Necessity: The Mother of Invention

I've started fires with sparks on split-open cotton balls coated in Vaseline, sparks on magnesium shavings, and my favorite sparks on char-cloth nestled in a bundle of dried grasses. Spent hours stalking around with a hand saw searching for dry wood to keep those fires going. Filtered and purified my own water on the trail for safe drinking. Learned to use a number of different fasteners, straps, buckles, and knots to great effect out in the field.

And now, I finally know where I get it from........

The classic backpack re-adjust on the baby changing station at Exit Glacier! Now THAT'S using your resources!

Some places are like people. Some shine and some don't.

Alyeska Ski Resort in Girdwood, AK, just south of Anchorage.

Creepy hotel. The kind of hotel you wanna make sure you don't visit for all work and no play, lest you become a dull boy.

No hedge maze, but a sweet view from the top of the tram.


Both photo credits to my pops.

Great Walkaways In History

Mom & I, the "beach" at Kincaid Park on Cook Inlet at low tide, Anchorage, AK July 2011:


Mom & Dad, trail to Byron Glacier, Portage Valley, AK July 2011:


David Banner, SoCal, July 1979:

Some 'splainin' to do

Yes. I have slacked on posting. Big time. Sneak preview - my favorite pic of the summer, my mom & I at Hatcher Pass during their visit (photo credit to my dad)