Three “Made in USA” Gifts that Give Back
I’m always on the lookout for new gear. This year, even with a limited travel schedule, I was thrilled to discover some American companies that are keeping the tradition of designing and manufacturing gear alive. One thing the three companies
New Podcast Explores History of the Appalachian Trail
Professor Mills Kelly of George Mason University and his team have put together a wonderful podcast series about the history of the Appalachian Trail. If you've ever wondered how the trail came into being or what went on behind the
The 100-year trail — AT Celebrates 100th birthday
This year the Appalachian Trail marks its first century in existence. Holly Kays wrote a wonderful piece contrasting the story of the iconic trail's origin and life on the trail today in the Smoky Mountain News. Photo property of Appalachian Trail
A surprising summer escape
"What a nice surprise to stumble on this treasure of a story! I live in Vermont now but have been to Maine many times to visit with my son and his family. None of the names of the towns in
Permethrin Tick Repellent and Cats Don’t Mix
In recent years, spraying clothing or gear with the insecticide Permethrin has become a popular way to help reduce the chance of getting Lyme disease. (Permethrin essentially prevents tick bites.) But if you own pets, beware. The concentration of permethrin used
Talking Maine Hiking with Triple Crown Hiker Elysha Dyer on Mainely Matters Podcast
I really enjoyed the opportunity to chat up Maine hiking destinations and long-distance hiking with fellow trail enthusiast Elysha Dyer and host of the Mainely Matters podcast, Brian Bickford. With over 80 land trusts, 600,000 acres of public reserved land, scores
Gear Review — CNOC Outdoors Ultralight Trekking Poles Make the Grade
Are carbon fiber trekking poles worth the price? CNOC poles may help you say yes.
Three Maine Hermit Stories
Stories about three of Maine's most famous hermits. Where did they come from? Why did they choose a life of solitude?
Why I hike and other topics
Simone Kaplan Podcast — Part 1 I recently had a wonderful discussion about how hiking skills translate into every day life with Simone Kaplan (a fantastic interviewer, I might add). Here's a 10-minute segment.
Take a hike on the Robert Frost Trail
The Robert Frost Trail, named for the New England poet who so loved rural New England life, extends 47-miles from the Holyoke Range in the south to Wendell State Forest — all in Massachusetts. I recently completed an October hike
