Lifetime Long-Distance Tally

Lifetime Long-Distance Tally

27,107 miles from 1974 to 2009.

Tags: Treks,

Year	Miles	Lifetime		Trek
1974	2,100	2,100		AT - Appalachian Trail
1975 and '76	5,100	7,200		Coast to Coast - Ocean to Ocean Trail
1977 and '78	140	7,340		Short weekend overnights
1979	2,900	10,240		Continental Divide Trail (Mexico to Canada)
1980	120	10,360		Shorter trips in Glacier & Bob Marshall
1981	1,000	11,360		Arizona (Grand West Trail) Border to Bryce  Great West Trail (A route Jim designed pre great West Trail he would have called the "Rainbow Trail") took him through AZ, Utah, NV,  Idaho and many other states  1981-1983
1982	700	12,060		Utah (Grand West Trail) Jacob Lake to Malad   Great West Trail (Rainbow Trail)
1983	1,000	13,060		Idaho (Grand West Trail) (Malad to Canada)  Great West Trail (Rainbow Trail)
1984	550	13,610		Arizona (Grand West Trail) Border to Cherry
1984	50	13,660		Shorter multiday trips in Montana
1985	100	13,760		Shorter trips on GWT and Montana
1986	1,700	15,460		Grand Canyon back to Montana thru Nevada and Idaho    Grand Canyon back to home in Big Sky (sent maps home in Idaho)
1987	500	15,960		Great Bob Trek (around Bob Marshall ecosystem)
1988	260	16,220		Northern side of Grand Canyon from West to East    Honeymoon Trek in Grand Canyon
1988	180	16,400		Length of Lemhi Range in Idaho
1988	30	16,430		Shorter overnights
1989	700	17,130		Colorado Continental Divide  Northern side of Grand Canyon from West to East
1989	135	17,265		High Unita Range
1990	500	17,765		SW Montana - Madison, Gravellys,Centenials, Divide
1991	100	17,865		Canyon trip
1991	150	18,015		Beartooth Plateau
1991	20	18,035		Shorter overnights
1992	250	18,285		Blue Range in Arizona and then across the Gila Wilderness in the Black Range
1992	450	18,735		SW Montana - Pioneers, Pintlars, Saphires, Flint Creek, Highland, Tobacco Roots, Madison
1993	450	19,185		Long circuits in Utah and Idaho several years New Mexico- Arizona 1993 Wallowa Range in Oregon, thru Hells Canyon, and across Idaho to Montana
1994	250	19,435		Utah Canyon Country loophike  Long circuits in Montana several years 1994,1995,2004,2005,2007,2008
1994	300	19,735		Bitterroot Range
1995	105	19,840		Utah Canyons   Long circuits in Montana
1995	393	20,233		Nevada Basin & Range trek - Shoshone, Toiyabie, Toquima, and Monitor Ranges  Long circuit in Nevada 1995, again in 2009
1996	2,763	22,996		PCT - Pacific Crest Trail - Mexico to Canada
1997	601	23,597		Y2Y - Yellowstone to the Yukon 1997-2002, 601 Miles, July 5, 1997 - August 22nd - Part 1 - Yellowstone to Waterton
1998	567	24,164		Y2Y - Yellowstone to the Yukon 1997-2002, 567 Miles, July 1, 1998 - ? - Part 2 - Waterton to Jasper
1999	100	24,264		Y2Y - Yellowstone to the Yukon 1997-2002, 100 Miles, Yellowstone to Yukon - Part 3 - Jasper to Upper Holmes
2000	105	24,369		Utah Canyons
2001	25	24,394		Cheesebox Canyon - 6 day trip
2001	433	24,827		Y2Y - Yellowstone to the Yukon 1997-2002, 433 Miles, July 9, 2002 - August 25th - Part 4 - Mount Robson to Hudson Hope
2002	65	24,892		Utah Canyon country
2002	394	25,286		Y2Y - Yellowstone to the Yukon 1997-2002, 394 Miles, dates - Part 5 - Williston Lake to Yukon
2003	115	25,401		Utah Canyons - Long, Gravel, Cheesebox
2003				Arctic River trips 2003 and again in 2006
2004	40	25,441		Long circuits in Montana - Beartooth Plateau
2004	25	25,466		Scapegoat Wilderness
2005	191	25,657		Long circuits in Montana - Dirty Devil River and side canyons
2005	75	25,732		Arctic River - Madison Range High Route
2007	400	26,132		Long circuits in Montana - Redrock Pass to Marysville
2008	460	26,592		Nez Perce Pass ID-MT To Canada along the Idaho/Montana State Line, 250+? Miles, July 5th, 2008 - August 11th, 2008
2009	515	27,107		Long circuit in Nevada 1995, 2009 - Eastern Nevada Trek - Schell Creek Range, Egan Range, White Pine Range, Ruby Mountains

