Chattermarks

Top photo: What remains of the Stilleto lookout.

I like being outside; backpacking, climbing, exploring. Its kind of what I do. My Mom might say that I play a lot, but I like to say that I play with intention. My intention on this particular trip was to hike to the old Stiletto Peak lookout. Ian was with me……he likes to play outside too.

Our plan for the day was to go for a leisurely stroll through the forest, look at the mushrooms, see some critters if we were lucky, marvel at the brilliant October fall colors, and be awed by the view.

» Continue reading Stilleto Lookout

It seemed almost obligatory that my first hike upon moving to the foot of Sourdough Mountain would be to the summit. So Aneka and I made the short drive to the trailhead, perhaps five minutes, and set out. The fall colors were exploding, the huckleberries were abundant and delicious and near the summit we saw a black bear panting as he tried to cool himself in the remains of last winter’s snow.At the lookout Aneka read a poem by Gary Snyder, we watched red-tailed hawks circle high above us and we worked to identify the distant, snow covered peaks. It was perfect introduction to life on Sourdough Mountain.

» Continue reading Sourdough Mountain Lookout