Category: The Moosilauke Letters

Appalachian TrailMichaux State ForestPennsylvaniaMay  2003 It is a 20-mile out and back hike on the Appalachian Trail, from Caledonia State Park on up to the new Birch Run shelters.  It’s four of us:  my current ex-wife, a friend, Tobu and myself. When my current ex-wife and I were married, in honor of our noses, we… Continue reading Tobu and the Ants

FreemontOhioMarch  2012 After our summit hike of Campbell Hill in Bellefontaine, Ohio, we are heading east toward home on the interstate highway.  After a little detour to visit the giant praying mantis on the OSU campus, and a drive-by of Mooberry Street in Columbus, we continue past the Rushing Wind Biker Church. Clearly not all… Continue reading Fangboner

OhioMarch  2015 The first zany thing about Bellefontaine in western Ohio is that they pronounce their own name wrong.  My friend and hiking companion Bongo informs me that you say, “Bell fountain”, not “Bell fon tane.”  That’s okay.  Some folks who live in this midwestern state, “Ohioans” we call them, pronounce the name of their… Continue reading The Ohioest

Laurel Highlands Hiking TrailPennsylvaniaOctober  2008 When I take beginner backpackers out on the trail, I introduce them to something I call “food groups.”  Our schedule for their first outing (this being the first lifetime experience of sleeping outdoors for some of them) has us leaving home for the trail on Saturday morning and returning Sunday… Continue reading The Bagel Boys

Walasi-YiGeorgiaJuly  2015 In my time, I have heard wonderful stories, useful gimmicks, legends and lies while on the trail.  Told a few myself.  I learned that butter will keep for days without refrigeration.  I learned that some baby girls are born with three nipples.  I learned that one of the best tasting foods in the… Continue reading Boots IV — The Boot Museum

July 1995 Sometimes hiking hurts.  But it’s still worth it.  So says Abbie (left) and Andi (right.)

the smallest room in the houseJuly  1998 I can’t tell you how many boots I have owned.  I know it’s an even number.  It’s the same number of boots I have worn out.  It’s a fairly large number. But wait.  Take this number and add four boots, the two pair I always have at the… Continue reading Boots II — The Boot Test

Black Forest TrailPennsylvaniaJune  2006 After 9.8 miles, we are back at trailhead, leisurely loading our gear into the back of the car.  I hear peeping in the nearby brush.  I look over to see a subtle rustling of the boot-high grass.  I take a tentative step toward the commotion.  It is at this moment that… Continue reading Look at the Grouse!

Wilderness Survival WeekendThe Uncharted Wilds of PennsylvaniaFebruary  2007 Let’s say you are caught out in the woods and you are lost and you have mostly run out of supplies like food and water, and you didn’t bring a tent and you are by yourself and it’s getting dark.  Y’know, a typical hike. Okay, not really… Continue reading Can You Drink Your Own Pee?  II

Driskill MountainLouisianaJune  2012 It is hot, very hot, the kind of hot that relentlessly sucks the water out of your body.  It is 102° hot.  If you are a hiker, you know that you hike whatever the weather.  It’s what you’ve got.  Especially when you are from Pittsburgh and you don’t get to Louisiana very… Continue reading Can You Drink Your Own Pee?  I