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Hiking/Backpacking/Camping/Expert Profile
Expertise
I can answer questions about backpacking a snowshoeing in the American West: Mountains, Canyons and Deserts.
Experience in the area
I've spent much of my life backpacking, hiking and snowshoeing in the Cascades, Rockies, high Sierras and the red rock canyons of the Southwest.
Publications
Just letters to the editor in Backpacker and Outside and my Backpacking homepages
Education/Credentials
B.S. Biogeography (timberline trees)
What do you like about this subject?
It's just in my bones. I moved west 30 years ago just to be around mountains. Then went to school to learn more.
What do you still hope to achieve/learn in this field?
Peace and health and adventure.
Something interesting about this subject that others may not know:
In the not too distant past mountains were fearsome places to be avoided.
Something controversial or provocative about this subject
If you go ultralight then do be ready to manage yourself through extreme weather, first aid needs, and so on. I've helped out two ultralight guys suffering from exposure so far.
Average Ratings
Recent Reviews from Users
K = Knowledgeability C = Clarity of Response P = Politeness| User | Date | K | C | P | Comments |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Dave | 09/21/10 | 10 | 10 | 10 | Thanks |
| Jan | 10/18/09 | 10 | 10 | 10 | Hi Mike, many thks for your prompt ..... |
| Megan | 10/15/09 | 10 | 10 | 10 | Very impressed with this expert. Thanks! |
| mike | 09/28/09 | 10 | 10 | 10 | Wonderful and thank you for your time ..... |
| Julia | 09/11/09 | 10 | 10 | 10 | Thank you very much for your help! ..... |
Recent Answers from Mike
2010-09-13 determining hiking distances:
It's true that you can't just use the grid on the map and say that if we walk from one side to the other of a square that's a mile across we will have walked exactly a mile. Elevation gain and loss
2010-07-23 Hiking boot / lacing techniques:
I'll do the best I can. But first, generally speaking I think that all laces are too long these days. The boot may have a hook eyelet about 1/2 to 2/3 of the way up that's a locking eyelet. This
2009-10-17 camping in Grand Canyon in octobe:
You're asking a person who lives in Oregon and sleeps in a tent pretty much year round, including snow camping. So yes, it's possible. In fact, it's fun and a good idea. The deal is to have a good
2009-10-15 Boots with good traction:
I'm not sure that there are boots that offer great traction on ice. As for snow and other surfaces that offer a little "crunch" for traction I'd go with most any midweight hiking boot that fits comfortably
2009-09-27 Looking for someone to join me:
Of course this isn't really a question, but that's ok. This book might interest you if you've not already read it: http://www.amazon.com/One-Mans-Wilderness-Alaskan-Annivers/dp/0882405136/ref=sr_
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