Monthly Archives: December 2012

Good Luck. Bad Luck.

Do you believe in luck? I don’t. But sometimes you have to wonder.

A couple days ago I posted about getting into, and staying, in hiking shape. Right after I posted that, I went rollerblading. Now I am not an expert skater by any stretch of the imagination. But I have been skating since I was a kid, both quad and inline skates. I have had my share of spills, but nothing serious — just minor scrapes and bruises.

Well that changed on Friday. Continue reading Good Luck. Bad Luck.

Boat Story

I had never owned a boat or watercraft (surfboards don’t count). I had never really thought about owning a boat. Maybe a canoe or kayak  But a boat usually requires a motor, and a motor means work; or at least maintenance. Many of my friends have owned boats. And as one told me, “The second happiest day of your life is the day you bought your boat; the happiest is the day you sold it.” Seems that there is a lot of angst during the boat owing period.

Continue reading Boat Story

Solo Backpacking: Crazy and Dangerous?

What’s Up With That?

I must start by saying I usually hike alone. And by hiking alone, I mean going to places where I do not expect to see other people. That is a prime consideration for most of my trips. Now, I do not want to give the impression that by doing a lot of solo hiking I am especially brave or skilled. When you break it down, backpacking is just walking with your house on your back. Sure you need some skills, but it is not a big deal. Lots of people backpack. Mankind has been hiking since the dawn of time. It is nothing special – other than knowing when and how to avoid trouble.

Continue reading Solo Backpacking: Crazy and Dangerous?