Raised in the LA region, surrounded by endless seas of humanity, Doug’s love for the great outdoors matured while attending a rural college. Here he developed a love for mountain biking, snowboarding and camping.

He doesn’t like to write so I will tell his tale. Dangerous proposition there. Probably shouldn’t let someone else tell your story.

Doug grew up in a family that took yearly vacations to places such as Hawaii. Combined with his naturally curious spirit this lead to his willingness and desire to explore and experience all sorts of places and activities.

A group of college era buddies and he would set out for some far off horizon. Snowboarding in France or Chile, yes please! These trips have significantly tapered down in frequency (think family and responsibility, bleh!) and have been replaced with a craving to at least explore with the occasional “buddies trip” now and again.

Current interests still include travel, biking, camping and snowboarding but have morphed to incorporate hiking, backpacking, snowshoeing. Hiking preferences include waterfalls for sure (meh), alpine lakes and pretty much anything with a view.

Doug’s adventuresome spirit has altered but never diminished. Whether we are wandering the streets of Porto, exploring tide pools, trying out cross country skiing (that was a disaster), seeing what’s just over the hill, catching piranha’s in Peru or just walking around our little home town he is always looking for something fabulous.

Ever genuinely hungry but want more out of the experience than just cramming food into your mouth? Years ago while hiking down from the Kendall Katwalk in Snoqualmie Pass we came across a cheery hiker who was slogging her way up the trail. In a booming voice she inquired if there were “any good spots for a Sam’wich?” Her quest for the perfect sandwich spot made us giggle but has stuck with us through time. We are always scoping out the next and best spot for a sandwich.

Where does this perfect spot exist? What are the qualifications? A view or a peaceful setting is our starting point. Though depending on the hike an intermittent parade of people sauntering or huffing by can be highly entertaining and unavoidable. Sit above the trail for great people watching, unless you feel reclusive.

Then there is the small detail of the sandwich. In our case it is often not a sandwich at all but rather whatever has been hauled up the trail that day. A mere technicality. Our tastes are ever changing and I can be fickle in my desires. Sometimes a PB&J is on the menu or I’ll bypass the standard and pack in a tabbouleh salad or a Banh Mi. Once we had a bottle of wine, salami and cheese. We got weird and envious looks on that one. I called it our European inspired meal. Made the way back down much less painful. Regardless of the setting, the meal should be a delight. Why take something that does not appeal?

Our search for a sandwich spot has morphed from a mere hiking reference to a general dining preference. Why sit staring at a tree or rock face when just up and around the next bend may be a view of the valley? Why sit in the parking lot staring at another car on a road trip when in another mile you may have a pull out with an ocean view? Why settle for eating inside at the dining table when (If the weather permits, it is a tolerable temperature and the bugs aren’t trying to eat you alive. I’m pickier at home) you can enjoy the back patio with a view of the river or the yard?

Not saying this is always the case. Sometimes I don’t want to be outside. Sometimes I’m just hangry (yes, this is a real thing. If you don’t experience this irrational anger phenomenon then be thankful) and don’t want to be bothered with it all. But more often than not, I prefer good food in a glorious setting.

Join us as we share a smattering of sandwich spots on our various adventures.