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
Back in the Saddle
So it had been a minute, as they say. Actually it had been more like 50 years. I decided to go bike Cades Cove in the Great Smoky Mountains. Good news is that I made it. Less good news it was not without incident. But let’s back up to start. My story with bicycles is … Continue reading Back in the Saddle
Going to Water
The Cherokee have a saying: “going to water.” It’s a phrase that refers to their tradition of going to water early in the morning to submerge themselves. It is an ancient tradition that connotes healing and cleansing. It was a way to wash away negative things like anger or bad thoughts so that the person … Continue reading Going to Water
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!
Happy Bear-Day to Me!
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!
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
My Hats Off to You!
Folks who know me are already aware that I know and keep certain special days when they show up on the calendar. June 14 is National Bourbon Day and part of my annual birthday celebration. September 12 is National Biscuits and Gravy Day which I have kept for several years now. December 30 is National … Continue reading My Hats Off to You!
House and Half-an-Acre
Wednesday afternoon we signed more papers than I can count. It amounts to a book that the title company actually bound and gave to us so that we have it all in one place. That was thoughtful of them. Sign here and here and here, and initial here, and sign here and here and here … Continue reading House and Half-an-Acre
Off On the Right Foot
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
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
Character in the Making 