Category: History

Book Reviews, History

Book Review: “Theodore Roosevelt in the Badlands: A Young Politician’s Quest for Recovery in the American West”

One positive outcome of this plague unpleasantness is I have been able to make a dent in my seemingly always-growing stack of unread books. One of the more enjoyable reading excursions was Roger L. Di Silvestro’s “Theodore Roosevelt in the Badlands”. In June 1884, a 24-year old Theodore Roosevelt arrived in the Badlands a broken man. Both his wife and his mother had died just … Continue reading Book Review: “Theodore Roosevelt in the Badlands: A Young Politician’s Quest for Recovery in the American West”

Unknown's avatarhiker_historianLeave a comment
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”

Unknown's avatarhiker_historian1 Comment
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

Unknown's avatarhiker_historian2 Comments
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

Unknown's avatarhiker_historianLeave a comment
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

Unknown's avatarhiker_historianLeave a comment
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”

Unknown's avatarhiker_historianLeave a comment
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)

Unknown's avatarhiker_historianLeave a comment
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

Unknown's avatarhiker_historianLeave a comment
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

Unknown's avatarhiker_historianLeave a comment
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

Unknown's avatarhiker_historianLeave a comment