Category Archives: Hiking

Evening in Canyonlands

Posted on May 10, 2014 by westerner54

Canyonlands National Park,  May 2014  “Let me keep my mind on what matters, which is my work which is mostly standing still and learning to be astonished. — Mary Oliver    

Posted in Hiking, Life, Nature, Outdoors, Photography, Southwest hikes | Tagged , , | 18 Comments

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

Idiot Wind

Posted on January 15, 2014 by westerner54

The wind has been howling for five straight days, which means that there’s a new soundtrack accompanying me whenever I get up the gumption to go outside: Bob Dylan’s “Idiot Wind.” It’s actually not one of my favorites, and is not … Continue reading →

Posted in Hiking, Life, Montana, Nature, Outdoors | 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

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

What’s The Best Campsite in Natural Bridges National Monument?

Posted on October 30, 2013 by westerner54

I know this has been a burning question for thousands of you out there. Well, fret no more.  I have the answer. Campsite Number 4. Here it is: The best part?  The view! There are only 13 sites at Natural Bridges, … Continue reading →

Posted in Camping, Hiking, Nature, Southwest hikes, Travel | Tagged , , | 13 Comments

The Top Ten Outdoor Spots for A Morning Cup of Coffee

Posted on September 24, 2013 by westerner54

This change of seasons has got me feeling kind of blue…it’s gray and cold and drizzly outside and my morning hike on the mountain felt awfully close to work.   So I started thinking about some of the cozy everyday moments that make … Continue reading →

Posted in Food, Hiking, Life, Nature, Outdoors | Tagged , , , | 18 Comments

Fall Hiking Season is Here: Coalpits Wash Backpack in Zion’s Southwest Desert

Posted on September 13, 2013 by westerner54

It’s time to start thinking about some desert hikes, don’t you think?   The area that Zion National Park calls the Southwest Desert offers some dandy fall hikes, particularly if you’re wanting to get away from the crowds that sometimes jam up … Continue reading →

Posted in Backpacking, Hiking, Nature, Outdoors, Southwest hikes | Tagged , , , | 20 Comments

Back to My Childhood: Camping in the National Parks

Posted on August 21, 2013 by westerner54

When I was a kid in the 60’s, my favorite time of year was the two weeks when we took our family vacation.  The five of us (or seven if Grandma and Grandpa came) piled into the Dodge station wagon: … Continue reading →

Posted in Hiking, Nature, Outdoors, Travel, Wildlife | Tagged , , , , | 21 Comments