One of my favorite events each year is the TAG Fall Cave-In held each October. It’s a unique (not used lightly) event and therefore requires a few signs that would seem out of place anywhere else. To view a full set of photos from the event visit my Flickr album.
What’s in my pack? A K-mart grease pot
This is a new series where I will discuss one item I carry either in my backpack, day-pack or camera bag, as well as one I don’t. I came up with the idea after being asked repeatedly what I carry. What items are “must haves” is very individual, so these are just my preferences. Perhaps you will find some new …
Cold Spring Shelter on the Appalachian Trail
The Appalachian Trail (A.T.) is supported by a series of shelters which provide a convenient alternative to pitching a tent. Some are nicer than others. Cold Spring is best described as “historic” and it has a good dose of character. The walls are embellished with years of graffiti, the roof has a few drips, and the mice are friendly. All …
A hometown Christmas at sea
For years, my friends and family suggested I write about my childhood at sea. But, putting those many memories on paper was an overwhelming thought. Finally I decided the best way to approach the task was to do what I’ve always done, plug my nose and jump into the deep end! This piece takes place just after my 14th birthday …
Trip Report: Backpacking California’s Evolution Valley
Laura Manina, my sister and fellow backpacker, shares her experiences and tips on backpacking a 57-mile loop to the Evolution Valley. Many thanks to her for this great post and pictures! You can learn more about her travels with her husband, Mitch, on CruisingSailors.com. ~ Evolution Valley. First, it was a suggestion, and then it was an item on …
Arizona Trail Petroglyphs
A few years ago, Mom and I did some hiking in Arizona. This photo shows some of the petroglyphs we saw on the rocks along the trail. I still think they are some of the coolest things I’ve seen while hiking!
Photo of the day: Why I cave
People ask what I enjoy about crawling around in dark, sometimes muddy, caves. Perhaps a picture is worth a thousand words, so here is my answer.
Hiking to Rawhiti Cave, New Zealand
A guest post by Amy Heritage – Thanks Amy! The next time a guide book mentions a ‘one hour walk’ for people with a ‘moderate level of fitness’ I’m going to regard it with caution. This is how the trek to Rawhiti Cave is described to tourists by the New Zealand Tourist Board. Truthfully, it is a short walk …
Gear review: MSR Pocket Rocket
Over more than two decades I’ve tried several styles of backpacking stoves for my adventure travels. Most recently, I’ve been using a simple alcohol stove, but missed the level of flame control provided by compressed gas models. When Appalachian Outdoors asked me to review the MSR Pocket Rocket, I jumped at the chance. The last compressed gas stove I owned, …
Book review: Becoming Odyssa, Epic Adventures on the Appalachian Trail
This is the first book review on The Active Explorer, and I couldn’t have had an easier one to write — I absolutely loved this book! ~ Erika I felt brave the first time I stepped onto the Appalachian Trail (A.T.) solo. Let’s face it — it’s different for a chick on the trail than for a guy. …