When it comes to going on a hike there are a hundred possible scenarios, each one of them calling for different levels of preparedness and different sets of gear. Upon well travelled trails in close proximity to cities and towns you can head out on a hike in jeans and …
Where: Olympic National Forest When: Friday, March 7, 2014 Stats: 4.6 miles round trip – 1,300 foot elevation gain This was my first hike of the year (first hike since summer 2012). This was my first hike in new boots and other gear. This was my first solo hike. This …
It should come as no surprise to anyone who knows me that—in general—I am not a fan of American, professional sports (hereto-after referred to as sports). I’ve said as much on many occasions and I’m certain I will do so again. I could leave it at that, but then this …
religion (noun) : an organized system of beliefs, ceremonies, and rules used to worship a god or a group of gods. organized (adjective) : arranged into a formal group with leaders and with rules for doing or planning things. faith (noun) : belief in the existence of god; strong religious …
There’s a lot to say about color. Color forms a major part of my perceptual universe. I’m not suggesting that I’m unique in this—humans are predisposed to focus on sight out of all of our sense, and color is one of the key elements of sight. If we used color …
I’ve been trying to think of how I would summarize myself if I had five points to make, and they had to be about who I am and help in understanding me. While I really enjoy spending time out with friends I also love quiet time at home with a …
Far far back, beyond recorded history, back into the earliest days of our species, back before we emerged as something recognizably “us”, our ancestors feared the dark. It isn’t hard to understand why. The night was when we were hunted. Masked by the shadows, creatures mighty of tooth and claw …
The dictionary defines legend as “a traditional story sometimes popularly regarded as historical but unauthenticated.” This is an adequate definition of the word, as far as it goes, and it will serve our purposes. There is—however—an other definition of legend, or at least an other use of the word. In …
I do not make friends easily or quickly. It is a facility that I see in others but have never possessed. I have seldom, if ever, had a big group of friends all at once. To me, a large group of friends means six people at the same time. While …
I want someone who is my intellectual equal, though that doesn’t mean just schooling or anything like that. I need someone who can think critically and imaginatively. Curiosity and the need to continue learning and growing is a must. I want someone with whom to share my interests, and who …
Editorial note: I wrote the original form of this essay some time in 2011 and published it here in 2013. In keeping with my usual preference, I am going to leave this essay as is, even though some of what I say in here is potentially problematic now. I prefer not to edit …