The Snake River landscape seems totally different from a week ago. Yesterday we had a long, soaking rain that brought legions of worms to the surface. Temperatures have been a little warmer, and swarms of bugs have appeared. The week before last we saw mostly seagulls on the river, but now there are ducks everywhere,…

I’m feeling the need for some snow travel, but I’m not ready yet to head out solo into unfamiliar backcountry terrain. As a compromise I drive to the Bogus Basin ski area. We’ve hiked up this area before, but never verified whether it is officially allowed or not. The website says nothing. My mind drifts…

I’ve been wanting to get more of a sense of how the landscapes I explore are changing. Usually it’s not obvious at all (to me), so I’ll have to do some research. Recently we’ve been hiking near the Snake River, and it reminds us of our old stomping grounds along the Rio Grande with lots…

The bikes are equipped and tuned again! We take them out for a wandering outing around Nampa, and remember why we miss riding. We get some exercise, greet people, explore places we haven’t been before, and watch the sky for rain. A bike engages you in the world in many good ways.

We’re in need of a good hike. I had my wisdom teeth pulled last week and have been off my feet, dragging Ann down with me. This hike turns out to be full of surprises and leaves us feeling tired but not wrecked. It begins at Celebration Park on the Snake River, a park full…