What kind of idiot thinks this is a good idea? Hands pressed firmly against the cold railing; I stare into the abyss. I feel as alone as I ever have, although I’m surrounded by people. Happy and animated, they are taking pictures and conversing, many in languages I do not recognize. The sky is cloudless […]
52 Weeks 52 Hikes
Five Life Lessons Learned Hiking the Grand Canyon
The benefits of hiking are many. Physically, it’s excellent exercise, offering both cardiovascular benefits and muscle strengthening. Mentally, venturing outside and immersing oneself in nature is a proven stress buster. And no one can take in a panoramic view, listen to churning water as it tumbles over rocks, or gaze upon a field full of […]
Mind, Body & Nature: Reconnecting On the Trail
It’s February. The shock of transitioning from December’s freshly baked cookies and feelings of warmth to January’s cold offerings of kale and guilt is fading. Resolve for resolutions and goals set on January 1 may be fading too. So, what were those resolutions? Improve fitness? Reduce stress? Spend more time meditating or in prayer? What if I told […]
Enchanted Rock – Hiking In Texas Hill Country
Today I was scared. After spending an incredible weekend with 600 like-minded women at the inaugural Women Who Wander Outdoor Retreat, I can’t resist an overnight stay in Fredericksburg, Texas, on the way home to see the spectacular wildflower display. They say it’s the best in ten years. They’re not lying. The Willow City Loop offers jaw-dropping displays […]
Chasin’ Waterfalls in North Alabama
North Alabama is blessed with natural beauty. Now is the perfect time to get outside and enjoy the show that Mother Nature has provided. Plenty of options for waterfall hikes in this gorgeous area. Here are a few suggestions to get you started. De Soto State Park Nestled atop beautiful Lookout Mountain, DeSoto State Park features over […]
Noccalula Falls – Hiking the Gorge
Curious about seeing the backside of water? Ready to make the trek to the new suspension bridge? Do both! Hundreds of thousands of people have viewed the majestic Noccalula Falls in Gadsden, Alabama from atop; why not take them in from a new perspective? There are a couple of ways to descend into the gorge. The […]
7 Reasons to Hit the Trail
Interested in reconnecting with nature, getting in a little exercise, and becoming stronger, both physically and mentally? Hiking just may be the perfect solution! There are many reasons to add hiking to your life; here are seven of them. Hiking is a great workout. We all know hiking is a great cardio workout, but it […]
Hike 19 – Mount Brasil, Terceira Island, Azores
Four months ago, I had never heard of Terceira Island or the Azores. Today I find myself preparing to hike up Mount Brasil, the remains of a long-extinct volcano. Jutting out into the ocean, flanked by two bays, most of the peninsula is designated as a natural reserve. Parking our rental at Relvao Park, the Reluctant Traveler […]
Hiking to LeConte Lodge, Great Smoky Mountain National Park
For years I’ve wanted to hike to LeConte Lodge. Even before I started hiking as a hobby. When I first learned about LeConte Lodge located atop one of the highest mountains in the Great Smoky Mountain National Park, accessible only on foot, I romanticized the notion of visiting and pictured myself trekking along through the forest […]
Hike 16 – Monte Sano Preserve/Huntsville Land Trust
The plan for this week was the Fiery Gizzard Trail in Tennessee, a trail I’ve been dying to do. According to a friend, the trek is challenging, albeit beautiful, clocking in at 12 miles point to point. Drawing a map showing how to make a loop using an offshoot trail, he warned that it was […]
