Matthias Giraud thrives on being the first to conquer an adventure. His first first was boosting off of Mt. Hood’s Mississippi Head. For some, such a feat would be the culmination of a life of daring. For Giraud, it was just the beginning. “The next thing I knew, I was getting calls from CNN and […]
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A Climb Through Time
Local icon Alan Watts talks Smith Rock sport climbing
Reaching Alan Watts on his cellphone last Friday morning found him about to hike Tumalo Mountain, something he has done 53 times this summer. A native of Madras, Watts is best known for promoting rock climbing at Smith Rock State Park, bringing its almost 1,800 climbing routes to the international stage. “My entire family, especially […]
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High Desert Heroes
Celebrate a combined 75 years of Central Oregon conservation
Central Oregon would hardly be the place it is today were it not for the blood, sweat, and acumen of so many engaged residents willing to pull together. This year, the holy trinity of Central Oregon conservation groups are celebrating some pretty big anniversaries with events highlighting their many successes. Central Oregon Land Watch Central […]
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Moles, Voles, and Gophers
Controlling those pesky varments without poison
Back in the first week of June, my wife Sue and I went over to the Willamette Valley to take part in a delightful day at the Mother Earth News Fair in Albany (taking our son, Caleb, and his family along with us). Among the hundreds of exhibits and talks given by people who knew […]
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Matsutake Madness!
Hiking with a purpose
For a simple autumn meal, sear matsutake mushrooms in a hot cast iron pan seasoned with canola oil and salt. Finish up with a sprig of thyme and some butter. The ingredients are straightforward and easily purchased at your favorite grocery store. Collecting the mushrooms could take a bit more work. Fortunately, the matsutake mushroom […]
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Going to Great Heights
High-elevation hikes in the Cascades
Well, it’s that time of year; the kids are back in school, the leaves are changing color, and there’s a pleasant nip in the air signaling that indeed fall has arrived. For many, this means it’s time to hang up your hiking boots and dust off your ski gear. But wait, not so fast! Now […]
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Take a Hike, Ladies!
The Outdoor Women’s Alliance connects women interested in cultivating new skills and friendships
A little motivation, encouragement, or camaraderie goes a long way when it comes to getting out and finding adventure, especially when trying something new. The Outdoor Women’s Alliance (OWA) is a global network with the mission of supporting women in the outdoors and offering them that little extra push to get outside and test their […]
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Go Here 9/16-9/23
Going to the extreme
For most, you might achieve an adrenaline rush by running a road race or taking on the steepest mountain bike trail. What those endeavors have in common is that your feet, for the most part, are firmly planted on terra firma. If these activities don’t quite do it for you, here are some suggestions for […]
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Keep Mule Deer Out of Your Garden!
“I am NOT going to put the raspberries out until we get a fence up to keep the deer out of the garden!” So says my wife Sue as we discussed this summer’s garden and greenhouse. Mule deer—thanks in part to those residents who continue feeding them in their yards—are a bane to anyone trying […]
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Clocking Miles for Migraines
Redmond man trains for 50-mile fundraising run
Three years ago, Dearric Winchester couldn’t run a quarter mile before excruciating knee pain set in. Today, he’s tearing through shoes as he trains for a 50-mile solo run later this month. “After a lot of rehab I was able to run a little and I set a goal of completing a half marathon. Thankfully, […]