I continue to be surprised at how many different ways something can be viewed. When I meet someone hiking down a mountain while I am hiking up, they often tell me, “You’re almost to the top.” I’ve learned this can mean anything from one to three miles. I’ve passed hikers who tell me there is

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Being happy and feeling successful when finding a trail. Losing the trail ten steps later. Hooking up with Jenn, whom I had met on Facebook back in May, and hiking together for three days. Taking thirty photos in a day because the views were so spectacular. Watching a bald eagle soar overhead. Enjoying having sobo

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Anticipation is a funny thing. So often I anticipate something only to be disappointed when the event actually happens. Sometimes the anticipation is actually the more enjoyable part of the whole experience. But yesterday I knew my anticipation was well placed. I would not be disappointed, no matter what. I had not even seen the

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I thought it would be interesting to share a town day. In the old days, when people lived rurally on the farm, going to town was a big deal. Town days are still big events for many long-distance hikers, though to be honest I find them exhausting and a bit disconcerting. Sometimes I am eager

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I can tell what I am looking for by what I see. When I began hiking the southern half of the Continental Divide Trail last year, I often saw tents. They weren’t really there, but I saw them nevertheless. I was alone with no one to talk with for as long as ten days at

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By Mary Anderson Goals can be a great motivator, but they can also blind us to daily life. A company might achieve a goal at the expense of its workers. Some achieve career goals by not spending quality time with their children. Out here on the trail the goal of finishing can cause a hiker

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