It’s been almost a year since I last posted on The Hiking Life. Even by my sporadic publishing standards that’s a long time between drinks. Indeed, it’s gotten to the point where I’m regularly receiving messages from readers asking if I’m OK.
In short, I haven’t (entirely) disappeared off the face of the earth and things are good. Well, at least as good as they can be given the brave new world we currently find ourselves in. Hopefully, this article will go some way in explaining what I’ve been up to on the hiking front during my time away.
Online Absence
First up – the website and social media. In both cases, my absence wasn’t a planned one. For much of 2021, I’ve been penning another Wanderlust book for Gestalten (release date – April/May 2022). This one will feature 30 hikes in the Himalaya, a range I spent a good deal of time exploring during the 2000s.
Ganden Monastery, Tibet (2006). This 15th-century monastic center is the northern terminus of the trek to Samye Monastery, one of five Tibetan hikes that will be featured in Wanderlust Himalaya.
Early on in the writing process, I made the decision to prioritize the book over The Hiking Life (in all of its online guises). Like many folks, I’ve had some important non-work issues to navigate during the pandemic, and rather than spread myself too thin professionally (which I’ve been guilty of in the past), I decided to focus on the job I’m contractually obligated to deliver.
Stepping away from social media was the easy part. I’ve never used Facebook, Instagram, and Twitter, for personal communication; I’ve always seen them as complements to the website more than anything else (a reflection of both age and a retiring disposition). Something to have the occasional bit of fun with. Indeed, if you ever see me posting “Hey everyone, where should I take my significant other for dinner?“, “Should I wear a tie with this?“, or “Here’s the latest photo of my neighbor’s adorable tabby“, then you’ll know my life really has gone to shit, and there will be something to genuinely worry about.
The view from Langshisha Karka on Nepal’s Langtang Valley Trek (2008); one of eight Nepalese hikes that will be featured in Wanderlust Himalaya.
The website was a different story. Admittedly, I’ve missed publishing the occasional article. Since it first went live in 2010, The Hiking Life has been the primary means through which I’ve shared my life-long love of exploring the world on foot. A small way of giving back, for everything the wilderness has given me over the past four decades. So even though I haven’t posted in a while, I’ve been continually jotting down ideas for trip reports, skills articles, backpacking satire, and other random wilderness-related musings. Over the coming months, some of those ideas will be manifested into posts.
Goecha La Trek, Sikkim, India (2008). One of eight Indian hikes featured in the upcoming Wanderlust Himalaya.
Staying Local
So much for the excuses explanations. While I was chipping away at the book and wading through the murky waters of COVID, I continued hiking almost daily. Through all the curfews, constantly changing regulations, and travel bans, the precious hours I spent in the mountains around my Mexican home were a sanity preserver. Catching the sunrise from a ridgetop perch, listening to the morning birdsong, feeling the warmth of the first rays of dawn; these simple rituals helped me to calibrate my internal compass and start the days feeling positive and renewed. I’ve said it multiple times before on this website – Mother Nature has an uncanny knack for putting life into perspective. And never is this more true than during tough and uncertain times (Note: The three photos immediately below are from the Sierra Madre).
Alaska & the Pacific Northwest
As much as I enjoyed hiking locally during 2020 and the first half of 2021, not surprisingly, my mind occasionally drifted to areas further afield. Options were somewhat limited due to COVID, but the one place that kept popping up in my noggin was Alaska.
I’d only ever been there once before. In the summer of 1998, I took the state ferry up from Bellingham, WA, and subsequently spent an incredible few months exploring both the ‘Last Frontier’ and the Yukon. It was one of my all-time favourite trips, and I always envisaged making a return journey.
Fast forward to July 2021. After finishing my work commitments, I headed north and spent an incredible month hiking in Denali National Park and Gates of the Arctic National Park. The first route took seven days, covered around 190 km (118 mi), and wound its way (mostly) through the southern section of Denali from the Visitors Center to Wonder Lake Campground via West Fork Glacier. The second undertaking was a 15 day, approximately 482 km (300 miles) route in Gates of the Arctic, which we began and ended in the tiny village of Anaktuvuk Pass. I was joined on both Alaskan routes by my old (a very spry 84) hiking partner, Greg “Malto” Gressel, who long-time readers of the website will be familiar with from trips to places such as the Wind River Range, the Lofoten Islands, and the Lowest to Highest Route in Southern California.
