A few resolutions for 2012

It's a new year, and a chance to think about the past and the future. The last few years have been pretty good, but it's part of human nature to want to make things better--at least part of our nature.

So here are few things we think we're going to do next year--in the hopes that they just might make a small difference

1. Get into the mountains more than we did this year. We were frustrated a bit by those heavy snows last winter (although we made up for some of that in our recent hikes in late December) but next year is a whole new story, and we hope to tackle some new trips, new areas, and new adventures. And we hope to see you on the trail.

2. We will also continue to support those who help protect those mountains, from the National and State Park systems to USFS, NGOs, and the many organizations and volunteers who do something to help. Time, money, and energy are all needed.

3. And we'll continue to encourage people to explore the High Sierra. Sometimes we take someone on a trip with us, other times we've just done our part to help them get up the nerve to leave their city fears behind. And the extra equipment we donated to the local Girl Scouts was a good idea---and one that we hope will inspire others to do the same.

4. Every trip we take, we try to pick up some of the trash we find on the trail. Sometimes we can pick all of it up. Other times there is just too much...but we'll keep trying, and we encourage you to do the same. No, it's not your fault. But they are your mountains, and you might as well act like you own them and care about them.

May 2012 bring you much joy and many wonderful trips into the Sierra Nevada.

See you there!