Today brought me from one spectacular lake to another as I detoured from the John Muir Trail and hiked to Ediza Lake.

4 | Twelve spectacular hours on trail hiking from my camp below Donohue pass to Island Pass and Thousand Island Lake.

3 | Time to head uphill after a relaxing day in the valley following Lyell Creek up rocky trails and into an amazing basin full of wildflowers. Day three on trail was amazing!

2 | Time to put the backpack on and hike into Lyell Canyon, a land of meadows, pine trees, river, and storm clouds.

1 - The Sierras backpacking adventure begins with a few days to acclimate and paint in Yosemite.

A coveted permit, a terrible weather forecast, and an amazing plan B in the Enchantments.

Exploring the lowland lakes and ponds of the Alpine Lakes Wilderness and Mt. Defiance near Snoqualmie Pass, May 21-23, 2026.

First backpacking trip of the season! In early May I wandered to the Washington Coast for a few days of painting and time by the ocean.

Each year I try out a few new outdoor equipment items. Here's my favorites from the 2025 hiking season!

Complete list of all the gear and art equipment I carried on my backpacking trips this year!