When Ordinary is Extraordinary

Ever have a day that stands out from all the rest? Not for anything you did, but because of serendipity and perhaps a peak in your awareness? That day can have you scratching your head and wondering about the world. Being aware, in turn, makes […]

Is that a Leek in your pocket?

Three safety items you’ve got to have if you’re working with horses, out on the trail, or both: Knife. Phone. Belt. (The belt is to leash a loose dog or horse. Or apply a tourniquet, etc.) This summer at the Outdoor Retailer, we met several […]

Gear for Good is Pleasant Burden

Piggybacking philanthropy on what you buy is a popular trend. Theoretically, that’s what you do when buying something with a ribbon on it. From breast cancer (pink) to veterans (black), there are more than 50 colors and ribbons for awareness and support. It’s a feel-good […]

Welcome traildog Peeko!

We welcome sweet Peeko to the UtahOutsider family. She may not be great at writing or marketing, but she’s certainly livening up the place. Peeko came from the wonderful folks at Ruff Patch Rescue, a foster-home centered rescue organization in Riverton, Utah. Led by Stacy […]

Water, water, nowhere

As summer winds down, I’m giving thanks to a spectacular season; one that gave me a crash course in riding and hiking essentials here in Utah. Watch video. Sure, there’s the need for carrying a cell phone, a good knife, and for wearing sunscreen. But […]

Water, water, nowhere

Return to Camping, Part One

Called by Utah’s great outdoors, inspired by family, and prodded by the notion that Life is Short, I rededicated myself to camping this summer. The return comes with a thankful nod to generations fore and aft: To my folks for a childhood steeped in exploring, […]

Trail Trash Talk

Wilderness ethics meant “clean up after yourself” to me, decades ago. Back then, family “vacations” usually had something to do with trail maintenance. My dad was president of the Maine Appalachian Trail Club and led scores of service outings. Us kids were charged with clearing […]

A Mountain of a Man

I met Randall Ercanbrack on a morning walk in Provo’s Rock Canyon. It was early, but he was already coming down off the trails. Come to find out: Ercanbrack chugs up Y Mountain in Provo or West Mountain near Payson nearly every morning, carrying a […]

Fit and Fit to be Tied

I’m getting a handle on this Clean Living thing, something Utah promotes as one of its intrinsic qualities. First, there’s the wilderness. Utah has more public land than any other state except Nevada and Alaska. People here get out! Even in the lesser known Oquirrh […]