“Be finished before October 1st,” one ex-hiker after another advised us at the PCT (Pacific Crest Trail) Kickoff Party in 2009. It is an understatement to say it proved to be prescient advice. I arrived at the Canadian border to complete the 2,663 mile journey on October 9th, which was at least two weeks later than desirable. For the last part of the PCT runs through the rugged Northern Cascades which are infamous for not just their...

Many people think of journalists as annoying. Indeed many are. Heck, truth be told, that’s part of their job is to hold the high and mighty accountable. But every now and then a journalist writes an article that is flat-out cool. I ask you to check out Nicholas Kristof’s Sunday op-ed in the New York Times. Folks, it is boffo. He recounts his recent trek with his teenage daughter on the Pacific Crest Trail, which runs from Mexico to...

“My daughter is really depressed. We’re worried she might try to kill herself,” Jerry said. “Hey,” I answered slowly, “I really mean this. Long-distance hiking has this almost magical quality to boost people’s morale.” “Really.” “Sure,” I answered. “It’s strange. Your options are dramatically reduced out in the wilderness. Yet it somehow enlarges you.” I...