Spaces & Places
Living in the foothills of Appalachia affords some pretty incredible opportunities for outdoor recreation.
It’s a mountain-lovers paradise.
On a whim last weekend, I joined a group of semi-new friends on trip up in latitude and in elevation to watch the sunset. I was literally along for the ride – no idea where exactly we … Read more
Spaces & Places
It’s spring. This means warmer weather, pretty blossoms, and yes, allergies. It’s also Spring Break, which means a week of no schedules and a relatively minor amount of responsibilities. The past two years, I have had the privilege of gallivanting around the country on various climbing trips during this season. I appreciated the dry 60° … Read more
Spaces & Places
I like the word meander. It connotes a sense of aimlessness and wandering that is quite juxtaposed to how modern life tends to go.
I find that so many of my actions are deliberate and quite purposeful. Yes, this is important and necessary for functioning as a 21st century adult. However, I would argue that … Read more
47 Parks
Old Rag: the iconic mountain nestled on the eastern outskirts of Shenandoah National Park. There are literally hundreds of blog posts about this popular and slightly dangerous hike – a trek laden with switchbacks, rock scrambles, and incredible panoramic views. Why add another voice into the interweb’s blend of tips, tricks, and opinions about Old … Read more
47 Parks
Hiking is so much better without the crowds…
…and when running water is involved.
A recent Shenandoah hike, Whiteoak Canyon, was the perfect trail to start the New Year. No resolution needed, simply a desire to get outside and check out some nearby wilderness that I hadn’t experienced during my previous foray into the park.… Read more
47 Parks
It was cold and crisp. I could see my breath wafting into the atmosphere as I stood and relished the sight. The hand warmers in my mittens were keeping my fingers nice and toasty, my wool socks protecting my toes from the sub-freezing temperatures. I scanned the horizon, noting astute differences from when I was … Read more
47 Parks
Just Drive (Shenandoah)
A serene road
Up, down, and slightly around
Epic sunsets
And sunrises that make you think beyond
Overlooks that communicate
A different message each part of the day
Pull-offs that push your imagination
Sights that stimulate your eyes
Then back in the car
Steer through a place of wonder
Content to be … Read more
Spaces & Places
The thunderstorm the night before was disheartening. I was planning on kicking off part II of my journey with some epic climbing at a world class crag in Tennessee. I lay awake in bed picturing rain-soaked sandstone that would hinder upwards movement. Nevertheless, there was some promise of sunshine the following morning, so my brother … Read more
47 Parks
Length of Stay:
Highs:
Lows:
Favorite Hike:
Favorite Treat:
47 Parks
Within ten minutes of entering Shenandoah, a deer and her two fawns pranced through my campsite, looked at me, and then continued to chomp on some long grass five feet from my vehicle. And such began my adventure to this gorgeous, sprawling landscape in the Blue Ridge Mountains. The wildlife at Shenandoah amazed me for … Read more