It’s just about done once again. April has become my Hike-a-Thon month in which I try to raise awareness and funds for the TennGreen Land Conservancy. This wonderful non-profit organization works to preserve and protect Tennessee’s special places. They work to establish conservation easements or purchases so that properties can continue in their natural state. … Continue reading Hike-a-Thon Done
Child’s Play
Child’s Play. It usually connotes something that is simple and free. It has the sense of being easy and spontaneous. Children don’t really have to be taught how to play—play is what they do best. So I’m back from camping up at Indian Boundary Campground in the Cherokee National Forest with some friends. We had … Continue reading Child’s Play
Daddy-Daughter Camp #11
Maggie and I are back from camp. We were up in Elkmont for a couple of days. We ended up in Campsite J14 again—this was our third stay at J14. We had a good camp, even though I was somewhat ‘off my game’ in terms of prep and execution. We celebrated the Autumnal Equinox so … Continue reading Daddy-Daughter Camp #11
The ‘Ber Months
I have to admit that August 31 is one of my favorite dates on the calendar. Not because of any special occasions; no birthdays, anniversaries, or memorable events are marked on that day for me. So what makes it so good? It means that the next day, September 1, will mean that we are finally … Continue reading The ‘Ber Months
Hail to the Hikermobile!
Hail to the Hikermobile! It has served me well for many years now. It has gone many miles in search of adventures and trails and campsites. It is, like me, showing the wear and tear of the years. I have joked with folks saying that its stickers are now what’s mostly holding it together! It … Continue reading Hail to the Hikermobile!
Battlefields
So I recently took a trip. It was down to Chattanooga to see some parks and do some hiking and a couple of nights of solo camping. It was going to be a time of solitude and silence—the kind that refreshes my soul. After an intense month of moving stuff it was intended to be … Continue reading Battlefields
Pathfinders’ Finale
I do not remember a time in my life that I didn’t love hiking. I’ve been hiking now for at least 60 of my 66 years. It has always brought me peace and a sense of connection to the woods, water, wind, and whatever might be coming my way. Hiking is holy ground for me—always … Continue reading Pathfinders’ Finale
Hanging Out Under a Blood Moon
Last night we were afforded an astronomical feast. There was going to be a full moon which is always nice. It was also going to be the Full Wolf Moon according to the Old Farmer’s Almanac. Not only that, but it was going to be what’s known as a super moon since the moon was … Continue reading Hanging Out Under a Blood Moon
Temporary Structures
We got a new tent in the mail this week. Our old tent had bit the dust after about 20 years of adventures. It had endured much in its time; it had served us well. But it was getting a bit worn—pinprick holes and tiny tears from falling acorns and pine cones and general wear … Continue reading Temporary Structures
Character in the Making 