Author: asiwentwalking

Conquer the Mountain

many mountains It’s not uncommon to hear about a hiker’s ambition to conquer a mountain, to not let the mountain gain victory over their desires to summit. What is this “conquer the mountain” idea and where did it come from!  No.  This is not the way to approach it.  The mountain is fine, whether we… Continue reading Conquer the Mountain

Georgia Peaches

GeorgiaNovember  2012 I have been to Georgia many times, Lisa never.  So together, we have never been to Georgia.  Until now.  As we drive north from Atlanta to Brasstown Bald, the high point of the Peach State, it is clear and sunny and we can’t help but sing… Georgia, GeorgiaThe whole day throughJust an old… Continue reading Georgia Peaches

Lightsabers

December  2015 Giving the gift of weapons to your niece’s young daughter and son may be a bit dicey. First, not knowing how my niece, the Squirt (her nickname that only I may use) feels about toy weapons, I ask her, “Can we bring two lightsabers into your home, y’know, as gifts for the kids?… Continue reading Lightsabers

Penobscot Narrows Bridge

Stockton SpringsMaineMay  2015 Our next stop is the Penobscot Narrows Bridge and Observatory in southeast Maine, south of Bangor.  What brings us here to the bridge is its design of modern cable-stayed construction.  One glance tells any one of us that it is modern cable-stayed construction.  Right?  Instead of the usual method of bundling cables… Continue reading Penobscot Narrows Bridge

Who Do You Trust?

PittsburghMarch  2013 Pittsburgh airport.  Flight to Denver to take us to the high point of Kansas, among others. At the gate awaiting our flight.  Lisa goes to get a magazine.  A woman sits down on the adjacent chair, or whatever those plastic things you sit upon at the airport are called.  We sit for a… Continue reading Who Do You Trust?

Breakfast at the Hill City Cafe

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

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