Outside correspondent Mike Steere is a freelance writer based in Chicago. That's where he learned of fellow Chicagoan Bill Pinkney and interviewed the good captain for our Outside Online profile. Mike is a frequent contributor to both Outside magazine and Outside Online.

His other work available online includes:

Expert forum: Dream Towns. When Mike unveiled these seven slices of heaven, he got online to defend his list.

"This Isn't Heaven, It's Madison, Wisconsin." Mike's controversial report that began the debate on the best places to live where you can play outside and still have a real life.

"Flying the Mother Load." Tips for traveling with your oversized sports equipment.

"Trekking: The Nature Ear," a review of a little device that amplifies the sounds of nature.