As most AT (Appalachian Trail) hikers know, Amicalola Falls is one of the names that resonates deep within the psyches of AT hikers. This is where the Appalachian Trail begins. To be perfectly concise, the AT begins at Springer Mountain, which is several miles further up on an approach trail (If you ask me, the AT should begin at Amicalola Falls). In any event, Amicalola Falls is the logical place to have a seasonal kickoff event for the great...

 “His writing style is very good,” wrote Deborah. “But he seems a little sketchy. I would go out of my way to avoid hiking with a fool like him.” This was a a recent Amazon review for my trail narrative, Skywalker–Highs and Lows on the Pacific Crest Trail. First, let me say that I appreciate Deborah buying the book, as well as writing the review. And I certainly am happy that she described the writing style...

  “To be or not to be. That is the question.” Of course, those words are famous to all of us with just a morsel of knowledge of the Bard. And it’s all in the realm of fantasy, except for a few select people around the globe. Especially us Americans, for whom suspicion of royalty runs through and through our very DNA. But several years ago, I faced a question of direct relevance. Upon reading Bill Bryson’s...

 The Appalachian Trail (AT) and Pacific Crest Trail (PCT) face their weather trials and tribulations inversely. As noted previously, the AT starts at its very highest elevations in the southern Appalachians. And to thru-hike that 2,180 mile national scenic trail, it is necessary to begin in early spring. Thus, you can expect cold, wet weather in the early going, that can border on dangerous. The PCT is just the opposite. PCT thru-hikers start...

    Skywalker–Highs and Lows on the Pacific Crest Trail has just been released in audio format on Amazon.com  Those interested in purchasing the recording can access the following link  http://www.amazon.com/Skywalker-Highs-Pacific-Crest-Trail/dp/B00B581A9G/ref=sr_1_2?ie=UTF8&qid=1359147349&sr=8-2&keywords=skywalker+highs+and+lows+on+the+pacific+crest+trail The audio is 7 hours and 53 minutes in length and the...

Randall St. Germain, author of Camino de Santiago in 20 Days, recently gave me an extensive interview. Randall has done and written about the Camino de Santiago himself. He knew I had done the same. But like most outdoors people, he was curious about other trails and routes. For that reason he had lots of questions about the journeys on the Appalachian Trail and Pacific Crest Trail. I enjoyed the interview, probably because his questioning...