Livin’ & Dyin’ On Hilton Head Time

April 1, 2024 By Leave a Comment

I've spent a lot of time in Hilton Head, South Carolina over the years, and once my parents purchased a house here in 1990 - my time on the island increased exponentially. Most tourists visit Hilton Head for the sandy beaches or for Sea Pines (where Harbor Town and South Beach are located). Yet there is a secret side of the island that most don't know. There are a number of trails in Hilton Head and in the nearby Town of Bluffton. I've walked most of these trails and have enjoyed seeing … [Read more...]

Filed Under: Beaches, Hiking, Hiking Articles, Swamp Hiking, Swamps, Water Hikes

The Jolly Roger

September 12, 2021 By Leave a Comment
Birdshooter-Country Club-The Camel

Two of my backpacking friends had milestone birthdays in 2021, and we had grand plans to celebrate on distant mountains in the western U.S.  But after numerous attempts to synchronize schedules, we settled on a road trip to The Camel's mountain house near Hays, N.C. to celebrate his 60th.  Here we are pulling into his driveway after a long drive from Atlanta. The Camel had neighbors over when we arrived.  So we had a few beverages with them and enjoyed the sunset from the back … [Read more...]

Filed Under: Appalachian Trail, Backpacking Adventures, Backpacking Articles, Cows, Grayson Highlands State Park, Hiking Articles, Jefferson National Forest, National Forest, Panoramic Views, State Parks, Uncategorized, Wild Horses, Wildlife

Tough Times & Sassafras Mountain

April 19, 2020 By Leave a Comment
Russell Bridge Trailhead 9-15-01

There was a period nearly 20 years ago when times were tough.  Airlines stopped flying, people stopped working, and the media spouted doom and gloom on cable TV for 24 hours a day.  It was 9/11/01 and my first impulse was to get to the wilderness.  So when the weekend came - that is exactly what we did.  Here we are at the Chattooga River trailhead in 2001. Tough times are here again – albeit in a very different scenario.  Stay at home orders are in place, schools are … [Read more...]

Filed Under: Appalachian Trail, Appalachian Trail Conservancy, Backcountry Writing, Backpacking Articles, Backpacking With Kids, Backpacking With Your Dog, Camping With Kids, Camping With Your Dog, Hiking Articles, Hiking With Kids, National Forest, Photo Journals, Photos, Thru-Hiker, Trip Reports, With Dogs, With Kids

Best Hiking Places In The United States

January 21, 2020 By Leave a Comment

Hiking is often considered to be a source of healthy exercise, both for the mind and the body. As we hike through the rough terrains, the uphill trails and the obstacles of mother nature, we exert physical exercise on our body, but at the same time, it's also about wandering the beauty of this earth and uncovering this beauty in various places where one might not expect to find it. Discovering the earth is the base human desire, it is simply something we're all born with. While spending some … [Read more...]

Filed Under: Appalachian Trail, Hiking, Hiking Articles, John Muir Trail, Long Distance Backpacking, National Parks

The Best Packs For Backpacking

February 15, 2019 By Leave a Comment

We spend a lot of time recommending to each other the best hikes to head out on. When we do it, we give a lot of advice about things to see and do on the walk. We talk about the difficulty of the terrain, and the scenery to look out for on the way. We point out all the landmarks that will help us stay on track, and all the great places to eat or drink when we’re stopping for refreshments. We might even impart a little wisdom on the best gear to take along for the journey; what kind of clothing … [Read more...]

Filed Under: Backpacking Articles, Gear, Hiking Articles, Hiking Gear, Long Distance Backpacking

Episode 39: Hiking News 2016 (Grand Canyon)

April 1, 2017 By Leave a Comment

In Episode 39, Therm Rider and I do a live winter show from the Yavapai Lodge at the South Rim of the Grand Canyon.  After a day hiking on the Arizona and Rim Trails, we kick back a cold one and discuss some of the major hiking news events of 2016. In the show, Therm Rider and I recap and debate some of the U.S. news events that were heavily publicized in the outdoor community last year - including epic fails with drones, lost lives from selfies, and wildlife issues and encounters.  … [Read more...]

Filed Under: Appalachian Trail, Backpacking Articles, Backpacking Discussions, Backpacking News, Backpacking Trails, Grand Canyon National Park, Hiking Articles, Hiking News, Hollywood Movies, Long Distance Backpacking, National Parks, Podcasts, Trail Politics, Trail Talk, Wildlife

Return Of The Dana!

August 29, 2015 By Leave a Comment

In the mid-90', Dana Design was the backpack for thru-hikers on the Appalachian Trail.  I liked mine so much that I bought a second one two years after my thru-hike despite the steep price of $400+ And Dana Gleason, founder of his namesake Dana Designs, has returned to the market!  After selling his company and watching a series of outdoor companies fumble with a once dominant brand - Dana is back (and so is the Terraplane). The U.S. Military and U.S. Forest Service "hot shot" … [Read more...]

Filed Under: Appalachian Trail, Backpacking, Backpacking Articles, Gear, Hiking, Hiking Articles, Hiking Gear, Humor, Long Distance Backpacking Tagged With: , , , ,

A Thru-Hiker Looks At 20

March 4, 2015 By Leave a Comment

It’s been 20 years since I thru-hiked the Appalachian Trail.  There’s no doubt, it was a different Trail back then – fewer thru-hikers, no cell phones, and no websites to research the A.T. prior to heading out.  Thru-hikers today are better informed, better connected, and significantly better prepared than when I hiked in 1994.  That said, here are some tips for the Class of 2015 as you start the A.T. this Spring:     Create, then ditch your itinerary. It’s … [Read more...]

Filed Under: Appalachian Trail, Appalachian Trail Conservancy, Backpacking Articles, Backpacking Tips, Hiking Articles, Long Distance Backpacking, Management

Leaving Las Vegas ….

January 14, 2015 By Leave a Comment

There is nothing better than escaping a trade show in Las Vegas for the backcountry and fresh air of Zion National Park. After a 3 hour drive Fuller and I arrive in Springdale, UT and stay a short distance from the park. Our first mission is to hike the Hidden Canyon Trail. We climb 850 feet and link up with a steel chain that guides us around a cliff with an insanely sharp drop off.  It is at this point that I remember that I might have a slight fear of heights. And to make … [Read more...]

Filed Under: Hiking, Hiking Articles, National Parks, Winter Hiking Tagged With: , , , ,

Red Rock Casino Brings Together Quality Casino Gaming and Excellent Outdoor Adventures

December 16, 2014 By Leave a Comment

Red Rock Casino Brings Together Quality Casino Gaming and Excellent Outdoor Adventures The next great adventure might be in Vegas! For many backpackers, the perfect vacation involves a long weekend (or even just one overnight trip) spent traipsing through the woods or on some dirt trail, walking past mountains and enjoying the view of nature all around them. For their families, it might not be so similar, as many still crave the luxurious vacations that don’t see them going on adventures, … [Read more...]

Filed Under: Backpacking Articles, Hiking Articles
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