hikingafter40

So, I truly suck at keeping a blog because, well, I get bored with it, and don't feel like writing.  Then I feel inspired and write in a flurry. In a notebook. With a pen. I don't feel it authentic to retype it all here, so, I don't. A lot has happened since my last post in August. For one, unexpectedly, I accepted a new job at the community college where I graduated and where I started my academic career 20 years ago.  As much as I love the students at Union and the opportunities I've had in New Jersey, it's time to go home. New Jersey is just too expensive, and as I think and pray constantly for my father who is battling lung cancer, I think, one day, hopefully a long time from now, but, one day, my sons are going to go through this with me.  I can't afford a future for my disabled son, Julian, in New Jersey.  He will always require a companion.  In PA, near our family, he has a chance.  Northampton is one of the best community colleges i...

Another thing Rambo and I have in common is a love of music.  We both played bagpipes in high school, and he still does.  We both like harder rock and heavy metal in addition to classical music.  Since we don't agree on what to haul into the woods, I figured we could find some common ground and plan our "trek" playlist.  I am interested to know what other people are listening to on all these earbuds along the trail.  Are we all listening to "Uncle John's Band" by either the Grateful Dead or the Indigo Girls?  Are people listening to books on tape?  Even though I am an English professor,  I can't listen to books on tape...I will fall asleep while walking.  Other folks love podcasts.  Again, that's an instant lullaby to me.  What are you listening to? I have several playlists hanging around on Spotify.  They are broken down into moods.  Lately, I've been listening to the "contemplative" playlist.  These are the...

Yesterday, I wanted to hike, but my son, Sharpie Boy, who is Autistic and has CP as a result of an infant stroke, was having none of it.  Nothing is more miserable than hiking with someone who hates it, so I didn't force him to go. Instead, he wanted to go to Taco Bell.  The kid clearly has a stomach made of steel. I get very depressed when I can't get outside.  The weather has been horrible, so it was the first nice day to get out, and I was stuck at a Taco Bell. But, this is the life of a parent with a child with special needs.  He appreciated getting to choose our activity, and 3 burritos later, he was all smiles. So, instead, I went hiking today. Alone. This is actually my favorite way to hike.  I like to camp with others, but I prefer to hike alone. I can go at my own pace, stop when I want, take a million pictures when I want, and I am not holding anyone up or going too fast. I did a section in New Jersey that I have done about 10 times as...

So, before we carry on with one of the most controversial of hiking topics, let me preface this by saying a few things.  First, I respect whatever you believe.  I see the sides of all gun arguments, and I respect you and your opinion, and I don't expect my opinion to change yours and your opinion, while I am happy to hear it, won't impact mine. One of things that is making this hike so memorable is that Rambo and I are complete opposites in many ways.  He sees the world as a place full of criminals because he is a prison officer, and his world is, literally, filled with criminals.  I am an English professor turned administrator, so I see the world in terms of literary devices (he would say sunshine and unicorn farts).  Fair enough. I am not opposed to gun ownership.  I was taught to shoot at a very young age, and I own long arms of my own.  I've won first place the last two years (the only two years I've participated) at the annual gun cl...

So, Rambo and I planned our route today.  Now, originally, we were going to do 4 days.  Then he said 3.  Now, we are going overnight.  LOL.  But, that's ok, as I go all the time, and can do a longer trip any time. So, this is our overall route: Day One looks like this: Day Two looks like this: He gave me his itemized packing list that had things on it I never even heard of...and when I gave him my tiny list (originally scribbled on a napkin), he pshawed at my unpreparedness.  Seriously, I don't need more than this: 65 Liter Osprey Pack with rain cover Black Diamond Trekking Poles UL Sleeping Bag (liner optional) and Thermalite sleep pad Kelty Monarch II Tent with Tyvek tarp and extra cord Pocket knife UL camp stove, Stanley pot, Titaniam spork 2 Smart Water Bottles, 1 Sawyer Mini Headlamp with extra batteries Charger + phone Ziplock wallet Waterproof matches Ziplock FAK (bandaids, Neosporin, Motrin, alcohol, tweezer...

Bucket List: Hike the Grand Canyon There is a phrase used in hiking that some people love and some people hate. Hike Your Own Hike Sometimes referred to as HYOH, the phrase pretty much means do your hike the way you want it.  On a trail like the AT or the PCT, you will meet up with people who are experts about everything, but at the end of your day, it's your own hike you are hiking, so own it. This phrase really applies to all hiking.  You don't have to be a thru hiker, section hiker, flip flop hiker, or master hiker to embrace the sentiment.  Just hike your own hike.  Just keep in mind that hiking YOUR hike doesn't mean you get to dictate how others hike THEIR hike .  So, what's your hiking style? Purpose Everyone sets out with a hiking purpose.  Some people want to hike for fitness.  Others want to hike for the nature.  Some just don't want to sit home.  For me, hiking is about getting away from technology.  I use techn...