Moonlight Hike

The moon makes a brief appearance at the start of its namesake hike.

Ah, the moon. The river. Can't get much better than a night hike along the Potomac.

This was another outing of the Capital Hiking Club, a moonlit hike along the C&O Canal to Great Falls Park northwest of Washington, D.C.

The "moonlit" part was a bit of a misnomer. I'm glad I took this photo before we started _ because the clouds quickly hid the orb from view for the rest of the night.

It was an easy, flat, 2-hour trundle with some 50 people. Flashlights weren't needed even without the moon. The trail of crushed white rock was easily visible. The rushing waters of the falls sounded even more powerful in the dark.

Hikers near woods with flashlights. (Not too many photo-ops on this hike.) 

Of course, there are a few extra precautions when hiking at night. Bring a flashlight in case you need it (along with spare batteries). Choose your destination wisely. Always hike in a group. Make sure it's a path with solid footing.

Otherwise, it's a great way to spend an evening. Give it a try sometime.

And, while you're thinking about it, sign up for one of our hiking trips for 2014. We'll be going to Vermont, Switzerland, Vegas and Virginia.

See you on the trails.

Joseph

"Don't Shoot Me _ I'm a Hiker"

It's hunting season, which means hikers and hunters are sharing the woods. Even if you're hiking on protected land where hunting isn't allowed, there's always a chance a hunter will accidentally stray into your area.

How do you protect yourself on the trail? Here are some very good tips from the Green Mountain Club.

Remember: Orange is your favorite color this time of year. And, yes, some stores will even sell you an orange shirt that says "Don't Shoot Me _ I'm a Hiker."

We make sure to avoid hunting season with our hiking vacations. Take a look at our schedule and join us next year.

See you on the trails.

Joseph

Peace and Beauty Behind the Strip Malls

There's a hidden gem in my area. I want to tell you about it, but I want to keep it a secret because I don't want to see it spoiled.

Sunrise over the Potomac River with a roaring campfire

Not that I think it ever will be spoiled. It's a private plot of land on a cliff overlooking the Potomac River, an absolutely gorgeous place to go camping, especially when leaves are changing in the fall.

I was there with a group over the weekend. Our campfire was only a few yards away from the cliff. We saw all sorts of animals. We went orienteering. The stars were brilliant at night. And the sunrise over the river was spectacular in the morning.

The untold story is that the owners of this property have been offered millions many times over by developers who would love to put hotels, restaurants and anything else you can imagine on this prime piece of real estate. The owners keep saying no. They've even put it in their will that the land can never be developed in perpetuity.

Less than a half-mile away, there's a Target, a Home Depot and literally hundreds of other stores as you work your way toward the sprawling area around Leesburg, Virginia. We don't need more of that stuff. We need more people like the family who own this farm, people who can actually say no.

It was a great weekend. I glad they let us camp there. To pay our way, so to speak, we cleared some dead trees and picked up a whole lot of trash that had washed up a stream. I'm sure we'll be back.

Meanwhile, don't forget to sign up for one of our hiking trips in 2014. Click here to visit our website and find out more.

See you on the trails.

Joseph

A Solar Powered Hiking Shelter

It used to be that hiking didn't require electricity, at least not much. All you needed was batteries for your camera and flashlight.

These days, of course, everyone seems to carry a cellphone. And maybe a GPS. And maybe a tablet. And those things have to be charged every now and then. (Think about it _ when someone stays overnight at your house, they look for an outlet to charge their phone, right?)

Full disclosure: I carry a cellphone when I hike, but I usually remove the batteries. It saves power, plus it protects the phone from being permanently damaged in case it gets wet. Cellphones are handy in emergencies, but I sometimes feel we rely on them too much. ("Oh, I can take this dicey trail _ I can always call for help if I get hurt or lost." Yeah, right.)

This leads us to today's hiking news item. Solar panels have been placed atop one of the shelters frequented by hikers on the Appalachian Trail near Waynesboro, Va. The shelter isn't actually on the trail itself, and you've already reached town anyway, so it's hardly in a middle-of-nowhere place. Where you'd really like to see something like this is on a remote stretch of the trail, where there's no civilization around.

Still, it's a start. I'm a big fan of solar energy, so anything that helps the cause is good. Check out the full story in this report from NBC29.

And, of course, you can bring you cellphones when you join us next year for one of our hiking vacations. Hope to have you along as we go to Switzerland, Nevada, Vermont and Virginia. Check out all the details here.

See you on the trails.

Joseph

A 13-year-old Ray of "Sunshine"

She's 13 years old, and her trail name is "Sunshine."

And she's quite a hiker.

Reed Gjonnes of Salem, Oregon, has become the youngest known person to hike the so-called "Triple Crown" _ the three major long-distance trails in the United States. She and her father have conquered the Pacific Coast Trail, Appalachian Trail and Continental Divide Trail.

And let me repeat that she's only 13. And she did part of it with a broken arm. 

I remember reading about Reed in the Washington Post when she and her father were doing the AT. Now that she's finished all three trails, you can read about her adventures in this story from Zach Uruness of the Salem Statesman-Journal.

Well done, Reed.

