Mikal Kennedy

Mikal Kennedy has some amazing photography over on his website. I'm seeing some spaces on my wall where these would look perfect.

Via Cold Splinters

A.A. Boundy - I Can See the Pines Are Dancing

The Name, Part 3

Part 3 in the story of how I got the name. Part 1 and 2 are found Here and Here

5 o'Clock is very early for a 5th grader. 5 o'Clock is too early to eat, too early to talk, and too early to hike for a 5th grader. These arguments had absolutely no pull on the parents and teachers. We were at the trail head for Blood Mountain at 5:30 (Still no better). As we divided into groups however, we all seem to start waking up and feel the floods of excitement, waves of intrigue, and ripples of anxiety flow throughout our minds and bodies. My response, naturally, was to goof off. I started shambling around the parking lot like an old man, pantomiming a walker and a crooked back.



There it is, anticlimactic, but the story is not over yet. We still faced the 5.4 miles up and over Blood Mountain. We started, again running up the trail as if it were disappearing behind us. As we neared the top our anticipation mounted. I expected to burst through the thick April vegetation to the top of the mountain. Finally the moment came around noon, we entered onto a exposed piece of granite with a view 360 degrees of the surrounding wilderness. After marveling at the view, we ate lunch and explored the shelter. We could have stayed for days, but eventually the time came to head back down the mountain.



As we walked down I would like to say I thought of the view, the experience, the feeling of pure freedom, but I'm sure my thoughts were on my feet and stomach. Later that night, we went through our naming ceremony. We were each called up, presented our name and blessed in a traditional Native American ceremony. Most of the nicknames were funny. My friend dreux was 'Dreuxbo baggins' because of his shoe-less-ness in camp and short stature, Bradford was 'Model T-Ford' because 'He never stopped trucking' and Joseph was 'Caregiver' for his ever ready supply of band-aids and medical supplies.

This trip is one of the most amazing experiences of my life and I'm so glad it has affected me in such a positive way. (Plus I got the coolest trail name)

Mt. Wheeler

School is back in session, which means I'm dreaming of all the things I did this summer and what I want to do next summer. For my grandpa Jack's 70th birthday a whole group comprised of his hunting buddies, children, grandchildren, and other folks drove the 5 hours from Cedar City, Utah up to Great Basin National Park in the middle of nowhere Nevada. The goal was to hike Mt. Wheeler, the second highest point in NV (Boundary Peak being first).




The hike was only about 8 miles round trip but we gained about 3,500 feet. Hard hike, though terrain, made worse by altitude and constant changing from cold to hot. Regardless, it's still a great experience.




Great picture (L to R) of Ed (Grandpa's friend), my dad, me, and my grandfather on the summit

Back To School Boots

Headed back to school in a week or so. Looking for some nice/tough/stylish boots to wear (Too bad I'm not taking horticulture or landscaping class). Most of these are filed in the 'I wish...' category, but it's not hurting anyone's wallet just to look.









Quoddy Grizzly Boots
Quoddy Deck Chukka
Alden Indy Boot
Wolverine 1000 Mile Boot
Alden Aviator Boot
Red Wing Heritage Classic Lifestyle
Thorogood 8" Moc Toe

That Southern Heat

Some pictures from a recent hike of the Tuxachanie Trail in De Soto National Forest. Lord was it hot.


(Good thing we didn't swim)


(Best friend, and the girlfriend)

Blitzen Trapper - Wild Mountain Nation

Favorite Shirt

Mom's old concert shirt from back when she was my age. Very cool. All the no name opener bands have great names. The best part however is the "Official staff type person..."




Fleetwood Mac - Heart Beats Like A Hammer & Shake Your Money Maker

Look - Backyard Disc Golf

I've really been on top of my disc golf game lately. The perfect summer sport for hanging with the bros.










Disc - Roc DX (Any mid-range disc will serve you well for honing your shots in the back yard)
Basket - Innova DISCatcher Mini (Perfect size, easily storable, and reasonably priced)
Bag - Innova Disc Golf Standard Bag (Or any old gym bag lying around)
Hat - Dodgers (Not doing so hot this season, maybe I'll have to start liking the locals)
Shirt - None
Belt - Bison Slider
Shorts - Patagonia Stand Up Shorts
Shoes - Vibram FiveFingers KSO (Love everything about these shoes)

Bruce Springsteen - Glory Days

PS. They're discs, not frisbees. Don't mix them up.