October 11, 2026. Grand Staircase Escalante National Monument. Exploring the top section of the Cream Cellar Road - the next day we hiked the lower section - read that here. The light drizzle of rain slowly ratchets up to an absolute downpour, and I laugh as a gust of wind drives the droplets noisily against my raincoat’s hood. At my feet, the rain is both coming down and bouncing back up, and the spray is swept over the curve of the golden hued slickrock. My Dad and I are d

The equipment I used during 42 days of backpacking in the mountains of Washington and California.

A three day backpacking trip to explore and paint the southwest corner of Mt. Rainier National Park

Three day solo backpack to observe, witness, and paint the melting Easton Glacier in the North Cascades. And film an Adventure Art Academy class!

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!