The hiking trips we have scheduled for next year aren't as demanding as anything that Reed attempted, but they sure are awesome ways to spend a vacation. Check out our schedule and join us in Switzerland, Vermont, Nevada or Virginia. 

See you on the trails.

Joseph

And When October Goes ...

A little fall of rain didn't deter my neighbor. 

But there was one concession to the weather _ a canopy.

I suppose the coolest way to spend Halloween would be a hike to a cozy cabin deep in the woods, but that very idea spawned the "Friday the 13th" movies. Maybe it's just more fun to chill out with the neighbors.

That's what we do where I live. We take over a cul-de-sac, light a fire in the middle of the street, set up tables with homemade goodies and enjoy each other's company while streams of kids and parents drop by to say hello.

My pumpkin whoopie pies (see yesterday's blog) were a big hit. Gotta save that recipe, for sure. Needless to say, we all went home with warm hearts and full bellies.

Today is All Saints Day, when we're supposed to be rid of all the evil spirits of the day before. In my case, it means a longer-than-usual bicycle ride to make up for all that Halloween food!

Back to thinking about hiking. The new year will be here before you know it, so start thinking about those 2014 plans. Check out our website and join us for a hiking trip.

See you on the trails.

Joseph

Ahhh! Lots of homemade treats for all the scary folks.

All Hallow's Eve

Pumpkin whoopie pies. Easy to make. Let's hope they taste OK. 

It takes longer to clean up the kitchen than it does to make the treats.

It's a busy day, so this will be a short blog. I was up late last night making pumpkin whoopie pies for All Hallow's Eve, which we know today as Halloween.

I discovered pumpkin whoopie pies at a shop in Harper's Ferry, Maryland, and had to try to make some for myself. I pureed one of the pumpkins on my front stoop and made them into little cakes stuffed with cream cheese filling.

I'll hand these out when I gather with friends around our small fire tonight in the middle of the neighborhood cul-de-sac. For me, that's what Halloween has become _ a chance to sit with friends, interact with all the neighbors and their kids and enjoy their company. I might even throw on my "Trashman" costume. (We'll have photos tomorrow in my "All Saints Day" blog.)

Here's hoping you, too, have a neighborly Halloween.

And, yes, don't forget to visit our
hiking website.

See you on the trails. And around the fire.

Joseph

Racing Through the Woods With a Map

My map and my final time sheet.

It's a sport that has a long, intimidating name, but don't let that put you off. If you enjoy the outdoors and have any sense of direction whatsoever, you really ought to give orienteering a try.

You're given a map, a compass and a computer chip to wear on your finger. You dash through the woods (some people run, some people walk) trying to complete the course.

Anyone can do it. Even a 6-year-old could finish the very simple White course, while the experts go for the Green, Red or Blue. In between, there's Orange and Brown. I'd call it a rainbow of choices _ but not all of those colors are in the rainbow.

I'm fortunate to live in an area where there are many orienteering events sponsored by the good people at the Quantico Orienteering Club. They have something going on nearly every weekend in the spring and fall in the parks near Washington, D.C.

On Sunday, the fun was held at Prince William Park in Virginia. About 300 people turned out. I opted for the Brown course (intermediate level) because I had been on a 14-mile hike the day before. As you can see if you click on the photo, I had a bit of a struggle finding No. 6. (I kept looking in the wrong ditch.) Nevertheless, I finished fifth. In fact, if you're really a stat geek, you can see the breakdown of my times and how they compared with others on the QOC website here, here, and here.

You can also check out their schedule of upcoming events. Give it a try _ I'm sure you'll have fun.

If you'd rather hike instead of orienteer, don't forget our our hiking trips next year. We're going to Switzerland, Nevada, Vermont and Virginia in 2014.

See you on the trails.

Joseph

Hiking a Roller Coaster

A sign meant to strike fear into hearts of weary backpackers

Roller coasters are supposed to make you scream, right? Well, certainly, there have been more than a few hikers on the Appalachian Trail who have wanted to scream when encountering this sign.

The "Roller Coaster" section of the AT run through the northern part of Virginia. Up and down. Up and down. Up and down. A challenging change of pace from the walks along the relatively flat ridges that one encounters on some other parts of the AT.

On Saturday, we hiked a portion of the Roller Coaster with the Capital Hiking Club, based in Washington, D.C. It was 14 miles from Route 50 to Route 7 _ with an elevation gain of more than 4,000 when you add up all the "ups."

It's a great hike, but you need to be prepared with plenty of water and food. The nice reward comes near the end, when you get a spectacular view of the Shenandoah Valley from the overlook near Bear's Den cabin.

It was also a great time of year to be outdoors. The leaves were colorful, and the sun warmed us up quickly. A fabulous day to be in the woods. There are more photos below, plus lots more on the club's website.

The Shenandoah region is one of our destinations for 2014. Take a look and sign up for a hiking trip to Switzerland, Vermont, Nevada or Virginia.

See you on the trails.

Joseph

Gathering place at the Clarke County line

It was a little chilly when we started ...

... but soon the sun took over, and the view from Bear's Den was stunning as usual.

Let's Go Hiking in, uh, Kansas?

