that many boys and girls are shunning scouting. Yet another reason along with our urbanized society and plugged-in lifestyles that our next generations may never know the great outdoors. What a shame-long live the Boy Scouts and hopefully in its second 100 years more boys will discover and embrace it.

Just an aside-I guess having a district called Nutfield doesn't help recruitment! LOL- Seriously-it is the original name of the area that I grew up in-Oh, so that explains it!

2010-02-06T19:38:00.000-08:00

Bookmark This!

Just a note to let you all know that the revamp of Hikeoftheweek.com is moving right along. Started by me and Michael Fagin back in 2005, Michael turned over the full reigns to me this past month. My wife Heather has been teaching herself web design and she is slowly learning some new tricks. What you will get right now if you visit is a new hike every week which is timed so that you can hike it when it is posted. Destinations vary from around the state-usually coordinated with some of my books (I give you a little taste and hope you'll want to get the book to get the details and more) and every other week the destination is in Snohomish County, our major sponsor. So check it out and let me know what you think. We'll be adding polls and news features and eventually a comment/forum section as well. See you on the trail!

(Photo- Heather on the White Chuck Bench Trail, this week's hikeoftheweek.com destination.)

2010-02-04T10:58:00.000-08:00

Time for some good ole fashion mud-slinging!

Sorry my partisan friends, not that kind of mudslinging. But do go right ahead and continue to sling mud at Obama, Pelosi, Reid, McConnel, Boehner and any the other politicos that are currently driving you crazy. Why should Beck, Olbermann, Hannity and Matthews have all the fun?

But, seriously if you want to partake in some clean mud-slinging-actually slogging-head on down to Portland's Forest Park. While this amazing urban hiking destination with its over 80 miles of excellent and well maintained trails is unsurpassed when it comes to a major metropolitan area wilderness park--never have I hiked such muddy trails!!! And this is a mild winter with below average rainfall. The mud traps along the Wildwood Trail can swallow a small dog or child. Be sure to wear good boots, long pants and maintain your balance! And of course if you are taking along some little tykes for a hike-particularly young boys-be forewarned about the potential mud bathing and splashing that may occur. So-go ahead and partake in a good ole fashion mud sling and head to Portland's Forest Park soon!

2010-01-29T18:39:00.000-08:00

Bridge Back over Troubled Water

Hey, you have to love those stimulus funds! Some of them are actually making it to our trails and for the first time in two decades I'm not throwing my hands up in despair when I hear of a new washout. Now, there's a good chance that the washed out trail may actually get repaired before I become a senior citizen. Hallelujah! Latest revelation is in the Columbia Gorge National Scenic Area. You can now go beyond the Triple Falls once more on the beautiful Oneonta Trail. The washed out bridge has been replaced! I plan on checking it out pretty soon as the Oneonta Creek, Rock of Ages and Franklin Ridge Trails will all be in my upcoming Day Hiking Columbia Gorge Book. Hope you plan on checking it out too!

(photo-Heather hikes behind Ponytail Falls on her way to the Oneonta Creek Trail)

2010-01-27T09:00:00.000-08:00

Scruffers and Giuseppe Couldn't be any happier!

This morning's routine was the same. Up at 5:45- feed the kitties, start the coffee (actually the other way around-start the coffee-feed the kitties-sorry guys-priorities!)-snag the newspaper-grab a cup of joe-plop down on my favorite chair-and then wait for Scruffers to jump in my lap and we begin to read the paper together. Mostly the same ole same ole-Health Care showdown- Gov. Gregoire still waiting for money to fall out of the sky to balance her budget-heartbreak in Haiti-car crashes-gang violence-lost souls and wasted lives-but wait-what's this?- a story about China that doesn't involve their eminent takeover of the world! Why yes! Scruffers' ears perked up-Giuseppe's too who took a break from grooming himself on the couch-can it be true?
The headline read-
Chinese legal experts call for ban on eating cats and dogs

There may indeed be hope for our little furry friends after all. Pugs and Shar peis rejoice for your brethren!

(photos-above-Giuseppe "Could it be true?-below- Scruffy Gray "Say what?!")

2010-01-26T09:43:00.000-08:00

Giving Hunters a bad name!

Story in the Seattle Times today about a poacher (notice I didn't say hunter) caught bagging an elk in Olympic National Park. You make me sick you piece of merda (Italian for excrement). It's garbage like you who give real hunters a bad reputation. Real hunters are stewards of the land, not plunderers. Real hunters adhere to our laws and respect the fact that hunting is not allowed in our national parks. Heck, nearly 90% of the public lands in Washington state are open to hunting-so it's not like there aren't any decent places to track down an elk. Poaching is a real problem on our public lands as well as illegal harvesting of plants. These are our lands and we should be alarmed over the selfish, greedy and stupid people that plunder them. His sentence was light--but I'm glad he got bagged. There's a real need for more law enforcement on our public lands. Will our elected officials slash these budgets too? It could spell even more problems on our public lands if they do so. In the meanwhile, report any illegal activities you see and help protect our public lands!

