Category: (Hiking)
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Reflections on a Windshield
It was out of context, and it bothered me. Miles away from any sign of civilization, it was the last thing I expected to see as I made my way toward an obscure bend in the Congaree River, my goal for the day. It was early spring, and I had been hiking for several hours Read more
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The Walking Maple
Out of the early morning mist he materialized, for all the world like a phantom of folklore. As my eyes adjusted to the sight, the feathered edges became more distinct, the shadows lightened and the silhouette of a man stood before me. He was some distance off yet, but my eyes, sharpened by instinct, took Read more
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Off The Beaten Path
I half expected to run headlong into a woolly mammoth. The little valley I found myself in actually appeared to be that untouched, that pristine. It was early May several years ago when I first discovered this treasure. I had noticed something on the map that intrigued me. So I figured the coordinates, picked up Read more
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The Venerable Old Cedar
If any of Eden remains, it can be found in the western quadrant of the Smoky Mountains somewhere along the hiking trails that hover above a place that goes by the name of Cades Cove. As a child my family would make the trek up to the Smokies every other year or so, and the Read more
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Trespassers Will Be Fed To The Hogs
“Didn’t you see the signs, son? What are you doing in my yard?” “What sign?” I stammered. He was 250 pounds, if he was an ounce, and he didn’t look particularly thrilled at my being there. “The sign that says, ‘Trespassers will be fed to the hogs.’” He paused to let that sink in. His Read more
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The Bear Whisperer
It was one of those days just made for hiking. The temperature was hovering around 65 or so, the wind was light and the air enjoyed that particular brand of clarity that only comes from a combination of altitude and last night’s rain. As I walked, the sunshine filtered through the poplar and sycamore leaves Read more