Patrick Buckley

Jul 14, 2024 | thetrek.co | Patrick Buckley

{The views expressed in the following are those of the author and do not reflect the views of the Department of Defense or Department of Homeland Security}A year ago I heard these words while sitting at Trail camp on Mount Whitney during shoulder season. This remark piqued my interest, as someone who has spent his entire adult life in Search and Rescue (SAR) and, a decade as a SAR Helicopter pilot.

Jul 3, 2024 | thetrek.co | Patrick Buckley

Three weeks ago, I had the fortunate experience of attending one of the most extensive training seminars in an unparalleled outdoor classroom, Mt. Rainier (Tahoma). Having made multiple trips to Rainier in previous years, it has always been at the center of my progression as an alpine climber in the mountains. It is the perfect testing ground for anyone considering an International or Alaska climbing trip as it provides both technical and amateur climbing routes.

Jun 8, 2024 | thetrek.co | Patrick Buckley

I have been re-watching the Sopranos over the past few months while traveling. Last night while watching an episode, I picked up on a scene that I had previously ignored, probably in part due to the different place in life I am today vice my 22-year-old self.

Apr 25, 2024 | thetrek.co | Patrick Buckley

Last year I was sitting in Ashford, WA about to climb the Disappointment Cleaver route via the Ingraham Glacier on Mt. Rainier. I was sitting across a long wooden table at basecamp, attempting not to burn my mouth on the steaming hot coffee I desperately needed to ingest when my friend Aaron, a first-time climber asked me:“What is it going to be like“I paused, the coffee now at my lips, probably sparing the roof of my mouth from further burns.

Apr 14, 2024 | thetrek.co | Patrick Buckley

My good friend Katie once referred to my hobby of backpacking and mountaineering as “Cosplaying Homelessness”. While funny, I think it accurately describes the almost transient lifestyle many people associate with thru-hikers, climbers, and those who willingly spend an exorbitant amount of their time outdoors.