There are moments when the conceits and distractions of our lives are ripped away. In those moments we confront the realities of our own existence. Such a moment occurred for me on January 22nd, 2019. On that day, I had a heart attack. Even now, many weeks later, there is…

I work out at the local YMCA four times per week. Two of the days I do TRX. TRX, which is a suspension trainer, looks to be a simple and straightforward apparatus for exercise. However, as I caution students when I’m instructing (I’m on the volunteer staff), it is a…

Justin Waters is a fly-fishing guide on Hood Canal and is the owner of All-Waters Fly Fishing. I met Justin when he worked at the Gig Harbor Fly Shop. I’ve always been grateful to Justin for the information he has always been willing to share. In particular, he was the…

A friend of mine told me last week he would be glad when Christmas has come and gone. I can understand his point. Christmas lights and other decorations began showing up in stores in October. Christmas music has been playing for just about as long on some radio stations, and…

Patagonia announced that it is giving away the $10 million dollars it received from Trump’s “middle class tax cut” – a tax cut that actually benefited corporations and rich individuals. Rose Marcario, Patagonia’s CEO, stated: We have always paid our fair share of federal and state taxes. Being a responsible…

I’ve written of the problems of crowds and traffic in Yellowstone National Park (read here). Now the Denver Post has an extensive article on the problems faced by a number of western national parks and the communities that surround them. Essentially we are loving our parks – to death. Add…

Distractions abound in contemporary society with the increasing depravity in most aspects of public life – think big time business, entertainment, politics, and sport. And now that it’s almost December, the endless ads for luxury cars, snooping servants masquerading as home electronics, and Christmas music that has been playing in…

Happy Thanksgiving to all.  Be grateful for all those you know and love. And those who know and love you. Be grateful to be alive. And if you’re curious how the turkey fly is tied, read here.

There are times when one is reminded that life is fragile and fleeting. Tuesday, two days ago, was one such day. I came downstairs with the dogs a bit after 6 AM. As I looked out the window, I saw two fire trucks and the Medic One ambulance.  Given their…

Visit Yellowstone National Park whenever the park’s roads are open (typically April to late October), and there’s always the possibility of crowds at popular highlights (e.g., Old Faithful), long waits at restaurants, and gridlock caused by animals on the road or nearby. The possibility increases to certainty – particularly crowds…