Thinking of the Last Journey
An unexpected storm forced the author and companion to abandon a planned dirt‑road trek and instead explore a remote canyon, where they documented a series of distinctive petroglyphs. The following day they floated the Gunnison River with a packraft, encountering unusually low water at roughly 800 cubic feet per second. The low flow mirrors a broader regional drought, prompting concerns about future river recreation and the need for smaller vessels and more adaptable trip planning. The piece underscores how climate‑driven water scarcity is reshaping outdoor experiences across the Colorado Plateau.
Off-Piste – Brother 2170w Printer (2009 Vintage)
The 2009 Brother 2170w laser printer, bought for $80, is still printing reliably nearly two decades later, delivering about 25 pages per minute with a drum that remains 73% functional after 15 years. It runs on third‑party toner cartridges costing...
Backpacking and Car Camping – Two Tools in the Timebank Kit
The authors describe a hybrid approach that pairs car camping with backpacking to maximize weekend time outdoors. By keeping a permanent “perma‑camping” kit in the truck and a lightweight backpacking kit ready at home, they eliminate last‑minute packing and start...
Gear Review – Hywell Merino Wool Boot Socks
The Hywell merino wool boot socks, a 53% wool blend, were field‑tested for several months on the Colorado Plateau’s mixed terrain. In boots they kept feet dry and felt comfortable, but on trail‑running shoes they slipped and showed rapid abrasion...