Went to eastern Washington a few days ago and did the short hike but long drive to Mount Lillian and Tronsen Ridge. Hot day but was fortunate to be able to catch the last of the wild flower bloom. This has become a favorite hike in the early summer. Wonderful views looking towards the dry […]

I had woke in the middle of the night not being able to take in a deep breath, like this tight rubber band was wrapped around my chest and with each inhale a gurgle sound would echo inside. I sat upright and struggled to breath. I woke my climbing/tent partner and as he pressed his […]

I had been on an expedition to Denali, Alaska when I was approached by a research doctor at one of the high camps after learning that I had come down with High Altitude Pulmonary Edema the previous year. He gave me his business card and asked me to call him once I was out of […]

I lost a good friend a couple of days ago. She was a guide for Alpine Ascents and lost her life on Denali. I had known Suzanne since she first moved to Seattle in 1999 while working at REI. She was from the east coast and in a matter of fact way told me she […]

Growing up I had heard a few stories from my father about my mother’s brothers and their military service during World War II. The family with 17 children struggled as my grandfather Konrad had a difficult time keeping everyone fed and a couple of the boys out of jail. The military became the most feasible […]