And who's been nice?

[balzaccom]

Nice:

First, a big shout out to the men and women who have been fighting the fires we mentioned on our naughty list. Thank you. And please stay safe.

And also to those wonderful people who work in our national parks and forests, and make it possible for us to enjoy them. Thank you for listening to a thousand points of view and trying to come up with management plans that really do capture a sense what is fair and reasonable in our wonderful resources. We just wish there were more of you, so that you could support those regulations in the back country.

We’d also like to extend those thanks to the volunteers who work in the parks and national forests as well. They make more things possible. How cool is that?

Those who take someone backpacking for the first time. Yeah, it can be a bit of an adventure. But the rewards are truly worth it. This year we took a friend from Italy into the Emigrant Wilderness, and enjoyed every minute of her enthusiastic delight in every foot of the trail. We try to do this each year…and we should probably do more of it.

And you people right here: the many members of the backpacking forums on the internet. What a wonderful resource for anyone who is interested in this activity! Trip reports, equipment reviews, suggestions for new techniques or tactics, or just plain sharing the joys (and frustrations?) of backpacking. Somehow, these boards also ways more reasonable than most internet forums—probably because we all know that there are more important things than getting in flame wars on the internet. Like getting into the woods.

Mother Nature, with a series of storms this November and December that look like they will put an end to the drought. Whatever we did to offend you, we’re sorry. Please keep those rains and snows coming!

[markskor]

Having spent most of my last summers out backpacking - somewhere between Mammoth and Yosemite Valley, I am thankful to many who have made my summers amazing.
Specifically to mention a few individuals that stand out... My Nice list -

Aline, who runs the Yosemite Art Center in the Valley. She lets me store my watercolors there all summer long, May to October...(hard to backpack with an easel and full palette.) Additionally, she holds my backpack safe when out painting plein air with the world-class instructors that teach daily classes. What an amazing woman and friend.

Parson's Lodge Summer seminars - A continuing series of scientists, poets, and musicians, all gathering in an old stone Sierra palace.

The YARTS bus drivers who go out of their way to drop you off anywhere on route.

Dave, the head Valley bear Ranger...Valley backpacker camp. Artist, fisherman, and sarcastic POS - my kind of friend.

Jen and Greg - head Tuolumne Wilderness Rangers...no permit lectures, no marks on my permits, always a smile...lots of mutual respect shown.

Harry, (pith helmet cashier) - Tuolumne Store...Come to think about it, all the Tuolumne Store denizens.

Degnans Deli employees...my usual pre-art Valley breakfast... a morning paper in the shadow of Yosemite Falls...opens early, a quiet spot before the Valley wakes.

All those who stopped to pick up an old-fart hitch-hiking with a backpack.

Mike, my hiking partner...but I cannot think of why.

[balzaccom]

That's a really nice list!