2010-01-25T11:10:00.001-08:00

Great Conservation News from the Granite State!

Being the bi-coastal guy that I am, I now bring you some good conservation tidings from my home state thanks to the Society for the Protection of New Hampshire Forests. Here's a story from NH NPR on a great new trail in the Wapack Range. This area almost ended up sprouting 74 houses, but thanks to some some well-healed residents, hikers can now scoff their heels up a new trail. And here's a releases from the New Hampshire Land and Community Heritage Investment Program about grants to help preserve over 37,000 acres throughout the state. I can't wait to check these places out on my next trip back to the Granite State. My maple syrup is running low so I think a trip back "home' is in order!

(Photo-Heather begins a snow shoe trip through one of the protected properties thanks to SPNHF)

2010-01-22T11:06:00.000-08:00

Beware of illicit sexual behavior!

Yep, I just may have to put that warning in the information block on the Rooster Rock Hike in my upcoming Day Hiking Columbia Gorge Book. The trail described in my book won't yield any unwanted or inappropriate imagery, but a hike down on the beach just may. Even in January. I was well aware of Rooster Rock's gorgeous Columbia River sandy beaches as being a legal clothing optional beach. However, what I wasn't aware of was that it has the reputation of a San Francisco Bathhouse. Now hear me out-I'm not anti-gay, homophobic or on the moral high-horse here. I'm just talking about good ole respect and decency on public lands-land that is supported by tax dollars and fees. Nude beach, fine-you are warned about it-continue if that doesn't bother you. But no one needs to feel threatened with unwanted sexual advances or have to witness sexual behavior, gay or straight while recreating on their public property. And people need to know that this goes on, lest a family goes for a hike on this beautiful beach and walks into an uncensored scene from broke back beach! Not cool! Anyhow-you've now been warned if you weren't aware of this place's reputation. And why aren't other books and guide warning you about this? Feel free to hike Rooster Rock's forested trails with peace of mind. Hike its beaches without snooping around to see what is making the rustling in the willows. Enjoy the views up the Columbia instead and reflect; isn't it a tad bit ironic that Rooster Rock's original name was Cock Rock. Except it was in reference to its phallic shape not to male chickens. Talk about what's in a name!

2010-01-14T21:26:00.000-08:00

What's next?

Beware of water on the Trail!

One of the more oddly signed trails in our state's trail system is Little Si. Managed by the Washington Department of Natural Resources, the trailhead, trail and junctions are all well signed. I don't have a problem with that-in fact I commend the agency-for far too often trails managed by the US Forest Service lack any signs. What I find rather odd however is the large road like "Caution Falling Rock" sign on the trail. Now, its okay to warn about natural hazards at the trailhead kiosk-but seriously, isn't there always a risk of falling rock when you're heading up a mountain? This large highway sign looks so out of place on the trail. And-really now, does it do any good? What's a hiker to do-head up the trail neck-cocked upward at the slopes above? What then? A watch out for twisting ankles and falling sign!? Hikers assume risk when they enter the backcountry-a big sign stating the obvious probably doesn't alleviate the risk. All it does probably is let the land agency off the hook from being sued from a misguided hiker who thinks that the agency can control nature from acting up. Heck, if DNR can make nature heed its wishes-then it certainly would be able to get a much more destructive force from coming down on it-mainly Governor Gregoire's budget cuts for DNR! Hm-how much are you axing again from DNR Christine?And how much of a raise are state union workers getting again? My tax dollars pay for both and you have your axing and propping up in the wrong order. Maybe you can find a few more dollars in the coffers to put up a new sign "Caution, State Budget Cuts Coming-Kiss Your Favorite Trails Goodbye!"

(Photo-Christian Carver prepares for falling rock and Gregoire's falling DNR budget)

2010-01-11T17:50:00.000-08:00

What's up Chuck?

Actually, what's up the White Chuck? It was in 2003 that devastating floods pretty much closed off this valley to all but the hardiest of souls (Yes, Kim and Jim-that would be you two!). But the Forest Service is slowly restoring access to this area. Bring on those TARP and Bailout Funds. Heck, if this administration is going to bankrupt the nation (the last one helped too) well we might as well get some trails out of the deal! The White Chuck Bench Trail, once one of the finest winter snowfree hikes in the Cascades is slowly coming back to life. Two miles of the 6.7 mile trail have been restored and those two miles are in excellent shape. This restored section of trail is practically level and its both kid and dog friendly. And it is a quiet alternative to the carnivals that are usually in play off of I-90 and the Mountain Loop Highway near Granite Falls. The trail is located just short of 10 miles from Darrington and it is all on paved road except for the last .8 mile. Check it out and find out what's up the White Chuck!

