Tomboy in Pink 2015.03.05 Latergram I bet when my mom got my third grade school photo, she almost wished there were two of me. Tomboy in pink! Read more
2015.03.03 Latergram This gorgeous, state-of-the-art Crissey State Park building (I call it “my office” because I use the wifi occasionally) has been abandoned in turn by the Forest Service then by @TravelOregon, now sits mostly shut thanks to federal and state budget cuts. What are our priorities? Write your representatives if you care about something. And get outside. Read more
Sea Lions 2015.02.16 Latergram Sea lions enjoying the sun! Battery Point lighthouse at top center. Read more
The Best Ultra Lightweight Sleeping Bags 2015.01.07 Bikes, Pacific Crest Trail, Sewing Ultra lightweight sleeping bags are purpose-built for long-haul treks where space is at a premium and weight is counted in grams, but they can also be used on your ordinary family camping trips. I call that win-win! The sleeping bag is part of “The Big Three:” These three items comprise the most weight, and take up the most space of all your gear. Also, they are items (aside from food and shoes) that can make–or break–your hike or bike tour. Be prepared to shell out good money up front (and not have to re-purchase something better later). This is an investment you’ll be putting to very good use. A sleeping bag is a camper’s best friend! Considerations For Choosing a Sleeping Bag Sleeping Bag Comparisons These comparisons […] Read more
Hitch-hiking Pro Tips 2015.01.04 Hiking, Pacific Crest Trail I did done a ton of solo hitchhiking both during and after my PCT thru-hike — over a thousand miles and many dozen hitches. I learned a lot about hitching and from hitching and thought I’d share with you. Before my thru-hike it never occurred to me to hitch-hike. Not only that but it seemed dangerous and rather taboo. But on a thru-hike it becomes not only necessary but mostly fun. And for me, I wondered not only why I had never done it before, but why not keep doing it? And so after my hike, I continue to hitch-hike. Of course I’ve seen firsthand that it is easier to get a ride when you’re a female (or two or three females) on the side of the […] Read more
Bye Portland Latergram Goodmorning and goodbye Portland. It was nice, thanks for having me. Lots of birds and big fish in the water this morning, also enjoying the sunrise. Read more
Backpack Choices for a Thru-hike 2014.12.29 Pacific Crest Trail (UPDATE 2023) I realize these days all the “cool” kids want a tissue-thin artisanal custom sub-2-lb backpack for their thru-hike. If that’s you, maybe you don’t need this article. If you’d prefer to carry something sturdy that can actually handle water carries, snow gear carries, and possible longer stretches, then this post is for you. (UPDATED 2019) Here is a run-down of all the popular backpacks on the Pacific Crest Trail (PCT). Also included are a couple pack comparison charts for you, looking at a range of the most common and reasonable packs for normal people. I hope this helps your selection. Please correct any mistakes or omissions in the comments below. Index Common Packs Outliers Other Ideas Considerations 55-60L Comparison Chart 65-70L Comparison Chart Common Backpacks […] Read more
Turnagain Arm 2014.12.22 Latergram And to think this was a sliver of my winter view on a 35-mile commute I made several times a week (twice a day when in high school) for five years, and I was able to take it for granted. Where have you lived that was so beautiful, and yet taken for granted? Read more
Homer 2014.12.19 Latergram Walking dogs along the beach is apparently a big thing in Homer. Lots of people walking, and they all have dogs. Last night it was remotely possible I could park at the Kilchers because of a mutual friend (we actually have a few), but they recoiled and instead I stayed at a nice bed and breakfast. Their loss. 😉 Read more
Redoubt 2014.12.18 Latergram A view of Mt. Iliamna and Mt. Redoubt volcanoes across the Cook Inlet from the Deep Creek Park “skating rink.” I remember Redoubt blew in December 1989 and covered our lives with ashes instead of snow and ice, which was… interesting. Read more
Kenai Latergram The Kenai River west of Cooper Landing is an almost tropical shade of turquoise at this time of year. But don’t let that fool you, it’s cold as ice. Read more
Silly Hobbits Latergram Silliness status post 22:30 IMAX 3D Hobbit showing, with one of my very oldest childhood friends, Rainbo, and her fiancé James decked out in Hobbit costume and totally willing to play along with my stupid photo ideas. That movie was fun. Happy birthday Rainbo!!! Read more
2014.12.12 Latergram I’m kind of obsessed with bears. (I know this doesn’t count for our bear-counting contest, @jesskavonic, but I WIN!) Read more
Chena Hot Spring 2014.12.09 Latergram It was 5° out and 15-20mph gusts of wind would blow ice chunks into the pool which had cooled considerably since yesterday, but Chena Hot Springs held its charm. Last time I was here I was maybe 7 years old! Read more