My latest hobby is Hiking and Backpacking.  They make some incredible hiking gear these days though it costs a bunch.  I have been collecting bits here and there over the past year.  

I have done a lot of camping in my life but never the kind that seems most pure to me.  Carrying everything you need on your back and hiking to where no one can go except on their own feet is a real thrill.

If you would like to see more about the gear I use click on the Camping Gear Link.

Only a ten minute drive from my house is the Green Mountain State forest.  It is run by the State Department of Natural Resources (DNR.)  The really great side of these forests is that they allow any activity to take place almost without restriction.  In this case is means my dogs Rosie and Sky can go along with no leashes slowing things down.  State and National Parks do not allow dogs on the trails so I can't take my  four legged buddies with me when I go there.

Stay in Shape

I try and do a day hike every weekend in Green Mountain.  I am the strange person carrying a fully loaded backpack on a day hike.  I even use my trekking poles. It may look strange but three to six miles every weekend with a 45 pound pack is a great way to stay in shape.  For some pictures of the first time I used my new pack and tent at Green Mountain click on the link at left.

Challenging Seattle's Mountain

The hiking Highlight of the summer was a trip to Camp Muir at the 10,400 ft level of Mt Rainer.  Click on the link at left to see more pictures and some narrative.

Bagging a Peak in the Olympics...

In September we took a trip to Hawaii so no camping during that prime month but I made up for it by a late season hike with Brad Gleeson and his friend (and now mine) Kirk. It was obvious that we were outside the normal camping season when the Sol Duc Ranger station was not manned.  It had a note saying to mail in our payment.  Also, the camp ground was deserted and our water froze the first night.  See the link for some pictures.