About The North Idaho Hiker (aka Ralph, aka KD6ODC)

Ralph is an avid hiker. His friends often think of him as The North Idaho Hiker since he lives in North Idaho and since he spends so much time talking about his hiking ventures in North Idaho and the adjoining Salmo-Priest Wilderness area. Of late, he has been hiking to the location of old fire lookouts atop the mountains in North Idaho. Many of the lookouts have been destroyed or abandoned; however, some are still in use during the fire season from July through September. The old fire lookout locations present the hiker with magnificent views of the surrounding area and therefore afford Ralph an excellent opportunity to advance his amateur photography hobby. Ralph also enjoys kayaking on the local lakes and rivers. Ralph mostly hikes and kayaks alone because he enjoys the solitude. Ralph is also an amateur radio operator. His amateur radio call sign is KD6ODC. Ralph was first licensed in 1992 while living in Sunnyvale, California where he was a volunteer American Red Cross First Aid Instructor and a member of the Amateur Radio Emergency Service (ARES). In September of 2000, he moved to the mountains of North Idaho. Ralph uses a Ten-Tec Scout transceiver and a Hy-Gain 12AVQ vertical antenna for 10, 15 and 20 meter amateur radio operations. Ralph met Barbara in 1968. They finally got married to each other in 1988.

Ralph with the family pooch - shown amidst Valentine Day decorations

Ralph in Side Yard wearing Snowshoes

Ralph on his 60th birthday

Below: Ralph enjoying a kayaking adventure in his 10-foot Perception Sonoma Kayak.

Ralph hiking on the Lakeshore Trail in the Priest Lake Ranger District

<<== Pushing off from shore

<<== Providing Photo Op

<<== Enjoying the solitude