No, I am not planning a hiking trip to Kansas. Not that I have anything against Kansas. As the son of a farmer, I'd love to visit that fine state one day and bask in the wheat fields and meet lots of friendly people.

But as I was thinking about potential blog topics today, I thought: "What state would you least associated with hiking?"

Well, consider this about Kansas:
_ It doesn't have mountains. Its highest point is optimistically called Mount Sunflower, which is in the middle of a field somewhere and is only slightly higher than the rest of the field.
_ It doesn't have a coastline.
_ It doesn't have a National Park. (It does have the Tallgrass Prairie National Preserve, but that hardly rolls off the tongue like Yosemite or Yellowstone.)

So, just for the fun of it, I Googled "hiking in Kansas" to see what I could find. The Every Trail website offered some options and made one thing perfectly clear right away: Hiking in Kansas involves walking around scenic lakes.

And that's not a bad thing at all. You can, for example, stroll a 12-mile circuit of Wyandotte County Lake, taking lots of nice photos while not having to worry about getting winded on a steep slope or wearing out your knees coming down the other side.

So here's a mighty hello to all the hikers in Topeka and elsewhere. Maybe we'll come visit you soon, and you can show up your lakes.

Of course, if you're interested in Vermont, Virginia, Nevada or Switzerland, you can come with us. Check out our itineraries for 2014.

See you on the trails.

Joseph

When You're 15, And You Say You've Hike the AT, They're Gonna Believe You

After spending all last week blogging about myself and my various personal adventures and misadventures, it's time to return to more fascinating topics _ like, say, the 15-year-old Florida girl who is about to become the youngest person to do a solo hike of the Appalachian Trial.

How about that? Neva Warren (trail name "Chipmunk") should be finishing up in Maine any day now. You can read about her _ and see a video interview _ in this article by outdoors writer Aislinn Sarnacki of the Bangor Daily News.

I've encountered hikers of all ages during my time on the AT. In Vermont, I met a man in his 80s _ Mike Caetano ("Cimmaron") _ who was attempting to become the oldest person to thru-hike the trail.

But it's a special challenge for women hiking solo on the trail. They basically have to endure six months of pick-up lines from male solo hikers, which is no fun at all. I even met one hiker who stopped signing her name in the log books at the shelters just to throw off her "stalkers."

So it's not surprising that 15-year-old Neva has taken extra precautions. She carries mace. She has a GPS so that her parents can track her. They don't hike with her, but they follow along on nearby roads with a camper, where she usually spends the night.

Still, hiking 2,000-plus miles is a fabulous accomplishment. Wish I could've done it when I was 15. Well done, "Chipmunk."

By the way, we'll hike on a small portion of the AT during one of our hiking trips next year. Visit our website to learn more about our vacations to Virginia, Vermont, Nevada and Switzerland.

See you on the trails.

Joseph

The Adventurous Weekend, Part III: 3 States of Mind

Harper's Ferry feels the brunt of politics.

Well, it's time to wrap up the tale of my whirlwind weekend, which began with a 6-hour wait for any of 5 various tow trucks near D.C. on Friday night and continued with a 100-mile bike ride on Maryland's Eastern Shore on Saturday.

Then came Sunday. My friend Malcolm and his son were in town, and they wanted to go for a hike and then do some camping. I suggested various options, and they went for Harper's Ferry, the historic town nestled at the junction of two rivers (Potomac and Shenandoah) and three states (Virginia, West Virginia and Maryland.)

But the government can't shut down a nice view.

 However, Harper's Ferry is so historic that much of it is a National Park, so therefore much of  it was closed because of the federal government shutdown. Even the parking lots were barricaded, which meant the most popular sport in Harper's Ferry these days is the eternal search for a place to plop the car.

We found a space near the train depot and went off on our adventure, walking around town and then across the Potomac River bridge to do one of the most famous hikes in the area _ Maryland Heights. It's steep but relatively short, and extremely popular. Hiking Upward gives it a "5" for views (excellent!) and a "0" for solitude (tourists are everywhere!).

It was unseasonably hot for October, but nevertheless a great day to be outdoors. We hiked, then found a campground next to the Potomac and spent the night. The stars were particularly brilliant.

Onward to Maryland Heights ...

 I don't get to see the Milky Way where I live in suburban Virginia. Nice to see it's still there.

So it was a great weekend after all. Who knows _ I might even get my Prius back soon. And, yes, I'm still working on getting compensation from the insurance company for the tow truck bill.

In case you're wondering, Harper's Ferry isn't on the itinerary for any of our hiking vacations for next year, but we do have a trip that takes you into the nearby Shenandoah Valley of Virginia. Take a look at the schedule and be sure to sign up.

... but first, a close look at tadpoles in the Potomac.

See you on the trails.

Joseph

Crowded overlook. (It's a very popular hike.)

Your three intrepid hikers.

Quite the Weekend _ Part II

Yesterday, I described Part I of a whirlwind weekend, one that began with a 6-hour roadside vigil while I waited for any of five tow trucks to come whisk me and my car away. One of your posted on my Facebook page: "Tough luck, Joe. Maybe your luck will change for the better."

Atop the Verrazano Bridge

Today, it's Part II, and I'm happy to report it's a sunnier tale _ figuratively and literally. 

