Author Archives: The Narrator

Wright Brothers Day: From Sunday Best to Elastic Waistbands

Every December 17 we pause to honor the Wright Brothers, two bicycle mechanics from Ohio who looked at gravity and said, “We can probably negotiate with that.” On that blustery day in 1903 at Kitty Hawk, Orville and Wilbur Wright … Continue reading

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National Lost & Found Day: The Other Search and Rescue Mission

Every December 12, while search and rescue teams across the country gear up for winter missions in the backcountry, a different kind of operation quietly unfolds in households everywhere. No avalanche beacons. No helicopters. No GPS tracks. Just you, a … Continue reading

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Take the Extra Minute: Hypothermia Is Winter’s Silent Threat

Winter has a talent for trickery. One moment, you’re enjoying crisp air, sparkling snow and a trail that looks like it was ripped straight from a greeting card. The next, the sun has dipped behind a ridge, the wind picks … Continue reading

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Silent Steel Stalks Sudsy Serenity

Once a year the universe aligns in a way that makes absolutely no sense, placing the pinnacle of martial discipline and the height of soapy self-indulgence side-by-side. December 5 is both International Ninja Day and Bathtub Party Day, a pairing … Continue reading

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Why I Serve: Reflections on a Life in Search and Rescue

It’s almost inevitable. When people discover I’m a member of a search and rescue team, the conversation quickly pivots to the simple, yet profound, question: “Why?” And yet, that simple question is the hardest one to answer. I know the … Continue reading

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The Waddle and the Wattle: A Turkey’s Eye View of America

Thanksgiving: the annual ritual in which Americans express gratitude by overeating and pretending not to notice the kids drinking hard cider in the garage. The one day a year we collectively celebrate as a nation. What exactly are we celebrating? … Continue reading

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We Are (Probably) Not Alone — But 3I/ATLAS Isn’t Our Ride

If you’ve been following the science news lately, you’ve probably seen the headlines about interstellar comet 3I/ATLAS, the third known object from outside our solar system to swing through our celestial neighborhood. And because humans love a good mystery (and … Continue reading

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Take the Extra Minute: Hunting and Outdoor Safety

Autumn doesn’t just bring cooler air and turning leaves. It also marks the height of hunting season across much of the country. For many, it’s a cherished time of tradition, skill and connection to the outdoors. As the leaves drop … Continue reading

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National I Love to Write Day: Why the Struggle is Worth It

Today is National I Love to Write Day and I wanted to take the opportunity to talk about something I get asked more often than you’d think: “Why do you write?” It’s a fair question. My friends read my blog, … Continue reading

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The Paladin’s Dilemma: When Saving a Life Risks Your Soul

There are moments in search and rescue that test not your training, not your endurance, but your soul. I joined search and rescue with a clear, singular purpose: to help those in distress. When a call drops, my moral compass … Continue reading

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