ScenicBoys

Little Naches River, Central Washington

It's not every weekend we find ourselves stranded in perilous danger, on the brink certain death. :)  Our last trip had a close call, but thanks to good camping karma and some extremely friendly people, we made it home safe with nothing more than a good story to show for it!

The temperatures around Seattle have been stuck in the 60s - a welcome relief from winter, but still not warm enough for any kind of serious camping adventures.  And then a troff of warm air (read: global warming) brought record breaking temperatures to the Pacific Northwest.  With temps in the 90s, the high-country snowpack was disintegrating... and the rivers were quickly rising.  What a great time to drive up into the mountains!

ScenciBoys: Naches Canyon 2008 from scenicboys on Vimeo.

I think the video tells the story best, so watch it to find out what happens! ;)

Here's a shot from the clear cut area just below our campsite.  It's always a little sad to see deforested areas, but the speed with which the area has regrown is impressive and very beautiful.

Our next post will be about our annual gay camping trip at Vantage, WA.  This weekend we're heading back to the Olympic Peninsula, to discover the western most point in the United States!  Can't Wait!  Check back soon for more ScenicBoy's Adventures!

Taneum Canyon Video

ScenicBoys: Taneum Canyon - Beltane Celebration 2008 from scenicboys on Vimeo.

Taneum Canyon, WA

The past month and a half have left the Pacific Northwest in an soggy, dreary, and cold mess. With endless gray clouds looming over the mountains in all directions and feet of snow blocking the forest roads to a lot of our favorite camping places. We've been trying to get out of the city the last few weekends but each time our plans have been crushed by uncooperative weather.    -    BUT, thankfully, our camping prayers were answered and we were able to have our first successful camping adventure of the year. Just in time for Garet's 27th Birthday! :)

Garet and I, along with 4 buds headed east to Taneum Canyon near my hometown of Ellensburg. The sun was shining as we drove across the cattle guard that keeps a herd of Rocky Mountain Elk in this beautiful canyon. After driving a few miles up a gnarly gravel road we found an awesome camp site nestled on the edge of a big meadow.

The nights were full of campfire stories and general goofiness, encouraged by a few cases of Rainier Beer, while the days we spent exploring the wilderness around us and making head bands out of the springtime foliage.

Sunday, after the boys headed back to Seattle, Garet and I went for a hike to the top of the canyon to take advantage of the clear day. It was warm, the snow was melting and some of the wild flowers were in bloom; it was great to feel the presence of Spring. :)

Recently I've been reading a lot about Native American cultures and trying to teach myself how to survive using only what nature can provide. The idea really interests me and I'm excited to read more. This last picture of me in my breechclout was inspired by some of the things I've been learning. If anyone knows where I can get a good elk buckskin to make some garments, please let me know.