MALA MOJSTROVKA THE EASY WAY UP – Vršič Pass

Posted on by
3
north face mala mojstrovka
The magnificent north face of Mala Mojstrovka from Vratica saddle.

Slovenia is not a flat country.  There are lots of hills culminating in the Julijske Alpe – the Julian Alps.  The border with Italy bisects the range leaving the highest peak, Triglav 2,864 meters, in Slovenia and the second highest peak,  Jôf di Montasio 2,755 meters, in Italy.  The mountains figure deeply into the soul of Slovenia with Triglav being featured on both the Slovene flag and coat of arms.  To explore this mountainous wonderland, you can do it cursorily from a car or motorcycle.  But at some time, you will need to wander the trails and climb the peaks to understand the specialness of these mountains.  There is no better place to explore Slovenia from the top than to join the crowds parked atop Vršič Pass – 1611 meters – and walk. From Vršič Pass, the magic of Mala Mojstrovka awaits.

Continue reading →

GERMANY – IMPERIAL DREAMS IN THE PHILIPPINES

Posted on by
1

European nations were holding their breath as relations between Spain and the United States worsened in 1898. While much of the attention centered on Cuba and the Caribbean, the Philippines also gathered some thought. Several of the nations had ongoing commercial relationships within the Philippines. To officially protect their nationals living and working in the Spanish Manila naval ships were sent. One of those nations with more than a casual interest in events in the Philippines included Germany.

Uncle Sam heading towards the Chinese markets with lots to sell.
Continue reading →

MISTY REALM OF THE BLACK CUILLIN HORSESHOE OF SKYE

Posted on by
1

The Horseshoe of the Black Cuillin is not only the center of attention for would-be mountaineers on the island of Skye, but maybe Britain, as well. Making a trip to the ancestral home of Scotland – maybe the first of my clan since the early 18th century – I decided to include a little walking with the history on my first venture into Scottish mountains.

Skye is a bit north of the islands of my clan – Mull, Islay. Vikings and the clan Macleod and MacDonald figure strongly in the histories here. The island has become a bit of tourist destination with its wild beauty and Celtic traditions. “Winged Island”, “Isle of Clouds” are two interpretations of the original meaning of Skye. The latter version showed up in force during my visit.

The Black Cuillin Horseshoe on the island of Skye from atop Bruach nan Frithe.

Continue reading →

SECOND OREGON IN THE PHILIPPINES – 19TH CENTURY IMPERIAL ENDING

Posted on by
1
Peace Protocol is signed between the US (President McKinley standing in the center) and Spain (the French Ambassador signing for Spain) 12 August 1898

The men of the Second Oregon waited for a month and a half in Cavite, Philippines.  July went on and the 1st California and 14th US were moved out of Cavite into the field taking positions to the south of Manila.  Other units from later arriving forces did the same.  The Oregonians were not excited about being left behind to drill back at Cavite while the others were out on the firing lines.

Continue reading →

WHITE MOUNTAIN PEAK – A CLIMB TO CALIFORNIA’S THIRD HIGHEST SUMMIT

Posted on by
Reply

A FOURTEENER FOR THE EVERYMAN

White Mountain Peak stands straight ahead on the jeep road to the top.

Look at a topographical map of the Great Basin region and you will see mountain ranges looking like waves running in a south-to-north.  On the fringe of that region mainly taken up by the state of Nevada are the two greatest ranges of the region – the Sierra Nevada and the White Mountains.  Both ranges have their origin in the Nevada Orogeny, the period when the many Nevadan ranges formed, as well.  The Sierra is simply one of America’s most magnificent ranges.  Separated by the Owens River Valley, the White Mountains, lying in the rain shadow, rise almost as high as their celebrated brothers to the west.  White Mountain Peak stands atop the range, California’s third highest peak at 14,252 feet-4344 meters – also one of only two peaks in California rising to over 14,000 feet outside of the Sierra.

Continue reading →

OREGON SAILS OUT OF THE 19TH CENTURY TO THE PHILIPPINES

Posted on by
2

SECOND OREGON VOLUNTEERS GO TRANS-PACIFIC

Monument 2nd Oregon
Monument to the Second Oregon Volunteer Infantry Regiment who served in the Philippines – Lownsdale Square, downtown Portland, Oregon.

The Spanish-American War enjoyed ramped up emotions across the United States.  Oregon was by no means immune in the enthusiasm to teach Spain a lesson.  The state’s National Guard – a part-time militia more trained in strike-breaking than actual warfare – consisted of a brigade of two regiments .  President William McKinley requested the State to furnish the Army with one regiment in the war with Spain, so a little selecting had to be done initially.  And with the distance involved between Oregon and Cuba, there was little chance of Oregon troops being involved in the main war there.  Dewey’s 1 May victory at Manila Bay, however, gave the men from the Beaver State another opportunity, but instead of going transcontinental, the Second Oregon would need to go trans-Pacific to participate off to the Philippines.  

Continue reading →

OLYMPIC RANGE FROM A HIGH PERSPECTIVE

Posted on by
3

The Best Experiences are not always the Easiest

The best visit to the Olympics goes on high. Olympic National Park, much like North Cascades, is a climber’s park. Standing atop one of the many peaks gives you a true experience to the wild wonderland.

Looking south to Mt Ellinor from atop Mt Washington in the southeast corner of the Park
Continue reading →

PORTLAND, MEMORIES OF THE SECOND OREGON AND THE PHILIPPINES

Posted on by
4

THE SECOND OREGON VOLUNTEERS IN THE PHILIPPINES BY WAY OF THE SPANISH-AMERICAN WAR

Soldiers Monument in River View Cemetery to men of the Second Oregon Volunteer Regiment.

You can tell important seminal moments in many American cities by some memorials and parks found within the city.  Philadelphia has the Liberty Bell.  San Antonio has the Alamo.  Indianapolis has the massive Soldiers and Sailors Monument from the Civil War.  Portland has a leafy park across from the Federal Courthouse and the former Multnomah Courthouse where a statue stands proudly in the middle of the park.  At first glance, someone might think the Civil War is being remembered in some way.  But the rest of the monument has nothing to do with the Civil War.  It is a monument honoring the dead of the Second Oregon Volunteers who fought in the Spanish-American War.  Surrounding the monument, a series of marble stumps resemble artillery shells.  The battle names inscribed have nothing to do with Oregon in Cuba or Spain, but everything to do with the Philippines.

Continue reading →

RAIN AND COVID? TIME TO BIRDWATCH AT RIDGEFIELD!

Posted on by
1

Rain is an all too common factor in Pacific Northwest winters. Grey days can go on for weeks at a time. The rain does not fall in huge dumps, but tends to lightly fall for much of the day. Short grey wet days. Cabin fever. No mountains to climb, so what to do? Then add on top of it the COVID pandemic. Perfect time to go birdwatch at Ridgefield!

A rainy day at Rest Lake along the Auto Tour Route at the River “S” Unit at the Ridgefield National Wildlife Refuge.
Continue reading →

BARRETT SPUR REVEALING THE ICY SIDE OF MT HOOD

Posted on by
3
Barrett Spur rises to the left of the 7,300 foot saddle with the north face of Mt Hood beyond.

Barrett Spur is one of my favorite places on Mount Hood. While some prefer Cooper Spur and others Cathedral Ridge, for me, it is the Spur.

The Spurt is a little bit difficult to reach both due to the altitude you gain and the route condition near the top.  But your jaw drops with the incredible views of the glaciers pouring down off the north side of the old volcano.

Continue reading →