(Photo-White Chuck River from viewpoint 1.5 miles up trail. Beyond, after another .5 mile the tread fades away)

2010-01-09T19:02:00.000-08:00

Stay on What Trail?!

I have to share this photo with you. Its from the Shark Reef Sanctuary on Lopez Island (see my Day Hiking North Cascades Book). I get a kick out of the sign pleading you to stay on the trail. But, look-the trail has been obliterated-where is it?! Just a thought for you when out hiking in the windy stormy months of January and February and it looks like we have another bout heading our way this week. Hunker down and pray that our trails make it through yet another winter. There's very little money in the coffers to repair our trails if they get hit!

(photo-Heather reads the sign while looking for tread)

2010-01-08T10:12:00.000-08:00

Having a Blast reading about hikes in my Past!

I get a kick out of reading some of my earlier writings. Occasionally I'm embarrassed over what I wrote (usually it involves the grammar, not the content) and from time to time I'm a tad bit smug, thinking, "Wow! Did I write that? Not bad for a hack!" Anyhow, some of my old writings are floating around there in hyperspace-a good reminder to always think about what you write-for it is out there forever-and the last thing you want is for one of these incurable STDs (Stupidly transcribed dialogues) staying with you forever!

Some of my friends and regular readers stumble upon some of my old writings from time to time and are also sometimes delighted in them. Some of my favorite past pieces and stories; and ones that I am convinced helped get me to where I am today, are from the time I wrote for the University of Washington Daily. I wrote a weekly column for three years entitled, Go take a Hike. It was quite popular and s lot of fun to write. Here's a link to a piece I did back in 1997 on hiking Washington's National Wildlife Refuges. All of the featured refuges in this article have made it into one of my books. Ridgefield, Nisqually, and Dungness Spit are in my new Winter Hikes of Western Washington Card Deck. Check out this story and others from my past-Enjoy-and Go Take a Hike!

(photo-old shot from the Daily-that's me on the left 13 years younger!)

2010-01-06T09:53:00.000-08:00

The End of Winter!

Well, not really, but its the end of real winter for me as I am now back home in the mild Pacific Northwest! The eastern half of the country is experiencing real winter with real cold and real snow and I really enjoyed it while I was back there! No matter how long I have been out here in the Pacific Northwest, winter to me means bitter cold winds-fire red sunsets-skeletal birches against a gray sky, ponds frozen solid that crack and echo in the silent January air-sitting around a wood stove sipping hot chocolate in a picturesque village that kept Revolutionary War soldiers and colonial farmers snug and warm. Winter in New England is special and if you don't like the snow and cold you best not think about relocating in New Hampshire and Vermont. But if you love snowshoeing and cross-country skiing across rolling hills and charming villages or skating Charlie Brown style around a small pond in a town common-northern New England your place in January. Now, back in the Pacific Northwest where the mercury dances at 50, I can once again don shorts and enjoy snow free hiking. And let me tell you about some of the best snow free winter hiking in America. Come attend one of my upcoming talks. Hate snow? No problem-the lowlands of Western Washington will spare you the blanketing white stuff!

(photo- Me at the NH Audubon Massabesic Center)

2010-01-03T14:08:00.000-08:00

New and Improved for 2010

Regular followers of Hikeoftheweek.com, and I am hoping that there are many of you out there, will be pleased to know that the site is undergoing a major restructuring. It is currently being redeveloped and should be back online shortly. The site founded by me and Micheal Fagin back in the Autumn of 2005 has been a great success. With Green Trails Maps, North Olympic Peninsula Visitors Association, and the Snohomish County Tourism Bureau as past and present sponsors, the site has been able to provide you with over 250 hikes so far! Wow! And there are still plenty of more to be shared with you. The new site will have interactive features, an improved archive and search engine as well as news clips relating to trails and conservation in Washington state. And of course most of the hikes will be linked with my guidebooks, so if you need a map and all kinds of other important information on a particular hike you can get the book and get out there and start exploring! I hope you are excited about this new and improved Hikeoftheweek.com as I am. Stay tuned, it's on the way!

2010-01-01T13:29:00.000-08:00

Felice Anno Nouvo!

