Author Archives: kirkphillips

Channeling flannel

Posted on August 9, 2022 by kirkphillips

A shanty man’s life is a wearisome one, Although some say it’s free from care. It’s the swinging of an axe from morning ‘til night In the forest wild and drear. (George W. Stace, 1860) Each February, cross-country skiers mob … Continue reading →

Posted in United States | 6 Comments

On stony ground

Posted on July 5, 2022 by kirkphillips

At every summit, I hoped we were done with the uphill climbs, but, with each one, the top of another mountain loomed ahead in the mist. The wind was now gusting to forty miles per hour and driving the rain … Continue reading →

Posted in Ireland | 3 Comments

Sacrificial acts

Posted on June 25, 2022 by kirkphillips

James Connolly was carried into the Stonebreakers’ Yard of Kilmainham Gaol on a stretcher. A few days earlier, he had been in command during the armed insurrection in Dublin called the Easter Rising. The revolt was launched on April 24, … Continue reading →

Posted in Ireland | 1 Comment

Tourist of La Mancha

Posted on June 13, 2022 by kirkphillips

Along the harbor in Barcelona is a two-hundred-foot monument to Christopher Columbus.  “Why is Columbus so widely celebrated in Spain?” I asked. “He’s from Italy.” “No one is completely sure where he was born,” I was told, which is Spanish … Continue reading →

Posted in Spain | 6 Comments

Test-kit tour of the UK

Posted on November 19, 2021 by kirkphillips

Once upon a time, I planned a trip to England. Three postponements later, I was finally able to set off. Traveling internationally during a global pandemic required some additional measures. In total, I took three COVID-19 tests—one within three days … Continue reading →

Posted in England | 5 Comments

Olympic proportions

Posted on June 16, 2021 by kirkphillips

Near the west coast of the Olympic Peninsula, four rivers converge to form one. They are the Bogachiel, Calawah, Sol Duc, and Dickey, and, when flowing together, they compose the Quillayute. At the village of La Push, Washington, the Quillayute … Continue reading →

Posted in United States | 4 Comments

Memories of Africa (Part 3)

Posted on May 14, 2020 by kirkphillips

Bwabwata National Park In the fall of 2011, my daughter and I traveled to Namibia, Botswana, and Zimbabwe. To read “Memories of Africa (Parts 1 and 2),” please see the previous two posts. The rock that moved The rats in our … Continue reading →

Posted in Botswana, Namibia, Zimbabwe | 3 Comments