My Backyard

Come with me as I take you along my Sawtooth Mountain backpacking trip, up to the Baron Divide. You can also check out my spoken word photo reel of the trip here. And lastly, check out the video and personal account of the Great Spire toppling back in 2021. CRAZY!

You can read my poem below:

The crunch of the trail is the rhythm I keep

as I traverse away from the worn path

hiking through the reedgrass instead.

Looking down at my feet for unexpected roots,

My eyes seesaw back up

to take in the wonder of the forest, untouched.

My pack feels heavy—

not only for the several hours we’ve been at it,

but also for the balancing act required of me

along the downed Ponderosa bridge

Crossing the angry waters

had tested all of my concentration

and all my adrenaline.

I feel a calling to look up and at once

I forget all my discomforts.

Suddenly, it's as if I am in a theater.

And I rush closer to take my seat.

The thick curtains of Engleman Spruce seem to part

ways to reveal a show-stopping display.

And as the screen lights up—

I am spectator to the most majestic movie of all time;

Baron lake in all its emerald splendor,

with Monte Verita Ridge,

a most magnificent centerpiece,

peppered by boulder fields and brightly colored phlox.

As the opening credits commence,

I salute Old (now late) Baron Spire.

Except that this isn’t a movie.

this is the most serene portrayal of nature this side of…

forever.

The Sawtooths.

The Crown Jewel of Idaho.

My backyard.

My Backyard