10 Toes Travel Blog

01/11/2024

30/10/2024

The great outdoors is the place to be.

If you are someone that is burned out by the grind of the civilized world, then you need to shut it all down. Take a weekend away, shut off the media, turn off the phone. Spend a weekend with the trees and the water.

27/10/2024

This shot of the leaves turning red and orange typifies the Fall season in the PNW.

Be sure to stop and enjoy that flush of color all around us before it is gone, giving way to the dark and gray of the winter months!

🍂 🍁 🍁🍂

11/10/2024

Good morning and happy Friday!

The weekend is effectively here and I hope you have some amazing adventures planned for it! Mine will mostly be catching up on editing video, playing in the garden and going for a long run on Sunday morning.

Let me know what your adventures are looking like for this weekend!

28/09/2024

Photos from an epic summit last week in Eastern Washington.

Not a hard hike, but it sure did get cold when we crested the top up to where the lookout used to be. Amazing mountain top of nothing but broken rock, and 360 degree views of the world around us. From up there we could see Washington, Idaho, and Canada. I could even see Chimney Rock over on the other side of Priest Lake.

The bleached out remains of trees just before the summit were amazing too. I haven't checked yet what year the fire was that killed them, but their twisted skeletons are pretty amazing.

Sadly, we missed the wildflowers by a couple of weeks. I am putting this one on my list to do late August next year though. But I will be bringing a coat for when I get to the top.

I'm not going to post openly where this is, but if you want to know, shoot me a message and I'll give you the trail info.

24/09/2024

What does your next year of hiking need?

The first three words you see is the answer!

Here is a fun game for you today. The first three words your eyes see are what your hiking life needs more of in the next year. This is scientific, so don't argue with me on this! LOL

Comment with your three and share with your friends!

17/09/2024

The Pacific Northwest is nature’s playground, filled with endless opportunities for adventure and exploration. Whether you’re climbing rocky cliffs, hiking through lush forests, or simply enjoying the view from a mountain peak, there’s no shortage of ways to play in the wild. The beauty of nature is that it invites us to be active, to explore, and to find joy in the simple things.

So, get outside, embrace your inner child, and let nature be your playground. There’s a whole world of adventure waiting for you in the PNW. Ready to start playing? Visit 10 Toes Travel to find out more about the best outdoor activities in the region.

https://www.10toestravel.com/

15/09/2024

The wilderness of the Pacific Northwest is a place of mystery and wonder, waiting to be explored. From foggy mornings in ancient forests to serene afternoons by hidden lakes, the wild is always calling those who are brave enough to answer. There’s a sense of freedom that comes with stepping into the unknown, guided only by your instincts and the natural world around you.

Are you ready to leave behind the noise of everyday life and immerse yourself in the wild? The wilderness is waiting for you. Answer the call and discover more about the best outdoor adventures in the PNW at 10 Toes Travel.

https://www.10toestravel.com/

13/09/2024

In the Pacific Northwest, the beauty isn’t just in the destination—it’s in every step of the journey. As you hike through dense forests, cross clear streams, and climb steep hills, you’ll find that the path itself is just as rewarding as the view at the end. Each twist and turn offers a new perspective, a fresh challenge, and a deeper connection to the wild.

Embrace the journey and let it guide you to places you’ve never imagined. Because in the end, it’s the memories of the trail that stay with you the longest. Ready to start your adventure? Explore more about PNW trails at 10 Toes Travel.

https://www.10toestravel.com/

11/09/2024

In today’s fast-paced world, it’s easy to feel overwhelmed and disconnected. But in the Pacific Northwest, you’ll find a place where you can unplug and reconnect with what truly matters. There’s nothing quite like setting up camp by a river, surrounded by the sounds of nature. The crackling of the fire, the rustle of leaves, and the gentle flow of water remind you to slow down and enjoy the moment.

Disconnect from the digital world and recharge your spirit with a camping trip. The wilderness is waiting to refresh your soul. Need help finding the perfect spot? Visit 10 Toes Travel for tips on the best camping locations in the PNW.

https://www.10toestravel.com/

10/09/2024

How was your Monday? Bet mine was better!

My Monday started out waking up in Leif and kicking the doors open to see a magnificent foggy morning, and the sun burning though.

Once we were awake and dresses we took to climbing up to the top a hill to see the Kelly Butte lookout. Nice walk, some solid hill climb, and a ton of amazing views.

After a nice hill climb and a tour of the lookout from Peter the Forest Service staffer up there, we descended back down to Leif for a rest and a picnic, staring out at Mount Rainier.

Not a bad day at all!

Now to edit all the video....

09/09/2024

Standing on a mountain peak with the world spread out before you, there’s a sense of freedom that’s hard to find anywhere else. The Pacific Northwest offers countless opportunities to reach new heights, both physically and mentally. As you take in the breathtaking views, remember to breathe deeply and let the beauty of nature fill your soul.

It’s in these moments, surrounded by the wild, that you truly feel alive. Whether you’re chasing summits or simply enjoying the journey, the mountains are always calling. Ready to answer? Learn more about the best hiking and climbing spots in the PNW at 10 Toes Travel.

https://www.10toestravel.com/

07/09/2024

Go get yourself some Nature Therapy.

We aren't meant to live in boxes and sit all day. Get outside and live life a little!

