New article at Sidetracked /January 9, 2013 by Caroline Van Hemert

Check out a new article we wrote for Sidetracked Magazine.

Having a sister who happens to be one of my best friends is a gift. The fact that she insists on setting out with four cousins in the rain for a backpacking adventure makes it all the sweeter.

A great storytelling podcast from NPR! I had fun describing the trials at the end of our journey, and the eventual grand reward. The host said she’d never had such a loquacious guest—not a typical descriptor for me so you’ll have to tell me how it goes! Posted @withrepost • @humanaturepodcast Caroline Van Hemert and her husband Pat were nearly finished with the most ambitious trip of their lives, a 4000-mile trek across the Yukon and Alaska following animal migrations. But bad weather and a missed food drop put their lives in jeopardy. Listen to the story at humanaturepodcast.org or wherever you get your podcasts.

The Dutch edition of The Sun is a Compass arrived today! It’s wild to see my words in translation, made all the more special by the fact that I’m the daughter of a Dutch immigrant. This one’s for you, Dad ❤️!

Floating. It’s a magical thing. My 3-year-old discovered it in the bathtub tonight & taught his big brother. And then didn’t want to stop. The freedom of buoyancy at his command. He claims he picked this skill up on our sailboat in a storm. “Remember, mommy, when we had the big waves on Chaika and I had to float? That’s when I learned.” And maybe it was. Because what is floating, really, besides learning to trust? Our land-based existence is sweet, but I’m missing life on the water.

I’m super excited to have been selected as a finalist for the Banff Mountain Book Competition...along with Barry Lopez! Thanks, friends, for the continued support. And thanks always to the wild places that sustain me.

A last hurrah before the start of school. Whistle stop train, rafting, friends & mud. Doesn’t get much better than this for a kid (or a grown up)!

Kindergarten days! Huxley is starting at the same sweet little neighborhood school I attended as a girl. Funny how life circles back on itself. And kids grow up.

Usually Alaskans don’t welcome a return to the cold & dark. But after this summer’s intense heat and endless wildfires, it’s a relief to have morning frost, cold fingers, and shorter days. Blueberries and fall colors make it all the sweeter!