Cut loose by employer, veteran L.A. outdoors reporter leaps into blogosphere

On Dec. 18, one day before my 52nd birthday and 30 years after my first day of work at the Los Angeles Times, I was laid off by a company that continues to shrink its work force.

So as its longtime former outdoors and action sports reporter (here's my final story as a full-time LAT employee), I'm launching this humble blog and will see how it goes.

I had a good run and learned a lot while covering a beat that involved countless fishing trips, sporadic hunting adventures, attending surf contests, diving with great white sharks, kayaking with whales, hitting the slopes and much more.

The blog, which is a work in progress, will not involve extensive travel--unless by some miracle I land a very generous sponsor. It will, however, call upon my experience and recollections, and will share news and commentary regarding the wonderful world of outdoors, action sports and adventure. 

There will be extra emphasis on Southern California, because that's where I live, but there will be no boundaries restricting what might be posted. And because my chief priority is finding a job that will pay the bills, it might take time for the blog to hit stride, but hopefully it will gain momentum and people will enjoy my posts.

Feel free to chime in and I do welcome constructive criticism (the basic design on display now is going to change). After all, I'm not an expert in all of these areas, but I have been around long enough to recognize an interesting story or amusing news brief.

Sincerest regards to all visitors and may 2010 brim with good fortune, goodwill and fun surprises.

--Pete

Comments

[DarrellKuni]

Glad you're around, boy. Now you have time to go fishin'. Wait a minute, you always did.

Let's toss flies someday.

[John Brooks]

Let the writing begin...and if its good ...I will visit.

[Nona]

Congrats Pete! It's great to see you continuing your outdoors writing here. I'll be following you often. SoCal needs a good, interesting and informative outdoors blog.
Best,
Nona

[Steve Carson]

Hi Pete,
Glad I found you!
Family issues this holiday season have kept me very occupied, but I will be sure to keep the interesting stuff headed your way.
Steve Carson

[Philip Friedman]

Pete, I am so glad you are back. There was a void with your absence that no one else could fill. I'll be checking in here daily to see what you are bloging about as no one does it better. Great to have you back and something tells me that this is the beginning of something really great.
Philip

[Kelly Burgess]

awesome job Pete! I look forward to keeping up on your blog and will be checking it out often. You are a true wordsmith and I always have and always will enjoy reading your missives ... I also want to thank you for the opportunity to work on Outposts with you.

Kelly