Category: The Moosilauke Letters

Pennsylvania(There are 27 columns in my Pennsylvania Series.  We have visited all of these marvels on the way to, or from, various hikes.) Pennsylvania.  Sylva refers to the woods, the forest, the places where we frequently hike and camp.  Penn means “Penn”, as in William Penn.  William Penn?  Who dat? William Penn was the father… Continue reading Pennsylvania Series I — Penn’s Woods

VolcanoHawaiiJuly  2016 In 1946 Vichy, France, a baby was born.  He was named Claude Vorilhon.  Claude grew up to become a singer/songwriter, a sports writer, a race car driver and the leader of a good-intentioned, semi-wacko cult group. As a musician, he sounded a little like Antonio Carlos Jobim, but not too much.  His music… Continue reading The Raëlians

Frick ParkPennsylvaniawhenever it might rain If there were 27 or more hours in a day, Lisa and I would put more time into driving to trailheads farther away than where we now go.  So because there are only 24, and because walking and hiking isn’t all we do in this life (really?!) we often walk… Continue reading But It’s Raining III

West Rim TrailPennsylvaniaJuly  2003 On the third and final day of our backpacking trip on the West Rim Trail, the storm comes back.  Or maybe it’s a whole new storm.  Can’t tell, doesn’t matter, it’s a storm.  The lightning flashes, the thunder booms and the rain rains.  We’ve got a few miles left to hike. … Continue reading But It’s Raining II

Laurel Highlands Hiking TrailPennsylvaniaJuly  1995 I know a lot of people don’t like to be outside of buildings in the rain.  I think even more people don’t want to go hiking or camping in the rain. Martin, Abbie, Andi and I are driving to the Laurel Highlands for a two-day backpack trip.  It is raining… Continue reading But It’s Raining I

everywhereall the time My goal in life is to be as good a person as my dog thinks I am. A dog teaches a boy fidelity, perseverance, and to turn around three times before lying down.— Robert Benchley If dogs could talk, perhaps we would find it as hard to get along with them as… Continue reading HIking with Canine Americans

on the slopes As much of a schmuck as I can be — go read https://www.asiwentwalking.com/2024/12/05/martys-dry-boots/ — I think it’s a good story.  But I owe Marty.  He’s a good guy.  In fact, here he is again, in the world where he is most comfortable.  He is not exactly walking, but as a ski patrol… Continue reading Marty’s Dry Boots II

Frick ParkPittsburghDecember  2003 Wherever crows are, there is magic.— Ted Andrews “The crows seem to be calling my name,” thought Caw.— Jack Handey Frick Park is a mere block and a half from my home.  Being close to this park is one of the chief reasons I chose some thirty years ago to live in… Continue reading Crows

PittsburghJanuary  2017 I’ve got some stuff going on.  One doctor thinks I have sleep apnea.  That’s when you stop breathing while you are sleeping.  I’m thinking that as long as you start up again, what’s the problem?  But they say that it can affect your waking life too;  make you sleepy during the day, mush… Continue reading Sleep Study

any two states Heading due east on our way to the high point of Kansas — yes, Kansas does have a high point — we cross the Colorado/Kansas state line.  This transition occurs at a city called Kanorado.  Great name, a portmanteau of KANsas and ColORADO, as if you couldn’t already tell. What fun!  Some time… Continue reading South Dakotasota