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Dear Senator Gardner — I own a Boulder-based guided backpacking company, the lifeblood of which are commercial permits on public lands. Without them, I cannot legally operate in lands managed by the National Park Service, US Forest Service, and Bureau of Land Management. Due to the current shutdown, my permits to run trips in 2019…
In 2019 we are offering two women-only sessions. Both are scheduled for early-September in Rocky Mountain National Park during peak fall foliage.
This winter I’ve hired two more guides, cementing the roster as the most accomplished and knowledgeable team of backpacking guides on the planet. Yes, I’m boasting. No, I don’t think I’m exaggerating. Joe McConaughy (“Stringbean”) will be helping Alan Dixon (“Adventure Alan”) and me guide in West Virginia in early-May. And Heather Anderson (“Anish”) will be…
My 2019 guiding program is coming together. A few details are still being finalized, but everything should be settled by Monday, January 7, when the open application period will begin. For in-depth details about the trips, go here or follow other links below. This post is a succinct summary. Guide roster The program has always stood…
For a very long time I have argued that wearing so-called waterproof footwear is an ineffective solution when backpacking in wet conditions. Much better results can be had by minimizing the effects and aftermath of wet feet, instead. Among my recommended strategies, I have advocated for the application of an oil- and wax-based balm to…
In late-June and July we are running ten 3- and 5-day guided backpacking trips in Colorado. These are learning-intensive experiences, with the ultimate goal of giving you the knowledge and skills to undertake trips of your own with confidence and competence. Learn more. Of the 88 total spots, five two are currently open, on these…
Tomorrow night (Thursday, May 10) I’m giving a 90-minute clinic on backpacking gear, supplies, and skills at the Colorado Mountain Club in Golden, Colo. Doors open at 6:30. Presentation starts at 7, and will run for about 1:30 to 1:45, depending on how many questions I’m getting. Tickets cost $12 (or $10 for members) and…
I am seeking one exceptionally accomplished backpacker to join my guided trip program. Employment will be short-term and seasonal. This year I need help in guiding one 3-day Backpacking Fundamentals course and two 5-day Adventure trips, starting Friday, September 21 and finishing Wednesday October 3. The trips are in Sequoia-Kings Canyon National Park in California. If you are not local, you would…
Last year the owner and founder of Bonnie’s Balm, Bonnie Searcy, had a host of health issues (among other things, two black widow spider bites) and the business seemed to evaporate. Orders went unfulfilled, calls and emails garnered no response, and the website even went down. As a long-time supporter and distributor of the products,…
After a year off in 2016, I resurrected my guiding program last year, ultimately offering six 5-day Backpacking Adventure trips in Sequoia-Kings Canyon National Park. Originally, I had planned to guide just three sessions with Flyin’ Brian Robinson. But for the 24 spots I received 52 applications, many from alumni. So I doubled the schedule and flew out…