Cordillera Real – The Warm Up Peaks

If you've been following this blog this summer, you know that all the summits I bagged, all the hiking I did, and all gym time and running was aimed at one goal - Bolivian summits. And so, a mere one day after I switched from sea level in Washington DC to a city that sits … Continue reading Cordillera Real – The Warm Up Peaks

The Science of the Equator

Science is more fun when you see it in action. Some things I already knew, like that the boiling temperature of water is lower at higher altitudes. And of course I've seen pictures of the wildlife on the Galápagos Islands, but I had to see some it for myself. Currents You are probably familiar with … Continue reading The Science of the Equator

The Road to Gold Ridge

I'm pleased to announce that I've published another short story, this time in the Metaworker. I submitted this story to five magazines back in January and didn't get any acceptances. But I did get one personalized bit of feedback (thank you, Novel Noctule editors!) that included the following: The writing was solid, but we felt … Continue reading The Road to Gold Ridge

Conceding to Mother Nature

Summer may be perfect time to play in the Rocky Mountains, but there's so much happening that time of year that I sometimes have a hard time getting out of town. So while I did some camping and hiking 14ers in July and August, when fall officially arrived, I suddenly panicked that I didn't get out … Continue reading Conceding to Mother Nature

Enchanting Rainforest Hideaway in Pāhoa, Hawaii (February, 2013)

While You Are There: Relax! Not all trips are about what you can go see and do. If you went all the way to Big Island only to rent this place and never step foot outside it except to go to and from the airport, it would be worthwhile. This place is magical. That said, Big … Continue reading Enchanting Rainforest Hideaway in Pāhoa, Hawaii (February, 2013)

441 Days in Mountains: The (Long and Winding) Road

No, this post has nothing to do with Cormac McCarthy or the Beatles. It has to do with the impending winter and the requirements of living on a private, barely legal road. If you, like most of the sane and rational population of the United States, live on a paved road that is cleaned, plowed, and maintained by your … Continue reading 441 Days in Mountains: The (Long and Winding) Road

Six Months in the Mountains: Snowpocalypse

Today marks our six month anniversary at The Sanctuary, and Mother Nature has chosen to celebrate by dumping 18 inches of snow on us since Sunday afternoon. After the stereotypically warm and sunny Front Range January, winter is back. The pure gravel road that I walked down on Saturday to meet my friends coming up … Continue reading Six Months in the Mountains: Snowpocalypse