Portfolio

Feature: The Hiker’s Guide to Search and Rescue

Feature: The Hiker’s Guide to Search and Rescue

The Hiker’s Guide to Search and Rescue   Written for Washington Trails magazine   Visit the published article here and the companion web pages here   For Josh Hancock, 31, there was never a reason to suspect that his daytrip to Alpental would end any differently than the dozens of excursions he’d done before. It was an ordinary Wednesday, and the environmental consultant was taking a day off work with his climbing partner, Kjel. The weather was beautiful and the climbing conditions were favorable—it should have been a fun day away from the office and enjoying the great outdoors. Instead, it was one of the scariest days of Hancock’s life. The two friends hiked 3 snowy miles toward Kiddie Cliff and a spectacular frozen waterfall that was...

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Gear Feature: Time for Spring Cleaning

Gear Feature: Time for Spring Cleaning

Time for Spring Cleaning   Written for Washington Trails magazine   Visit the published article here and the companion blogs here   There are many things to love about spring: warmer temperatures, longer days and the sweet promise of another hiking season just around the corner. But before you hit the trail, it’s time for some good old-fashioned spring cleaning. Don’t know where to start? It’s as easy as one, two, three. One: Reorganize | Two: Refresh | Three: Restock Reorganize Your Gear Small Items Don’t let your matches or your toothbrush get lost in your pack—give them a home. Here are some of our favorite organizers for everything from toiletries to odds and ends. Toiletries: Tired of trying to squeeze the last bit of ecofriendly shampoo out...

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Book Review: Survival Book Roundup

Book Review: Survival Book Roundup

Survival Book Roundup   Written for Washington Trails magazine   Visit the published article here and the companion blog here   When it comes to resourcefulness in the outdoors, you don’t need to learn everything by trial and error. There are plenty of great books that can help you sharpen your skills and become a more prepared hiker. Here are some we recommend—and our favorite tips to get you started. Bushcraft 101 By Dave Canterbury Best For: Survival Skills Get ready for whatever nature could throw your way with this guide on bushcraft, (the art of surviving in the woods with as little modern gear as possible). Detailed lessons include firemaking, manufacturing your own tools and gear, foraging, and trapping and processing game. Top Tips: Stones...

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Media Mention: University of Washington Professional and Continuing Education

Media Mention: University of Washington Professional and Continuing Education

University of Washington Professional and Continuing Education: Alumni Interview for Certificate in Editing Featured on UWPCE web site Visit the published article here Cassandra Overby graduated from the Certificate in Editing program in 2014. In this interview, Cassandra discusses how she uses the skills from the program in her job as a communications associate. She also talks about the lasting professional connections and friendships she developed. Can you tell us a bit about your current career? I’m a communications associate for Washington Trails Association. I do a lot of writing, both for our website and our magazine, which is called Washington Trails. I write features, have a book review column and help with some of the gear reviews. I also do a lot of...

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Blog: Inspiration and Advice from WTA’s 2014 Photo Contest Winners

Blog: Inspiration and Advice from WTA’s 2014 Photo Contest Winners

Inspiration and Advice from WTA’s 2014 Photo Contest Winners   Written for the Washington Trails Association blog   Visit the published article here   Last fall, photographers submitted more than 2,600 incredible images from Washington trails to our annual Northwest Exposure Photo Contest. We were blown away by the quantity—and quality—of photos we received, and narrowing down the field to 16 winners was tough. We loved the variety of trail experiences those photos represented, from fog-enshrouded beach hikes to star-speckled overnights to delightful meanders with kids. Through the lenses of their cameras, hiking photographers captured everything we love about hiking in Washington. We look forward to sharing many of the 2,600 images with you...

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Media Review: Best Outdoor Apps for 2015

Media Review: Best Outdoor Apps for 2015

Best Outdoor Apps for 2015   Written for Washington Trails magazine   Visit the published magazine article here and the companion blog here   Smartphones aren’t just for angry avians and hunting zombies. Put your device to work on your hikes with any of these mobile apps. Get links at wta.org/bestapps. Hiking WTA Trailblazer: Explore 1,000s of Washington’s trails and the latest Trip Reports without being tethered to your computer. Bonus points: This app can read your GPS location and suggest trails near you. Best for: iPhone, Android, Windows; Free Field Guides Skyview: Point your smartphone at the sky to identify stars, constellations and satellites. Once downloaded, can be used without cell service. Best for: iPhone, iPad; Free. Have an...

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