Nearing Anderson Pass during the West Fork Glacier stretch of our hike through Denali National Park, Alaska / July 2021
Climbing towards Dalimaloak Mountain from the Kutuk River Valley, Gates of the Arctic National Park, Alaska / August 2021
A mama Grizzly and two cubs, spotted on the first day of our Denali hike / July 2021.
The original plan was to spend a couple of months in Alaska. However, work and family obligations meant I left Mexico later than anticipated. The eleventh-hour change was a blessing in disguise, as it gave me the opportunity of combining Alaska, with a month of hiking and catching up with old friends in the Pacific Northwest.
In a nutshell, the final four weeks of my US trip featured a series of shorter hikes in the PNW that included the Loowit Trail, Steens Mountain Loop, Elkhorn Crest Trail, a section of the Oregon Coast Trail, and finally, a series of incredible walks through the Redwoods of northern California. My partners in crime during these rambles were Whitney “Allgood” LaRuffa, Naomi Hudetz, and Mike Unger, all of whom I was fortunate enough to meet during the 12 Long Walks trip of 2011/12.
Four-legged friends and Loowit Falls on the slopes of Mount St.Helens | Loowit Trail, Washington.
“That’s right, three large supremes and a double order of garlic bread……..” Allgood enjoying a midday chat with the man upstairs | Elkhorn Crest Trail, Oregon.
Striding out in Fern Canyon (featured in Jurassic Park 2) on the James Irvine/Miner’s Ridge Trail in California’s Redwoods forest.
A foggy seaside camp spot on the Oregon Coast Trail. This particular hike was a short out-and-back affair between Winchester Bay and Coos Bay in the Oregon Dunes National Recreation Area (featured shelters are the SMD Lunar Solo and the SMD Skyscape Trekker).
Yours truly at the Redwoods – a miraculous place in which strained necks and stubbed toes are an occupational hiking hazard (Photo courtesy of Naomi Hudetz).
Conclusion
I’d like to finish this article with some shout-outs. Firstly, thanks to The Hiking Life readers for their patience. Secondly, thanks to Malto for being such a steady and stoic hiking partner up in Alaska. And, finally, thanks to Allgood, Mike, and Naomi for being such fun travel companions during our hiking-centric road trip around the Pacific Northwest.
Malto and yours truly with our ride to Anaktuvuk Pass in Gates of the Arctic National Park. Speaking of which, a big shout out to the folks at the excellent Wright Air, which has been serving the Alaskan Interior since 1966.
Naomi (Sawatch), Cam (Alsek), Mike (Palisade) & Allgood (Alsek) – The Redwoods Chapter of the Katabatic Quilt Appreciation Society (Photo courtesy of Whitney “Allgood” LaRuffa).
Disclosure: This post contains some affiliate links, which means ‘The Hiking Life’ receives a small commission if you purchase an item after clicking on one of the links. This comes at no additional cost to the reader and helps to support the website in its continuing goal to create quality content for backpackers and hikers.
I’m so glad for this post! And for hearing you’ve been keeping up the adventures! Stay well and stay wild
Yay, your back! Missed your posts and looking forward to hearing of your hiking travels again.
Thanks, Rich!
FYI, the Loowit Trail is in Washington, not Oregon (hiked it recently).
You’re right. Thanks for the pickup. Amended accordingly.
Good to have you back Cam.
Our brief encounter in Strahan, Tasmania subtly changed my life.
i.e. Perseverance, Drive, Nature and doing things you love alone.
Most of my walking is on the golf course these days, but I look forward to seeing your posts.
Cheers
Pete
Hi Peter,
Great to hear from you and thanks for the kind words. Glad to hear you are doing well. The west coast of Tassie is another place I’d love to return to one of these days.
Cheers,
Cam
Good to hear from you, Cam. And happy you are out hiking.
Actually, I too was wondering why you hadn’t posted in a … while. ?
Thanks, Rick. It was definitely a longish break between posts. Hope you are doing well, and have been able to get out and about during the pandemic.
During the pandemic I was mostly bikepacking close to my parent’s home on Vancouver Island.
