Hardscrabble Times

In the shadow of Hope Pass

We recently spent four days camped out at timberline up Hope Pass —about 11,800 feet altitude — helping support the highest aid station for the…

Aug 20 • 

Hal Walter

5

1

June 2025

Review: The Blur Goes to College

The Blur Goes to College got reviewed in our local newspaper, the Wet Mountain Tribune last week.

Jun 6 • 

Hal Walter

1

December 2024

November 2024

There's still more to write

It’s been several weeks now since we launched The Blur Goes to College as an online serial book.

Nov 24, 2024 • 

Hal Walter

2

December 2021

Adventures in guest teaching

School is out for the holiday break, but I was a busy “guest teacher” the past few weeks, as some teachers were sick, others had family and business…

Dec 20, 2021 • 

Hal Walter

17

7

November 2021

A shift in perspective

The Blur goes to Texas, runs a personal best instead of a personal record.

Nov 22, 2021 • 

Hal Walter

8

6

Something endearing between the lines

When students write apologies to their sub.

Nov 15, 2021 • 

Hal Walter

9

October 2021

Racing the privileged

Sport, like life, is not always fair

Oct 12, 2021 • 

Hal Walter

4

1

May 2021

School's out for summer

Today was my last day working inside Custer County School for 2020-21.

May 27, 2021 • 

Hal Walter

2

Nothing's ever lost

A search for run-away burros and lost gear in the wilds of McCoy Gulch

May 8, 2021 • 

Hal Walter

1

April 2021

Haulin' ass through the vaccine line

Who knew burros were the fast track to a shot?

Apr 22, 2021 • 

Hal Walter

2

March 2021

The Three Rs

I’m really enjoying my new part-time job as an “interventionist aide” at Custer County school, but I don’t care for the job title.

Mar 31, 2021 • 

Hal Walter

1