And how to get it — Part 1 — As an outdoor trip leader, I sometimes feel that something is missing. Not for myself but for my clients. We spend a day together, exploring gorgeous shorelines by kayak. They seem to enjoy the trip. They are all smiles as they depart. They thank me profusely and leave a generous…

Takeaways from spending an hour outside, every day for a year — My headlamp carved a feeble light, considering the darkened expanse of the frozen pond. The studded tires of my mountain bike whirred in a steady thrum and provided a secure purchase on the ice. The previous day’s snow flurries had carpeted the perimeter of the pond in white. …

Asked to produce a short biography about me, the chatbot is surprisingly mum — I asked ChatGPT to write a 200-word biography about me and it declined, saying it did not have enough information. “Bull pucky,” was my initial response. After all, a Google search using my name produces plenty of hits. Curious if I simply wasn’t important enough to be included, I searched…

A visit to a unique geological formation off the Maine Coast — If you were to view the Baker Island Dance Floor through the lens of a time-lapse camera, you would see a dance going on — one that has taken place over centuries. Calm bright summer days bring a relative flurry of activity. The visitors often arrive quietly, in small groups…

An e-bike critique — Yep, e-bikes have climbed Mt. Washington. I don’t know if there is a bumper sticker for it yet. If not, it’s only a matter of time. Regarding the hypothetical bumper sticker, the all I got part rings true. That and all I didn’t get. As in, I got the view…

A dozen hot products that make life outdoors easier and more fun — If you’re like me, most of your camping experiences have been during the summer. Camping in the fall, spring, or winter can open up a world of possibilities, but it also presents unique challenges, many of which can be solved by having the right gear. There is no bad weather…

Catching rays isn’t just a summertime thing — Many people associate winter with darkness. Soaking up sunlight often evokes images of people on the beach in the height of summer. But winter, also, can be a time of abundant light, especially if you set an intention to find it. The photo above (as well as the next two…

A photo essay across three seasons — I’ve been reading about blue mind, the theory that humans simply feel better, physically and mentally, when they are close to water. While scientists continue to study this theory, I’ve been doing my own “research,” and I can say — as I would have all along — it’s true. Water…

Tidbits from a summer of watching eagles — Leslie and I co-parented an eaglet all summer. Not that we did anything physical for the eaglet, but we sure did a lot of watching, listening, and worrying. We no longer take anything for granted when it comes to young eagles. That’s due to the fact that the eagle nest…