The Moonlight Fire, California When you spend your life hiking around steep hillsides, digging in the dirt and sleeping on the ground while surrounded by a sea of other people all doing the same thing it’s easy to forget that the general public doesn’t understand the reality which wildland firefighters live in. As the effects … Continue reading Wildfire 101
Cast that Ballot
On the eve of yet another Election Day, I feel compelled to put some words out into the great beyond to ruminate on (but not for too long) regarding voting in the United States. I view voting as a foundational right that I possess as an American Citizen, but I also consider voting to be … Continue reading Cast that Ballot
Working Truths
Many, many, moons ago while working as a server in a restaurant I noticed something about the working world, which I’ve found to be a constant truth no matter the line of work I have transitioned to. My epiphany came about like this: As several other servers and I were feverishly rolling silverware in the … Continue reading Working Truths
Living and Nothing Else
As I pulled up to the beach and looked out at the water I was overcome by the feeling of disappointment. I had a plan. I was going to swim for exercise in the calm morning waters but apparently, Mother Nature didn’t get the memo. The wind was whipping and the waves were crashing one … Continue reading Living and Nothing Else
Some days–Those days–Other days
You know how some days________ ________? Some days I feel so motivated that nothing could stop me; I’m firing on all cylinders and anything in my path best step out the way or I’m hoppin’ right over that bad Larry. Other days I am completely void of energy and monumental achievements include activities such as … Continue reading Some days–Those days–Other days
Traveler Truths
I was recently reminded of a travel story from when I was down in Patagonia several years ago. It’s one of those classic traveler memories that are funny after the fact but in the moment there was absolutely nothing funny about it. I’ve always acknowledged this reality about traveling in my own mind but … Continue reading Traveler Truths
Ten-Foot-Pole
There’s seems to be this one certain subject that is sooooo complex and convoluted, and at times contentious, that essentially no one wants to touch it with a ten-foot-pole. Each time someone even grazes the topic people get hot under the collar and so, folks keep their distance as if it were a hornet’s nest. I’m … Continue reading Ten-Foot-Pole
Donkey Run
There are those days, those days when simply being alive is exhausting. Where you find yourself having a serious internal debate about expending the energy to brush your teeth, let alone doing anything physically active. Yes, it’s one of those days where a movie marathon on the couch seems like the best idea of your … Continue reading Donkey Run
Goodbye Little House
Hello, little house you are a good one indeed. A nice craftsman home, it's all that we'll need. The rooms aren’t huge, the bathroom is tiny, but it has character and quirkiness just begging us, “try me.” And so, rooms they were painted, and furniture acquired. Before we knew it our wondering ways seemed all … Continue reading Goodbye Little House
Fire Culture
Happy Spring! Here's a re-posting of Fire Culture to get you into gear for the upcoming fire season. First of all, don’t be that guy. Don’t be last to lineout in the morning; get back to the rigs from a store stop, water up, suit up in your jump gear, get up the hill, or … Continue reading Fire Culture