A.T. Journeys

A.T. Journeys

Thursday, January 20, 2011

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The latest issue of A.T. Journeys, the magazine of the Appalachian Trail Conservancy, has just been posted to the ATC website.

Of particular interest in this issue is the article about the Smokies Wilderness Elite Appalachian Trail Crew (S.W.E.A.T.). It's basically a day in the life type article on what it's like to be a part of the crew that helped to repair the section of trail near the Tricorner Knob Shelter this past summer.

"Carry a stick of butter; it is an ideal survival food."

There's also a good article about two avid hikers and their plans to hike to the summit of Mt. Katahdin - in the winter.

The same link to the magazine also provides access to past issues of A.T. Journeys. Just below the most recent issue is an article that provides a good overview of the elk reintroduction program in the Smokies.


Jeff
HikingintheSmokys.com

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Nat Geo Adventure's 14 Survival Skills

Nat Geo Adventure's 14 Survival Skills

Wednesday, September 15, 2010

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Back when National Geographic Adventure was a magazine, and not just a website, they published a comprehensive article containing some survival tips that could prove very helpful if you were ever unfortunate enough to be in a situation requiring such skills.

As the article lead-in reads:

Most survival guides fail to consider some very useful tools: an individual’s character, wits, and worldview. The tips assembled here will change the way you approach each and every day — and help you survive a particularly bad one.

Some of the things the article discusses to help in a survival situation include doing the next right thing, denying denial, thinking positive, and to trust your instincts.

There's some really great advice in this piece. Please click here to read the full article.


Semi Annual Sale - Up To 50% Off Men's Hiking And Climbing Pants At Backcountry.com. Expires 9/7/2010


Jeff
HikingintheSmokys.com Detailed information on trails in the Smoky Mountains; includes trail descriptions, key features, pictures, video, maps, elevation profiles, news, and more.

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Twenty life lessons from the trail

Twenty life lessons from the trail

Tuesday, April 20, 2010

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Traveling in a chosen mode at a pace that allows us to immerse ourselves in the surrounding environment far surpasses what we might experience as a passerby in a speeding car. In addition to the scenery, serenity, stimulation, and the intrinsic rewards that come with walking, hiking, riding, and climbing, the pathway uniquely presents life “lessons.” The trail can be a great teacher if we allow ourselves to reflect on the nature of our experience. In fact, the trail is a perfect metaphor for life itself.

That is the opening paragraph from "Twenty life lessons from the trail,” by Dr. Ronald R. Bearwald. This highly philosophical article appears in the Spring 2010 issue of American Trails Magazine.

As the title implies, the article offers 20 lessons we as hikers can take from the trail, and apply to our overall lives.

"The trail has been, and will continue to be a great teacher."

It's a great read - very thought provoking. Please click here to check it out.



Jeff
HikingintheSmokys.com Detailed information on trails in the Smoky Mountains; includes trail descriptions, key features, pictures, video, maps, elevation profiles, news, hiking gear store, and more.

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Roan Highlands better than the Smokies?

Roan Highlands better than the Smokies?

Tuesday, April 28, 2009

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Well, according to National Geographic's Adventure Magazine, the answer to that question is a resounding yes.

In the lastest issue of Adventure, National Geographic ranked the top 50 Best American Adventures. Coming in at number 23 was “Hike the Roan Highlands,” which refers to a 48-mile stretch of the Appalachian Trail between the Nolichucky River and U.S. Highway 19E.

As you might expect, locals and hikers from the Roan Highlands region are pretty excited about the ranking.

The magazine "dissed" the Smokies with this brief description:

“Surprise. The finest mountain scenery to be found on the southern half of the Appalachian Trail isn’t in the Great Smoky Mountains National Park. It’s north along the Tennessee-North Carolina border in the Roan Highlands.”

I'm sure some of you might find those to be "fighting" words! Sure, the Roan Highlands has a lot of open areas providing for a lot of expansive vistas. But quite frankly, as good as they are, those views just aren't quite as good as they are along the Appalachian Trail in the Smokies. Think about the views of Fontana Lake from Shuckstack, or the any of the views from places like Spence Field, Rocky Top, Charlies Bunion or Mt. Cammerer.

I don't know, what do you guys think? Which section of the Appalachian Trail do you think has the better scenery?

By the way, here's the top ten adventures from the list:

1. Biking the Continental Divide Trail: Multistate
2. Kayaking Lake Yellowstone: Wyoming
3. Rowing Down the Grand Canyon: Arizona
4. Climbing Mount Rainier: Washington
5. Canoeing the Adirondacks: New York
6. Exploring ANWR: Alaska
7. Biking RAGBRAI: Iowa
8. Surfing the Lost Coast: California
9. Hiking the Sierra High Route: California
10. Wreck Diving Lake Superior: Minnesota

Jeff
HikingintheSmokys.com Detailed information on trails in the Smoky Mountains; includes trail descriptions, key features, pictures, video, maps, elevation profiles, news, and more.

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