Transcendence while Hiking at Sabino Canyon

It was a relatively cool day in the middle of Autumn. My girlfriend and I decided that instead of spending the day worrying about the money we didn't have, we would go hiking up through Sabino Canyon and enjoy some fresh air. Things seemed relatively normal on the drive over there. I was feeling a bit irritated for no apparent reason and she was keeping to herself. Upon getting to the start of the trail I noticed that there were no cars parked, there were almost always a few. I let it go, and headed for the trail. A little ways into the dirt path, I found that all of the surrounding trees and leaves seemed to be perfect shades or orange and brown. It was lovely, almost the kind of serenity that one would expect to experience upon being sucked into one of Windows’ default wallpapers. I had a specific stopping point in mind, a little known path that lead to a tree I had noticed on a previous hike. One of it’s main branches hovered over, and eventually dipped into, some icy flowing water that tends to flow around that time of year. The walk there started out casual, and quickly turned to nirvanic. Each step away from the city seemed to be a step closer to peace. I can honestly say that I don’t recall seeing a single human soul out that day, just families of deer that halfway ignored our presence, and halfway avoided our presence. We quickly found ourselves at the tree, barefoot with our feet dangling from the branch, above the cold water. We watched family after family of deer walk by on the opposite side of the stream, casually foraging, until the dimming sky warned us that we had better start getting home. The next day I went to work as usual, but I carrying with me a lingering sense of peace that I hadn't felt in years, a letting go. Now, whenever I go out I look for that peace. I found it in the canyon, but I know I can find it anywhere, as look as I’m looking.

 

By: Jonathan Terry

California Camping in the Great Outdoors

When I think of camping, I think of beautiful clear blue skies, the hot summer sun, and the great outdoors. And, this has been the case in most of my camping experiences. They all start out on a warm day when the sun is shining and there is an excitement in the air.

My boyfriend and I decided to take a little road trip to an unknown place in California to go camping. At first everything was running smoothly, we went to the store and picked up a tent, got some propane tanks in order to cook on a mini stove we found, and picked up all the essential snacks and food. But, as we were getting to our destination, dark clouds started appearing and I started to get a little worried as I opened up the window and felt a small droplet of water hit my hand. I checked the weather report on my phone and it said storms were estimated for the area. We decided to go on anyhow with this mini-adventure. As we were driving, all I could think about was the approaching storm and the fact that our camping trip was going to turn into something that I had not planned for. Well, as luck would have it, it did start sprinkling, and then it started raining, hard! As we were driving through rough terrain in our old jeep, the car began to swerve from all of the water. I have to be honest, it was a little scary, but it was exhilarating as well. Driving to an unknown destination and getting rained on in the middle of nowhere, all tucked away in the comfort of our own car. Well, soon enough as the rain started, it ended with a halt. All of a sudden, there were clear blue skies as far as the eyes could see and I was struck with awe at how beautiful everything looked. As soon as the rain began to dry up, we got to our destination.

I was thinking how great our luck was when I suddenly spotted two bears right smack dab in the middle of the road. They were rather large and just stood there for a moment. I have never seen two bears at such a close proximity. As soon as I could register what was happening, they both ran off and that was that. I guess it goes to show you can never know what to expect while camping!

By: Monique 

Minimalist Camping in the Arizona Wilderness

I’m going to wander out into the wilderness with only a hammock, my clothes, and my best friend. I’m going to push my way into the wild like I had just seen Emile Hirsch do and I’m going to walk out the other side a man. I was confident of it. So, the first weekend after watching Into the Wild, I grabbed my hammock, my guitar, some canned soup, and I headed out. I was so brave, I didn't even bother to check the weather. I didn't even think that I might need a tarp to throw over my hammock or that I might need more warmth than what a twin sized blanket could provide.

The next three days of rain were wonderful. I huddled up against the fire whenever I could, I defecated in bushes, and on the third day I gave up and went down the mountain, stopping at the first all you can eat Chinese buffet I found. In my mind, I thought that those days would be spent in luxury, and that my caffeine addiction would take a break with no consequence. I’m slightly less naive now, but I’m still fantasizing about going trail hiking with only my hammock. I think next time I might try and be a little more prepared, maybe check the weather at least.

By: Jonathan Terry

10 Year Old Destroys 1,000 Fisherman in 2013 Edmonds Coho Derby

Photo by Sean P. Kelly

Imagine competing with nearly 1,000 outdoorsmen fishing in a pacific northwest salmon derby with hundreds of spectators watching, giving it everything you got to earn some local respect and some serious money, only to realize a 4th grader outpaced you before the day even got started.  That's exactly what happened this weekend at the Edmonds Coho Derby, part of the Northwest Salmon Derby Series.

On Saturday September 7th, Essix Kelley from Richmond Beach caught the winning salmon at 7am weighing in at 11lbs 8.16oz.  She won both the Kid's division and the Overall rankings.  Although it wasn't a record breaking catch, she definitely earned her merit badge for the day, as well as $5,000 cash (equivalent to $20 billion in kid years).  One could only wonder if she'll be spending her loot at the fishing store or toy store when she gets back home!