Category: Hiking

Book Reviews, Hiking, History

Book Review: Darwin Lambert, “The Undying Past of Shenandoah National Park”

This is a delightful book. I have always loved hiking in Shenandoah National Park, not only because of its natural beauty, breathtaking views, tasty blackberries, and the occasional bear sighting, but also because of the way you can feel the closeness and immediacy of the rich history of the region as you hike along. Old stone walls, crumbling foundations, abandoned mines and moonshine hollows, the … Continue reading Book Review: Darwin Lambert, “The Undying Past of Shenandoah National Park”

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2018 Thru Hike, Appalachian Trail, Gear, Hiking, History, Lessons

Lessons Learned From My 2018 Thru-Hike Attempt

With the new year comes a new hiking season and it seems like a good time to reflect on some lessons learned during my failed thru-hike attempt last year, a hike that ended abruptly due to knee problems after just six short but amazing weeks. NOBO, SOBO, or flip-flop. A flip-flop hike is not for everybody but it was the right decision for me and … Continue reading Lessons Learned From My 2018 Thru-Hike Attempt

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2018 Thru Hike, Appalachian Trail, Hiking, History

Hiking with History on the Appalachian Trail: The Civil War Corridor, Part 1

“Any understanding of this nation has to be based, and I mean really based, on an understanding of the Civil War…  It was the crossroads of our being, and it was a hell of a crossroads.” – Shelby Foote The Appalachian Trail winds its way through landscapes incredibly rich in history. All along its length, from Springer Mountain to Katahdin, a thru-hiker will be hard-pressed … Continue reading Hiking with History on the Appalachian Trail: The Civil War Corridor, Part 1

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2018 Thru Hike, Appalachian Trail, Hiking

And So It Ends . . .

And so it ends. I’ve pulled the plug on my 2018 thru-hike attempt. I had some knee issues develop over the last few weeks that eventually worsened to the point of almost being unable to walk. After taking two days to cover just 12 excruciating miles and popping enough vitamin I to make my head spin, I hobbled into the emergency room in Palmerton, Pa., … Continue reading And So It Ends . . .

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2018 Thru Hike, Appalachian Trail, Hiking, History, Videos

Hiking with History: Shenandoah National Park

For many long-distance hikers, the value of Shenandoah National Park is usually measured in easy trail miles, beautiful views, plentiful black bears, and easily accessible waysides where they can fuel up on cheeseburgers and blackberry milkshakes. These are all great features of the park. But another characteristic, one that I believe enriches the thru-hiking experience (or any hiking experience for that matter), is the park’s … Continue reading Hiking with History: Shenandoah National Park

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2018 Thru Hike, Appalachian Trail, Book Reviews, Hiking, History

Walking with History: Revisiting Earl Shaffer’s “Walking With Spring”

“Most people never in all their lives sleep under the open sky, and never realize what they are missing.” – Earl Shaffer I started my flip-flop hike of the Appalachian Trail on April 15. As preparation for my hike, in addition to the usual obsessing about gear and doing several shakedown hikes, I read books. A lot of books. These included books on how to … Continue reading Walking with History: Revisiting Earl Shaffer’s “Walking With Spring”

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2018 Thru Hike, Appalachian Trail, Hiking, History, Videos

Video: AT Flip Flop Thru Hike 2018: Week 2 (Video)

Check out my newest video! A short 13-minute recap of week 2 of my AT Flip Flop Thru Hike including finishing Shenandoah National Park, a zero day in Front Royal, and some gorgeous views and weather. If you like it, please give it a thumbs up and subscribe! https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=WH5643-x9xo Continue reading Video: AT Flip Flop Thru Hike 2018: Week 2 (Video)

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2018 Thru Hike, Appalachian Trail, Gear, Hiking, Uncategorized, Videos

AT Thru Hike Gear Video (and I get photobombed by my cat)

I thought it might be useful to prepare a gear video for my upcoming AT Thru Hike. Things have changed a bit since my earlier gear post based on some additional research and some great advice. The video won’t win any production awards and the plot and characters are a bit underdeveloped (lol) but if anyone goes crazy about backpacking gear, or just wants to … Continue reading AT Thru Hike Gear Video (and I get photobombed by my cat)

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2018 Thru Hike, Appalachian Trail, Hiking

Bears, Bugs, Blisters, and Boredom: Common Concerns

The Appalachian Trail is a very safe place. It is certainly less dangerous than most cities and you are probably safer walking along the Appalachian Trail than you are walking out your own front door. With that said, however, it is not without its dangers. While conducting research for my upcoming thru-hike and discussing my plan with friends, I began to get a pretty clear … Continue reading Bears, Bugs, Blisters, and Boredom: Common Concerns

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2018 Thru Hike, Appalachian Trail, Gear, Hiking, History

A Shakedown Hike and Gear Review

As preparation for my upcoming thru-hike, I did a series of five shakedown hikes last fall ranging in length from two to five days. These proved to be incredibly useful as I continued the process of dialing in my gear and refamiliarizing myself with the physical challenge of lugging a pack up and down mountains for days at a time. This post includes my observations … Continue reading A Shakedown Hike and Gear Review

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2018 Thru Hike, Appalachian Trail, Gear, Hiking, History, Videos

Video: Appalachian Trail 2018 Prep Hike: Hiking and History in Prince William Forest

This was a bit of an experiment to learn the ins and outs of video making and to decide if I want to vlog my upcoming AT thruhike. If I do vlog, I am hoping to include a history angle along with the usual documenting my thru hike experience. This is my first attempt at a video of any kind so l welcome any feedback, … Continue reading Video: Appalachian Trail 2018 Prep Hike: Hiking and History in Prince William Forest

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2018 Thru Hike, Appalachian Trail, Gear, Hiking, History

Some Reflections on Hiking, Then and Now

It has been more than 30 years since my introduction to the world of long-distance hiking. My first wide-eyed adventures on the Appalachian Trail as a young man left me amazed at the existence of such an extraordinary footpath winding its way through the mountains, valleys, and towns of fourteen states. I was hooked, and over the next decade spent as much time as I … Continue reading Some Reflections on Hiking, Then and Now

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2018 Thru Hike, Appalachian Trail, Hiking

Why Hike, Why Now? Answering the Big Questions

In mid-April I will be setting out on my flip flop thru-hike of the Appalachian Trail. When I tell people of my plans it usually prompts a series of questions: “What is the Appalachian Trail?” “How long is it?” “How long will that take?” “Don’t you worry about bears?” “What are you going to eat?” These questions are all pretty straightforward and easy enough to … Continue reading Why Hike, Why Now? Answering the Big Questions

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