Summer 2021 I finally got out on the West Coast Trail (twice) as only Canadians could register. AND 19 days on the John Muir Trail.
https://youtu.be/KYnsSJP4jEc
Thank you, Cam, for your thoughtful update. We always wish you well, respect your privacy and appreciate your blog whenever you so choose to contribute to it. You’ve helped me out with inspiration to get out and with gear decisions, both through your posts and with your personal responses to my questions. And as an aging hiker, to learn that Malto is 84 years old just made my day!
Hi Cam,
I don’t post too much on Instagram.
It’s usually family stuff which I post to Whatsapp.
Been playing a lot of golf and paddle boarding. Most of my hiking is done on the course!!!!!!
The Tasmanian Tiger was probably more of a romantic notion. Still keep our fingers crossed.
Still your expedition was just sooooooo epic.
All the best
Pete
Great to hear that things are OK and that you are still “out there” doing your thing – which is always inspirational to me.
Cheers
Great to have you back posting! You made a good decision to focus on the book and not take on too much, especially during Covid. I am considering moving to Mexico and would like to explore hikes there. What area do you live in? And would you recommend it for solo backpacking ?
Thanks for the kind words. I’m based in the Sierra Madre Occidental in the state of Jalisco. There are some wonderful areas for hiking and backpacking throughout the region.
Welcome back. I missed your posts.
Hey Cam. Take all the time you need to tuck off those commitments. However I won’t forgive your list of top gifts for hiking friends under $10 not appearing in December. It’s the best laugh I have each year. Cheers Cam. Helen Sunny Queensland Australia
Hi Helen,
Thanks for the kind words. That crappy gifts article is still the most popular I’ve ever published on the site!
Cheers,
Cam
I always look forward to this one, too! So witty.
Great to hear that you are well!!!
Hi Cam ,good to see your smiling mug again and to read that you are enjoying life outside. Is that a misprint that Malto is 84y/o? I love the Himalaya so I’m looking forward to your new book, best wishes
Thanks, Eddy.
“Is that a misprint that Malto is 84y/o?” Just a little one. Couldn’t resist. He’s actually only three or four years older than I am.
Thanks Cam, for sharing some of that Treasure of the Sierra Madre ?
“Treasure of the Sierra Madre”…………I’ve always loved that movie; one of Bogart’s best!
Great to see you back again! I can’t tell you how inspiring I find your posts. And how heartening to see one of your walking companions is 84. As someone who didn’t start regular hiking until I retired due to work and family commitments, I sometimes think I’ve missed the boat for serious through hikes. But clearly not! Welcome back, great to hear you had a productive year despite all.
G’day Cam! So glad to see this post and hear of your adventures! I never thanked you for giving me a really detailed response to a question I posted last year so firstly I apologise and secondly, thank you so much! Your website has become something of a hiking bible to me and I’m so grateful for all the wisdom you share here ?
Fantastic to hear about the wonderful places you’ve been! We are currently in Georgia (Europe) and have just completed a wonderful hike from Mestia to Chvelpi via Ushguli – I don’t recall seeing any posts re Georgia, so I’d like to say if you haven’t been I wholeheartedly recommend it- incredibly beautiful mountain landscapes backed by incredible people, food and culture. I hope (if you haven’t been already) you get a chance in the coming years! If I could add photos to this message I would, to help inspire anyone who is considering coming here – my only regret is that it’s taken me so long to get here!!
Again I’d like to reiterate my gratitude for your dedication to this wonderful website. I somehow hope that one day I’ll meet you on a trail; it’s a big old world but we hail from the same homeland (one which I’m supposedly finally moving back to this year- after many false starts/cancelled flights etc. I think we might actually make it back by December!) so who knows, maybe one day we’ll pass each other ? sending you the warmest regards and good sentiments and fully looking forward to your next post! All the best!
Cheers,
Nathaniel
Hi Nathaniel,
Thanks for the kind words. It’s always great to hear feedback such as yours. As for Georgia, it’s definitely an area I’ve long wanted to visit; hopefully in the next few years!