Having arrived at my home in Virginia at midnight from my various tow truck calamities, I had to decide whether I still had the energy to take part in the Sea Gull Century, an extremely popular 100-mile bike ride on Maryland's Eastern Shore. Thousands and thousands ride the Sea Gull every year, in part because it's scenic (leaves are changing in October) and because it's an attainable goal for even a casual bike-rider (the land is very flat in those parts, and there are four rest stops that serve everything from peanut butter sandwiches to Gatorade to apple pie with ice cream). You have to book your place well in advance, and this happened to be the 25th anniversary of the event _ a quarter-century of centuries. 

I had ridden the Seagull once before with my friends Mike and Lou Ann and was looking forward to doing it again, this time with Lou Ann and her friend Amy (pictured above at the 63-mile mark, atop the bridge that leads to Assateague Island and the Atlantic Ocean), but we were supposed to meet at the starting point in Salisbury, Maryland, at 7 a.m. Saturday _ yet here I was still in Virginia and wide awake Friday at midnight.

My original plan was to drive to Delaware on Friday night _ that's where I was headed when my car broke down. I now decided I would sleep in my own bed and set the alarm for 4:30 a.m. If I woke up and felt OK, I would drive down to Salisbury and ride with my friends.

I overslept. Woke at 5 a.m. Nevertheless, I was determined to ride the ride. I'd been looking forward to it. I had paid the money to sign up. Lou Ann and Amy had been expecting me. It would be the only century ride I could do this year because of hiking trips and other adventures. I got dressed and hopped in my old pickup truck (car is in the shop, remember?) and made the drive. My truck doesn't have SmartTag and I hadn't been to an ATM recently, so I paid the $6 toll to cross the Chesapeake Bay Bridge with 24 quarters I had scrounged up from a soup mug I keep at home. 

Lou Ann and Amy had already started by the time I got there, but I caught up with them at the first rest stop about 23 miles into the ride.  From there, we had a nice ride the rest of the way. I thought the lack of sleep would take its toll, but the good weather and good companionship and the desire to fulfill my goal of completing the ride combined to overcome my weariness. 

But, yes, in case you're wondering: I slept very well Saturday night. I had to, because there were more adventures to come on Sunday. That's a story for tomorrow.

Meanwhile, be sure to visit our website and check out our hiking trips for 2014.

See you on the trails.

Joseph

An Adventurous Weekend ... to Say the Least

Well, everyone, what a weekend. I hit the full gamut of calamity and adventure. There was hiking, camping, biking and tow truck drama _ not necessarily in that order. Suffice it to say that I have enough material for three blog posts.

The photo at the right is my Prius, which has faithfully registered more than 240,000 miles (all the way to the moon) with very little trouble, but it's getting to the age where something inevitably is going to break down once in a while. In this case, a cooling pump went haywire and left me stranded on the busy U.S. Route 50 between Washington, D.C., and Bowie, Maryland.

I was on my way to Maryland's Eastern Shore to take part in the popular Sea Gull Century 100-mile bike ride. My plan was to arrive at my friend's house Friday night in time to have a nice pasta dinner and a good night's sleep before the long ride. Instead, the car went kaput at about 4:30 p.m.

What a bummer, I thought, but nothing serious, right? After all, my insurance company said a tow truck would arrive in an hour. I would get my car towed to my mechanic and then drive my pickup truck to the Eastern Shore.

The tow truck never arrived. Computer glitch, I was told. A second one was ordered. It also never arrived. It was mistakenly sent to Winchester, Virginia _ some 100 miles away and in the WRONG STATE!! A third tow truck was dispatched. This one was in Berkeley Springs, West Virginia _ more than 100 miles away and ALSO IN THE WRONG STATE!!

By this time, it was dark. I had been waiting for about 4 hours. I had run out of flares. It was getting a bit dangerous hanging out on that busy highway. A fourth tow truck was dispatched by my insurance company, but I decided to take matters into my own hands. I called a local tow truck service to come get me. When it arrived, it successfully towed me for a few miles _ and then it broke down.

That's right, my tow truck broke down. On the Capital Beltway. Pulled off to the side of the left lane. An even more hazardous spot than the one that I had left.

Fortunately, the insurance company tow truck hadn't given up on me. Even though I had canceled it, that tow truck showed up on Route 50 wondering where I was. The driver called me on my cellphone, and I told him I was with another tow truck that had broken down. He found us, made a daring maneuver on the Beltway to position himself in front of my car and towed me to my mechanic. I got home at midnight, having given up on getting to the Eastern Shore to sleep.

Yeah,  it was frustrating, and I'm still dealing with paperwork and trying to get reimbursements, etc. By the way, I still managed to ride in the Century the next day _ on 5 hours' sleep. I'll tell that tale tomorrow.

Of course, after reading all this, you're supposed to be sympathetic enough to sign up for one of my hiking trips, right? Well, as is customary, here's the link to get you started. No tow trucks needed.

See you on the trails. And hopefully not beside the busy road.

Joseph

What Do I Pack for a Hiking Trip?

Recently we did a blog post on the 10 Essentials that you should take on every hike.