Nez Perce Pass ID-MT To Canada - 460 Miles

Jim On Ridge Just South Of NW Peak - Second To Last Day

Nez Perce Pass ID-MT To Canada - 2008
Nez Perce Pass ID-MT To Burke Lake

Tags: Treks, LC, Nez Perce Pass ID-MT To Canada, 2008, Nez Perce Pass, Burke Lake, Mullen ID, Heron MT, Troy MT, Canada

Miles: 460 miles
Start: Nez Perce Pass - ID-MT Border, July 5th, 2008
End:   Finish at the Canadian border via Burke Lake, August 11th, 2008

2008  Trek Itinerary

July 5th  - Start at Nez Perce Pass  -  to unnamed lake NE of Indian Hill 

• Watchtower Lake basin
• Boulder Lake
• Lake N. of Tincup Lake, peak 8785
• Cub Lake area
• Bell Lake region

July 11th - Lost Horse Creek resupply with Bill LaCroix

• Tenmile Lake
• Blodgett Lake
• Frog Lakes
• White Sand Creek

July 16th -  Resupply at Lochsa Lodge at Powell, ID, Hwy 12  (there’s a pay phone here)

• Williams Lake
• Kid Lake
• Goose Lake
• St. Joe
• Heart
• Summit Spring
• Silver Lake
• St, Regis Lake area

July 25 -  Mullen, ID resupply at PO            
         Address: Jim Stoltz, General Delivery, Mullen, ID  83846   
        Will try to stay at the one motel in town that night                                                                 

• Blossom Lakes
• East Lake
• Porcupine Pass
• Divide Peak

July 30th – Heron, MT resupply at PO
        Address: Jim Stoltz, General Delivery, Heron, MT 59844  
        Will make a few calls if there is a phone, but no motel or store in this village. 

• Middle Mountain
• Little Spar Lake
• Little Spar lake
• Drift Peak
• Lake Estelle
• Callahan Creek

August 6th - Troy, MT resupply at PO
         Address:  Jim Stoltz, General Delivery, Troy, MT    59935   
         Will try to get a room in town for the night at one of the two motels.

• Tepee Mtn
• Kelso Mtn
• Canuck
• NW Peak area

August 11th - Finish at the Canadian border via Burke Lake *

If anyone sends a letter, please send it in advance of the date I’m projected to arrive. I won’t be leaving a forwarding address.  Please add this after the address:  “Please Hold for Long Distance Hiker”
===

* Jim's itinerary saying Canada border "via Burke Lake" changed on the last day. He had intended to come down off the peaks to the lake, then up old forest roads to the border, but he found he could continue along the ridges straight to the border (where he found a big pile of grizzly scat neatly on each side of the marker) then came back to Burke Lake. ~ Patricia M.

Y2Y - Yellowstone to the Yukon - 2,095 Miles

Walking From Yellowstone to the Yukon With Walkin' Jim

Tags: Treks, Y2Y, Yellowstone, Yukon, Canadian Rockies, Mount Robson, Williston Lake, Jasper, Kakwa Park, Monkman Park

Total Miles: 2,095

1997	601	23,597		Y2Y - Yellowstone to the Yukon 1997-2002, 601 Miles, July 5, 1997 - August 22nd - Part 1 - Yellowstone to Waterton
1998	567	24,164		Y2Y - Yellowstone to the Yukon 1997-2002, 567 Miles, July 1, 1998 - ? - Part 2 - Waterton to Jasper
1999	100	24,264		Y2Y - Yellowstone to the Yukon 1997-2002, 100 Miles, Yellowstone to Yukon - Part 3 - Jasper to Upper Holmes

2001	433	24,827		Y2Y - Yellowstone to the Yukon 1997-2002, 423 Miles, July 9, 2002 - August 25th - Part 4 - Mount Robson to Hudson Hope
2002	394	25,286		Y2Y - Yellowstone to the Yukon 1997-2002, 394 Miles, dates - Part 5 - Williston Lake to Yukon

Start: Northwest corner of Yellowstone, Montana, September 1, 2002
End:   Williston Lake, August 25, 2001, plus 4 day canoe to Bennett Dam near Hudson's Hope, BC

Key points: Waterton, Alberta; Canadian Rockies, Alberta; Jasper, Alberta; Mount Robson, Yukon; Williston Lake, Yukon


As of September 1, 2002 Jim has completed his trek from Yellowstone to the Yukon.

