Harney PeakSouth DakotaMay 2015 When we summit our high points, we like to get an early start, usually at daybreak which often happens before most restaurants begin breakfast service. We like to get an early start to our hiking because, well, we like to start early. Also in these midwestern states, thunderstorms often come up… Continue reading Breakfast at the Hill City Cafe
Author: asiwentwalking
Crazy Horse
The Black HillsSouth DakotaMay 2015 Our favorite local character and fellow diner back at The Hill City Cafe… …recommended that we not miss Crazy Horse. Sage advice, that. So there is Crazy Horse, the man and Crazy Horse, the mountain carving. Crazy Horse, the manCrazy Horse was born of parents from different tribes. He was… Continue reading Crazy Horse
Buddha Tipping
Harbin Hot SpringsCaliforniaJanuary 2009 On the morning of January 27, my birthday, I rise early. It is daybreak when I go out to explore the trails. At the end of one short trail is an alcove with a small but energetic waterfall. I settle, listening to the water, feeling the rocks with my bare feet,… Continue reading Buddha Tipping
True Colors
WythevilleVirginiaJuly 2011 We approach Wytheville from the east, after having climbed Mount Rogers, the high point of Virginia. Huzzah! As you see, Wytheville, Virginia, shows its true colors, what with its diversity water tower. (Don’t tell them.) On second thought, do tell them.
Treats of Zion
Zion National ParkUtahMarch 2014 The mountains are splendid and breathtaking in Zion National Park. The squirrels and chipmunks are uncommonly bold, stopping just short of asking for food in complete English sentences, or possibly even French. The mule deer, smaller cousins of our familiar white tail, have enormous ears to help keep themselves cool. They… Continue reading Treats of Zion
Hooker
Black MesaOklahomaMarch 2013 We sit on the sturdy stone bench several feet from the native granite obelisk, the marker indicating that this is the highest land point in the state of Oklahoma. How thoughtful of the Boy Scouts to have built this comfortable sitting area, this bench. It’s lunch time and the air is clear… Continue reading Hooker
The Mid State Trail
Central PennsylvaniaSeptember 1995 The Mid State Trail runs 327 miles from the Maryland border to the New York border, through the ridge and valley system of the Appalachian Mountains and the Allegheny Plateau in Central Pennsylvania. It has been called “The Wildest Trail in Pennsylvania.” I’m not sure why, but my guess is that it… Continue reading The Mid State Trail
Flag
FlagstaffArizonaJune 2013 I notice the locals here in Flagstaff refer to their city as Flag. Interesting that a short syllable, staff, which would take very little effort to append to the first half of the name, is left off when spoken aloud. Where am I from? Pitts. Where does the Vice President live? Wash, or… Continue reading Flag
Pilot Mountain
North CarolinaJanuary 2019 Jo-me-okee, according to the folks who used to live here, the Saura Tribe of Native Americans, means “Great Guide” or “Pilot.” This enormous rock has also been called “Mount Ararat” and “Stonehead Mountain”. In 1753, the Moravians, just like all the other white folks, exhibited the usual sensitivity by changing the original… Continue reading Pilot Mountain
Monkey Balls II
Spruce KnobWest VirginiaMay 2014 We are hiking to the peak of Spruce Knob, the summit of West Virginia. What better song for us to be singing than If You Wanna Be Happy by Jimmy Soul. As the music winds down, Rod and Diane tell us about the monkey balls. They were vacationing in Manuel Antonio… Continue reading Monkey Balls II