By James P. Johnson When I hike, it’s often an all-day, 15-25 miler. I pack a variety of snacks, but I need a main item to raise my caloric intake to the mucho level. Let me introduce my veggie sandwich. I’ve been making my own multi-ingredient, vegetarian sandwiches that have evolved over the years and […]
Veggie Sandwiches with a Kick Read More »
I’ve had an organic, backyard vegetable garden for over 35 summers, and tomatoes have been in every one. Having a glut of tomatoes as the weather turns cool means taking action. I once brought a potted tomato plant inside when the weather turned cold as an experiment. It survived, but there was no growth. I
Expand Your Tomato Eating Season: Creative Preservation Tips Read More »
Locating a submarine base on a lake, hundreds of miles from the ocean would be a huge, strategic error. If military action called for a submarine, the time needed getting to the ocean, if it could, would cause navy commanders to stomp and yell in frustration. Military leaders recognized this and established bases on our
Lake Pend Oreille’s Not So Secret Submarine Base Read More »
I nearly always backpack solo. The adventure and admiration of nature largely replaces any need for social interaction. But I often find myself wishing for someone to banter with after setting up camp in the evening. Pegging a reason for this is difficult. But usually by the time darkness falls and I crawl into my
Backpacking Alone: The Highs and Lows Hiking 5 Days Solo in the Cascade Wilds Read More »
If you’re physically fit, you can hike the three highest mountains of Eastern Washington. I’ve hiked them multiple times and have also done the 50 highest in order to complete the guide book “Hiking the 50 Highest Mountains of Eastern Washington”, which came out in 2003. It has since gone out of print, but you
Hike the Three Highest Peaks in Eastern Washington Read More »
By James P. Johnson I recently read that walking with a purpose has health benefits that exceed just going for a walk. Wondering how this could be, I found out when you walk purposefully—that is, you have a reason to reach a destination—you’re more likely to walk at a faster pace and for a longer
Walking with a Purpose Read More »
When a rare sunny day arrives in early spring, many a hiker pines to be outdoors; however, trails can still be snow-covered or muddy. If the mountains are your sacred spot, you’re still many weeks away from snow-free hiking. The solution? Do an outing to the Columbia Basin in Central Washington. Snow is gone
Hiking the Columbia Basin Read More »
From waterskiing without a spotter to jumping from a boat going full throttle, Jim Johnson explains 5 things he learned not to do at the lake.
5 Things To Never Do at the Lake Read More »
Learn about author James Johnson and his guidebook, “50 Hikes: Eastern Washington’s Highest Mountains,” published in 2003.
Hiking the Highest Peaks in Eastern WA Read More »
Guide for exploring the Kettle River Range: day and backpack hike destinations, trails for mountain biking and running, and trip planning.
Explore The Kettle River Range of NE Washington Read More »
