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Explore Historic Trails -
In 2023, Wandering Monk hikes home to different trails.
Last year was great fun. This year is even more exciting. Kansas has many historic trails to explore. I hope to visit many of the state parks and unique rock formations. There is Monument Rocks, Mushroom Rock, and Little Jerusalem, known as Kansas’ Badlands.
Perhaps the most exciting trail for me this year is the Cherokee Trail. The Cherokee Trail is historic and yet understated.
Cherokee, who had been known for their gold artisans in Georgia and North Carolina, who had been pushed out of their familiar homes and into Oklahoma.
When the “California Gold Rush” began in the 1840s, Cherokee formed wagon trains and joined in the migration to prospective gold fields. They returned to their artisan roots, more educated and wise than before. Many were lawyers, doctors, and accountants.
They made their way across Kansas to the Santa Fe Trail. Their route is known as the Cherokee Trail. I hope to explore it. Follow me on YouTube. Click below.
Welcome!
Hey y’all! Dan here. Thanks for joining me. Let me tell you about Wandering Monk. I want to share where I’ve been and where I’m going?
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I was born and raised in Alabama, we were usually outside. We walked with Dad in the woods that surrounded our home. We learned to hunt, fish, and camp. I joined the military and went to college. Yep, I often did things backwards.
My Army career spanned more than 30 years and I retired as a Colonel. I loved my Army experience, but there was a heavy toll on body and spirit. On the trails, I have found healing for body, mind, and spirit. Come on. Let’s go walking – together!
What about Wandering Monk? Where did name come from? Well, after my military career, I felt the need to serve something greater than myself.
I began visiting a local monastery and witnessed the peace of the Benedictine Monks. Soon I took vows to live a contemplative life.
The best place for me to find inner peace has been on the trail. I love to immerse myself in nature.
As I continued to go on longer hikes, I became known as a wanderer. One of my favorite sayings is “Not all who wander are lost.” So now you can join me as Wandering Monk Hikes Home.
Why do I walk?
I’ve lived in many places in America and Germany. I’ve traveled to the Great Wall in China, the mountains of northern India, the forest of Angola, and a few places that I don’t want to see again. I have discovered that creation reserves its greatest beauties for those who will explore her paths.
I started getting serious about backpacking when the COVID lockdowns began in 2020. I felt like everything was closing in and couldn’t breathe.
My plan to walk the pilgrimage of the Camino de Santiago fell through. So, I turned my attention to the Appalachian Trail. In March of 2021, I left from the arch below Amicalola Falls and started north to Springer Mountain.
Eventually, I came off the trail at Standing Bear Farm after hiking through the Smoky Mountains. Family needs demand me to change my plans. I began section hiking through the year.
My next steps.
I backpacked “Trails less Traveled” in 2022. Each month was a new trail to hike. My YouTube videos share adventures on unique trails like; Pinhoti and Fiery Gizzard, and through unique National Parks like Isle Royale and the Wind River Range in Wyoming. I plan to continue hiking in 2023.
This year my hiking focus is shifting to highlight the historic trails of Kansas. Many think of Kansas as a flat prairie. There are prairies here. Many are beautiful, but Kansas is more than a flat land. From the Flint Hills in the east to the remarkable Monument Rocks in the west, Kansas is full of surprises.
One trek that captured my attention and imagination is the Cherokee Trail. I hope to combine my vlogs with sort of a documentary into a “vlogumentary” of this historic trail.
Hiking gear.
Also, if you are interested in backpacking and hiking then check out the page of backpacking equipment that I use on my hiking adventures. I have composed a list of my gear and where to get it. This is gear that I purchased and use regularly. I was not endorsed or paid to promote this equipment.
I am an affiliate with some companies and will say that up front. If you click on the links below and buy something, I will get a small stipend from the company at NO EXTRA COST to you. In fact, some companies have given me a discount code to pass on to you. So, you will actually save while you support me to bring you better videos.
I am an advocate of being outdoors. That is where we can learn a lot about ourselves and life in general. As “Dixie” says, “Whether it’s taking an evening stroll, catching lightning bugs or gardening, I think everyone can benefit from smelling the roses now and then!”
If you are curious about how Wandering Monk hikes home or have any questions about hiking/backpacking, send me a message and come along with my YouTube videos!
Let’s go walking!
Dan “Wandering Monk” Nobles
dan@wanderingmonkhikes.com