Making sure we have everything on the list before a hike in the Alps

But what if you're going on an hiking vacation? You need more than 10 items, obviously, but what else do you pack?

On our website we have a complete list of everything you should take if you sign up for one of our USA hiking trips, as well as another comprehensive list for our trip to Switzerland. Those are two of the most popular pages on our website.

While we like to think we've thought of everything, we're always open to suggestions. Also, while this list is a good starting point for just about any hiking trip, there are certain things you'll need to add for different types of trips. For instance, if you're camping, you'll need a tent, sleeping bag, sleeping pad, etc.

So take a look at the lists and let us know what you think. And be sure to join us for one of our hikes next year.

See you on the trails.

Joseph

The Extremes of Nevada

Nevada. It's where you gamble and get married quickly.

At least that's the reputation.

It's actually a beautiful state. If you ever fly into Las Vegas, look at the scenery as you approach the airport. Awe-inspiring. Mountains. Canyons. Rivers.
Nature-lovers like to say: "Nevada's a great place _ too bad it's got Vegas in it."

Truly it's a place for both worlds. You can spend a week in Vegas and never leave the casino, betting on blackjack and watching shows. Or you can spend a week exploring outside the city, places like Red Rock Canyon and the Valley of Fire.

Or you can do both. Spend some time in the casinos. Spend some time in the mountains.

That's one reason we're offering a Nevada hiking trip next year. It's a chance to get out of Vegas and explore the natural world, yet you can also spend your evenings soaking up the neon of the city, if that's your thing.

Click here to see the schedule. We're going in the spring _ before the weather gets too hot. Book your spot now.

See you on the trails.

Joseph

Shutdown Blues

Google is paying tribute to a park that's closed.

Today's Google doodle celebrates the 123rd anniversary of Yosemite National Park, which as of midnight became a casualty of the government shutdown.

It's obviously sad when the fallout of dysfunctional party politics is the shuttering of outdoor places we love. One could argue that our national parks and monuments are more "essential" to our well-being than many of the other government-related entities that remain open.

Of course, there are other places to explore if you want to get outdoors, but I feel sad for the families who might spent a good chunk of money on a once-in-a-lifetime trip to a place like Yosemite _ only to show up and find the place closed because of events in faraway Washington.

If you want to keep up with the latest on the shutdown's effect on the national parks, I recommend you follow National Parks News on Twitter. Needless to say, those folks aren't very happy right now.

In case you're wondering, our hiking trips next year aren't specifically tied to national parks _ they will go on, even if there's another shutdown. Visit our website for info about our 2014 journeys to Vermont, Switzerland, Nevada and Virginia.

See you on the trails. And let's hope those parks reopen soon.

Joseph

Congress Takes a Hike

Yeah, Congress, go take a hike.

Well, three members of the House of Representatives did just that yesterday. Two Democrats (from Hawaii and Texas) and a Republican (from Illinois) spent part of their day on the Billy Goat Trail on the Maryland side of D.C.

You see, it was an unusual day. Congressmen usually aren't around on Sunday _ many fly home every weekend _ but the politics surrounding a looming government shutdown kept them here.

The Washington Post has a nice story about it, including a photo of the three Congressional hikers. (Hey, they look like real people!)

Now it's Monday. Back to your regularly scheduled government shutdown ...

Of course, a better way to get away from D.C. politics is to sign up for one of our hiking trips. We're going to Vermont, Switzerland, Nevada and Virginia in 2014. See you there.

Joseph

Neighborhood Gems You've Never Seen

I live in Fairfax County, Virginia, which has a population of about 1 million.

Doesn't sound as if there's much room for greenery, does it?

Fortunately, it's also a large county by area. Yes, it's crammed with people, but the planners have done a decent job preserving large swaths of land for parks, trails and such.

Today, for the first time, I happened to click on the official Fairfax County hiking trails webpage. Never noticed it before, and I learned something new right away. Had no idea that Huntley Meadows was the largest park in the county.

In fact, of all the major parks in the county, Huntley Meadows is the only one I've never visited. Next time I'm out for a long bicycle ride, I'll head that way and see what I've been missing.

While this is obviously useful info for my local readers, it's something all of us should realize _ there are often treasures located in your own neighborhood, town, city or county that you've never seen. They say that people who live in people in New York never go up the Empire State Building. I live near Washington, D.C., but I only visit the wonderful museums when I have company in town. (Hey, everyone, come and visit me, so I'll have an excuse!)

So, for my friends in Fairfax County, visit the website and see what's there. For the rest of you, find a way to explore the sites in your own area, places you never thought to visit.

Then, when you're ready to travel again, come with us. We've got hiking trips to Switzerland, Virginia, Vegas and Vermont next year. Sign up now.

See you on the trails.
Joseph

Make Your Own Snacks

Last night I stayed up late making pies.

5-layer chocolate on the left, 5-layer butterscotch on the right

Believe it or not, that's an outdoor-related activity. On the way back from a canoeing trip in Minnesota a few years ago, our group happened to drive by a place called Betty's Pies, overlooking Lake Superior.

It was pie heaven. I had a slice of 5-layer butterscotch, and it was the best piece of pie I've ever tasted. I became such a fan that I ordered the Betty's Pies cookbook when I got home. My own attempts at the 5-layer butterscotch aren't quite as good as the original, but it's close enough.

