Category Archives: Campfire Conversations

Ultrarunner Dad: Interview with Ty Draney Part 2

…continued from Friday’s post. Ty and Andi’s responses to the first question typify the challenge of parenting, outdoor or otherwise. Their discussion also made me chuckle because Jennie and I have had nearly the same discussion many times. We love … Continue reading

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Ultrarunner Dad: Interview with Ty Draney

Ultrarunner Ty Draney has had a pretty good year. In September, 2008, he won the 50 mile distance at the Grand Teton Races in record time. He followed that up with a win at the Bear 100 a few weeks … Continue reading

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The Big Red Island: Part 3

…the final installment of Jason’s Alberts essay. A discussion I began to have frequently with my wife in Madagascar revolved around the premise of students becoming teachers and teachers becoming students. My middle school teaching career was interrupted to facilitate … Continue reading

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The Edge of Never

During a recent procrastination session, I stumbled upon the Edge of Never, a book and film by author Bill Kerig.  In 1996, free skiing pioneer Trevor Patterson died while attempting a line known as Glacier Ronde in Chamonix. He left … Continue reading

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Music Motivator?

We’ve been there.  Gauging your children’s endurance levels can be one of the most difficult tasks as a parent. Push them too hard and it can leave a permanent black mark on the outdoors. After all, nobody likes bonking. Yet, … Continue reading

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International Walk to School Day

Wednesday, October 7 is International Walk to School Day.  Started in 1997 in Chicago, iWalk has participants in all 50 states joining 3 million international walkers. The day highlights the need for walkable routes within communities. Whether you’re motivated for … Continue reading

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Walking to School

My walk to elementary school is composed of snapshot memories. The magnolia trees with limbs made for climbing. The very steep hill. Baseball bats cracking as I passed the little league field. Blackberries.  Towering redwood trees encompassing “Dark” Park. Dawdling … Continue reading

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Are You the Parent You Imagined?

For the record, Fitz and I aren’t parents. Yet, even before planning to be a parent, I have an ideal image of the parent that I will strive to be. As our friends embark on parenthood, I continually refine my … Continue reading

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Hurry Up and Wait: Spring is Here.

I may be a bit strange — I like winter. I’m constantly inspired by freshly fallen snow, skiing, camping without bugs. Summer is great with its hot days, cool nights, and school vacations. Fall is my favorite for the golden … Continue reading

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Swine Flu: It just got real for me

“A case of Swine Flu has been confirmed late last night in a sixth grader at Madrona School. School officials have closed the school until Wednesday,” the NPR anchor said in clipped words that suggested he was trying his best … Continue reading

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