I have struggled this week, trying to think of a topic worth sharing. I’m not sure why this has been so hard. Perhaps it is because I just got home from another hike. I was on Isle Royale for a 6-day backpacking trip across the island. It was amazing! Still, when I get home from […]
what makes a hiker? Read More »
Kaat is a friend who listened to to me talk about the importance of staying on the path. She commented, “but sometimes you have to step aside to see more.” She’s right! Sometimes we do step aside to see more. On the first official day of my Appalachian Trail journey, I began walking north from
Step Aside to see More! Read More »
I usually end my videos with a common refrain, “Stay on the path!” Different people tend to interpret that little phrase differently. That is one purpose for saying it—to bring your meaning to mind. Some hear me saying be careful to follow well-marked trails and not get lost. Others may hear another message that encourages
I am out on the Flint Hills Trail that goes westward in Kansas from Osawatomie to Herrington. Well, that is the ultimate goal but for now the completed trail ends at Council Grove, Kansas. This is part of the Rails-to-Trails efforts of the Conservancy by the same name. Tall Grass Prairie once extended from Texas,
These Trails TELL TALES Read More »
The unsung heroes of the Trail are the maintenance volunteers. These are men and women who carry heavy chain saw, cables, chains, hooks, and materials to clear the path for us hikers. The only payment those folks receive are the gratitude of hikers and their own satisfaction for caring for the trail that we all
Silent heroes of the trail – the volunteers Read More »
Last week I shared that the trail is a great teacher. However, what I learn from her depends on me being a good student. I learn when I remain teachable. This week I expand on this theme with the wisdom of a colleague. The Trail teaches each of us as we open ourselves to her.
I must be a good student Read More »
I will be hiking a new trail soon. In less than two weeks, I plan to step out onto the Flint Hills Trail from Osawatomie to Herrington, Kansas. This 117-mile stretch extends through five counties and a dozen or so communities. As its name suggests, the trail follows along the Flint Hills of Kansas. It’s
The trail is a great teacher Read More »
What is so compelling about strapping the bare necessities of living onto your back, leaving the comforts of home, and walking for miles up and down trail filled with sharp rocks, slippery roots, and varmints that really don’t like you being in their neighborhood? Why do I want to be cold or hot, wet from
3 benefits of hiking Read More »
Hey y’all Dan here! There are so many things to consider about backpacking, I didn’t know where to begin. I had been a soldier for more than 30 years. I had worn a backpack with a hundred pounds of “ultra-light weight gear.” When I retired from the Army, I swore “never again!” I was done
What calls me to the trail? IMPROVING MENTAL HEALTH THROUGH HIKING Read More »
Hi y’all, Dan here! I just returned home from another hiking adventure. This month’s trail was the Fiery Gizzard near Chattanooga, Tennessee. I backpacked along the Fiery Gizzard Creek and climbed the rocky path up to Raven’s Point. This 14-mile loop led me back to the Grundy trailhead where I camped near a historical Civilian
SHORT TRAILS ARE REWARDING TOO! Read More »