Home-made pies don't work too well on hikes, but you can certainly make your own snacks. Backpacker magazine has this recipe for Cherry-Chocolate Peanut Butter Bars. The name sounds yummy. Give it a try.

Maybe one day we'll add a stop at Betty's Pies on one of our hiking trips. Instead, we'll find other treasures next year as we go to Switzerland, Vermont, Virginia and Vegas. Here's all you need to know.

See you on the trails.
Joseph

Weather or Not ...

As I noted yesterday, weather can add a thrill _ or a chill _ to a hike.

It's obviously one of the top considerations when planning any sort of outdoor activity. If you're going on a hike, you need to be prepared: check the forecast again and again, have proper rain gear, always carry an extra layer in case it's not quite as warm as you thought at the top of that mountain.

And, of course, if things look dicey, don't go. Postpone the hike to another day and have fun doing something else. I always build flexibility into the schedule on my hiking trips for that very reason. ("It's raining cats and dogs today, so let's tour the museum today instead of tomorrow," etc ...)

Today we're passing along a nice blurb from Explore magazine about predicting the weather while you're on a hike or a camping trip. Farmers have known most of these tips for centuries. Really, all of us should know them.

We'll be sure to see a full variety of weather next year in our hiking trips to Switzerland, Vermont, Vegas and Virginia. Take a look and sign up while slots are still available.

See you on the trails,
Joseph

The Chill of July Sleet

You can almost feel the chill in this photo. I get goosebumps just looking at it again.

It was last July in Switzerland. We had perfect, sunny weather for two days of hiking and ended up at a mountain hut called Blüemlisalphütte, about 9,200 feet above sea level.

As it got dark, the clouds came in. The temperature dropped, and there was even a little bit of sleet. The scene around the hut was fantastic _ the glaciers bathed in clouds, with the wind whipping the flag of the canton of Bern (with the bear on it).

Needless to say, we were grateful for the warm accommodations inside the hut. It's easier to spend a few moments out in the cold when you know there's a nice hot meal and comfortable place to sleep waiting for you inside.

Here's a daylight view looking back in the other direction. The hut is located on the ridge of a mountain pass, and the clouds _ as if by magic _ had stopped right at the top of the ridge. To the left, you can see the contours of the mountain. To the right, you can't see a thing.

Our hiking trip to Switzerland next summer includes hikes to two mountain huts. They aren't quite as remote as this one, but both hikes are wonderfully scenic and the accommodations warm and friendly. Please visit our website to took a look.


See you on the trails.

Joseph

Fall Colors

The leaves are starting to turn in the Blue Ridge Mountains.

Yep, soon the Blue Ridge Parkway and Skyline Drive will be packed with cars as tourists with cameras head for the overlooks.

Fall in the mountains is truly worth the trip, especially if you've never done it before. It's all a matter of timing _ getting there when the colors are at their peak _ and finding a bit of solitude away from the masses, such as a hiking trail that's a little off the beaten path.

Here are a couple of websites that offer updates on the changing colors. Click here for the latest from Virginia, as detailed by the state Department of Forestry, and click here for the latest from the Smokies in North Carolina.

One of our hiking trips in 2014 goes to the Shenandoah Valley in Virginia in the fall. Click here to take a look at the schedule. We've love to have you along.

Meanwhile, enjoy the colors. Nothing like looking at some leaves that you don't have to rake.

See you on the trails.
Joseph

The 10 Essentials ...

Can you name all 50 states? All 44 presidents? Every song on the Beatles' White Album?

Sometimes it's a matter of, "Yeah, I oughta know them all, but I don't."

Same thing with the famous "10 Essentials" _ the items you should take with you on every hike. Sometimes we need a refresher, so here's one from Southern California hiker/blogger Jeff Hester. Some might quibble that it's actually 11 things (sunglasses and sunscreen get combined into one), but I wholeheartedly agree that anyone hiking in the wilderness or the mountains should carry everything on the list.

Personally, I also would include "whistle" and "raincoat or poncho." Both are always in my daypack.

I'll have all those things in my pack when we take our hiking trips to Switzerland, Vermont, Nevada and Virginia in 2014. Visit our website and join us.

See you on the trails.

Joseph

It's Snowing ...

Hello All,

Lots going on in my corner of the hiking world today. Don't have time for a full blog post, so I'll give you a gorgeous photo instead. These are the mountains in Switzerland where we'll be hiking next July. The photo was taken this morning at Kandersteg International Scout Centre. They love their winter sports there, so they're excited to see the first flakes on the mountains, even if it's mid-September.

You can see other photos and such on KISC Facebook page. Lots of nice people there.

You can see these mountains in person next year. Read the complete itinerary here and sign up for our trip.

See you on the trails.

Joseph

We're Number 2! _ and a Top 100 List

We're number 2! We're number 2! A final update on the D.C. Urban Adventure Race. My son Harry made the four-drive to join me for the event, and we finished second. Won $200 in gift certificates. (We can take lots of people out to dinner!)