The Seed for the idea to walk from Yellowstone to the Yukon was planted many years ago, but in the fall of 1996 Jim heard Harvey Locke speak about the Y2Y project and since then he's been hooked.

Jim set out from the northwest corner of Yellowstone on July 5, 1997 and reached Waterton, Alberta, 600 miles later, on August 22rd. 1998 saw him continuing his Y2Y trek, starting in Waterton on July 1st, and walking another 600 miles through the Canadian Rockies. He ended that summer in the town of Jasper, Alberta.

The plan in 1999 was to continue north, but after only 100 miles Jim's inner voice told him something wasn't right. He aborted the trek. In 2000 Jim was all set to go but suffered a severe back injury just days prior to setting out. That summer was spent recovering.

The summer of 2001 brought a return to the Y2Y journey. Jim and his friend, John Nangle, started July 9th at Mount Robson and finished hiking on August 25th at Williston Lake, and from there canoed for four days to Bennett Dam near Hudson's Hope, BC. They may have been the first through-hikers to do the incredible high route between Kakwa and Monkman Parks.

2002 saw Jim out there again wandering the high country north from Williston Lake to the Yukon border.

Links
Y2Y Conservation Initiative

Where I'm Bound - Song - Film

Photos: Where I'm Bound

More about this song:

Lyrics:

Tags: Songs, Song-Films, Films, Forever Wild Concert, Where I'm Bound, FW01, FW

Life Is A Daring Adventure

Life is either a daring adventure or nothing.
Security does not exist in nature, nor do the
children of men as a whole experience it.

Avoiding danger is no safer in the long run than exposure.

~ Helen Keller, WW #4 2006

Tags: Quotes, Life, Adventure, Daring Adventure, Security, Nature, Children, Men, Danger, Avoid,

Events Can Be Planned, Shared And Discovered

Not every event can be planned or shared.
Some can only be discovered.

~ Brian Beffort in essay “Getting to Know Her” from the collection “Wild Nevada”
WW April 10, 2009


Tags: Quotes, Adventure, Plan, Share, Discover, Brian Beffort, Know, Wild, Nevada

Mountain Top Old Pine With Young Pine & Clouds

You can call me a rich man
for all the gold I've seen.
My pack is full of sunsets.

~ Walkin Jim, Song: Turn Around

Forever Wild Concert Song: Where I'm Bound

Tags: Photos, FW, Where I'm Bound, Rock, Sky, Mountain Top, Clouds, Pine, Blue Sky, Wood Fall, Old Wood Fall
Photo ID: 00133, FW01 01,

Date:                 Location:

Trip Miles:         From:   To:

Trip Description Link:

Shade Of Greens Of Pine Community Along Ridge

Life is either a daring adventure or nothing.
Security does not exist in nature, nor do the
children of men as a whole experience it.

Avoiding danger is no safer in the long run than exposure.

~ Helen Keller, WW #4 2006

Forever Wild Concert Song: Where I'm Bound

Tags: Photos, FW, Where I'm Bound, Pine Community, Mountain Valley, Native Plants, Sky, Sunlight, Snow

Photo ID: 00118, FW01 02,
Date:                 Location:

Trip Title (a link to more about the trip)
xxx miles.       From mmmmmm  To:nnnnn
Short Description:

 

Mountain Side Bathed By Golden Evening Light

Not every event can be planned or shared.
Some can only be discovered.

~ Brian Beffort
in essay “Getting to Know Her” from the collection “Wild Nevada”
WW April 10, 2009

Forever Wild Concert Song: Where I'm Bound

Tags: Photos, FW, Where I'm Bound, Mountain Side, Ridge Line, Shadows, Golden Light, Sunlight, Rocks, Sky, Evening, Light

Photo ID: 00209, FW01 03,
Date:                 Location:

Trip Title (a link to more about the trip)
xxx miles.       From mmmmmm  To:nnnnn
Short Description:
 

Waterfall Volunteering A Blessing...

Quote:

Forever Wild Concert Song: Where I'm Bound

Tags: Photos, FW, Where I'm Bound, Waterfall, Mountain, Native Plants, Sky, Sunlight,

Photo ID: 00119, FW01 04,
Date:                 Location:

Trip Title (a link to more about the trip)
xxx miles.       From mmmmmm  To:nnnnn
Short Description:
 

Happy Yellow Native Flowers

Quote:

Forever Wild Concert Song: Where I'm Bound

Tags: Photos, FW, Where I'm Bound, Native Flowers, Yellow Flowers,

Photo ID: FW01 05-210
Date:                 Location:

Trip Title (a link to more about the trip)
xxx miles.       From mmmmmm  To:nnnnn
Short Description: 

Nevada Moon - Rendezvous With Moon And Ridge Lines

Quote:

