Nature – Page 3 – Exploring Michigan and other cool places

Getting to the trailhead: The quickest way is not always the shortest way

When trying to get to the trailhead is one of the most challenging parts of the backpacking trip…

Hiker Heaven in Ohio

I’ve been hearing about, and seeing gorgeous pictures from Hocking Hills, Ohio on Facebook and Instagram for the last few years, and over this year’s spring break, finally got to see what all the fuss was about. I talked my husband into a hiking vacation, and reserved an Airbnb in Athens, Ohio for a fewContinue reading “Hiker Heaven in Ohio”

Chapter 10: Becoming a Backpacker Dioramas and Rhododendrons: Gettysburg

After spending several days in Shenandoah National Park, and nearing our 100 mile goal, my hiking buddy, Robin, and I decided to indulge our inner history nerds and get in our last 10 miles of Appalachian Trail near Gettysburg, so that we could spend some time exploring the national historic site, in addition to hiking.Continue reading “Chapter 10: Becoming a Backpacker Dioramas and Rhododendrons: Gettysburg”

You can plan all you want, but…

In which a planned 50-mile hike on the North Country Trail goes a little off the rails.

Testament of a hiker, and a thank you to Robert Traver

I fish because I love to; Because I love the environs where trout are found, which are invariably beautiful, and hate the environs where crowds of people are found, which are invariably ugly; -Robert Traver Thus begins one of my favorite poems, “The Testament of a Fisherman,” in which the poet, Robert Traver, (penContinue reading “Testament of a hiker, and a thank you to Robert Traver”