Big Bend National Park is one of the most remote places in the United States. The closest commercial airport is almost three and a half hours away in Midland, Texas. The nearest major city, El Paso, is three hundred miles to the northwest. It is literally the end of the road, with only the Rio […]
52 Weeks 52 Hikes
A Word About Wildlife
Remember that TV show, When Animals Attack!? The shockumentary, which aired in the mid-90s, began each week with the narrator cooly saying, “The following program contains graphic footage of animals attacking humans.” What followed was a series of clips, sometimes from home video, sometimes professionally filmed, resulting in increased paranoia and anxiety amongst folks considering […]
Hike Two – Guntersville State Park, Alabama
Where to next? Luckily for me, I work two buildings down from the public library. During lunch, I walk over to check out the hiking section. Spotting a book titled 60 Hikes Within 60 Miles of Birmingham, I take it off the shelf. Perfect. I consider doing all 60 hikes as I slowly turn the pages. That would […]
Got Gear?
You’ve made the commitment to hit the trail. Now what? For this article, we’re going to assume you have adequate footwear, not necessarily hiking boots – although they’re’ great. But definitely good shoes. A good pair of sneakers or trail runners work too. There are so many options, and one size doesn’t fit all. But […]
Hike One – De Soto State Park First Day Hike
Jarred awake by the ubiquitous chime of my iPhone, I fumble around the nightstand in the dark. Desperate to silence the beastly apparatus, I ignore the impulse to hit the snooze button. I’d be lying if I said that I’m not tempted to roll back over and stay cozy and comfortable in my […]
Hiking Vs. Walking: Which is it?
There’s a scene in the television show, Sex and the City where Carrie Bradshaw, the Sarah Jessica Parker character, visits her boyfriend, played by David Duchovny, in a mental institution. It’s a lovely mental institution – practically resort-like. While the pair chats on an emerald-colored, neatly manicured lawn, the Duchovny character lists some of the […]
What I Wish I Knew Before I Started Hiking: Some Tales and a Couple Fails From the Trail
Well, hey there! Looking to take a hike? Get outdoors and get inspired? Up your fitness and find a little peace and possibly a dose of mental clarity? Cool! If you’re here looking for advice on scaling Everest or what to pack for a thru-hike on the Appalachian Trail, well, you’re probably in the […]
52 Weeks 52 Hikes: Tales From the Trail – Chapter 3
Changing my search term to North Alabama Hikes, I’m met with a dizzying array of options. Once referred to as The State of Surpises, Alabama is one of the most biodiverse in the nation. For millions of years, present-day Alabama was covered by a shallow ocean. As the waters receded, limestone bedrock was formed, which […]
McKittrick Canyon – Fall Foliage In West Texas
When you think of fabulous fall foliage displays, West Texas is probably the last place that comes to mind. Well, it’s time to think again and add McKittrick Canyon to your fall bucket list. Guadalupe Mountains National Park is one of the least visited parks in the national park system. Its remote location, 100 miles […]
Reconnect On the Trail In 2020
The holidays have come and gone, and the new year is upon us. The transition from December’s freshly baked cookies and feelings of warmth to January’s cold offerings of kale and guilt can be shocking. This is a time spent reflecting on goals and making resolutions. What’s on tap this year? Improve fitness? Reduce stress? […]
