A Strawberry Supermoon in 2022 pulled me out for an early jaunt on Ridgeline Trail and up / down Spencer Butte a few times. Sunrise (so moonset inverse) was pegged around 5:30 and the weather had clear skies not past … Read More

Reminder: clicking on pics will display 90% resolution pic The original plan to hike Trinity Alps this week was changed after my hiking buddy caught a bug (not Covid); so with gear all packed up and the motor running, I … Read More

After two hikes, this is my ‘go-to’ water purification system for ‘flowing water’ sources (contrasted to ‘still water’ sources, e.g., ponds and lakes). Katadyn BeFree (Rei page) This is so light and easy to make small, I carried it in … Read More

A thru-hike simulation is about finding a groove (pace) that is sustainable all day over changing terrain, and then again the next day. While Hardesty Mountain trail to Mt. June was first choice, the carbon karma was too high; for … Read More

For the last two years, Topo Athletic has been my go-to shoe for hiking and training. Nothing has changed; they are the best shoe so-far for my odd-ball feet. With this spring season closing and summer starting, different shoes take … Read More

After 2 longer river hikes, some elevation work was needed to keep old legs, heart and lungs conditioned. Carbon karma was a big issue as well given the drives to Rogue and Enchanted Valley. Spencer Butte carries a 30 min … Read More

A hiking buddy of mine goes to Enchanted Valley regularly, and this year he asked me to tag along. We arrived at the Graves Creek Trailhead (East Fork Quinault River Trail – NPS, All Trails) around 11:00, May 17. This … Read More

Walking around the mill race and Ducks’ football stadium today camera in hand … First those slow children and watchful parents taking up too much of the bike path One of the osprey parents took a break to clean up, … Read More

To keep up the endurance gained last week on Rogue River (post), a ‘fast-hike’ the full length of Ridgeline Tr (Spring Bvld to Blanton) and topping Spencer Butte twice. Hit the trail around 6:30 carrying lightly packed NorthFace 20L pack … Read More

I have gone through backpacks in the recent couple of years. Not from wearing them out, but due to them just not working out – fit, comfort and usability on my hikes. I sent back an REI “old fashioned” pack … Read More