Giuseppe and I would like to wish all of you a most wonderful and happy 2010! We hope that you stay healthy and resolve to get out more. Take a hike! Go for a run! Get on the bike! Go for a paddle! Chase a fly! (That one was Giuseppe's idea!) We know that these are uncertain economic times-but the best things in life truly are free-or just cost a little. Stay mentally, spiritually and physically healthy by connecting with the outdoors and exploring it. And start now! I began the New Year like I always do with a 5K run at a small New Hampshire town. And if you didn't partake in any outdoor or physical activity today-there's tomorrow-it is not too late to begin a new and healthier routine. See you on the trail this year. Happy New Year!

(photo-Giuseppe resolves to chase more things this year!)

2009-12-31T14:28:00.000-08:00

Reflections of a Year Gone By

Well, 2009 was certainly a less than stellar year in terms of our nation's economy and we ended it with yet another terrorist attack (albeit, thank God an unsuccessful attempt). Yes, this past year and decade were not quite the 1990s, were they? But, still on a personal level, it was a good year. I have my health, family and friends and plenty of blessings-life indeed is good. I hiked well over 1,000 miles this past year and ran and biked hundreds of miles as well. Explored some incredible corners of the state and as usual did a little exploring on the periphery too in British Columbia, Oregon, Idaho. And my beloved New England as well. 2010 should be a great year. I have two book that I'll finish working on leading me to yet more great areas and a couple of more projects that I'll be starting shortly leading me to yet even more great places. Yep-bring on 2010! Here's hoping that the New Year will be a great one for you too both on the trail and in all other areas of your life!

(photo- Giuseppe studies my Green Trails maps to help me plan for upcoming adventures)

2009-12-26T06:23:00.000-08:00

The Wren is the King of all birds!
Happy St. Stephen's Day!

To all my Irish friends, I wish you a happy St. Stephen's Day! I'd love to be in the County Claire right now tipping back a pint listening to some great Irish Music. But alas I'll have to settle for Boston and a Chieftains CD! And to my friends north of the border, a Happy Boxing Day to you! And to you Yanks, no it doesn't honor Rocky Marciano or Joe Lewis. Its about (traditionally) giving a gift to those less fortunate or to a social inferior. Unfortunately Like our Christmas it has been corrupted over the years by becoming over commercialized and celebrated by consumption. We need Linus to explain to us what the real meaning of Boxing Day is!

If you see a wren today, here's a few lines from a traditional Irish song to sing to help usher in the mood. The Clancy Brothers would be a good choice today to listen to-to help set the mood.

The wren, the wren, the king of all birds,
St. Stephen's Day was caught in the furze,
Although he was little his honour was great,
Jump up me lads and give us a treat

(photo-from wikipedia)

2009-12-25T06:24:00.000-08:00

Buon Natale!

Giuseppe and I would like to wish each and every one of you a Buon Natale. Merry Christmas everyone! For most of the country it's a Natale Bianco too. Take the day to enjoy life, family, and friends. Take the day to reflect, be thankful and hopeful. Today is a sacred day for many-secular for others-and for some people just a day. But no matter your leanings, Giuseppe and I hope that you find some of the true meanings of Christmas today and everyday. Peace on earth and goodwill toward all. Okay-its time for a Christmas run and then a festa of good food and spirits. And of course a little Frank Sinatra, Bing Crosby and Nat King Cole on the stereo!

2009-12-23T10:43:00.000-08:00

Tis the Season to be Charitable!

As someone who has spent countless hours in wild and beautiful places and has made a living writing about them-I support a number of nonprofit organizations that are dedicated to preserving and improving our environment as well as organizations that work to enhance and increase outdoor recreation opportunities. The following organizations are among the ones that I support financially and through my writings:

Canadian Parks and Wilderness Society
Cascade Land Conservancy
Conservation Northwest
Friends of the Wapack Trail
New Hampshire Nature Conservancy
Skagit Land Trust
Skagitonians to Preserve Farmland
Society for the Protection of New Hampshire Forests
Washington Nature Conservancy
Washington Trails Association
Washington's National Park Fund

I also support Oxfam America and Giuseppe and Scruffy Gray are big supporters of the Humane Society of Skagit Valley.

I know that the last two years have been difficult ones financially. I too have felt the sting of the Great Recession having lost regular writing gigs and had others scaled back. However, this has not lead me to cut back on my charitable donations. In fact, I have increased my giving over last year. While the best things in life truly are free-maintaining them and fighting for them is not! I hope that during this Christmas Season-this time of hope, renewal and reflection, that you will find in your heart and wallet a little extra goodwill and help support the wild places that help sustain our sanity-not to mention a myriad of species' survival- throughout the year!

(photo-me admiring an old white pine on the Hay Reserve; preserved for all by the Society for the Protection of New Hampshire Forest)