Tag Archives: Nature

Finishing up the Jordan Valley 45

Today I completed hiking the 80ish miles of the Jordan Valley 45 Chapter of the North Country Trail, a goal that I hadn’t actually identified when I began hiking various stretches several years ago. I picked up miles here and there as I completed various backpacking trips, day hikes with family, and repeat hikes forContinue reading “Finishing up the Jordan Valley 45”

Mason Tract Pathway Trip Report

A hike that offers river views, few people, and ruins of a castle? Sign me up!  The Mason Tract Pathway is a nine-ish mile hike near Grayling, beginning at the Chase Bridge parking area, ending just beyond the Canoe Harbor State Forest Campground. While it doesn’t hug the Au Sable river bank closely enough forContinue reading “Mason Tract Pathway Trip Report”

Pictured Rocks October 2023: Not quite a saunter, but definitely not a speed hike. 

John Muir once said that he didn’t care for the word “hike,” but preferred “saunter,” with its origins of making a pilgrimage to the holy land. I think that many of us who hike consider nature a holy place, and regardless of your religious beliefs, the views at Pictured Rocks certainly make you pause andContinue reading “Pictured Rocks October 2023: Not quite a saunter, but definitely not a speed hike. “

Two Flatlanders Attempt Mountains

“Do you still want the shuttle?” appeared in my Messenger alert. I watched the rain hitting the window pane, the tree limbs blowing in the early morning light, and wondered to myself if I did indeed want to be shuttled from this warm and dry place to the southern end of Shenandoah National Park atContinue reading “Two Flatlanders Attempt Mountains”

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”