I was overjoyed to learn recently that an essay of mine titled “Mardi Gras ‘95” has won First Place for Nonfiction in the 2025 SLO NightWriters Golden Quill Writing Contest. The contest is hosted by the San Luis Obisbo NightWriters, a writing community in Central California that provides writing education, opportunities, resources, workshops, and scholarships. My essay … Continue reading My Essay “Mardi Gras ‘95” Has Won First Place for Nonfiction in the SLO NightWriters Golden Quill Contest
As State Parks Go, Colt Creek State Park is Great for Longer Hikes
Anyone familiar with my book or my prior blog posts knows that I am borderline-obsessed with the Green Swamp located an hour west of Orlando. But I’m ashamed to admit that, until this weekend, I had not yet visited nearby Colt Creek State Park. I’m glad my wait is over, as Colt Creek is certainly … Continue reading As State Parks Go, Colt Creek State Park is Great for Longer Hikes
Huge Cypress Trees Enchant at Spring Hammock Preserve
A family-friendly trail long enjoyed by generations of Central Floridians, but closed for 13 years after falling into disrepair, has finally been restored and reopened for public enjoyment. The new and improved paved trail at Spring Hammock Preserve is now back, and it’s one of the easiest places in Central Florida to see huge, majestic … Continue reading Huge Cypress Trees Enchant at Spring Hammock Preserve
Don’t Let Ticks Ruin Your Time Hiking and Backpacking in Florida
As a review through my recent summer posts will show, your Central Florida Backing Desk Jockey has not written much lately about backpacking and hiking, particularly backpacking in Florida. The truth is that I have not been on the trail much recently—I haven’t hiked in Florida outside a state park in several months, and I’m … Continue reading Don’t Let Ticks Ruin Your Time Hiking and Backpacking in Florida
Finding My Way Home won the 2025 FAPA President’s Bronze Medal for Autobiography/Memoir
Kara and I had a great time attending the President's Book Awards dinner on Saturday at FAPACon, the annual conference for the Florida Authors and Publishers Association, where my book, Finding My Way Home: Fighting Depression Backpacking in Central Florida, won the Bronze Medal for Autobiography/Memoir. I also had the privilege of getting to know many … Continue reading Finding My Way Home won the 2025 FAPA President’s Bronze Medal for Autobiography/Memoir
Thank you, Outdoors Unlimited, for featuring my book
I was honored to have my book, Finding My Way Home: Fighting Depression Backpacking in Central Florida, included in the "Bookshelf" section (page 28) of Outdoors Unlimited magazine's Summer 2025 issue. Outdoors Unlimited is the official magazine of the Outdoor Writers Association of America, which I joined earlier this year and which includes as members … Continue reading Thank you, Outdoors Unlimited, for featuring my book
Paynes Prairie Preserve State Park near Gainesville is great for history, hiking, and horses
Anyone driving past Gainesville on I-75 will be familiar with Paynes Prairie, the huge savannah north of Micanopy that offers a panoramic break from the surrounding forests. But the state park that includes Paynes Prairie and lies just south of the University of Florida is worth a closer look. Beyond providing a sanctuary for gators … Continue reading Paynes Prairie Preserve State Park near Gainesville is great for history, hiking, and horses
If you’ve thought about paddleboarding or kayaking in Central Florida, check out King’s Landing
With summer in full blast, I’m reminded that there are no better places to cool off in Central Florida than in our region’s spring-fed rivers. My family purchased our first paddleboard two years ago for that purpose (we now own two), and our go-to spot for kayaking and paddleboarding is King’s Landing on Rock Springs … Continue reading If you’ve thought about paddleboarding or kayaking in Central Florida, check out King’s Landing
Going to Grand Teton National Park? You must hike in Cascade Canyon
Cascade Canyon Trail My family and I returned last weekend from a vacation in Montana and Wyoming and had the privilege to do several day hikes in Yellowstone and Grand Teton National Parks. If you’re lucky enough to hike in Grand Teton, you’ll likely try the popular trail to Hidden Falls and Inspiration Point near … Continue reading Going to Grand Teton National Park? You must hike in Cascade Canyon
Check out my latest essay in Wilderness House Literary Review
I was honored to have an essay of mine titled "A Suburban Desk Jockey’s Weekend Adventure in the Green Swamp" published today in the summer issue of Wilderness House Literary Review. In this essay, I describe my first point-to-point backpacking trip last June in the Green Swamp West Tract and the Richloam Tract of the … Continue reading Check out my latest essay in Wilderness House Literary Review
