Tips for Hiking the Pacific Northwest Trail
The Pacific Northwest Trail (PNT) is a newer National Scenic Trail, having received its designation in 2009. My son and I thru-hiked it east to west in the summer of 2017. Snowshoe asked me to share some tips about hiking it while she’s off on her grand Arizona Trail adventure.
Hiking the Arizona National Scenic Trail
I haven't blogged in a while for a very good reason: I'm thru-hiking the Arizona National Scenic Trail.This trail has been quite challenging, and unlike any other trail I've tackled. I'll post a full report when I'm finished. But for now, please enjoy my trail...
What Is a Trail Name and How Do I Get One?
Trail names are a big thing in hiking circles. I'm not sure when I first learned about them, but the minute I did I was enchanted with the notion. Who hasn't wanted to select a name for themself at some point in life? But let me back up a bit. Trail names are fun,...
Tips for Hiking the Ice Age Trail
The Ice Age Trail (IAT) is one of our 11 National Scenic Trails. I thru-hiked it twice, in 2013and 2015, plus have day-hiked many sections of it. Here are some tips and tricks to make your experience on the IAT a memorable one.Quick Trail HistoryThe IAT is roughly...
Tips for Hiking the New England Trail
The New England Trail, or NET, is one of our 11 National Scenic Trails, and the shortest by far. But that doesn't mean it's easy! I thru-hiked it in September 2017 with my husband, Ed. Here is some basic information, plus hard-earned tips, to get you started planning...
Trail Angels: What They Are and How to Treat Them
Trail angels, as their name implies, are lovely people. They are hiking fans and people who love nature, the trails and the great outdoors. And they love helping people. The Appalachian Trail, considered the granddaddy of America's long-distance hiking trails, is...
Hiking Jargon Explained
When you're new to anything, you've got to learn the jargon. Whether we're talking a new job, hobby or activity, everything has a language of its own. Same with hiking. Disclosure: This post contains affiliate links (among regular links) to products I own and like, or...
What Is Your Hiking Style?
There are a lot of different ways to hike. And no particular hiking style is better than another. Let me say that again: No particular hiking style is better than another.Most hikers are wonderful, friendly people. They're supportive of others. They want you to enjoy...
Should You Use a Hiking Umbrella?
Hiking umbrellas aren't something you hear being discussed a lot. I never even knew there was such a thing until several years ago, when I began long-distance hiking in earnest. So what is a hiking umbrella? Disclosure: This entry contains affiliate links (among...
How to Pick Camp Shoes
I'm a newbie at camping, so I never had to ponder the issue of camp shoes. Until recently, that is. You see, while I've hiked all my life and have some 6,000 miles under my backpack straps, 99.9 percent of the time I day-hiked, getting off the trail at night to stay...
Trekking Poles: My Must-Have Hiking Equipment
People often ask what hiking clothing or gear I can’t do without. Trekking poles are always on the top on my list.I can’t quite remember why I first bought a pair. But it was sometime after a hiking companion raved about them while we were gamboling around the hilly...
New Challenge: Hiking the Arizona Trail
I'm terrified. In just three months, I'll be setting out to thru-hike the Arizona National Scenic Trail, or AZT for short. It's only 800 miles compared to the 1,150-mile Ice Age Trail in Wisconsin, which I've thru-hiked twice now. So what's the big deal? It's not the...
