"Autumn Fire" 'Climb the mountains and get their good tidings. Nature's peace will flow into as sunshine into trees. The winds will blow their freshness into you, and the storms their energy, and cares will drop off like autumn leaves.'John Muir
"Labyrinth of Daedalus" In Greek mythology Daedalus created a labyrinth for King Minos of Crete. Within the labyrinth lived the fearsome Minotaur! As I descended the Navajo Loop trail, I thought about Theseus' journey to retrieve the Golden Fleece.
"Perfection in Color" Part of the beauty of Bryce Canyon is the contrast between the deep, blue skies, and the reds and oranges of the rock formations. This creates a stunning juxtaposition and an incredibly beautiful spectacle.
"Silent City" The mysteries of Petra have intrigued people for years. I discovered my own version of Petra at Bryce Canyon. This area is called "Wall of Windows," and sits within the "Silent City." One can almost hear the voices of ancient peoples.
"High Mountain Lakes" The lakes in the Uintas typically sit above 9,600 to 10,000 feet above sea level. Mirror Lake is one of the most beautiful of these lakes. Early in the morning the water is like glass, this beautiful lake becomes a large, perfect mirror.
"An Old Friend" I remember as a child, my father telling me about his hike to the top of Hayden's Peak. Ever since, when I go into the Uinta Mountains I have to see this unique peak.
"Hangin' Out on S-Curve Overhang" Big Cottonwood quartzite offers some fun climbing routes. Climbing has been long-associated with the Wasatch mountains. Some of the first routes put up in the 50's and 60's were on quartzite.
"Old Miners Cabin" Utah has a rich mining history. Silver was one of the most sought after metals. It's a real treat when you find evidence of the historic past. This block building is just above the Big Cottonwood Canyon road, about halfway up the canyon.
"Kogalla" The best adventure light around. We recently attended and helped sponsor the Bigfoot 200 in beautiful Washington State. Congrats to all the runners, staff and Candace!
"Osprey Landing" As I watched my fly drift down the Henry's Fork River in front of me, I heard a splash. When I looked I saw an Osprey lifting a massive rainbow from the depths. "Hey, that was MY fish," I yelled.
"Hikers Beware" this beautiful flower comes with a dark side. Foxglove contains the chemical 'digitalis.' It's guaranteed to stop your heart in large doses. Digitalis has been used in heart medications as an anti-arrhythmic agent.
"Do you believe in Sasquatch?" Inside the Ape Caves, near Mt. St. Helens. The caves were named for a Scout Troop that called itself 'the Apes.' This is actually a very large lava tube. The lighting was provided by Kogalla Ra strip lights . . . which are great for caving!
"Mt. St. Helens" We were here last week (8/8-10) for the Bigfoot 200 ultra race. Met lots of great folks, and deepened our respect for the runners. Being near Mt. St. Helens was sobering. It's hard to comprehend the cataclysmic event of May, 18, 1980.
"Le Trois Tetons" The Shoshone-Bannock people called these mountains "Teewinot," which literally means "Many Peaks." The homesick and love sick French trappers called the most prominent peaks, "Le Trois Tetons," meaning the Three Breasts.