BirdShooter's Backpacking Blog & Podcast Series
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...]
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...]
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...]
There are four times the number of Appalachian Trail thru-hikers hiking and camping in Baxter State Park than there were 20 years ago - when I did my hike. According to Jensen Bissell, Director of Baxter State Park, this is straining resources. "From the perspective of Baxter Park, we are concerned that the use of Baxter Park is nearing or has surpassed an acceptable limit for the facilities and effort available from the Park to accomodate A.T. hikers" A letter to ATC Executive … [Read more...]
The weatherman said there was a 100% chance of rain today, and he was 100% right! It rained all morning, and all afternoon. I confess that I'm still not sure how I was talked in to this trip, or how we got away with it at all. Despite the gloomy weather (and our ventures in to Panthertown Valley just last weekend), the wives reluctantly gave the OK - and here we are climbing "As Knob" on the Appalachian Trail about an hour before dark. Our destination is Plum Orchard Shelter. … [Read more...]
After fattening up on Thanksgiving dinner, The Camel meets us in North Carolina for a hike in to Panthertown Valley. No one is more excited than the Boone Dawg who is craving some time in the backcountry. And we are blessed with sunshine as you can see from the the shadows in this photo. The weather has been cool this week so snow showers and ice still lingering in the valley. Here is a giant piece floating near Schoohouse Falls. Our preferred campsite is taken. So we … [Read more...]
Just read an article at Appalachian Trials on "9 Things A Former Thru-Hiker Wishes She Had Known Before Hitting The Trail". And what was on the list? My personal favorite....#7 Listen to music:" It will help keep you positive in the present as you hike and afterwards the music you listened to will become a time machine back to exact moments on the trail. You may not know the place or even the state but the song will bring back a perfectly rendered memory. "Many go in to the woods to … [Read more...]
