Author: asiwentwalking

Haboob

ShiprockNew MexicoJuly  2013 We’re almost all the way from the Four Corners Monument to Shiprock, our next destination.  We should be seeing this massive rock by now, but instead, we are having an experience neither one of us have ever had before. A month ago, while in Phoenix the night before summiting Humphreys Peak, the… Continue reading Haboob

Buffalo Jump

WyomingJuly  2013 Motoring through the driving rainstorm, north from Colorado into Wyoming.  Within minutes of crossing the state border, camel and bison are standing aside the road.  At home we get cows and sheep. On our way to Devils Tower, we drive right through Chugwater, Wyoming.  That’s the name of the town.  Population, 212.  Altitude,… Continue reading Buffalo Jump

Gravity Hill

New ParisPennsylvaniaJune  2015 Ask a random sampling of people which super power they would choose to inherit, given the chance.  #1 on many lists would be the ability to fly, to defy gravity, or at least to ignore it. Short of flying as a super power, some folks who stand more steadily on the ground… Continue reading Gravity Hill

Frozen

Frick ParkPittsburghJanuary  2016 Of course, when you live in the Northeast and hike all 365 days of the year, you are going to experience a variety of weather conditions. On my walk this morning;  I know there is a sheet of ice under the snow.  To try to get some kind of traction, I pick… Continue reading Frozen

That Killer Fruit

AtlantaGeorgiaMarch  2017 I almost killed my brother. It wasn’t personal, just something that almost happened. In his lifetime, my brother endured a lot.  He broke his leg in high school and nearly got it shot off in Vietnam, where he was also likely exposed to Agent Orange.  He spent three weeks in a coma with… Continue reading That Killer Fruit

Getting Stood Up

Sassafras MountainSouth CarolinaMay  2013 We’re back at the car after our summit hike.  I’m looking through my paperwork, notes about how to get where we are going next.  Two women approach us, just as polite as can be.  “Excuse me, but I wonder if we might be able to hitch a ride with you.  We… Continue reading Getting Stood Up

Waterless Soap

PittsburghPennsylvaniaApril  1998 Cleanliness is just as important on the trail as it is in the city.  But because it isn’t as convenient as absentmindedly twisting a handle as you would do over your kitchen sink, daily chores on the trail take on more deliberate, thoughtful preparation and behavior. If you have ever tried to wash… Continue reading Waterless Soap

Fire Assisted Rear Transport

Humphreys PeakArizonaJune  2013 Y’know what’s great on the trail?  Potato chips.  Like that magical food bacon, potato chips always taste good.  The salt doesn’t hurt either on a day as strenuous as this one.  We’re at 11 800 feet, on our way up, and it’s potato chip time!  I take the package out of my… Continue reading Fire Assisted Rear Transport