Krakauer Offers New Insight In To What Killed Chris McCandless

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?

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”

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...]

Top Rucksacks for Backpacking

You may be planning your first backpacking adventure or perhaps you just love travelling and discovering new exotic places but either way you want a rucksack or backpack that is going to last throughout your entire trip and hopefully many more to come, plus one that sits comfortably on your shoulders too as you’ll be wearing it for a long time and no doubt acquire souvenirs along the way making the overall weight much heavier.  One manufacturer that stands above the rest when it comes to … [Read more...]

Backpacking Travel Essentials

As any backpacking trip can last for a few weeks to months, or even a couple of years if you are able to truly get lost in the discovery of new places then it’s no surprise you’re going to want gear that will last you through your journey as there’s no telling what wear and tear will happen.  The main item anyone needs when backpacking is obviously a backpack or a rucksack as it will hold everything you need throughout your trip but one issue is finding a durable bag that has the … [Read more...]

Some of the Best Hiking Destinations in North America

Hiking is one of the most enjoyable activities that we can ever hope to experience. Every year, millions of enthusiasts find themselves enchanted with the unbridled feel of the open trail, the wind through their hair and the sun on their face. We all have a deep, instinctual connection to the land and the wildlife around. Hiking through the wilderness is an excellent way to remember that we are all part of the same planet. However, let us not forget that many of us enjoy hiking due to the sheer … [Read more...]

There’s Rattlesnakes Among Us: Backpacking To Wolf Laurel Top

Brett (aka Therm Rider) and I start the hike at the Byron Herbert Reece Trailhead which gives us a bonus 1.7 mile hike this afternoon. We reach the Appalachian Trail after a gradual climb of 0.7 miles. After a mile descent, we meet up with Ken (aka Beer Run) at Neel's Gap. He's been watching our packs and the 20 bikers that rolled in to the parking area this afternoon. Bears are active and aggressive in this area. Parts of the Blood Mountain Wilderness have mandatory bear canister rules in … [Read more...]

Hard Labor Creek State Park – Campsite #2

Schools out in a week, so we decided to squeeze in one last camping trip with the kids before summer.  We had a total of 12 people (5 adults and 7 kids) - so a group site was a necessity.  A friend (and fellow Scout leader) recommended Hard Labor Creek State Park and we lucked out with an upgrade to Pioneer Campsite #2 - which was right on the water. Campsite #2 And to make things even easier, we were able to drive in to the site and unload right next to the picnic shelter. Scattered … [Read more...]

How Mark Sanford Can Settle Up With The Appalachian Trail

By now you've heard that Mark Sanford was re-elected this week to South Carolina's First Congressional District after beating Elizabeth Colbert Busch 54 to 45 percent and winning all five counties in the State in a special election. As you likely recall, then-Governor Sanford disappeared from office for six days in June 2009 to spend time, and arguably the State’s money, visiting a mistress in Argentina.  (His office claimed that he was hiking the Appalachian Trail.) But what irks we … [Read more...]

A Spring Hike To Coosa Bald (Via The Duncan Ridge Trail)

Sixteen years ago, The Ox and I did a winter ascent of Coosa Bald (4,271 feet) via a spur off the Coosa Backcountry Trail.  I remembered a few campsites scattered near the summit and decided to return via a much shorter route this time. Coosa Bald is located near (and approachable from) Vogel State Park, and we stopped at Neel's Gap a few miles South of the park.  The store was busy on this cool and clear weekend, and The Weasel snapped this photo of hiking boots hanging in the trees … [Read more...]