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

Gear

That One Missing Box

Over six months have passed since we moved across the country. Seven months ago, I packed the last box, and in it were my two favorite stoves: the MSR Windpro and the Snowpeak. My GSI long-handled spoons. But the last thing to go in...was my trekking poles, which were both ultralight and specifically designed for… Continue reading That One Missing Box

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

Travel

Walking History: Shepherdstown Battle

In my walking history, a lesser-known battle is the Battle of Shepherdstown, which happened two days after Antietam, in Maryland. As the Confederate Army crossed back into West Virginia at Boteler's Ford over the Potomac River, the Union Army followed. The Union could have severely hurt the Confederates, but it faltered due to bad leadership.… Continue reading Walking History: Shepherdstown Battle