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Bob Welch: Heart, Humor & Hope

An upbeat, Oregon-ized column by an award-winning, disorganized author. From hiking the PCT to catching on fire while trying to change a stove light. Adventure, outdoors, culture, history, faith, writing, books, Yachats, sports—a little of a lot.

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A Q&A plus a bonus column

Not only trivia, but a bonus story on my 2009 sea-to-summit hiking adventure

Seeing my father more clearly

It took decades before I came to understand, and really appreciate, the man

The man behind the camera

On the 30-year anniversary of his passing, a look at my father

Part II: Mammoth Lakes to Yosemite

A surprise punctuates what had been a smooth and predictable trip thus far

Part I: Mammoth Lakes to Yosemite

An "only-Bob-could-do-this" moment slows our High Sierra departure, but we survive it

At look at our readers from beyond Oregon

From doctors to charter sailboat operators to a safety man at a frac plant in Texas, they are a diverse and delightful bunch

Back to the High Sierra

I tried to say no. Honest. But wanderlust won out.

Lost in the clutter

My inability to stay organized leads me to visit an imaginary therapist

Boris Moskalensky plays baseball

Four decades ago, our Russian neighbor reminded us of Fourth of July forgetfulness

America at 250

Two personal anecdotes frame my worldview regarding the U.S. and power

Men and friendship

A book and a trip trigger thoughts about the bonds between guys — or lack thereof

Another 7-mile-long beach challenge

A Waldport-to-Yachats hike highlights my June 14 Flag Day

50 years after UO graduation

As life transitions go, June 1976 was a pivotal month for me

When civility strikes out

Self-absorbed UO students tarnish an otherwise great win over OSU at PK Park

Goodbye to a Vietnam vet who wouldn't quit

Diane Carlson Evans leaves a legacy of tenacity, courage and compassion for vets

Eight insights from The Midwest

It has history, warm people, flat land and cinnamon bourbon pecan popcorn

Ya done good!

Thanks to you readers, we blessed a 2020 'Covid class' of sixth graders in Taylorville, Ill., with ten $1,000 scholarships — on the eve of their high school graduation

Beer, FDR in Oregon and much more

Our second-quarter 2026 Q&A for readers who want to impress friends at summer BBQs

Big-hearted readers

Two weeks away from the Taylorville, Ill., event, we're adding scholarships and — thanks to you — even more

Tribute bands

They're not wannabes. They're awesome entertainment. And plain fun.

Johnny Ocean's

As owner Shawn Rahimian retires, an unlikely "someone" takes over