I’m currently in the middle of listening to an audiobook on one woman’s through-hike of the Pacific Crest Trail—the 2,650-mile path from the California-Mexican border to the Washington-Canadian border. The author-hiker shares innumerable difficulties, hardships, dangers, injuries, fears, and failures along the journey. Imagine having to run along the trail…
Ever tried sleeping on a hard-as-a-rock pillow and thought you’d never get to sleep? My better half has never been backpacking before. Done many a day hike with me through the years, but never with a 25 lb. pack on her back. Never setting up a tiny, lightweight tent at…
The Strawbridge family stumbled into my life on YouTube a couple weeks ago. I was watching a video on someone’s hike—can’t even remember who or where they were hiking. If you ever watch YouTube stuff, you know that at the end of each video, suggestions appear for your next viewing….
I should have listened. I knew better, but thought I knew better. In June of 2017, I ventured out on my first multi-day backpacking trip. Not too many lengthy trails for such purposes are found within a 3-4 hour drive from home, but a good beginner trail is only a…
I made the same mistake—twice—and didn’t even know I was doing it. In June 2017, I went on my first solo multi-day backpacking trip to the Kettle Moraine State Forest Southern Unit in Wisconsin. I had planned on a five-night trip, covering about 55 miles or so on the Ice…
I enjoy hiking. There’s something refreshing about being out on a trail somewhere, away from stuff and buildings and noise and traffic. Most of my hiking has been the day-hike variety. Arrive at a trailhead at some point in the morning, lace up my boots, grab the hiking pole, and…
