Questions and Answers

Any chance of a travel log about Great Basin NP?
Absolutely, should be upcoming in the not-too-distant future. Right now I'm in the middle of some construction projects, got to work while the weather allows, be patient please.

Asked on Friday December 2, 2011 - 5:59pm

Hello Chester. It was nice talking with you at the Bakersboro Fall Pumpkin Gala last week. I was hoping you would post a picture of your basket collection on your website. Any chance of that?
It looks like you've gotten me mixed up with someone else at the Pumpkin Gala, I don't have a basket collection. Even so, if you'd like to see an awesome one, head over to Munfordville, Kentucky and stop by the Family Medical Center, they have one that's amazing from local artisans.

Asked on Wednesday October 26, 2011 - 10:41am

Have you hiked any of the appalachian trail?
As a matter of fact I have, though not enough to brag about. This is a very long trail that takes months to traverse from end to end. I have heard of some folks who have done the whole trail, though in short segments over several years. If I ever decide to do a "super trail" it will be the CDT (Continental Divide Trail) which to me would offer much better scenery overall.

Asked on Wednesday July 20, 2011 - 2:49pm

What is your opinion on Trekking Poles? I am debating getting a pair for a mountain climb. I see you are holding one on your homepage, but do you use two for your hikes?
Personally I'm not a big fan of Trekking Poles, I don't like having both hands tied up at the same time. In the photo on my home page I'm using a Tracks hiking staff. My favorite hiking staff is my Colorado hickory stick, which unfortunately has to stay in Kentucky due to difficulty in transporting to and from my Western vacations. In fairness to trekking poles though, I know folks who swear by them.

Asked on Tuesday June 21, 2011 - 9:47am

How often do you update your photos?
As time allows. Like most folks I have way too much going on. Western-Traveler sometimes has to take a back seat to life.

Asked on Thursday June 9, 2011 - 8:58pm

Fun site. Hey, by any chance do you have relations to Buddy Guy?
I'm afraid not, Buddy Guy is an awesome musician, wish I had 1% of his talent. Also, if you look at my photo on the homepage, you'll notice that we don't look anything like each other.

Asked on Thursday June 9, 2011 - 8:57pm

Heard you know a lot about HAM Radio. If that is true does it work better out in the desert than it does in a forested area like Kentucky? My friend Ray seems to think so.
Sorry to disappoint you, but HAM radio is not my thing. My radio experience was in commercial and public broadcasting over a 30+ year period. Though I know folks who do enjoy it, I have no inclination toward it as a hobby.

Asked on Wednesday June 8, 2011 - 4:44pm

I do have a question, but first of all let it be known that Thor is over rated and if he met up with the Hulk he would get destroyed. My question is how to you plan on acclimating to the elevation needed to climb to 13,000 feet coming from Kentucky?
First, I have to agree that the Hulk would win in a "one on one" confrontatation, hard to beat something that can heal as fast as it gets injured. On the acclimation question, I'll be trying to log in as many trail miles as I can before flying out, plus do as much strength training as possible. I've been up to 12,000 feet so I think the 13,000 is workable with a little preparation. Finally, for me PACE IS EVERYTHING! If I can hike at my pace (not try to go too fast) I can usually handle most destinations. My hiking motto is "start slow, then taper off".

Asked on Monday June 6, 2011 - 10:41am

Hey great meeting you at the premier of Thor the other night. I read that you are going to Great Basin National Monument, great park. Are you going to try and climb Wheeler Peak? Thats high altitude for a southern boy.
Nice to hear from you. I don't know about you, but I really loved THOR, thought it was well done and well acted. Now, onto your question about Wheeler Peak, it is on my "to do" list, so I'm hoping to summit it in September, wish me luck. This will be my highest climb to date. Not only am I dealing with living near sea level, the increasing age thing has to be factored in as well. Guess I'd better train for this one.

Asked on Thursday May 5, 2011 - 9:37am

You getting back to Utah or the west anytime soon?
I guess it depends on how you define "soon" but I am planning to head back to Utah in early September. Also, Jeff and I are planning to head over to Great Basin National Park. This would be only my second visit to Nevada, the first an overnight stay in Wendover many years ago.

Asked on Sunday May 1, 2011 - 3:07pm