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BurnsvilleNorth CarolinaJune  2015 We cross the Continental Divide and the Blue Ridge Parkway on North Carolina Route 80, the Devils Whip, and turn left to Albert’s Lodge, our new temporary home.  At least for a night or two while we summit Mount Mitchell. Our room is comfortable at Albert’s Lodge, or Albert’s Motel, I never… Continue reading Albert’s Lodge

North CarolinaJune  2015 We’re on our way to climb to the highest point in North Carolina, Mount Mitchell.  Driving northwest from Charlotte, our roads get progressively narrower and curvier until we funnel into North Carolina State Route 80, where the road gets even narrower and curvier than before.  SR-80 is called the Devils Whip, and… Continue reading The Devils Whip

The Appalachian Trail, and others How dedicated are you?  Hark the common wisdom to ascertain the depth of your engagement with hiking, your level of immersion.  Behold, the M&M Test… Drop an M&M on the Appalachian Trail and watch what happens. . A day hiker will pick it up and put it in their pack… Continue reading The M&M Test

Appalachian TrailMichaux State ForestPennsylvaniaMay  2003 It is a 20-mile out and back hike on the Appalachian Trail, from Caledonia State Park on up to the new Birch Run shelters.  It’s four of us:  my current ex-wife, a friend, Tobu and myself. When my current ex-wife and I were married, in honor of our noses, we… Continue reading Tobu and the Ants

FreemontOhioMarch  2012 After our summit hike of Campbell Hill in Bellefontaine, Ohio, we are heading east toward home on the interstate highway.  After a little detour to visit the giant praying mantis on the OSU campus, and a drive-by of Mooberry Street in Columbus, we continue past the Rushing Wind Biker Church. Clearly not all… Continue reading Fangboner

OhioMarch  2015 The first zany thing about Bellefontaine in western Ohio is that they pronounce their own name wrong.  My friend and hiking companion Bongo informs me that you say, “Bell fountain”, not “Bell fon tane.”  That’s okay.  Some folks who live in this midwestern state, “Ohioans” we call them, pronounce the name of their… Continue reading The Ohioest

Laurel Highlands Hiking TrailPennsylvaniaOctober  2008 When I take beginner backpackers out on the trail, I introduce them to something I call “food groups.”  Our schedule for their first outing (this being the first lifetime experience of sleeping outdoors for some of them) has us leaving home for the trail on Saturday morning and returning Sunday… Continue reading The Bagel Boys

Walasi-YiGeorgiaJuly  2015 In my time, I have heard wonderful stories, useful gimmicks, legends and lies while on the trail.  Told a few myself.  I learned that butter will keep for days without refrigeration.  I learned that some baby girls are born with three nipples.  I learned that one of the best tasting foods in the… Continue reading Boots IV — The Boot Museum

July 1995 Sometimes hiking hurts.  But it’s still worth it.  So says Abbie (left) and Andi (right.)

the smallest room in the houseJuly  1998 I can’t tell you how many boots I have owned.  I know it’s an even number.  It’s the same number of boots I have worn out.  It’s a fairly large number. But wait.  Take this number and add four boots, the two pair I always have at the… Continue reading Boots II — The Boot Test