Forever Wild Concert Song: Where I'm Bound

Tags: Photos, FW, Where I'm Bound, Moon, Mountain Valley, Date, Sky, Clouds,

Photo ID: 00120, FW01 06
Date:                 Location:

Trip Title (a link to more about the trip)
xxx miles.       From mmmmmm  To:nnnnn
Short Description: 

Sunset Across Mountain Valley Revealing A Beautiful Lake

Quote:

Forever Wild Concert Song: Where I'm Bound

Tags: Photos, FW, Where I'm Bound, Mountain Valley, Lake, Clouds, Sky, Sunlight, Sunset,

Photo ID: 00211, FW01 07,
Date:                 Location:

Trip Title (a link to more about the trip)
xxx miles.       From mmmmmm  To:nnnnn
Short Description:
 

Clifftop Front Row Seat

Quote:

Forever Wild Concert Song: Where I'm Bound

Tags: Photos, FW, Where I'm Bound, Clifftop, Lake, Rocks, Hill Side, Mountain Valley, Walkin Jim, Desert Land, Sky, Snow

Photo ID: 00121, FW01 08,
Date:                 Location:

Trip Title (a link to more about the trip)
xxx miles.       From mmmmmm  To:nnnnn
Short Description:
 

Young Pine Community At Top Hill Side

Quote:

Forever Wild Concert Song: Where I'm Bound

Tags: Photos, FW, Where I'm Bound, Young Pine Community, Top Hill Side, Blue Sky,

Photo ID: FW01 9-212
Date:                 Location:

Trip Title (a link to more about the trip)
xxx miles.       From mmmmmm  To:nnnnn
Short Description:
 

Elder Pine's Sacred Home

Quote:

Forever Wild Concert Song: Where I'm Bound

Tags: Photos, FW, Where I'm Bound, Walkin Jim, Elder Pine, Sacred Home, Mountain Valley, Hill Side, Sky
Photo ID: FW01 10-122
Date:                 Location:

Trip Title (a link to more about the trip)
xxx miles.       From mmmmmm  To:nnnnn
Short Description:

Looking Up Massive Mountain Hillside

Quote:

Forever Wild Concert Song: Where I'm Bound

Tags: Photos, FW, Where I'm Bound, Mountain Hill, Mountain Valley, Rocks, Sky, Snow,

Photo ID: 00213, FW01 11,
Date:                 Location:

Trip Title (a link to more about the trip)
xxx miles.       From mmmmmm  To:nnnnn
Short Description:
 

Walkin Jim Ambling Along A Mountain Ridge

Quote:

Forever Wild Concert Song: Where I'm Bound

Tags: Photos, FW, Where I'm Bound, Cordillera Mountain, Walkin Jim, Rocks, Mountain Valley, Hiking

Photo ID: 00123, FW01 12,
Date:                 Location:

Trip Title (a link to more about the trip)
xxx miles.       From mmmmmm  To:nnnnn
Short Description:
 

Elder Pine's Stellar Stage

Quote:

Forever Wild Concert Song: Where I'm Bound

Tags: Photos, FW, Where I'm Bound, Elder Pine, Pine, Stellar, Stage, Rocks, Mountain Valley, Sky

Photo ID: 214, FW01 13,
Date:                 Location:

Trip Title (a link to more about the trip)
xxx miles.       From mmmmmm  To:nnnnn
Short Description:
 

Elder Pine Giving Birth To New Branches - Cloud On The Rise

Quote:

Forever Wild Concert Song: Where I'm Bound

Tags: Photos, FW, Where I'm Bound, Elder Pine, Pine, Pine Branches, Rocks, Sky, Clouds,

Photo ID:  00124, FW01 14-12,
Date:                 Location:

Trip Title (a link to more about the trip)
xxx miles.       From mmmmmm  To:nnnnn
Short Description:
 

Old Pine Branch Rainbow Arch

Quote:

Forever Wild Concert Song: Where I'm Bound

Tags: Photos, FW, Where I'm Bound, Old Pine Branch, Rainbow Arch, Clouds, Sky

Photo ID: FW01 15-215
Date:                 Location:

Trip Title (a link to more about the trip)
xxx miles.       From mmmmmm  To:nnnnn
Short Description:
 

Walkin Jim Crusing Rock Covered Mountain Top

Quote:

Forever Wild Concert Song: Where I'm Bound

Tags: Photos, FW, Where I'm Bound, Walkin Jim, Top Hill, Mountain Valley, Rocks, Desert, Blue Sky, Sky,

Photo ID: 00125, FW01 16,
Date:                 Location:

