Giving thanks

For turkey and all the fixings. And we'll have some good wines as well.

But also for all the people who help with our National Forests and National Parks, both paid staff and unpaid volunteers. Every time you see a trail in good condition, a sign that points you in the right direction, a tree across the trail that has been sawn through, or a few rock steps that make the trail more manageable, give a thought to the people who have, over the years, made that happen.

And if you see a trail that needs work, let the local rangers know about any issues like those above. With their limited staff, they may not have the time to get out and hike every trail often enough. Your info may be just what they need to send out a team. On the other hand, if it's something small and simple, it wouldn't hurt to just deal with it yourself. Pick up a little trash, maybe move a few smaller logs off the trail, take down that Flintstone furniture that somebody thought gave the wilderness a human touch.

While you're at it, make sure you stay on the trail, to prevent erosion and multiple use-trail that confuse other hikers, and camp only where and how it is permitted. Last year I lost count of the number of campsites in my zone of Desolation Wilderness that were far too close to water (100 feet!) and illegal fire rings in an area that has not permitted campfires since the 1990s.

And give thanks for the rain and snow, which promise a good snowpack and decent hiking season in 2025!