The natural world, life, and dogs.
If you spend time in the outdoors, eventually something will go wrong. It's a law of nature. But if you survive, those epic failures become the best stories! We’ve all read about amazing accomplishments in the wild, but now it’s time to tell us about the not-so-great times and what you learned from them. Share… Continue reading Epic Trail Fail #2: Peterson Ridge Rumble
Winter is beginning to show signs of arriving in Idaho's Salmon River Mountains, my home. I love winter. I love snow, almost as much as my dogs do, except I don't roll in it. Having real winters with snow - as opposed to Seattle's dreary constant drizzle with the occasional snowpocalypse that brings everything to… Continue reading Tracks and Bones
If you spend time in the outdoors, eventually something will go wrong. It's a law of nature. But if you survive, those epic failures become the best stories! We’ve all read about amazing accomplishments in the wild, but now it’s time to tell us about the not-so-great times and what you learned from them. Share… Continue reading Epic Trail Fail: The Grand Canyon
Recently I’ve been scheming with fellow blogger Arionis of Just a Small Cog about sharing stories of things going wrong out on the trails, whether hiking or running or whatever activity one enjoys (could also be biking, walking, kayaking, climbing, skiing). I had enjoyed reading one of Ari’s posts about a long-distance hike on the… Continue reading Trail Fails – Minor and Epic
One of the delights of living here is the ability to see so much wildlife. This morning, bald eagles were putting on a show. Driving home from caring for cats of friends who are out of town, I saw some large birds flying over the snow-covered country road, near where cattle were feeding on hay… Continue reading Bald Eagles
...the gift of living boldly, close to nature, with my dogs. Simple things, really. The following is a photo essay of thanks-giving, using shots taken over the last three days. I have so many things to be thankful for, but in the spirit of the Thanksgiving holiday I'll focus on the current season. I'm thankful… Continue reading Giving Thanks For…
A reader commenting on my earlier post about the four phrases that make for civil society noted that giving someone who has been rude a dose of their own medicine is rarely effective, that leading by example is the better course. I completely agree. In responding to her comment I was reminded of something that… Continue reading Saying I’m Sorry: A Memorable Example
This afternoon, driving by pastures I regularly walk or drive past, I observed something unexpected, and intriguing. Rounding a tight curve in the gravel road, I saw one of the yearlings in the adjacent pasture running - full speed, for quite a distance - in the same direction I was traveling. My first thought was… Continue reading Animal Sentience: Cows
"Yin and yang (or yin-yang) is a complex, relational concept in Chinese culture that has developed over thousands of years. Briefly put, the meaning of yin and yang is that the universe is governed by a cosmic duality, sets of two opposing and complementing principles or cosmic energies that can be observed in nature." [From… Continue reading Smoke and Light
Such simple words and phrases. They are grease for the skids of social interaction and civility. So why is it hard for some people to use them? Or am I just being a crank? Maybe I am. Let me vent a bit. I live next to a national forest. I take interest in what happens… Continue reading Please, Thank You, You’re Welcome and I’m Sorry
Wild Sensibility 