BirdShooter's Backpacking Blog & Podcast Series
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...]
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...]
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...]
This content is password-protected. To view it, please enter the password below. Password: … [Read more...]
Out with the old ... and in with the new: The Appalachian Trail Conservancy, Nantahala Hiking Club, and a local company - Goshen Timber Frames - teamed up for the construction of Long Branch Shelter near Glassmine Gap. The new structure is located north of Standing Indian on the Appalachian Trail and about 17 miles from Franklin, N.C. The new two-story Long Branch Shelter replaces the old Big Springs Gap Shelter (shown below), which was built just north of Albert Mountain. The Big Springs … [Read more...]
These "What I Really Do" templates are everywhere these days and now I understand why. There's actually a template for them on the web. A hiking friend recently sent me this one, and I have to say that they nailed it for Thru-Hiking. If you've ever hiked long distances on the Appalachian Trail, Continental Divide Trail, or any major Trail, I think you'll agree. … [Read more...]
