We have a long tradition of backpacking the Smokies in the winter, but Brunn and I sit out the tough stuff this year and hike less than half of the ~35 mile route. While the rest of the crew gets pounded by rain - I fly home from Vegas and Brunn hits the Allman Brothers Tribute show at the Fox in Midtown Atlanta (a worthy choice). Needless to say, we get a late start on the trip. Here's Brunn packing at noon on Saturday after the show. But everything comes with a price and … [Read more...]
We weathered rain, slippery rocks, bears, and put Rebel to rest this weekend
November 24, 2013 By Leave a Comment
Just returned from a loop hike at Blood Mountain via the Reece Memorial, Freeman, and Appalachian Trails. We were aware that bears were a problem in this area and reminded immediately by a sign at the trailhead. Here's two of our crew at the junction of the three trails. The 1.8 mile hike along the Freeman Trail was wet and slippery and much harder than I remembered it. There's not a lot of elevation change, but it's really rocky in sections. We arrive to an empty Woods Hole Shelter around … [Read more...]
Hiking/Geocaching With The Kids
November 2, 2013 By Leave a Comment
Took the kids for a hike this morning and to try some geocaching after spending $10 on an app for the iPhone. We found the first one quickly, but the second geocache was a challenge. Here we are standing on top of the hidden treasure and we can't even find it. Turns out it was well camoflauged and the container looked just like a log on the forest floor. But after 30 minutes, we make the discovery. We must have walked by it 20 times this morning. Just some party beads in this … [Read more...]
13 Year Old Completes The Triple Crown
October 28, 2013 By Leave a Comment
The Triple Crown consists of the Appalachian Trail (2,181 miles), the Continental Divide Trail (3,092 miles), and the Pacific Crest Trail (2,652-mile). This 13 year old girl who is an 8th grader in Salem, Oregon just completed all three. Only about 200 people can say that, and here's a video interview with her .... … [Read more...]
Krakauer Offers New Insight In To What Killed Chris McCandless
September 14, 2013 By Leave a Comment
Yesterday, author Jon Krakauer posted an article in the New Yorker that claims to solve the mystery once and for all on how Chris McCandless died ... "Considering that potentially crippling levels of ODAP are found in wild-potato seeds, and given the symptoms McCandless described and attributed to the wild-potato seeds he ate, there is ample reason to believe that McCandless contracted lathyrism from eating those seeds." You might recall that Chris McCandless was the tragic figure … [Read more...]
Geographic North Pole, Magnetic North Pole, or Geomagnetic North Pole?
August 17, 2013 By Leave a Comment
Is it the Geographic North Pole, the Magnetic North Pole, or Geomagnetic North Pole? They are all very different. Watch this video and find out why: … [Read more...]
THE END OF AN ERA: SHAW’S BOARDING HOUSE “FOR SALE”
July 16, 2013 By 2 Comments
Nearly 20 years ago, I saw this sign while hiking northbound on the Appalachian Trail that directed me (via a blue-blazed Trail) in to the town of Monson, Maine. Here's how it looked back then with the fall foilage near peak and my hiking companion Harry (Delta Force) contemplating the two mile side hike to town. I spent two nights in Monson at Shaw's Boarding House before hiking the 100 Mile Wilderness, and another night here after I summited Katahdin. Mr. and Mrs. … [Read more...]
