One of the great joys in life is seeing something in person that you’ve studied. Visiting a world class, historic landmark brings the geography, human ingenuity, and often years of struggle to life. It adds depth. It gives perspectives often…
Hiking with Kids: Let’s Be Scientific
Spending time in the outdoors with a 4 year boy provides a different perspective. We pay attention to details I would otherwise ignore. One always entertaining topic is animal poop. While visiting the Vail Nature Center this summer, we learned an outstanding song that…
REI’s Positive Impact on the Outdoors
REI has been an outdoor fixture in my life since I moved to Colorado in the 1990s. On Saturday I attended REI’s Berkeley Store 40th anniversary celebration. It was an excellent event that included REI demonstrations and give-aways, presentations from outdoor…
Art of the 24 Hour Trip & Microadventures
The outdoor industry is recognizing that unfortunately, most folks do not have the free time to take off three months to hike a long distance trail or cycle across a continent. Responsibilities and real life intrude – especially as folks…
Gear Review: Woolx Lightweight Base Camp Hoodie
Versatility is one of the best measures for outdoor gear. The Woolx Lightweight Base Camp Hoodie is an excellent backcountry and travel shirt. The merino wool shirt can be used as a base, insulating, or outer layer depending on the…
Mission Impossible & Thames Path
Mission Impossible: Rogue Nation features locations like Vienna, Casablanca, and London. The London scenes feature Tom Cruise, Rebecca Ferguson, and Simon Pegg. London also features the Thames Path including Tower of London, Parliament, and Tower Bridge. Unbeknownst to me, I…
World Class Climb: Scafell Pike, Wasdale Head, & the Lake District
What area inspired the writings of William Wordsworth, Samuel Coleridge, & Beatrix Potter? England’s Lake District with its glacial carved valleys, chiseled mountains, and lakes is England’s most scenic spot. I recently climbed England’s tallest Peak and camped beside one…
Place of the Week: Nevado de Toluca
I’m starting a weekly entry featuring a short note about my favorite adventure spots. Nevado de Toluca is Mexico’s 4th highest mountain and at 15,350 feet (4680m) is higher than any US peak in the lower 48. It is a dormant volcano…
Thames Path: Step Through History in London
The US designates 11 National Scenic Trails. England & Wales protect fifteen National Trails. Protected UK National Trails feature Hadrian’s Wall, the Lake District, & the Devon & Cornwall coastline. The Thames Path is the most accessible National Trail. Its…
Quality Day Trip for Kids: Russian Ridge Open Space Preserve
When fog shrouds the Bay Area, Russian Ridge Open Space Preserve often stands as an island above the clouds. Russian Ridge is also an excellent trip for young families. The Audrey Rust & Mindego Gateway site offer one of the…