Winter Solitude

I once worked with a fellow who spent six weeks every winter in Yellowstone.  That in itself is not to be considered lightly.  Yellowstone, situated east of the Bitteroots and the 45th parallel makes it ripe for DEEP snow and LOW temperatures for a loooooong winter.  Why did Mark choose to spend weeks in this frigid landscape each winter?  Well, for one it was a tropical paradise compared to his work site . . . in Alaska.  The sum of his duties in the far north was simply to start truck engines, so they wouldn't freeze solid.  He did this his entire shift.  Mark would fly south to enjoy the warm climes of Wyoming!

While reading this story I immediately thought about how much Mark would love this job.  It involves all he loved, outdoor flora and fauna, and photography IN Yellowstone National Park.  Unfortunately technology is rendering that vocation obsolete.  Sit back and enjoy the interesting and extensive account: 40 years of solitude.

Who does this!?

I've seen beer cans.  I've seen fishing gear.  I've seen auto parts.  I've seen about anything you can imagine in the outdoors while re-creating that would go for non-evolved.  But to see something like Casey Nocket's 'artwork' just makes me question her status as a citizen.  Would a clear thinking citizen of these united States put graffiti on a national treasure?  Should a citizen retain their privileges to leave the city if they do?  Read the story and tell me what you would do to teach her a lesson in civil service.

First PCT Winter Thru Hike

Wow, there's been a surge of records the last two seasons on the PCT.  Several thru hikers set new records for speed on both supported and unsupported treks only to have their records shattered weeks and somedays days afterward.  Now this:  First PCT Winter Thru Hike!

3 March Update

Feral Hog Wash

Now, before I begin, I have to say if one encounters a feral hog without a firearm, loaded, aimed and off safety, one is not likely to win the fight.  The will literally chew a tree refuge out from under you if they choose.  They're fast and ferocious.  Think Tasmanian Devil . . . in your backyard.  Reports have surfaced of feral hogs 'taking over' in Williamson County, TX.  Considering WC's reputation as the second strictest county in these united States ("Come on Vacation, Leave on Probation"), the pigs may just balance the kaama for the 'pigs' overbearing tactical taxation policies.   But I digress.

I've seen ONE animal of this genus in all my years outside, that near Cottonwood Campground, Big Bend National Park.  Given BBNP is the remotest u.S. National Park and the specimen could care less about me and mine in his neighborhood, s/he seemed to be focused on easier prey, I'm wouldn't be overly concerned about the prospects of meeting feral hogs outside . . . unless, of course, I'm in Williamson County . . . or Georgetown proper!  Enjoy readers!  Feral Hog Wash