Once again, Jason Hofsess of CitySolve put on a great show. Had us running all over D.C., solving puzzles and doing goofy things. I had to play a mini-game of "Operation" (remember that board game?) and get a woman to put her dog in a bag. The photo on the right was taken at a place where we received a big tub of frozen yogurt. 

I truly recommend the experience. It's fun for all ages, and most people are there just to have a good time and/or pretend they're on "The Amazing Race" TV show. 

Back to hiking. Hiking lists are everywhere, including a new one that compiles the top 100 hiking trails in Virginia. Take a look for yourself here. Not sure I agree with everything on it. For one thing, the W&OD Trail (ranked No. 14) isn't really a hiking trail; it's a paved biking/jogging/walking trail that used to be a railway line. But such lists are very useful for getting ideas for places to go and things to see and do. 

Hmmm. Maybe I'll do my own list tomorrow. Stay tuned.

See you on the trails.

Joseph

Hiking Florida? _ and a Photo of the Day

Hiking Florida? Really? OK, never really thought about it. I've been there. It's flat. Great place to ride my bicycle. Great place to find a beach. Or go fishing. But never considered it as a hiking destination because I think of mountains when I wander by foot.

To each his own, of course, and there are indeed plenty of places to hike in Florida, so today we feature a story about two people who have documented the best hikes in the Sunshine State, including something they called the "Big O Hike." Click here to learn more.

Also, the new Photo Gallery on the website is such a big hit that we'll periodically feature a "Photo of the Day" here on the blog. The one on the right is a great shot taken by my friend Doug Donnell while we were hiking with a group to the Lotschenpass hut in in Switzerland in 2006. We look so tiny, and the glacier looks so big and forboding. (Spoiler: It was easy to cross and not as big as it might appear in the photograph, but it was still an awesome place to be.)

Be sure to join us on our hiking vacation to Switzerland in 2014.

See you on the trails.

Joseph

You Want Photos? We Got Photos

Hey, we love to get your feedback, and one of the most frequent comments we've heard lately is that our My Hiking Vacations website needs more photos.

You like pictures! I can't blame ya. More fun than reading all of my words.

So we've started a Photo Gallery of some of our great adventures over the years.This is just the first taste, but take a look and tell us what you think.

If you put your mouse over a photo in the gallery, it gives you a very brief description of where it was taken. Enjoy. We plan to add more soon.

And, while you're at it, be sure to sign up for one of our 2014 hikes while slots are still available.

See you on the trails.

Joseph

Where Does the Trash Go When You Live on a Mountain?

My favorite hike in the world starts at a lake and ends at a mountain hut called 
Fründenhütte, where the food is delicious, the views are tremendous, and the mountain air wafting through the open window makes for a good night's sleep.

 Fründenhütte, a special spot in the universe

Huts are plentiful in the the Swiss Alps. They're run by friendly locals, they aren't expensive, and it's a great way to enjoy the beautiful mountains. It would be so cool to be a hut warden. Maybe one day ...

Today, however, we pose a question: Where does the trash go when you live on a mountain? Or, more specifically, in a mountain hut? 

I learned the answer in a very eye-opening moment while at Fründenhütte. As supper was being served, our guide instructed us very clearly to eat everything on the plate _ including the crust of the bread _ because the helicopters that supply the huts charge a lot of money to take away the trash, and it's billed by weight.

I was going to clear my plate anyway _ the food is really good there _ but it's just a reminder of how wasteful we can be in our homes when we don't have to worry about every ounce of bread crust.

Incidentally, I got to witness a helicopter landing at another hut in Switzerland a few years ago. It was an awesome sight, seeing the pilot zip off toward the mountains as if he were guiding a kid's scooter.

And I've also visited a hut that found another way to solve the leftovers problem: The warden and his family had a (very friendly) pet pig.

Recently, a group from the Kandersteg International Scout Centre went to Fründenhütte and picked up decades of trash that had been sitting under the rocks near the hut. Dave, one of the guides at KISC, wrote about the experience, and he has a very interesting perspective. Read Dave's blog here.

Fründenhütte is on our itinerary next July when we make our 2014 hiking trip to Switzerland. I'm sure you'll want to join us. Visit our website to find out more and sign up.

See you on the trails.

Joseph

Family Hikes in Maryland

So what are the top 6 family-friendly hikes in Maryland? Hard to choose. My list might include the Billy Goat Trail between the C&O Canal and the Potomac River near D.C. and something at both the Cunningham Falls and Rocky Gap State Parks.

The Baltimore Sun has put together its list. I haven't most tried of the them, but I like the descriptions enough that I wish I could take a group of kids on an outing to each and every one of them right away. Always fun to learn about new hikes. The Sun also includes advice about kid-friendly snacks _ a must for any good family hike.

Read about it here.

I often get asked whether children can go on the hiking trips that we lead at My Hiking Vacations. Certainly! I've seen ages 8 to 80 on the trails. Visit our FAQ page and learn more.

See you on the trails.

Joseph

From a Desk Job to a Hiking Job, and Hiking Mount St. Helens

Today on the hiking blog we have a story about a man who did a 180, going from a desk job as an engineer to a hiking guide at Rocky Mountain National Park. Needless to say, Tom Dewitz is happy with his decision. Click here to read his story in the Wall Street Journal.