Trip Title (a link to more about the trip)
xxx miles.       From mmmmmm  To:nnnnn
Short Description:
 

Exuberant Mountain Valley

Quote:

Forever Wild Concert Song: Where I'm Bound

Tags: Photos, FW, Where I'm Bound, Valley, Majestic Mauntains, Sky, Clouds, Desert, Hill Mountain View

Photo ID: FW01 17-216
Date:                 Location:

Trip Title (a link to more about the trip)
xxx miles.       From mmmmmm  To:nnnnn
Short Description:
 

Mountain Top Takes My Breath Away

Quote:

Forever Wild Concert Song: Where I'm Bound

Tags: Photos, Mountain, Top, Takes My Breath Away, Rocks, Hills, Mountain, Sky,
Photo ID: FW01 18-image126
Date:                 Location:

Trip Title (a link to more about the trip)
xxx miles.       From mmmmmm  To:nnnnn
Short Description:
 

Magical Blue Sunset

Quote:

Forever Wild Concert Song: Where I'm Bound

Tags: Photos, FW, Where I'm Bound, Magical Blue Sunset, Lake, Sky
Photo ID: FW01 19-image217
Date:                 Location:

Trip Title (a link to more about the trip)
xxx miles.       From mmmmmm  To:nnnnn
Short Description:
 

Walkin Jim Welcomed By The Mountain

Quote:

Forever Wild Concert Song: Where I'm Bound

Tags: Photos, FW, Where I'm Bound, Walkin Jim, Welcomed, Mountain, Hill, Sky, Hiking,
Photo ID: FW01 20-image127
Date:                 Location:

Trip Title (a link to more about the trip)
xxx miles.       From mmmmmm  To:nnnnn
Short Description:
 

Tip Top Mountain

Quote:

Forever Wild Concert Song: Where I'm Bound

Tags: Photos, Tip Toe Mountain, Desert, Hill, Sky
Photo ID: 218, FW01 21
Date:                 Location:

Trip Title (a link to more about the trip)
xxx miles.       From mmmmmm  To:nnnnn
Short Description:
 

Peace-full Golden Mountains

Quote:

Forever Wild Concert Song: Where I'm Bound

Tags: Photos, FW, Where I'm Bound, Peace-full, Golden Mountain, Sky, Desert Land,
Photo ID: FW01 22-image128
Date:                 Location:

Trip Title (a link to more about the trip)
xxx miles.       From mmmmmm  To:nnnnn
Short Description: 

Hiking Top Hill Side Mountain

Quote:

Forever Wild Concert Song: Where I'm Bound

Tags: Photos, FW, Where I'm Bound, Hiking, Top Hill Side, Mountain, Desert Land, Rocks, Sky
Photo ID: FW01 23-image219
Date:                 Location:

Trip Title (a link to more about the trip)
xxx miles.       From mmmmmm  To:nnnnn
Short Description: 

Top Hill Side Desert Land

Quote:

Forever Wild Concert Song: Where I'm Bound

Tags: Photos, FW, Where I'm Bound, Top Hill Side, Mountain, Rocks, Dessert Land,
Photo ID: FW01 24-image129
Date:                 Location:

Trip Title (a link to more about the trip)
xxx miles.       From mmmmmm  To:nnnnn
Short Description: 

Beautiful Desert White Lily

Quote:

Forever Wild Concert Song: Where I'm Bound

Tags: Photos, FW, Where I'm Bound, Beautiful White Lily, Desert, Flower
Photo ID: FW01 25-image220
Date:                 Location:

Trip Title (a link to more about the trip)
xxx miles.       From mmmmmm  To:nnnnn
Short Description:
 

Joy and Jim Mountain Top

Quote:

Forever Wild Concert Song: Where I'm Bound

Tags: Photos, FW, Where I'm Bound,Joy, Mountain, Rocks, Sky
Photo ID: FW01 26-image130
Date:                 Location:

Trip Title (a link to more about the trip)
xxx miles.       From mmmmmm  To:nnnnn
Short Description:
 

Majestic Golden Mountain

Quote:

Forever Wild Concert Song: Where I'm Bound

Tags: Photos, FW, Where I'm Bound,Majestic Mountains, Golden Desert, Sky

Photo ID: FW01 27-image221
Date:                 Location:

Trip Title (a link to more about the trip)
xxx miles.       From mmmmmm  To:nnnnn
Short Description:
 

Walkin Jim Hello Mountain

Quote:

Forever Wild Concert Song: Where I'm Bound

Tags: Photos, FW, Where I'm Bound, Walkin Jim, Mountain, Hiking, Valley

Photo ID: FW01 28-image131
Date:                 Location:

