Hiking · Travel

The Paved Walking Path of Alt 45

While we live in Shenandoah Junction, West Virginia, we live in the country (Shenandoah Junction is a place with platted streets, homes, churches, and an ancient, er, historical, post office—it is where two rail lines cross, one over the other, but has no stores). We sit between there and the historic town of Shepherdstown, which… Continue reading The Paved Walking Path of Alt 45

Hiking · National Park · Travel

Exploring Bloody Lane Trail/Sunken Road

With an overcast morning, we drove to Maryland so my brother could see part of the Antietam Battlefield, located outside of Sharpsburg, MD. We are just a bit over 9 miles away, yet in a different state. It's an easy drive over Rumsey Bridge from Shepherdstown, WV. Just remember kids, don't speed in Maryland -… Continue reading Exploring Bloody Lane Trail/Sunken Road

Hiking · Travel

Stauffer’s Marsh Nature Preserve

In the Eastern Panhandle of West Virginia, the Potomac Valley Audubon Society has four nature preserves. Tucked into the Back Creek valley under North Mountain is Stauffer’s Marsh Nature Preserve. It sits in the foothills of the Allegheny Mountains, which are part of the Appalachian Mountains. It's easy to find, and not a long drive… Continue reading Stauffer’s Marsh Nature Preserve

Hiking · National Park · Travel

Antietam Battlefield: Burnside Bridge Trail

The first time I visited Antietam Battlefield was in the fall of 2003, and we had little time. Kirk was showing me all the places on a visit back East, but time wasn't on our side that day. When we moved East this year, I noted Antietam was less than 10 miles from our home,… Continue reading Antietam Battlefield: Burnside Bridge Trail

Hiking · Travel

Carve Out The Time

Long ago, when I was first hiking and backpacking, I'd be on a trip. And be so focused on getting that trip done that I would pass up on side ventures. I'd tell myself, "You can come back to see it later." But...what if you eventually realize that you won't come back. Or does life… Continue reading Carve Out The Time