Sojourn Wild Outdoor Adventures

In 2022, I decided to stop building wood fires. This choice came after revisiting many of the places I’ve explored over the last 50 years—backpacking, rafting, canoeing, and overlanding. The devastation was heartbreaking; the burn scars and lost panoramic views were a shock. Skeleton trees and charred rocks left a heavy silence, and the lingering scent of smoke had driven away the wildlife—at least the lucky ones that could fly or run. I no longer wanted to risk adding to that carnage.

However, I quickly noticed a shift. Without the warmth and light of a fire, the evening chill marked a hard end to the day. People drifted away to their separate shelters and I missed the evening camaraderie, I grieved the loss stories and memories that were shared during the evening circle.

My solution was a propane fire pit. This instant flame rekindled that nighttime kinship and laughter. It is a much safer way to enjoy warmth and light in what can often be a tinder-box environment. I’ll admit, I miss the smell of woodsmoke—but I certainly don’t miss the burn holes in my expensive outdoor clothing and down jackets.

The propane fire pit is working for me."

THE BURN
There are lesser numbers of colors.
Most of the shades are various degrees of greys.
Through it all,
The greens struggle to prove that this land is alive.
The moving grey green waters adds to the proof…
Its brisk movements belies that death is the future
And endeavors to untiringly
Bring much-needed sustenance
In order for this land to live…
And early morning blues reminds me to believe
It's is time to start a new day…

Epilogue:
I vowed on this day that I would never have another open wood fire in the outback...

The morning we left Fort Worden in Port Townsend we were greeted by a beautiful and bright morning. Little did I know that this morning of color and light was just a prelude for the what was to be an epic San Juan Island cycling adventure… we were greeted by curiosity and challenge. Everyone we met… were not strangers… every ascent became our path and a classroom steeped in determination…

We bonded… we laughed… and boy, did we eat! After ten days… we came home… with more memorable memories than what we had… more delighted in the discovery of physical and strong being… feeling full, no not just the food… but six ferry rides, about 200 miles of cycling, an accumulation of 10,388 feet of accent, four thrown chains, couple crashes, two whales, one flat tire and hours of laughter…

I think that we are better than when we started… and we are already wondering about the next cycling adventure… maybe you should join us…