I am a volunteer trail maintainer for the US Forest Service in New Hampshire’s White Mountains, one of many other hikers who work to keep our local trails open despite a lack of federal funding to maintain our trail system. But volunteer …
Read More »Editorials
The Life of a Backpack! by John Gorkowski
Thinking back now, it all began for me many years ago while hanging on a rack in a camping supply store. I was new, a bright red color and with plenty of pockets and straps I had a full 70 liter capacity. …
Read More »The Stories We Tell Ourselves by Susan Alcorn
When I was served with divorce papers in the ‘80s at the end of a 22-year marriage, I did what anyone would do—I signed up for a “highlight” camping and hiking trip with the Sierra Club that would take us to Alaska …
Read More »Mud or Blood by Patricia Ellis Herr
“Ah!” I turn and see my nine-year-old daughter on the ground, her hands clasped around her knee, blood tricking from between her fingers. The large root protrudes from the earth immediately below the boulder from which we’ve just descended. It’s Alex’s first …
Read More »Narnia Lost by Tom Ryan
Late in the spring of 2005, Atticus and I were climbing Cannon Mountain and had reached what would become one of my favorite places in the White Mountains – Cannon Cliffs. For two novice hikers, it was an astounding view and when …
Read More »Hard Lessons & Inspirations by Chris Townsend
Thinking back to some of the mistakes I made as a novice backpacker makes me shudder. Did I really suffer that much? Yes I did! With no instruction or mentors I learnt initially by trial and error, mostly the latter. Sleeping out …
Read More »Hiking with Friends
I’ve gone on a lot of group hikes this year and made a lot of new friends. While I’ve always done some group hiking, I’m never spent such a large percentage of my time hiking with others during the course of a …
Read More »Following an Unfinished Trail by Scott “Fisher Cat” Lang
It is a typical drive north. With pre-dawn skies my only witness, I have taken flight upon four wheels. I manage to slip through the choking grasp of the Tappan Zee Bridge across the Hudson River. I bypass the vast amount of …
Read More »My Dad Loved the Mountains
My father loved the mountains, walking, and being outdoors. We did some of that together when I was growing up, but I wish we’d done a lot more. Still, he passed it along in other ways, telling me stories of walking in the …
Read More »Guiding for Andrew Skurka’s Ultimate Hiking Courses
Do you dream of adventure? Do you want to backpack a long trail, hike up high peaks or across pristine wilderness areas? Do you want to accelerate your transition to lightweight or ultralight backpacking? Do y0u want to build the confidence to …
Read More »A Remembrance of My Father, Gerhard Werner: 1921 – 2012
My dad passed away this week at the age of 90. He’d had a magnificent life as an internationally recognized scientist, professor, medical doctor, a devoted husband and father. I’ve always loved and admired him and thought I’d tell you a little about his …
Read More »It’s Raining Down in Texas
It was foggy and drizzling when I left the house this morning, unusual weather for Austin. Sunrise was still a few hours away, and this Stevie Ray Vaughn lyric popped into my mind… Well there’s floodin’ down in Texas All of the …
Read More »Outdoor Industry Job Openings
Looking for work? Sick of your existing job? Hate what you’re doing? The outdoor industry is hiring, so if you’re looking for work and you like the outdoors, maybe you should consider working for an outdoor manufacturer or retailer. I know many …
Read More »My Dad’s 90th Birthday
My Father celebrated his 90th birthday this week. Pretty incredible, huh? Even more so because he’s still working, he remains very active, and is as inquisitive as ever. I hope I’m in as great shape, when I turn 90. Being 90, my …
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