Trip Title (a link to more about the trip)
xxx miles.       From mmmmmm  To:nnnnn
Short Description:
 

Rocks Bordering The Valley

Quote:

Forever Wild Concert Song: Where I'm Bound


Tags: Photos, FW, Where I'm Bound, Walkin Jim, Mountain, Sky, Hiking
Photo ID: FW01 29-image222
Date:                 Location:

Trip Title (a link to more about the trip)
xxx miles.       From mmmmmm  To:nnnnn
Short Description:

Last Wild Places - Song - Film

Photos: Last Wild Places

More about this song:

Lyrics:

Tags: Songs, Song-Films, Films, Forever Wild Concert, Last Wild Places, FW03, FW

Canyon Country - Song - Film

Photos: Canyon Country

More about this song:

Lyrics:

Tags: Songs, Song-Films, Films, Forever Wild Concert, Canyon Country, FW, FW02

Jim On Mountain Top

Quote:

Forever Wild Concert Song: Where I'm Bound

Tags: Photos, FW, Where I'm Bound, Walkin Jim, Valley, Mountain, Rocks, Desert Haze

Photo ID: FW01 30-132
Date:                 Location:

Trip Title (a link to more about the trip)
xxx miles.       From mmmmmm  To:nnnnn
Short Description:

Inspiration At Sunset

Quote:

Forever Wild Concert Song: Where I'm Bound

Tags: Photos, FW, Where I'm Bound, Walkin Jim, Valley, Mountain, Rocks, Desert Haze Inspiration, Sunset, Sun, Mountains, Clouds, Sky

Photo ID: FW01 31-223
Date:                 Location:

Trip Title (a link to more about the trip)
xxx miles.       From mmmmmm  To:nnnnn
Short Description:

Walkin Jim Stoltz - Biography

Here is a biography to give you some insights about Walking Jim and the wild places he cared deeply about.

Tags: Biography, Walkin Jim,

Contact

Email: Contact1@WalkinJimPhotos.com
Tags: Contact

Walkin Jim's WebsiteWalkinJim.com

There's A Magic In The Air

There's a magic in the air, that I feel when I am there... 
It plays straight to the heart, and lays it all to bare... 
It's in the cry of the eagle, and the deer so meek and mild... 
It's in the rise of the mountain, let it stay forever wild.

~ Walkin Jim, Song: Forever Wild

Tags: QuoteWJ, Magic, Air, Heart, Eagle, Deer, Mountain, Forever Wild

My Pack Is Full Of Sunrises

You can call me a rich man
for all the gold I've seen.
My pack is full of sunsets.
~ Walkin Jim, Song: Turn Around

Tags: QuotesWJ, Rich, Gold, Pack, Sunsets, Turn Around,

Circle Of Life - Song - Film

Photos: Circle Of Life

More about this song:

Lyrics:

Tags: Songs, Song-Films, Films, Forever Wild Concert, Circle Of Life, FW

Evening Sky Clouds Highlighted In Brilliant Yellow

Quote:

Forever Wild Concert Song: Where I'm Bound

Tags: Photos, FW, Where I'm Bound, Sky, Evening, Astounding, Clouds, Skyscape,

Photo ID: FW01-32-133 

Date:                 Location:

Trip Miles:         From:   To:

Trip Description Link:

About - Walkin Jim Stoltz Photos & Archive

The purpose of this website is to make Walkin Jim's magnificent photos available for everyone to enjoy and be inspired to nurture nature when and where ever possible.
Jim's life works are from his heart with the full intent to nurture and give the back country, wilderness, wild lands, nature of this planet of ours full standing amongst everyone.

Jim's photos are the master thread of the many inter-relationships Jim weaves so well.

The photos are links to his trips of over 28,000 miles, the songs, the concerts, the stories, his quotes, and his favorite quotes, his art work, painting, writings, poetry and books.

Jim's threads of vast inter-relationships, ever nurturing are one web of life, along with many others. Jim's web of life joins in many places with Rachael Carson's web, John Muir's and on and along the paths of Jim's travels through out North America with some many interesections covering out planet and reaching well beyond the stars.

This website is to be an archive of Jim's works. These wonderful works are immediately available to everyone on the planet. The many photos of nature places Jim visited are a good place to start. His songs are another starting point. They express deeply the beauty and glory of wild lands. His stories, collections of nature quotes, books, poems and other writings of his trips and observations along the way are invaluable. Dive into this ocean of inspiration from the many directions the tags lead you - you will be amazed and inspired.

Enjoy this treasure and use it wisely to nurture wild places for everyone - people and nature.



