How Much Food for Vegan Hiking?

In response to the question “I’m vegan. What food do I take hiking?” I sprout mung beans and lentils on trail. Hummus, olive oil, sweet potatoes, corn mush, maple syrup. Did I mention olive oil – most calorie dense food? I was soooo afraid of being hungry and not getting enough calories when I started …

Getting Started on the Appalachian Trail

“I think I want to do a thru-hike of the Appalachian Trail. How should I prepare for that?” Here’s my answer: Go out for a day, then a night, then three or four nights. Go out for short walks in all four seasons to test your gear. One landmark in preparation is to go out …

Deepening Practices

June 9, In everything I do, I strive for deepening my sensory and spiritual experience. I’m pretty sure you do too! I’ve picked up on some techniques from John Muir Laws (his real name!) through his Laws Guide to Nature Journaling. Two years ago, I launched a program at the Anza-Borrego Desert State Park Visitor …

Blessing

As our journey begins, here’s a blessing I’m singing, thanks to my friend, Sara and generations before her! “May troubles be less and blessings be more May nothing but happiness come to your door And may you have luck wherever you go And blessings outnumber the shamrocks that grow. May winds be at your back …

Benton MacKaye Trail: Deep Creek Bridge

Deep Creek Crossing It’s October, 2009. I’m standing on the north side of Deep Creek in the Smokies. “It’s not good to be here alone”, I thought. “It’s not safe here. I shouldn’t be doing this by myself. I should turn back. Is there another way?” I’m at mile 44, three miles shy of the …

Hiking Memories: Four Seasons

Four Seasons on the Benton MacKaye Trail Reflections on Mileposts on the Trail Regina Reiter BMTSouthbound – June, 2009; October, 2009; January, 2013 BMTNorthbound- April, 2010 BMT Davenport Gap to Beech Gap, January, 2010 Links: Photos, Journals, Reflections, Slide shows http://www.trailjournals.com/mssnglnk     Pictures galore in many trail journals https://forgivenesswalks.com/newsletter-archives/   Words for Winter Walking series https://forgivenesswalks.com/benton-mackaye-trail/    First …

My Umbrella: A Room with a View

I Love My Gear! My Umbrella is a Rainy Day Room With a View Yesterday, I walked on Cold Mountain, VA, in a cloud. Rain drizzled down and visibility was about 20 feet. Yet, I was enjoying the walk, the view, and a visit to this magical place of beauty.  As I walked, I realized …

The Art of Living

Master in the Art of Living  The master in the art of living draws no distinction between his work and his play, his labor and his leisure, his mind and his body, his education and his recreation, his love and his religion. He hardly knows which is which. He simply pursues his vision of excellence …