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
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
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! 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!
Birthdays are one of those times that I often reflect on the past year (or even years!) and think about what I’ve done, not done, should have done, shouldn’t have done! You know, revisit the events and experiences and evaluate myself and my performance. Birthdays feel like a natural marker—a moment to do just that! … Continue reading Happy Bear-Day to Me!
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
January is the time of looking back and looking forward. It is the time to review all that went on in the past year, and there was lots that went on! It’s also the time to look ahead at clean calendar pages and blocks. I always do some of both. Sometimes, in fact, it takes … Continue reading Off On the Right Foot
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
Character in the Making 