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!