Speaking of career changes, I've been through a few myself. I was once a DJ at a rock 'n' roll station in North Carolina. I happened to be on the air when Mount St. Helens erupted in 1980, so I was the first to disseminate the news to the, ahem, scores of people who might have been listening to my show.

I was reminded of that moment in history when I saw this story about hiking at Mount St. Helens. I've seen the volcano from a distance while on a trip to Washington state, and I've always wanted to go back and hike it. Just got to figure out when.

You know, there are just too many places we all want to go. It would take me many years to check off everything on my travel list. 

Hopefully, however, we can help you with your list. Ever wanted to hike in Switzerland, Vermont, Nevada or the Blue Ridge? Those are our destinations in 2014. Click here to find out more.

See you on the trails.
Joseph

So What Is a "Cheesery"?

One of the hikes we're planning for our trip to Switzerland next year is a visit to a "cheesery" _ a mountain hut where they make that wonderful Swiss cheese. (And you have to admit _ "cheesery" is cool-sounding word.)

We start in the valley on a foggy morning ...

By popular demand, here are some photos from last year's Cheesery Hike. We started in the village of Kandersteg and worked our way up to the hut, where we had a nice lunch at the picnic table and took a tour of the cheese-making operation. 

It's basically a woman and her son. They make cheese all day (from cow milk and goat milk) and send it down to the village. 

... and work our way up the mountain.

I bought some goat cheese, and it was by far the best I've ever tasted on my many trips to the Alps. That's the thing about a trip to Switzerland _ the cheese is so good that you'll never want to eat processed American cheese again.

Hope you can join us next year when we visit the cheesery once more. Find out more by visiting our website.

We arrive at the "cheesery." Note the menu written in chalk.

There be goats about!

The cheese-maker shows us how it's done. 

Lots and lots of cheese for sale. The goat cheese was superb.

The fog has lifted, and we can see down into the valley. They have curvy roads in the mountains. 

See you on the trails.

Joseph

Cali Blogger

We hikers like to read about other hikers. Yep, that's no surprise. So occasionally on the hiking blog we'll feature other hiking blogs. 

I've traveled to 34 states and been hiking in many places, but I haven't spent much time in California _ and I've never hiked there. I'm therefore fascinated by Walk Simply, a blog/adventure website by Traci Lehman. I really like this entry about roaming the beach at night in Southern California. Not really hiking, but it sure makes me want to pack a swimsuit and spend an evening or two there next August.

Traci also has what she calls the "Big List" of Southern California beach hikes. Looks like lots of fun. 

We usually head to the mountains for our hiking trips, but some of those mountain lakes have beaches. Maybe it's the best of both worlds. We're going to Switzerland, Vermont, Nevada and the Blue Ridge in 2014. Be sure and join us.

See you on the trails.

Joseph

Summer's Over; Summer's On The Way _ Think Switzerland in 2014

A look back at the valley as we hiked to Kandersteg

Sigh. Labor Day has come and gone. Kids are back in school. Gee, that vacation you took seemed like a blur. Where does the time go? Time to get back to the routine of everyday life.

Aw, c'mon. Keep your spirits up. One way to do that: Start getting excited about next year's vacation.

If you've ever want to go hiking in Switzerland, now's the time to think about it. Today we're posting photos from last year's hiking trip to the Alps _ got a zillion pictures from that trip, wish I could show them all _ and here's hoping they entice you into joining us when we return in 2014.

A group of hikers we met while crossing a small glacier.

Seriously, can you beat the scenery? The fresh air? The chance to experience a different culture? The fabulous bowlful of pasta that you get when you arrive at a mountain hut?

OK, that's enough for now. Well, not really. Click here for lots for more details. The dates are July 8-18. Mark your calendar now, folks.

 See you on the trails.

Oeschinensee _ perhaps the most gorgeous lake in the world

Hard to get lost hiking in Switzerland. Signs everywhere.

Wow, those glaciers are huge.

Token photo of your hike leader, taking a break. 

Scaring off a Mountain Lion While Hiking in a Skirt _ and Breaking a Record

Wow. This is the best hiking story I've seen in a while. An overweight couch potato turns into a hiker and breaks a record for hiking the Pacific Crest Trail from Mexico to Canada.

Her name is Heather Anderson. She prefers to hike in dresses and skirts. (Wait until you find out why.) She also scared off two mountain lions. An inspiration to us all.

Read Heather's story here, as told in the New York Times.

Also, we have an update to an earlier blog post: I have found a partner for the CitySolve Urban Adventure Race in D.C. on Sept. 14. Thanks to all those who responded.

I was also contacted by the organizers of a new adventure race, the XPlore Urban Adventure Race Series. It looks similar to CitySolve, but "The Amazing Race" craze is such that I'm sure there's room for both. XPlore is coming to D.C. on Sept. 28 _ I plan to stop by and maybe even take part, schedule permitting _ and there are other cities on the list. Give it a try. Looks like fun.

Even more fun, of course, is a hiking trip to the Swiss Alps. Or Vermont. Or Nevada. Or Virginia. Visit our website and join us for one of our walking vacations in 2014.

See you on the trails.
Joseph