Pictures are from a climb of Mt Shuksan, an uber-classic climb in Washington’s North Cascades. The ascent involves a pleasant trial approach, easy glacier crossing, and a steep rock scramble on an impressive summit pyramid. This is my 146th of 147 mountains in the lower 48 with 4000ft of prominence.

After finishing the HPS list way back in 2019, I’ve been neglecting this area and this trip confirmed what a mistake that’s been. I carried my overnight pack up to Tahquitz Lookout, then scrambled over a few peaks along the ridge heading east, taking in great views of the desert divide. After camping in Skunk Cabbage Meadow that night, I continued north then east for some good scrambling over Divide and Landells Peaks, then looped back to Tahquitz Lookout before hiking back down to my truck. A satisfying weekend. Peaks included in this loop: Tahquitz LO, Tahquitz East, Grey Tahquitz, Red Tahquitz, Divide Peak, Landells Peak, Cinega.

Eris and I spent 9 incredible days in Iceland and had amazing weather. We rented a campervan and explored the Westfjords, Trollaskagi Peninsula, Borgarfjörður Eystri, and various sights along the Ring Road. We soaked in several hot springs, hiked near the Drangajokull Glacier, visited puffins, had a wonderful dinner with local friends I’d met on previous trips, and I scrambled up Kalbakur, the highest point in the Westfjords. My luggage had been lost by the airline on the way in – the fist time I’ve ever had this happen, but we picked up a few things in Reykjavik and made it work. My third trip here but first by vehicle, I’m still convinced Iceland is one of the greatest countries in the world, and the scenery is just the beginning.

     Previous trips:   2016 (my first cycle tour) and 2019 (cycling the Westfjords and highlands)

Hard to believe its been nearly two years since I’ve been in the Sierra. My original plans didn’t work out for various reasons but my contingents were just as satisfying. I first day-hiked Kearsarge Peak (12660′) out of Onion Valley, then made a 3-day backpack to Mt. Anna Mills (12066′), a mostly neglected interior peak. Anna Mills was a new area for me and absolutely gorgeous. I might need to return for other neglected summits 🙂

An amazing trip to Central Asia! Turkmenistan is one of the most reclusive countries on the planet and I’ve been wanting to visit for many years. I joined Jacob Kallman as we checked out the unique capital of Ashgabat, several Unesco sites, bagged an obscure ultra-prominent peak, and spent a night at the famous Darvaza gas crater. We then crossed on foot to Uzbekistan to visit the Aral Sea, Khiva, Bukhara, and Samarkand. I’d started my cross-Asia cycling trip from Samarkand in 2018, one of my best adventures ever. It holds a special place in my heart and I was happy to return. Jacob and I parted ways in Samarkand and I continued to Astana, a place I’ve been interested in since I was a kid. Truly one of the world’s most beautiful cities. This trip was full of delicious food, amazing sights, and even a few summit hikes. Great trip!

Full albums -> Turkmenistan  Uzbekistan  Kazakhstan