To say that I am a klutz might be a bit of an understatement.  Okay, it’s a huge understatement.  This year, I have been to the orthopedic doctor twice—once for my left knee after my first ever backpacking trip with … Continue reading →

We recently had a reader – Dave, a soon-to-be resident of Denver – inquire as to what he should wear and use while snowshoeing.  Here are our recommendations for Dave:

Arc’teryx Gamma MX Softshell Jacket – Men’s: http://bit.ly/vg8I4c

The North … Continue reading →

Are you one of the millions of people around the world who are experiencing headaches? Presently, nine out of 10 Americans suffer from headaches. There are headaches that are felt occasionally. There are those felt frequently. Some cause intense pain and nausea while others are just dull and aching. Can you think of any alternative treatment for your headaches? Will you just rest and wait for the … Continue reading →

There are times in life when plans materialize through series of events that look nothing like what was originally “the plan.” The “carefully thought out, well-orchestrated” plan.I deem it a safe assertion to suggest that most folks who put into action the plan of thru-hiking the Appalachian Trail do so with the strongest conviction that anything less than completing this goal, this original plan,… Continue reading →

For an insignificant fly-spot speck of land in an inland sea, Flowerpot Island in Ontario’s Georgian Bay looms large on the horizon.Its twin namesakes scowl on the sun-drenched eastern shore, dominating the tiny peak of the Niagara Escarpment which barely clears the icy waters of the bay.The island is part of Fathom Five National Marine Heritage Area, one of Canada’s first marine parks.Despite its… Continue reading →

When the snow clears why not try playing golf rather than just using the golf course as a snowshoe track. Golfing gives the entire body a workout. This is far from the perception many non-golfers have about the sport. To them, golf is an easy sport done for leisure. However, as any golfer would attest, playing golf can lead to serious injuries. When doing a swing, golfers engage muscle groups both… Continue reading →

Runners will have an opportunity to race up the Pikes Peak Highway on Sunday, August 28, 2011, when they enter the inaugural Pikes Peak Road Ascent. This 11.6-mile route will start near the Pikes Peak Highway Toll Gate at an elevation of 7,750 feet and ascend up the mostly-paved road to Glen Cove at an elevation of 11,425 feet. The total gain is 3,675 feet with an average grade between 5 and 8 per… Continue reading →

Groceries here, just passing through.My time on the Appalachian Trail thus far has been amazing, and amazingly challenging on every imaginable level.After spending three weeks off of the trail dealing with my knee injury, I was welcomed back to the woods with a grueling hike out of the Nantahala Gorge. I heard an accomplished thru-hiker refer to this particular climb as his “most miserable day on … Continue reading →

…then moves on. The Nantahala River is beautiful and beautifully powerful. Where it crosses the Appalachian Trail is nestled a virtual playground for rafters, hikers, and outdoor enthusiasts of all flavors. It is a wonderful place to pause, to drink in the reward of civilization following a difficult hike, to enjoy a hot meal and to spend a day or so. It’s a nice place to choose to be. On day fo… Continue reading →

After spending a couple of days in Indiana with family before heading out on my journey, my college friend Katie was kind enough to retrieve me from the Atlanta airport on Friday. She treated me to my “last meal” and provided lodging in her father’s home south of the city – a converted cotton warehouse from the late 1800s.I had chosen the forest service road running adjacent to the trail to begin … Continue reading →