Mitch was a boxer, geologist, businessman and philosopher. He was also my Dad’s best friend. When Mitch and Stan (my Dad) were together, Stan was more relaxed and more adventurous. Mitch had three sons, all older than me. They were much like their father. When our families got together, adventure ensued and adult supervision decreased. […]
Read more "Trail Report Redux (1975): Canyoneering with The Champ"Dr. Kizzmekia Corbett and Dr. Katalin Kariko’: important contributors to the development of mRNA vaccines As I hiked up the Salmon Creek trail with my neighbor Chet, he thought out loud about the new antibodies being produced in his body. He imagined them multiplying – making him stronger as he made the long climb to […]
Read more "A Short and Sweet Trail Report: With Thanks to Kizzy and Kati (May 10, 2021)"Directions: Take Interstate 94 to the town of Medora, North Dakota. Follow the signs for Theodore Roosevelt National Park Scenic Loop Drive. When you arrive at a fork in the road, take it. Either choice will deliver you to your destination, as Boicourt Overlook is about halfway around the loop that begins at the fork. […]
Read more "Trail Report Redux (1986): Hiking the Boicourt Trail to Boicourt Overlook"What is the longest word in the dictionary? I want you to think about that while I tell a story. Above we have what appears to be an easy two or three day backcountry hike of 15 miles and 4,000 feet of climbing. The highlight of the Chilnualna Falls Loop is, of course, Chilnualna Falls. […]
Read more "Trail Report: Miles and Smiles (May 29, 2021)"An old storyteller who goes by the name of Larry Jeff McMurtry passed away this spring. He could spin a yarn. One of his tales won some kind of fancy book prize. A lot of folks read it, so I thought I’d give it a go. It ain’t about no dove, but it could be […]
Read more "A Little Report on a Trail Report (June 19, 2021)"It has almost been a year since I did not finish the 210 mile long John Muir Trail (JMT). It is my intention to finish the JMT by completing the remaining parts in sections. I have completed just over one hundred miles of the trail. Having just returned from hiking a small section of the […]
Read more "A John Muir Trail Report: The Finishers! (June 27, 2021)"Mr. T Is hitting the trail! This trail report is dedicated to Mr. T, who is starting the John Muir Trail in a few weeks. Back in the early 2000’s, there was a garage band at the high school in town. The band members were Mr. Z, That Smart Kid, That Cool Kid and Mr. […]
Read more "And Now A Special Report: He is as sweet as Tennessee whiskey! (June 3, 2021)"Let me begin by mentioning that both The Niece and The Neighbor are skilled, experienced and strong backpackers. It was a privilege to hike with them and I appreciate all I learned from the process. These two hikers are especially strong in the backpacking food department whereas I have yet to achieve their high level […]
Read more "A John Muir Trail Report: Knocking Around with The Niece and The Neighbor (July 17, 2021)"Below we have a map of The John Muir Trail (JMT), also known as Nüümü Poyo, or “The Peoples Trail”. Elegant in its simplicity. 210 miles. Now let’s take a look at the Dave Boicourt Trail (DBT), also known as The Onomatopoeia, or “The Fool’s Pilgrimage”. Clumsy in its complexity. 360 miles. For my most […]
Read more "A John Muir Trail Report: Method to the Madness (July 30, 2021)"I feel very good after my last sojourn into the mountains. I completed a section of the John Muir Trail between Purple Lake and Reds Meadow which tidied things up quite a bit. All that remains is a short, but remote section that includes Muir Pass and a little section out of Yosemite Valley. I […]
Read more "A John Muir Trail Report: Call From The Windigo (August 17, 2021)"
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