BB's Blog
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Boston Basin, August 2012 Boston Basin is in North Cascades National Park.  It is usually associated with Cascade Pass, as climbers do a circuit through the two areas, with a number of challenging peaks.  For hikers, however, the trail to Boston Basin is difficult and strenuous.   Descriptive Trail Report.

Cascade Pass, Washington July 2012 Another superb hike to one of Washington state's most popular destinations.  Cascade Pass is east of Marblemount.  It provides lovely North Cascades vistas, wildflowers, spectacular vistass, and, in our case, Mountain Goats at close range.

Sauk Mountain, Washington July 2012 A marvelous hike up an accessible mountain in Washington State's Skagit Valley.  If you live nearby and are looking for a great place to introduce visitors to the wonders of the North Cascades, this is it!

Trout Lake, Ontario September 2011 Yet another trip to our cabin at Trout Lake, Ontario, this time with Jen.  We also enjoyed adventures at the Straits of Mackinac, between the lower and upper peninsulas of Michigan, and in the towns of  St. Ignace, and Frankfort, Michigan.

Skyline Divide, August 2011 Skyline Divide is a breathtaking (short, but steep) hike with gorgeous views of Mt. Baker and the Cascades -- and lots of other folks enjoying it as well!

Heliotrope Ridge, August 2011 Heliotrope Ridge is the climber's access to the north side of Mt. Baker.  Along the way you'll be treated to spectacular views, a glacier, and wildflowers.

Road Trip, May 2011: Part One This was a 5-day trip from Washington all the way to our cabin at Trout Lake, Ontario.  Some great, ever-changing scenery, a jog to Manitoba seeking out family haunts, and a trip to my cabin.

Hannegan Pass, August 2011 It's a pretty hike in the North Cascades--some nice views and lots of wildflowers--but we caught it on a hot day with a lot of flies.

Road Trip, May 2011: Part Two This is the second part of my trip; to my cabin at Trout Lake.  It was another beautiful Spring week there, but I nearly got stranded in the middle of nowhere coming out.

Nashville, January 2011 Barry w/ the Del McCoury Band My friend "Spu" and I went to Nashville primarily to attend a bluegrass convention.  But we also ended up touring Jack Daniels Distillery, and backstage at the Grand Ole Opry.

Yellow Aster Butte, August 2010 Yellow Aster Butte is one of the prettier hikes I've done.  It's a stiff-hike: 24 hundred feet of elevation in about 3 miles, but the views are well worth it.

Maple Pass, October 2010 An absolutely beautiful hike that can be done as a loop.  Located off the North Cascades Highway, it provides the benefits of a good aerobic workout and spectacular, open views.  The rare and lovely Larch can be seen along the way.

Bicycling Vancouver, January 2010 We took our bicycles on a train from Mt. Vernon, with friends, and spent the weekend touring Vancouver, without an automobile, in the Winter...and we never got wet, or cold!

Oregon Coast and California, April 2010 Jen and I took a Spring trip down the Oregon coast to the Redwood country near Arcata.  I lived there in the 70s and we visited with old friends, played music, and did a bunch of hiking.

Bella Coola, July 2009 This was a return trip to the Bella Coola, British Columbia valley where I lived from 1980-84.  While we were there we hiked, visited friends, and saw Dolphins and Whales on the ferry ride back.

Mackinac Island, September 2009 Mackinac Island is located in Lake Huron just east of the Straits of Mackinac which separates the upper and lower peninsulas of Michigan.  We also visited Tahquamenon Falls in Michigan's "U.P."

Arizona, 2008 This was an engaging, Fall trip, the first for us to Arizona.  Along the way we visited Tucson, Sabino Canyon, Sedona, the Chiricahua Mountains, and Bisbee, all interesting and different.

Big Sur/Carmel/Paso Robles, 2007 What is it about California? For all its problems its still one of the most interesting places a person can visit - and not just for scenery.  On this trip Jen and I visit Carmel, Big Sur, Paso Robles, and Pinnacles National Monument.