Category Archives: Adventure

Slough Creek Sonata: The Yellowstone Wolves’ Choir

Posted on January 21, 2014 by westerner54

Slough Creek, Yellowstone National Park, January 17, 2014 We’re standing on a ridge overlooking the valley, scoping the hillsides and hoping to see a wolf.    The day is sunny and calm, and not too cold, so we’re just pleased to be … Continue reading →

Posted in Adventure, Hiking, Montana, Nature, Outdoors, Wildlife, Yellowstone | Tagged , , , , | 28 Comments

I Resolve

Posted on December 31, 2013 by westerner54

to be more like the wonderful human being who posted this warning at a local trailhead: Happy New Year everyone!

Posted in Adventure, Hiking, Humor, Life, Nature, Wildlife | Tagged , , | 16 Comments

Silence and Solitude Once Again: December in Yellowstone

Posted on December 18, 2013 by westerner54

Mammoth Campground, Yellowstone National Park.  December, 2013.  Once again we’re all alone for two cold nights in Mammoth Campground.   Yellowstone in winter – especially before the Mammoth Hotel is open – can be harsh and cold, but there’s a stark beauty that’s worth a … Continue reading →

Posted in Adventure, Camping, Montana, Nature, Outdoors, Wildlife, Yellowstone | Tagged , , , | 28 Comments

Government Trail to the Big Man Pictographs: Grand Gulch, Utah

Posted on November 22, 2013 by westerner54

It’s about a 10 mile roundtrip hike across Cedar Mesa, down into Grand Gulch, and up the gulch to the spectacular Big Man Pictographs.  We’ve done it as a day trip, but it’s worth spending as much time as you … Continue reading →

Posted in Adventure, Backpacking, Hiking, Outdoors, Southwest hikes | Tagged , , , | 17 Comments

Moon House Ruins, Cedar Mesa, Utah

Posted on November 5, 2013 by westerner54

Just being out in nature is usually motivation enough to get me out on a hike, so I know I’d be willing to traipse around the canyons of southeastern Utah even if there weren’t cool ruins and rock art to be … Continue reading →

Posted in Adventure, Hiking, Outdoors, Southwest hikes, Travel | Tagged , , , | 11 Comments

Citizen Scientist-ing in the Anaconda Pintler Wilderness

Posted on July 24, 2013 by westerner54

I’m a citizen. I’m not a scientist. But – after three days in the wilderness with the Wilderness Institute – I am an official Citizen Scientist.  And I’ve got the badge to prove it.* *Not really.  Didn’t get no stinkin’ badge. … Continue reading →

Posted in Adventure, Backpacking, Hiking, Montana, Nature | Tagged , , , , | 17 Comments

Yellowstone: The Usual Suspects and a Surprise or Two

Posted on May 13, 2013 by westerner54

This fellow is one of the usual suspects: his name is Scarface, and I’ve seen him before in Yellowstone. He’s over twenty years old, with a mangled right ear, and..yes..a scarred face from too many run-ins with other grizzlies. I’ve … Continue reading →

Posted in Adventure, Montana, Nature, Outdoors, Travel, Wildlife, Yellowstone | Tagged , , , , | 36 Comments

Solitude in Zion: Not on Angel’s Landing

Posted on May 1, 2013 by westerner54

The National Parks are certainly not lax about warning the public about the dangers that we will encounter within their borders – even cactus! – and Zion is no exception.  Warnings about falling from cliffs seem to pop up every … Continue reading →

Posted in Adventure, Hiking, Outdoors, Southwest hikes, Travel | Tagged , , | 38 Comments

Winter in Yellowstone Part II: Make Sure to Look Behind You

Posted on February 14, 2013 by westerner54

There are two reasons to stay alert and remember to check your blind side when you’re out and about in Yellowstone: 1) there could be something alarming behind you, and 2) you might be missing something pretty nifty going on if … Continue reading →

Posted in Adventure, Montana, Nature, Outdoors, Wildlife, Yellowstone | Tagged , , , , | 26 Comments

The Time I Didn’t Fall into the Canyon

Posted on November 13, 2012 by westerner54

I don’t think you’d call me a cavalier, “throw caution to the wind” type of person, especially when I’m heading out into the backcountry.  I doublecheck lists, check the weather, and seek out all the information I can find about … Continue reading →

Posted in Adventure, Hiking, Nature, Southwest hikes | Tagged , , , | 17 Comments