Archives
Boots Vs. Trail Runners: Two Loyalists Compare and Contrast
Hiking boots or trail runners? Years ago there wasn't a choice. Leather hiking boots ruled the trail. But trail runners are now king of the mountains, and they far outnumber...
Sweet Monkey on the LT: VT15 to Sterling Pond via Whitetop Mountain
Sweet Monkey and Michele begin the day with a seven mile climb up Whiteface but after fourteen miles are back in town eating burgers!
Gear Review: Outdoor Research Refuge Hybrid Hooded Jacket
Is it a puffy? Is it a base layer? No, it’s Outdoor Research’s Refuge Hybrid Hooded Jacket—a lightweight multi-tasker that excels in moderation. This pared-down rehash of OR’s popular Refuge...
Gear Review: Six Moon Designs Lunar Solo Tent
Camping shelters are as diverse as the backpackers who carry them. From freestanding tents to trekking pole setups, from tarps to hammocks to plain old cowboy camps, there are endless...
Homicide Suspects and the Kindness of Strangers
Walking the road into Metaline Falls on a hot 90+ degree day, two cars whip a u-turn and pull up behind us. County sheriff and US Border Patrol. Uh-oh, looks...
Trekking to Kyrgyzstan’s Ala-Kol Pass, Day 1
We wake up this morning in the Ala-Kol Guesthouse in Karakol to the sound of rain. When we look outside the window, we see a blanket of gray clouds has...
Through the Ringer of The 100 Mile Wilderness
Maine has been unbelievable. It is more beautiful and picturesque than I could have expected. From glorious rivers, to rolling landscapes of pine, and climbs straight up mountains and down...
New Shoes, Windy Views
Done with the Wind River Range. This has been the most beautiful section I’ve ever hiked. The views are truly incredible. I’m sad that it’s over but know there’s still...
Reflecting on Washington
As I sit in this cafe attached to the hostel I’m staying at in Portland, I’m crunching on a toasted everything bagel, sipping my black coffee, and the Chili Peppers...
My Last Day On The AT
Just like any other morning, I woke up at 3 am to go to the bathroom. I tossed and turned for a minute and when I fully awoke I realized...