As a birthday present for my

8/19/10 -- As a birthday present for my wife, Debbie, we squeezed in a short backpacking trip into the Goat Rocks Wilderness in Western Washington.

In three days we saw over 50 mountain goats, at least that many elk, strolled through alpine meadows carpeted in lupine, Indian paintbrush, daisies, and bear grass. Then to top it all off -- literally -- we climbed Old Snowy Mountain, and were rewarded with a rugged rooftop view.

Still, despite all the play time, I worked on REVENGE OF THE MUTANT UNDERWEAR on the drive north, and then on the way home again. Actually got lots done with my notes spread out in the backseat of the car. I love having a portable job!