San Francisco is big

Been on the road for a while, but am finally back in Montana where the mountains are vast and the living is good. Another key element of Montana that I sometimes forget about is how few people are here. Spent a few days in San Francisco recently and was reminded just how many human beings there are in the world. Flew over a lot of country between here and there and, man, we humans have really taken over the planet. There's not a lot of land that we haven't carved up into roads, houses, farms, reservoirs, and amusement parks. That's one reason I always try to get window seats — there's a lot of interesting stuff to look at down there. Plus, I never get tired of taking wing shots...

Besides taking pictures and trying to avoid the germ-spray from the sneezing kid sitting next to me (when a kid isn't covering his mouth — at all — while sneezing on a plane, do you say something to his father? Directly to the kid? Tricky situation. But, c'mon man, if I wanted your kid's cold I'd lean over and slurp on his nostril. Or something.) I also managed to get some writing done...

Then it was into the city, where, again, there are just an amazing number of people. After visiting old friends and meeting with an editor for Sierra magazine, I headed over to the Fairmont Hotel where I stayed for a couple nights to accept a writing award. The Fairmont is one swanky place. It's where the president stays when he visits San Francisco. Not my usual stomping grounds, but fun for a little while. This was the view from the fire escape (did a little back-corridor exploring, natch)...

The registration for my event was held in the Fairmont penthouse suite. According to the bellhop, this was the first time it's ever been open to the general public. He also said it rents for $6,000 a night. When I asked him who in God's name spends that much money on a hotel room, he said Brad Pitt. I then asked if it would be okay if I came back later with a keg and a few friends. He didn't think that was funny and promptly left me to wander around the penthouse's approximately 7,000 rooms and take a few quick snapshots. This was one of many living rooms...

There were at least four bedrooms. I lost count...

There were a slew of bathrooms. This one actually had three separate rooms within it...

And, of course, the opium den, er, billiard room...

Of course, I was there for more serious matters, like hobnobbing, late-night carousing, and sitting in on presentations by Columbia Journalism School professors on how travel writers can use social media to advance their careers...

Not sure if I learned much from this one. I figure I already spend too much time on the computer, the last thing I need is an excuse to spend even more. Besides, I already have this incredibly successful and influential blog — what more do I need?

Apparently one thing I needed was a suit. That's what the event organizers told me anyway. So I obliged — went out and bought myself a nice black wool number the day before the trip. Even took this photo in my hotel bathroom to prove that I wore it. No tie, though. I may be getting all professional and everything, but I draw the line at ties. I'm an outdoor writer and photographer for God's sake, not a stock trader.

Another bonus of the trip was getting to spend a couple evenings hanging out with my friends and esteemed adventure writers Rob Story and Les Anthony, who were also at the event. (Look for Rob's piece about skiing Antarctica in the current issue of Outside.) These guys rule. Great writers, both, even if they, uh.. cough, didn't win any awards or anything. We were all pretty impressed with the Fairmont lobby...

Now that I'm back in Montana, I'll start throwing up some good ol' outdoor images and stories again. My suit is now resting quietly in the back of the closet and my bikes, skis, boats, cameras, and binoculars are at the ready. It's good to be home.