All the best on your travels,
Cam
Hi Nathanial, myself and my husband have been hoping to get to Georgia for 3 years now- we had to delay for work commitments and then 2 summers because of COVID- so we really hope we might get there next year. I would live to correspond with you and hear about your trekking- we are pretty experienced back country hikers but I have a feeling we would probably base ourselves somewhere for a first trip to the country- or possibly do a self guided trip with some prearranged places to stay etc. Whenever you have time when you return I would love to hear from you if possible. kind regards, nuala
Very glad to see you back! We missed a year of any long hikes, but we’re just able to return to France to continue and complete one of the 4 major Camino routes there- the Vezelay..Have also enjoyed doing 88 of the Nifty Ninety Peaks in the S.F
Bay area for local day hikes.
So jealous of your time in Alaska. I was there in 1996 to work temp. all summer In Denali. Such great hiking!
Hi Susan,
Great to hear you’ve been able to get out and about again in 2021!
Cheers,
Cam
Yea, great to hear from you again Cam, and we know that sometimes we need to focus on priorities in life.
Your ramblings and photos take me to those places I’ve never been, and these show the grandeur of a truly rugged frontier in Alaska! Plus, really cool you were able to experience the PNW again and those giant redwoods.
Always glad you include some equipment comments (advice) for us “greenhorns”, in case get out into the wild wilderness and do some real trekking.
Hi Scott,
Good to hear from you. Along with the trip reports and other musings, there will also be a few gear-centric articles on the horizon. This past journey I actually used a handful of different (at least for me) items that I suspect have become “keepers” for future trips.
Cheers,
Cam
It’s good to see you’re still out there and hiking Cam. I’ve missed your updates. Looking forward to future posts.
Hi Cam great to receive your post Barb has kept Glen updated on your travels I am reading Wanderlust great read congratulations, Bob&Barb gifted it to me for my 80th I look forward to catching up when your able to return home
Thanks very much, Max. Glad you enjoyed the book and a belated 80th! Look forward to catching up when I return. All the best to you, Glen, and the family.
Good stuff Cam, great to see you’re back. Looking forward to future posts! Any plans on returning back to Aus once things open up down here?
Thanks, Leo. Regarding Australia, I’m hoping to get back as soon as possible. I was set to return in April last year and then the pandemic happened.
Good to read your update, Cam! I hiked the Annapurna Circuit after reading your wonderful write-up in the first Wanderlust book (and I had the great honor to contribute photos to the John Muir Trail portion of the book). I look forward to the Himalaya edition and wish you happy trails in the meantime!
Thanks for the message, Edith. Hope you had a great time in the Annapurna! Speaking of which, the upcoming book includes the Annapurna Sanctuary Trek as one of the 30 featured hikes.
Hey Cam! So happy to read your post. Thanks so much for the update! When I met you in Cascade Locks for PCT Days, I had no idea what you were up to with Allgood, Naomi and Mike. What a great little circuit of hikes with stellar group and probably a fun road trip to go with it!
Your Himalaya book sounds fabulous! That might inspire me to eventually get there.
Good luck and I hope to run into you again someday.
-Arrow
Hey Arrow,
Great to hear from you! The road trip was excellent – a combination of beautiful, contrasting environments, along with lots of laughs among good friends. Hopefully, it won’t be too long before I make it up to the PNW again!
All the best,
Cam
Great to have you back. I didn’t realize you had moved to Mexico. I am really anticipating the new book. I should have gone to Tibet in the late 1990’s when I had a chance. I had fallen in love with the area after reading Snow Leopard, as I am sure everyone did, and dreamed of hiking to Dolpo. Very glad you are doing well.
Thanks, Craig. Hopefully, you’ll enjoy the new Himalaya book; it will feature a broad cross-section of hikes throughout the range. As for Mexico, I’ve split my time between here and Australia for many years. Unfortunately, I haven’t been able to get back to the latter since the pandemic started. Fingers crossed that will change in the coming months, as the country starts to open up again.
As a mexican I´ve always looked up to you as an inspiration. We need more posts on mexican trails jaja. Glad to see you are posting again. Cheers,
Hi Jorge,
Thanks very much for your message. It’s always cool to hear from someone in my adopted homeland. You’re right, I do need to do more posts about hiking in Mexico!
Saludos,
Cam
Hi Cam, I can’t wait to see your book on the Himalaya in the spring!. many, many happy memories of trekking there and so much still to discover.
Nuala