Two photos that are different yet similar.

The sidewalk leading to the parking lot.

Lights reflecting off of the floor.
Two photos that are different yet similar.

The sidewalk leading to the parking lot.

Lights reflecting off of the floor.

Thru hiking the AT has been a bucket list item for me since before I even began thinking about a bucket list. In an effort to be as prepared as I possibly can for a thru hike, I want to use this blog as a way to ask questions and get opinions/advice on whether my thought process is sound. More importantly, it will allow me to continue blogging about what I love to do.
Even though I have read many, many books and articles and watched hundreds of videos about the AT, I feel almost a sense of urgency now to continue to not only keep doing the same, but to also further refine my reading to researching about how to thru hike the AT. I know that sounds odd, but there is so much information out there about every aspect of hiking, that I want time to be able to sift through it all make informed decisions. Or….I might like something from start and go with it!!
One of my first questions/concerns has to do with pack weight. I understand lighter is better, but since this could be a once in a life time adventure, should I bring my DSLR camera with me? Is the 2-3 pounds of extra weight and the lost space worth it? I am saying yes for a couple of reasons. The first is pretty simple. I know this camera. I know the limitations and what can be done with it and at this point it is pretty much an extension of me whenever I am out hiking.
The second is much simpler. I want to be able to document this endeavor in the best possible way for my family and whoever might want to look at the pictures and follow the blog.
So what do you think? Go with what I like and know or am I missing something??
Any sane ideas will be considered. Insane ones receive priority consideration.
“The trick in life is to find out where you belong. Once you find out where you belong, you will be happy there.”
-Frederick Lenz
“When you know and respect your Inner Nature, you know where you belong. You also know where you don’t belong.”
-Benjamin Hoff
This is my place in the world. A place where I want to be. A place where I need to be.


“And into the forest I go, to lose my mind and find my soul.”
“The clearest way into the universe is through a forest wilderness.”
-John Muir
Ward Pound Ridge Reservation in New York.


“Enjoyment of the landscape is a thrill.”
-David Hockney
If this weather could go on for just a little bit longer that would be great. However, I am certain we will be punished soon enough with humid days and temperatures in the 90’s. With that said, this morning proved to be nice and cool, allowing me to get in a six mile hike through Ward Pound Ridge Reservation.

5:15 am

The field below the parking lot. As the sun came up, the haze disappeared.
Happy Hiking!!!
Hike #9-6.1-54.1
“For me nature is not landscape, but the dynamism of visual forces.”
-Bridget Riley
For the fifth of May it was quite a day. At 5:20 am when I started my hike it was cool with a pretty strong breeze. It was glorious! Spring is in full effect baby and the trails were as perfect as you would expect them to be.



Happy Hiking!!!
Hike #8-7.6-48.0
“The month of May is the pleasant time; its face is beautiful; the blackbird sings his full song, the living wood is his holding, the cuckoos are singing and ever singing; there is a welcome before the brightness of the summer.”
–Lady Gregory
Another perfect day for a spring hike! 68 degrees and a nice breeze kept the bugs away and the six miles went by really quick. It’s a shame every day couldn’t be like this.



Happy Hiking!!!
Hike #7-6.1-40.4
For this challenge I chose three photographs that I have taken while hiking. The first denotes where vehicle travel ends and foot travel begins on a trail in Harriman State Park. The second and third were taken in Bear Mt. State Park along the Appalachian Trail.



“On the still waters of surrender, the reflections of clarity appears.”
-Bryant McGill
“The world is but a canvas to our imagination.”
-Henry David Thoreau
My daughter is taking a photography class as an elective in her high school and her most recent assignment was to capture “reflections.” So today we ventured out to Fahnestock State Park to Pelton Pond to look for some reflections on the water. Since I had to drive her there, I figured that I would bring my own camera to see what pictures I could get. Even though it was a cloudy day, I think these photos came out reasonably well.



Old farm machinery and tree(s).
