Winter 2015 Roundup

My last few months have been filled by work, travel, and 10 nights in the backcountry. I spent 3-weeks in Utah in October, thirteen days in Idaho and New England in November, and just finished a three-week trip to Nebraska, Utah, and Washington. Here are some highlights.

Chugach mountains 40 minutes driving and 120 minutes walking from Anchorage. They make a wonderfully steep backyard.

I attempted a three-night ridge traverse, but bailed on the second day because the terrain required two ice tools and I foolishly thought I could make do with one. This was the first night’s bivy. The high wind and driving snow made for a good (uncomfortably wet) opportunity to test two new synthetic insulated jackets for BackpackingLight.com (reviews coming this spring).

Near the summit of Ptarmigan peak looking at Anchorage. I walked from my house along the ridge to this point in about 12 hours.

Day hikes on turnagain arm are hugely rewarding: the steep slope and low treeline make for fast, stunning views.

A Maine island as seen from a WWII bunker. I believe this has been Maine’s warmest winter ever recorded.

Nebraska prairie walks with the greatest prairie enthusiast.

Across the street from the greatest prairie enthusiast’s home in Raymond, Nebraska.

Ditto

Ditto

Outing with Sarah’s family

Bouldering with Chris and Molly in Gold Bar, Washington. T-shirts, blue skies, awesome granite, and in January!?