The Dirtbag Diaries

Mark Kenyon and Fitz Cahall may not appear to have much in common. Mark got his start in the outdoors at a family hunting cabin in the forest lands of Northern Michigan, and Fitz dirtbagged around the American West in the back of his Tacoma. Their passions in the outdoors might be different, but their resolve to protect public lands is just the same.

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The Forest Service has proposed to rescind the Roadless Rule, which protects nearly 45 million acres of National Forest. These forests play a role in maintaining clean water and air, wildlife habitat and provide lots of recreational access for climbing, hiking, biking and paddling.



Today, Tracy Stone-Manning, executive director of the Wilderness Society and former director of the Bureau of Land Management, joins us to talk about why Roadless Areas matter, the latest efforts to dismantle protections for our public lands, and how to write your best comment.

The Wilderness Society has made it easy to add your voice to the discussion about the Roadless Rule. Comments due Monday, September 21st.

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“When we were living in a house, we were always compromising because we had the weight of a mortgage, of doing what we thought we should be doing,” remembers Kathy Holcombe. Until the day, she, her husband, Peter, and their daughter Abby moved into a Winnebago to travel and work from the road. “I want her to see that she can do that too: whatever her wildest dreams are, to chase them and not stop until they come true,” says Kathy.

Abby’s dream? To kayak the entire 280-miles of the classic Grand Canyon run. But how does a 12 year-old arrive at a place where this goal is even conceivable? First, lots of kayaking. But, as in any sport, Abby must learn to walk up to her fears and pick them apart before deciding whether to go or not go.

You can follow all of the Holcombes on social. Abby, Peter and Kathy!



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⁠Oboz⁠ : Comment on the Roadless Rule by Sept 21

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Ka’Chava Go to https://kachava.com and use code DIARIES for 15% off your next order.

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Trails are hewn from granite, carved into sandstone cliffs and engineered into our most iconic landscapes. Other times, they offer just the faintest hint of the passing of those before us. Either way, we often take their existence for granted. Today with the help of author Dillon Osleger we ask the seemingly simple question “Why do trails exist?”

Read Dillon’s book: Trail Work

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⁠Oboz⁠: ⁠⁠Comment on the Roadless Rule⁠ by Sept 21

Kuat Racks

Kodiak Find Kodiak at kodiakcakes.com or your local grocery store

Ka’Chava Go to https://kachava.com and use code DIARIES for 15% off your next order.

Diaries+ Members-- Their support is powering the Diaries- thank you! You can join today.

How do we love those we have lost? In two essays, Mike Foote and Natasha Buffo explore how the memory of their parents guide them through life’s biggest moments—from a grueling hundred-mile run to the choice to become a mother.

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Oboz⁠⁠ : ⁠Comment on the Roadless Rule⁠ by Sept 21⁠

Darn Tough Free shipping on any order with code DIRTBAG

Kodiak Find Kodiak at kodiakcakes.com or your local grocery store

Ka’Chava Go to https://kachava.com and use code DIARIES for 15% off your next order.

Diaries+ Members-- Their support is powering the Diaries- thank you! You can join today.