Rebecca M. Douglass, Author

Back last month, before I started my backpacking trip in the Absaroka-Beartooth Wilderness, I did a couple of dayhikes in the area, mostly to try to get used to breathing at 8-10,000'. Every little bit helps, though uphill hikes still kicked my backside.    At some point in every trip, chaos reigns. This is your brain on travel...   West Fork Rock Creek I arrived in the area just after lunchtime, and promptly drove to the end of the road, figuring an amble up the creek with no particular destination in mind would be a good way to get started without going too far. I forgot that if there's no particular destination (and no steep climbs, either), it's pretty easy to go "just a little farther." My little walk ended up being 6 miles. It was drizzling a little when I started out, and threatening to get a lot wetter, so I didn't take my camera, only my phone. Exciting glimpses of mountainish things. The rain didn't materialize in any force, though a couple of de...

In honor of Veteran's Day and in hopes of helping us heal from a pretty divisive election, today instead of flash fiction, I'm having Photo Friday, and sharing pictures of calm waters, reflections, and the beautiful things light can do. Enjoy. Flagstaff Lake, Maine, at sunrise. Moon and grass reflected in Flagstaff Lake, ME Sunset serenity. Flagstaff Lake, ME  Big Five Lakes, Sequoia National Park Vanishing Storm Clouds, Big Five Lakes, Sequoia National Park Misty Evening. Columbine Lake, Sequoia National Park Tarn reflections, Kings Canyon National Park Lupine after the storm. Kings Canyon NP After the storm. Kings Canyon NP Sunset. Columbine Lake, Sequoia NP And finally, take a good look at the sunset and sleep well. Sequoia NP