Most campsites do not offer pillow menus. Pillow menus make me feel like a queen. And no matter how many Clorox wipes I employ, I can never really get those crusty picnic tables clean. For these and many other reasons, I haven’t camped much. But as my new husband Mark and I planned our honeymoon […]
Honeymoon Camping Read More »
If you’ve ever dreamed of taking on one of North America’s long-distance hiking trails, one of the best things you can do to prepare is learn from others who have walked before you. These four Inland Northwest-based hikers offer a glimpse of life out on the trail that may inspire you to hit the trail
Four Local Long-Distance Hikers and Their Unique Experiences on National Scenic Trails Read More »
Six months ago, I decided to stop drinking alcohol for a year. Surprisingly, this was not inspired by a DUI, drunk dialing an ex-boyfriend, or one of those hangovers that has me queasy at the thought of tequila. It was a health choice and a sociological experiment. It is a conversation I have in my
To Booze or Not to Booze, That Is the Question Read More »
Those midsummer blood-red sunsets in Spokane carry bittersweet beauty — they’re usually a sign of high levels of fine smoke or dust particles. During those times, and throughout the summer, experts recommend checking the air quality when planning an outdoor workout. Skipping workouts during the hot summer months isn’t the answer. Poor air quality can
Getting Cardio When the Air Quality is Bad Read More »
Finding and picking fruit is instinctively rewarding, even intoxicating. Like foraging for mushrooms or hunting for Easter eggs, collecting berries triggers our ancient endorphin dropper, which keeps dripping as you pluck the never-enough morsels from the plant. About 20 wild, edible berries are found in the Inland Northwest. Some are delicious such as thimbleberries. Many
In my last column, I wrote about my anxiety as I trained though injuries for my first 100-mile race at Bryce Canyon, Utah. Despite my injuries, I vowed to show up to the start line and do my best. I wish I could say that I finished the race, but unfortunately I dropped out at
Race Day Expectations Read More »
When my husband and I arrived in North Idaho eight years ago, we had no idea how much food grows in this verdant corner of the United States. Although we now have a thriving bucket garden in our driveway, we find that there are considerable limitations to what we can produce ourselves. So occasionally we
Take A U-Pick Adventure Read More »
Carry 34 ounces of water that will never spill or leak with this auto-sealing water bottle. Perfect for riding in your vehicle’s cup holder for quick on-the-road sips or tucking into a pack or stroller stash compartment, water starts to flow only after you push the release button and tip the bottle to drink. It
Summertime Backcountry Gear: Avex Freeflow Auto-Sealing Water Bottle Read More »
It wasn’t until the night before the trip that I started to think about the feasibility of what I had planned. My girlfriend Carly and I were organizing our gear and starting to load our packs. Inside went the normal items: tent, sleeping bags, pads, and food. The big challenge was fitting two inflatable stand
SUP Wild: Paddleboarding the Idaho Backcountry Read More »
