As the coronavirus sent people running for cover last spring, Joe Owen ran to help others. The Danville soccer coach trotted up Mount Diablo (13 miles and 3,400 feet of climbing) every day in April to raise more than $4,400 for a local food bank. “I am really proud of what this has accomplished,” he… Continue reading 2020’s good news happened outdoors
Category: Musings
Bring on the map makeover
Before thousands of climbers ascended Mount Whitney every year, a group of Buffalo Soldiers reached the summit in 1903. The first African Americans to climb the mountain also built its first summit trail. Enthralled by the grand scenery, Captain Charles Young committed to “preserving these mountains just as they are.” Under Young’s command, Buffalo Soldiers… Continue reading Bring on the map makeover
“Love the park you’re near”
Blue-green water greets me again as I start my run around Castro Valley’s Lake Chabot. Every time I run the nine-mile lap around it, I try to improve my time from the week before. That requires a good effort on the first segment from the marina to the dam on West Shore Trail, so I… Continue reading “Love the park you’re near”
The Marmot
The marmot lies on gray rock, a mass of skin and soft fur; he rests, soaks up sun. He wears a blanket of his own silvery-brown comfort, glinting in heavy afternoon light. I follow the footpath a narrow stripe across miles of forests and stark mountains. My backpack and my steps propel me down through… Continue reading The Marmot
Remember the Sky
Remember the river? Your toes curl over slippery rocks, soft gush twists through the valley bound by sprouted grass, thin strokes shivering in the breeze. Remember the mountains? Enormous bodies of stagnant power, draped in a pine robe. You sit on a rock at the top, take full breaths and recall when this spot was… Continue reading Remember the Sky
Amazing trail, amazing people
John Muir Trail hikers rave about its extraordinary scenery, but perhaps for once we should rave about its extraordinary hikers. Among this year’s class are U.S. Army Sgt. Justin Bond and indigenous leader Jolie Varela. Bond, who served in Iraq and lost his left leg during the 2004 Battle of Fallujah, led a veterans group… Continue reading Amazing trail, amazing people
Yosemite ranger reflects on “the most beautiful place in the world”
Shelton Johnson, an interpretive ranger who’s educated visitors to Yosemite National Park for more than 24 years, shared these thoughts and insights in a special interview with Hayate Moro. Q: How did you come from Detroit to Yosemite? A: I think the more pertinent question would be how did I get from Detroit to working… Continue reading Yosemite ranger reflects on “the most beautiful place in the world”
Yosemite first-timer had “a really great experience”
I’m hanging off the side of a rock ready to take my next steps up and not fall. I look down at the ground far below. The only thing stopping me from falling was a rope. I went to Yosemite for the first time this spring and it was very fun. The very first thing… Continue reading Yosemite first-timer had “a really great experience”
Plastic: not fantastic for Earth, wildlife or us
Would it be possible to go a full day without using any plastic? For the majority of us across the world, the answer is no. There are little things you do every day that, even if you never realize it, involve some form of plastic. From brushing your teeth to using your phone, when does… Continue reading Plastic: not fantastic for Earth, wildlife or us
“Fool’s gold” can forge golden memories
We reached the foot of the mountain early, which should have tipped us off; climbing trips never go ahead of schedule. But the summit looked inviting and achievable, so the three of us eagerly hiked up towards it. Reynolds Peak was our goal and we approached the 9,679-foot peak from Ebbetts Pass on the Pacific… Continue reading “Fool’s gold” can forge golden memories