Tromp Blog

The Outdoor Poet: Stephen Kessler

Thoughts on a street called Mission

Christmas Bird Count: Shrike 1, No Owls

A loggerhead shrike photographed on San Clemente Island. Photo by Fish & Wildlife Service/Creative Commons.

Good news, bad news and trivia from the Santa Cruz Christmas Bird Count.

Adventures in Acorn Cookery

The next time you have a hankering for a gluten-free treat, head for the hills, enlist the help of local raccoons and presto!—in a week you might have acorn flour.

The Outdoor Poet: Maggie Paul

'This World' by Santa Cruz-based poet and writing instructor Maggie Paul

Birding Season

A female burrowing owl bringing her owlet a tasty morsel. Birders are hoping to spot some of these birds, which have suffered significant habitat loss, during the three-week Christmas Bird Count. Kevin Cole photo.

On Dec. 14, the 2013 Christmas Bird Count is on!

The Hilltromper Holiday Gift Guide

An Adventure Out gift certificate can go toward a rock climbing class or snow camping—whatever the giftee wants, and at 25 percent off through Dec. 25. Creative Commons photo.

Win brownie points forever by giving great outdoor stuff

Stocking Stuffer 'Stravaganza

Luna Sea Designs jewelry, available at the Friends of Santa Cruz State Parks Holiday Sale this weekend, is made from materials found on Santa Cruz beaches.

The Friends of SC State Parks holiday sale is on

The Outdoor Poet: Patrice Vecchione

'Three of The Seven Sisters' by Linda Tanner on Flickr

'Early Fall Along The Shores of Los Osos' and 'The Garden Thieves'

Zip Lining in The Redwoods

The ideal posture for zipping across the chasm: safe handgrip, knees bent and ready to have a blast. Karen Kefauver photo.

Click in and kick off—because those big trees aren't going to ogle themselves.

Our 700th Facebook Like Consents to A Celebrity Interview

Erik Waage on a road trip. 'There's nothing better than seeing the Sierras with a sunset,' he says. We could not agree more.

Little did Erik Waage know when he clicked the "Like" button on our Facebook page that he would be catapulted into a social media meta-moment.

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