06/09/2024

There’s something magical about gathering around a campfire. The warmth of the flames, the crackle of burning wood, and the night sky overhead create the perfect setting for stories to unfold. Whether you’re sharing tales of past adventures or dreaming up new ones, campfire conversations are where connections deepen and memories are made. In the Pacific Northwest, the tradition of gathering around a fire is a cherished part of the outdoor experience.

So, next time you’re out camping, take a moment to sit back, relax, and enjoy the simple pleasure of a campfire. The stories you share might just become your favorite memories. Want to find the perfect camping spot for your next adventure? Visit 10 Toes Travel to discover the best

https://www.10toestravel.com/

04/09/2024

Life is full of choices, and sometimes the best path is the one you create for yourself. The Pacific Northwest is a land of endless possibilities, where every fork in the trail presents an opportunity for adventure. You might not always know where the path leads, but that’s part of the excitement. Trust your instincts, embrace the unknown, and find your own way through the wild.

As you navigate the trails, remember that the journey is uniquely yours. There’s no right or wrong way to explore—just your way. Ready to find your path in the PNW? Head over to 10 Toes Travel to learn more about the best hiking tra

https://www.10toestravel.com/

02/09/2024

Every great adventure begins with a single step. As you lace up your boots and step onto a rugged trail, you’re not just walking—you’re embarking on a journey that connects you with the untamed beauty of the Pacific Northwest. With every step, you leave behind the chaos of daily life and immerse yourself in the simplicity of nature. The path may be steep, rocky, or winding, but it’s yours to conquer.

Whether you're climbing to a mountain peak or strolling through a moss-covered forest, remember that each step brings you closer to the wild, closer to yourself. Ready to start your journey? Visit 10 Toes Travel to find the perfect trail in the PNW.

https://www.10toestravel.com/

31/08/2024

When life feels overwhelming, there's no better remedy than the tranquil embrace of nature. The Pacific Northwest offers a sanctuary where you can find peace among towering evergreens, calm lakes, and the quiet whispers of the wind. Here, nature isn’t just a backdrop—it’s a healer. As you walk through these serene landscapes, let the natural world wash away your stress and fill you with renewed energy.

Take a moment to reconnect with what truly matters. The more time you spend in nature, the more you realize that sometimes the best way to solve a problem is to simply walk away and breathe. Need a dose of nature’s therapy? Discover more about the calming beauty of the PNW at 10 Toes Travel.

https://www.10toestravel.com/

30/08/2024

For a guy that grew up in the construction industry, this seems like a silly question, but it was a legit question on Quora yesterday.

The short answer is yes, you can burn treated wood in a campfire, but you really shouldn't. Treated wood is full of all sorts of chemicals that you don't want to burn and breathe in.

Want the longer answer? Check out the website!
https://www.10toestravel.com/treated-wood-campfire/

29/08/2024

In the heart of the Pacific Northwest, every trail is a new story waiting to be told. The fog dances through ancient trees, and the air is thick with the promise of discovery. Whether you're a seasoned hiker or just starting out, there's always a path that calls to your spirit. It's not about the miles or the elevation—it’s about the moments when you pause, take a deep breath, and feel truly alive. Remember, the adventure isn’t just about reaching the destination; it’s about the journey you take to get there.

Embrace the unknown, take that first step, and let the wilderness guide you. Ready to start your next adventure? Visit 10 Toes Travel to explore more about hiking and camping in the PNW.

https://www.10toestravel.com/

05/08/2024

Don't tell me how lucky I am to go the places I do and see the things that I see.

It isn't luck...

I make choices in my life that make it possible for me to live the life I live. I traded having a big house and new cars for the things I find truly valuable. You can do, you just have to want to.

The biggest excuse I hear for people not traveling is that they don't have the money. That is the easy one. Spend less on stupid stuff you don't need and find a way to make more of it.

This next weekend I'll be doing a post on my other site MadMadViking.com about making excuses instead of taking action. If you want more adventures in your life, you might want to go get on that newsletter.

03/08/2024

Side-quest: Highline SeaTac Botanical Garden

We wound up stopping here because I had some business in the area and had looked up local parks, hoping to find something cool to see on the way home.

If you haven't heard of this park before, it is right down by Sea-Tac airport, and exists solely because people worked to save the original garden from being destroyed when they expanded the airport.

To be honest, in comparison to some of the photos I've seen of this park when it is in full bloom, my little sampling is nothing.

While it isn't the quietest of places, you really should stop by and check it out if you are down in the area, especially in late spring and early summer.

21/07/2024

There is no way to express how true this image is.

I'm 50-some years into this journey and can't tell you where the last twenty went. There are just a blur in the rear view.

My favorite quote is the year is "I didn't live to work, I work to live". I challenge you to check in your life and see if you're living the life you want.

If not, then why not? And what are you going to do about it?

It is something you should think about.

13/07/2024

Looks like I went down a rabbit hole and did a deep dive into the types of fuels for camping and backpacking stoves, along with the advantages and disadvantages of each. That was supposed to be a short article. Ooops...

If you are thinking about a new backpacking stove, you should give it a skim!

A complete breakdown of the common fuels for camping and backpacking stoves, with the pros and cons of each.

26/06/2024

The best camping gadgets I could find on Amazon that you absolutely don't need, but you will love to take on your next camping trip.

My best list of completely unnecessary but cool camping gadgets that will make your next camping trip a little more

10/06/2024

Nothing like an impromptu hike in 90° weather to round out a weekend of adventuring.