Tahawus Thanksgiving
A winter approach into Johns Brook Valley, a summit in rime and wind, and a slow descent with an injured knee.
Stories
Soybeans and Wind
A flat Ohio century ride through soybean fields, late-summer heat, persistent wind, and one hundred miles earned pedal stroke by pedal stroke.
The Failure Cascade
Frozen locks, late starts, wet boots, failed stoves, and a cold winter night near the Allegheny Reservoir.
Out of Position
A missed turn toward Ohiopyle becomes an improvised weekend of caves, questionable decisions, and whitewater on the Lower Yough.
Rain Along Otter Creek
An autumn backpacking trip through old railroad grades, wet forest, cold creek crossings, and a long rain-soaked descent.
Through the Quiet Woods
First tracks, falling snow, old railroad beds, and ice hidden beneath the powder at the Art Roscoe Ski Touring Area.
Surfacing
A long litter evacuation through cold water, mud, and narrow breakdown passages deep inside Laurel Caverns.
The Distance Between Ambition and Ability
Repeated winter attempts on Mount Washington, retreats in severe weather, and a clearer understanding of preparation and limits.
Confidence and Competence
A solo winter week in the White Mountains: severe cold, Franconia Ridge, Mt. Washington, equipment failures, and useful mistakes.
Snow Fever
A feverish White Mountains week of backcountry skiing, Mt. Adams, wet snow, improvised dignity, and the mystery of kleister.
Downeast Autumn
A long North Country family road trip through Baxter State Park, South Branch Pond, Acadia, Bar Harbor, Freeport, Walden Pond, and the thirteen-hour drive home.
Plans Change
Colorado plans become an Ecuador expedition through office frustration, cycling miles, passport errands, vaccinations, and a spare bedroom full of gear.
The Next Step
Quito, Otavalo, Cayambe, Cotopaxi, and Chimborazo reveal how much the White Mountains had already taught.
Cold Carrots
A cold-weather field note on wind, layering, improvised protection, and one neglected extremity.
I solo because I like it
A practical defense of solitude, self-reliance, transition time, and finding the base level again.
Making Water
A winter-camping note on melting snow, producing drinking water, freezing bottles, fuel, patience, and quiet camp work.
Good Enough
A freezer experiment with bottle parkas, wool socks, duct tape, and the inevitable discovery that not every detail matters.
Preparation
Seam sealing a first serious tent, sorting gear, studying maps, and discovering that a trip begins long before the trailhead.
Too Late
A mountain bike crash, poison ivy, delayed consequences, and the distance between knowing what to do and doing it.