I have a tendency to over-think things. At times this has caused me a lot of grief. When a problem comes my way, or I’m offered some type of challenge, I tend to amplify that situation by excessive thinking. I can over-analyze something to death. In-depth analysis, however, has not always been burdensome. Sometimes it […]
Backpacking/Hiking
These posts reflect my thoughts on backpacking and all things outdoors
Applying Permetherin to My Hiking Clothes
Here in Pennsylvania, as well as many other Appalachian states, ticks are a major concern for the outdoorsman. Ticks are tiny, parasitic arachnids that attach themselves to a host and then gorge themselves on the host’s blood. They are especially troublesome because they can spread a number of diseases. Lyme Disease is probably the most […]
What To Do When You’re Lost In The Woods
It’s happened to me on more than just a few occasions. I’ve been hiking along a well-marked trail just enjoying my time in the woods when I suddenly notice that I haven’t seen a blaze in awhile. Dang. I’m not on the trail. At some point I’ve wandered off and now I’m lost. LOST! It’s pretty […]
Planning the Impromptu Hike
This is part three of a three-part blog written by three backpackers (Dane, Rob, and Lance) all answering the same question: How Do You Find Time To Go Backpacking? Planning the Impromptu Hike, by Dane With all of our kids either in college or out on their own, one would think that my wife and I […]
Finding Time To Unplug From All Things Needing A Plug
By Rob (Backpacking Adventures) (guest blogger) Find time to go backpacking? Time? You think I can find time? I am a husband, and the father of two daughters ages thirteen and seventeen. My career requires about thirty weeks a year on the road. Then, there are my other hobbies of golf and playing music. There is no […]
Make the Time to Do What You Love
This is part one of a three-part blog written by three backpackers (Dane, Rob and Lance) all answering the same question: “How Do You Find Time To Go Backpacking?” Make the Time to Do What You Love By Lance (OutLan) (guest blogger) I have always loved camping and hiking. Since I was a little boy, […]
Hiking Solo But Afraid of the Dark
I will admit it. As much as I enjoy backpacking solo there have been a few times when I found myself wishing I wasn’t alone as the sun went down. You may know what I’m talking about: when the long, friendly shadows cast by a glowing sun suddenly morph into sinister-looking shapes that scurry behind trees or stop moving […]
The Allure of Backpacking
Years ago I was telling a lady that I was going to spend a week’s vacation backpacking. She was intrigued as we talked about my plans. Then, it suddenly dawned on her that I was going to spend a week in the woods without taking a shower. She stopped me at that point. She explained that her idea […]
Hiking Solo
My hiking career didn’t begin as a solo venture, and I’m very glad that it didn’t. I didn’t have the skills, know-how, or courage to go alone. Instead, I tagged along with a couple of guys who had a little more knowledge than I did. Yet, it wasn’t their woodcraft that kept me in their company. Rather, I […]
Burn Test of Element Wood Stove and Pine Fire Sandy Cookie
For some time I had been interested in getting a backpacking wood stove. There are a number of different styles available on the marketplace and so I took my time deciding. I wanted something small, efficient, and reliable. Eventually, I decided on the Element by Tato Gear. I choose the titanium model, which weighs in […]