ScarboroughMaineAugust 2012 Soon we make a stop at a standard looking confectionary store next to the Cornerstone Baptist Church and across the highway from the gas station. Among the great assortment of chocolates and moose-themed tchotchkes — we’re in Maine, moose country — is Lenny, the featured attraction. Lenny is a moose, a 1700-pound moose. … Continue reading Lenny
Author: asiwentwalking
Five Cows
here and there, cow country cow #1 Matthew Calbraith Perry was an American naval officer who commanded ships in several wars, including the War of 1812 and the Mexican-American War. He was a big deal military guy in numerous other conflicts and gained a stellar reputation. Among other accomplishments, he helped to establish the curriculum… Continue reading Five Cows
Guesswork
Spruce KnobWest VirginiaMay 2014 On the trail, I told my hiking buddy this story. “Rod, last fall, I had some chest pain. After undergoing a number of tests, I came out clean as a whistle, whatever that means. A gastroenterologist suggested that my chest nerves were irritated. My regular doctor responded, ‘You know what that… Continue reading Guesswork
Goldschläger
Humphreys PeakArizonaJune 2013 On our hike down from the summit of 12633-foot Humphreys Peak, we encounter an animated group of college-age hiker gentlemen. We can’t help but overhear their conversation. They are discussing Goldschläger, a cinnamon schnapps invented by the Swiss. It is a liqueur of 43.5% alcohol content or 87 proof. We’re talking headbanger… Continue reading Goldschläger
Flink
It’s unlikely that anyone will allow you the use of the word flink when you are playing Scrabble. Lisa’s parents, both particularly adept at the game, grunted and bewailed at me when I tried. Mom wears a T-shirt emblazoned with the words “SCRABBLE QUEEN” so I know that when I chose to create “flink” on… Continue reading Flink
Rubbers
on the highway to North CarolinaJune 2015 It’s a seven-hour drive. I stop at what we used to call a comfort station. Now they are service plazas. Anyway, y’know, I have to pee. In many places, when you pull off the interstate onto a two-lane back road, you have suddenly gone back in time. I… Continue reading Rubbers
Flying Squirrel?
Frick ParkPittsburghJuly 2005 I’m wiggling my way through the now vertical branches of a downed tree. Listen to that racket! I look up and there’s a flock of crows, each one flying sideways in the wind, cawing their stories to anyone who will listen. I catch a glimpse just ahead, something jumping sideways from a… Continue reading Flying Squirrel?
Anachronism
Quebec Run Wild AreaPennsylvaniaMay 1996 Hiking through the lowlands of the Quebec Run Wild Area in southwestern Pennsylvania, I am transported to another time. Or maybe it is the other guys. Hiking south on Mill Run Trail, I sense some goings-on off to my left. What-ho? A dozen or more people, dressed in standard garb… Continue reading Anachronism
Lion Touches
Big Bend National ParkTexasNovember 2015 We’re in Big Bend National Park, getting away from it all, as they say. When they say, “getting away from it all,” they usually mean getting away from it some, the stuff we don’t like or don’t want. That’s what we want to get away from. For so many it… Continue reading Lion Touches
Waterlogged
Myakka River State ParkFloridaFebruary 2002 Reminds me of the time I was backpacking in the Myakka River State Park on the Gulf coast of Florida. Florida, as you may know, is flat. The swamps where we hiked were nothing like the rolling forests of the northeast or the mountainous hikes we have done in New… Continue reading Waterlogged