Tags: About, Walkin Jim, Inter-relationships, Archive,

LEGENDARY EXPLORER 'WALKIN' JIM' STOLTZ DIES

Press Release

Media Inquiries:

Chuck Whiting: Arts@WhitingPublicity.com Whiting Publicity & Promotions

Susan Grace Stoltz:
FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE:

Tags: Biography, Walkin Jim, Memorial, Stella, Mornin' in the Mountains, Northern Rockies Ecosystem Protection Act,
Walking with the Wild Wind, MUSE
 


LEGENDARY EXPLORER 'WALKIN' JIM' STOLTZ DIES 

Award-Winning Songwriter, Photographer and Conservationist Hiked More Than 28,000 Miles of Rugged North American Wilderness 

HELENA, Montana (December 2010) – "Walkin' Jim" Stoltz, a world-renown American explorer honored by the Environmental Protection Agency for his efforts to help save endangered animal species, passed away recently after a long battle with cancer. 

The 57-year-old folk singer-songwriter, photographer, poet, storyteller, author and conservationist hiked more than 28,000 miles of rugged North American wilderness, crossing raging rivers, mountain ranges, vast deserts, dense forests and canyon lands from the Appalachians to the Olympics and from Mexico to Canada. When he wasn't exploring, he was using his rich baritone voice to share original heartfelt songs, poems and stories "from the wild places" to children of all ages. His love and concern for animals and the habitats where they thrived inspired founding of the organization Musicians United to Sustain the Environment. 

"Jim was one of those bigger-than-life men who literally 'walked his talk' -- traversing thousands of miles of backcountry and countless musical tours living out his 'Forever Wild' theme," said fellow folk artist and conservationist Craig Wagner, who co-founded MUSE with "Walkin' Jim" in 1998. "We at MUSE feel privileged to be the steward of his legacy of music, poetry, photography and vision -- a vision of sustaining those 'Wild' parts of our environment for generations to come." 

His love of the outdoors began early in life. He and his sister, Susan Grace Stoltz, spent their childhood summers at their grandparents' lakeside home in rural northern Michigan, swimming, reading books, hiking, and exploring through dense forests of maple, pine and bracken fern. A scoutmaster (Mr. Birch) planted the seed of adventure by teaching him how to hike in the wilderness, set up camp, build a campfire, and observe animals in the wild. 

"'Walkin' Jim' was not only a hero to me, but he was a true American folk hero -- right up there with Woody Guthrie and Pete Seeger," said Susan, who lives in Fairbanks, Alaska. "He brought natural history to life by sharing stories and songs from his experiences. He spoke out and sang for all of those special places in North America, which have no voice. My brother, Jim, made a difference with his life." 

A chance meeting with a hiker on the Appalachian Trail in Virginia would forever change him. Deeply inspired by the hiker's stories, "Walkin' Jim" began planning a trip of his own. In 1974, the then 23-year-old hiked the Appalachian mountain range from Springer Mountain, Ga., to Mt. Khatadin, Maine. 

"This was the coming of age trip that shaped his life and started it all," Susan added.

The following year, he embarked on an even-more-adventurous trek, crossing America from the most eastern point (West Quoddy Head, Maine) to the most western point (Cape Alava, Wash.) In the ensuing years, he completed the Pacific Crest Trail; the Continental Divide Trail from Mexico to Canada; his own route through Arizona, Utah, Idaho and Montana; and the Rocky Mountain spine from Yellowstone National Park to the Yukon. He also took numerous long hikes in the Nevada wilderness. 

His explorations did not come without risk. During one alpine hike, Jim lost his footing while crossing a frozen snow patch and began sliding down the slippery ice toward a "huge drop-off". His old Stella guitar, which was always strapped to his backpack, saved his life. 

"His hands were bloody from trying to dig into the snow and stop sliding toward sure death", Susan recalled him telling her. "He finally rolled over on his back in an effort to see where he was going as he drew closer to the cliff edge. Jim often said he ‘wanted to see the view if he was going to fall to his death’. When he rolled over, the neck of his guitar dug into the snow, and he found himself dangling by his shoulder straps looking at the edge of the cliff. It was a close call." 

The artist's outdoor adventures and interactions with wild animals inspired him to write countless songs, poems and stories, which he shared with thousands of fans across North America. Children adored him, marveling at his stories and dreaming that they, too, would one day hike the rugged North American wilderness. To help pay the bills, he spent 30 winters driving horse-drawn sleighs and performing at Lone Mountain Ranch in Big Sky, Montana. He rarely turned down an invitation to perform for conservation organizations, sharing their passion for the protection of predatory animals such as wolves and grizzlies or halting the clear cutting of mountain forests. 

