Category: NOLS

September 5, 2013 / / Livin the dream

The square, white boxes stand out garishly against the lush, verdant hillside and are the first thing I notice as we drive past the property and towards the bridge that…

July 17, 2013 / / NOLS
June 15, 2013 / / NOLS

The rain woke me up, its heavy consistent patter on my tent fly.  Camped as I was in a small sandy alcove somewhere between the base of Wyoming’s Lankin Dome…

May 15, 2013 / / Alpine Notes

“Want to bet on what the weather does mañana?” I ask Christian. “I think it will be clear” he says after a moments reflection. “Hmmm, what makes you think that? …

December 15, 2012 / / Alpine Notes

Porters Ski Field Winter 2012 — “Shiddaduduh” Hayden Gemmell points out to a skier as they are getting on the tow line.  The skier turns around and gives Hayden a…

December 12, 2012 / / Alpine Notes

25-27 November 2012 — Blue sky is somewhere above.  Christian sits in “my” vestibule and pumps the Whisperlite.  The smell of white gas permeates the tent.  Then comes the soft…

November 1, 2012 / / New Zealand

19 September 2012 — Patience mattered today.  Patience actually matters everyday, but it came to the forefront of my mind today.  Leon needed it from me.  Others did as well.…

October 31, 2012 / / Alpine Notes

The nighttime silence of the Cameron River valley seeps in through the yellow fabric of our tent.  The pale green glow of the light on the Timex watch I wear…

October 10, 2012 / / Alpine Notes

0300 Hours October 3, 2012. “Red tent, close your vestibule” I yell over the howling outside of my tent. The weather forecast the day before had called for 100+ kilometers/hour…

September 13, 2012 / / Livin the dream

The brewpub could easily have been in Boulder, Seattle, or Squamish.  The food, beer and atmosphere were the same. High wooden rafters and exposed duct work presided over a broad,…

June 9, 2012 / / Livin the dream

Work gives me purpose. It gives me direction and meaning. I find happiness in teaching others, living simply and encouraging others to do the same. Work is spent in the…

May 9, 2012 / / Livin the dream
April 30, 2012 / / Climbing

April 19, 2012 Attentiveness mattered today.  The friable, incut edges of desert varnish beckon for my out stretched hand.  I reach cautiously upward, searching for the ones that look solid. …

December 12, 2011 / / Livin the dream

Finishing a course is usually a mixed blessing for me.  Life is decidedly simpler in the mountains or out at the crag.  The simpleness of living and working is one…

November 15, 2011 / / Livin the dream

“Hey Dane do you mind if Kyle and I climb a few pitches?” I ask as Dane descends from the Morning Glory Wall with a gaggle of students.  The sun…