His song, "Mornin' in the Mountains", was inspired by a breathtaking sunrise in the mountains of Colorado in 1989. "Friends Along the Way" reflects his gratitude for the people who enriched his life. "Forever Wild" serves as his anthem for the wild places. Children enjoyed singing along to "The Web of Life", "Big Fat Fish" and "Pika Pika".
Jim was resting along a mountain trail when he wrote the classic "Forever Wild". His lyric reads: "There's a magic in the air, that I feel when I am there... It plays straight to the heart, and lays it all to bare... It's in the cry of the eagle, and the deer so meek and mild... It's in the rise of the mountain, let it stay forever wild." 

"He used his distinctive baritone vocals to convey the essence of the natural world, something that only a few people ever experience in real life," said close friend and former wife Leslie Stoltz. "His words spoke loud and clear. Listeners were taken by his passion. There were a lot of tears at his shows." 

Jim used his ballads to share vivid images from the past. He sang about blueberry pickers in northern Michigan, famous bank robber Silver Jack, and mountain men from the West. Miners, conservationists and diverse people from all walks of life loved his "Ballad of Willie and Millie", a song about an older couple remembering how they fell in love at Columbia Gardens amusement park near Butte, Montana. A mining company tore it down in 1973. 

Many of the songs "Walkin' Jim" wrote while on his long-distance treks can be heard on his eight albums: "Spirit Is Still On The Run”, "Forever Wild", "Listen to the Earth", “The Vision", “Little Piece of Time", "The Long Trails?", "Oh What a Life", "A Kid for the Wild" (for children), "The Web of Life" (for children), and "Come Walk With Me" (a Children’s DVD). Individuals can hear and/or order his recordings at http://www.walkinjim.com

In 2003, the artist wrote a book about "his long walk" across rugged southwest Montana titled "Walking with the Wild Wind". The book also reflects on other experiences in his life. 

After hiking thousands of miles of wilderness, Jim set his sights on helping protect the mountains, glaciers, trees and animals that he loved. He helped in the planning and design of several trails throughout the Southwest, including a short segment in northern Arizona the U.S. Forest Service named the "Walkin' Jim Trail". He lobbied the U.S. Congress to pass the Northern Rockies Ecosystem Protection Act, later receiving an award from the EPA for his efforts to protect endangered animal species. 

"Seriously, this is a beautiful Earth we live upon", Jim wrote in one of his journal entries. "I have spent my life trying to share that beauty. But a large part of that beauty is unseen. It is the intertwined strands that tie us all together, from the tiniest microbes in the soil to the biggest tree in the forest. We all belong. We all depend on each living thing. We all depend on each other!" 

Several years before he died, he embarked on a 50-state tour to share his "Forever Wild" message. He later contributed songs for three MUSE-sponsored CDs, with 100 percent of the proceeds supporting grass roots environmental organizations. The albums also feature cuts by contemporaries such as Pete Seeger, Libby Roderick, Dakota Sid Clifford, Joyce Rouse (Earth Mama) and Craig Wagner. 

"He could shift from a solo walk of hundreds of miles to an East or West Coast tour that engaged thousands of people with his articulate defense of natural landscape and threatened species," said MUSE board member Joyce Rouse. 

"His perfectly crafted songs inspired by the experience of long solo hikes, and the spectacular backcountry slides accompanying the songs, often rendered audiences speechless, then inspired them to work for a healthy eco-system. Jim was a friend, a mentor, and an inspiration for so many people." 

In 2008, "Walkin' Jim" emerged after recovering from winter-long chemotherapy to take a six-week hike along 460 miles of the Idaho/Montana state line. It would be one of his last long-distance hikes. 

"I regained the 30 pounds I lost, but then I went on a long walk and lost 20 again," he reported in his newsletter, Wild Wind. "It was mostly ridge-walking through some incredible mountain ranges and was such a perfect route for a long trek.... The last day found me walking the ridge north from Northwestern Peak to the Canadian border. There isn't a trail, but the ridge is easy to walk up to Burke Mountain. 

I traversed a rocky section and then entered broad open meadows hung over the crest of the mountain. They were full of lupine, and the sun started to break through the clouds, setting them all aglow. My steps became light as I realized that this was the place I'd seen myself all those months ago during the radiation treatments. I felt such joy. Such hope. Such gratitude. Tears filled my eyes, and I just sobbed in thankfulness as my legs carried me up to that last rock-covered peak. It was an unforgettable moment that I'll carry with me forever." 

"Walkin' Jim" Stoltz is survived by his friend and former wife Leslie Stoltz of Big Sky, Montana; brother Mark Stoltz of Honor, Mich.; and sisters Susan Grace Stoltz of Fairbanks, Alaska, and Lisa Mohr of Wixom, Mich. 

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