As temperatures rise here in Central Florida, I am reminded that there are great places further north to enjoy the outdoors. Like the Florida Trail, Wisconsin’s Ice Age Trail is one of three national scenic trails located entirely within a single state, and its western terminus is located along the St. Croix River only one-hour’s … Continue reading Looking to Backpack Near Minneapolis? The Western End of the Ice Age Trail May Be Just the Place
Come join me (and other authors) at Sunshine Book Co. in Clermont on Saturday, April 26th
Saturday is Independent Bookstore Day, and I'm thrilled to be joining Sunshine Book Co. for its Independent Bookstore Day celebration all day this Saturday, April 26th at their store at 647 Lake Avenue in Clermont. Among the festivities will be local authors showcasing their books, and I'll be one of them! Sunshine Book Co. is … Continue reading Come join me (and other authors) at Sunshine Book Co. in Clermont on Saturday, April 26th
Summer is for sailing, and you can learn to sail here in Central Florida
As summer approaches and temperatures rise, many backpackers in Central Florida move from the trails of Central Florida to the waters they surround. There are few better ways to enjoy the historic lakes in Central Florida than by sailing. And while you can rent small craft like Sunfish and catamarans at many beaches and lakes, … Continue reading Summer is for sailing, and you can learn to sail here in Central Florida
Pretty scrub and ponds abound in the Juniper Prairie Wilderness
After a month of being prevented from backpacking by flooded trails, a pesky cold, and the national championship run of a certain basketball team, I will finally be able to return to the Ocala National Forest this weekend, possibly for my last one-nighter of the season as the heat of summer approaches. It will be … Continue reading Pretty scrub and ponds abound in the Juniper Prairie Wilderness
Check out my latest love letter to the Green Swamp on FloridaHikes.com
I was honored (again) to have Sandra Friend, the author of The Florida Trail Guide and many other great books on backpacking, post another essay of mine on the FloridaHikes.com. The piece, titled "A Forest is Reborn in the Green Swamp," recounts my experiences hiking and backpacking in the Green Swamp East Tract this spring … Continue reading Check out my latest love letter to the Green Swamp on FloridaHikes.com
The Bull Creek Loop is a Gem on the Florida Trail’s Eastern Corridor
The approaching end of Florida’s winter-spring backpacking season perhaps calls for reflection on where I’ve been this season. Having focused this season more on the eastern portions of the Florida Trail closer to Orlando (as well as the Ocala National Forest), my favorite trip of the year so far may have been the one-nighter I … Continue reading The Bull Creek Loop is a Gem on the Florida Trail’s Eastern Corridor
Families can enjoy fun (free) hiking and camping at Flat Island Preserve
In Leesburg, a short drive north of Orlando on the Florida Turnpike, lies a pretty sanctuary of dense woodland with easy trails for families at the Flat Island Preserve. With free access from 8 a.m. through sunset, well-maintained trails through beautiful forests, and easy-to-reach group and primitive campsites that can be reserved for free, Flat … Continue reading Families can enjoy fun (free) hiking and camping at Flat Island Preserve
Thank you to Writer Advice for posting my article on its “You Can’t Make This Stuff Up” blog
I was honored to have an article I wrote about the creation of my first book published yesterday on the "You Can't Make This Stuff Up" blog found on the Writer Advice website. My article, titled "What Happens When an Author Responds to a Fanboy Email," describes how author Diana Helmuth inspired my book. Writer … Continue reading Thank you to Writer Advice for posting my article on its “You Can’t Make This Stuff Up” blog
Lake Kissimmee State Park: Hiking, History, and Hog Heaven
In my first book, I describe my first nine backpacking trips, six of which were at Florida state parks. One of my favorites is Lake Kissimmee State Park near Lake Wales, which introduced me for the first time to hikers-only trails. With two hiking loops of more-than-minimal length and two gorgeous primitive campsites and tons … Continue reading Lake Kissimmee State Park: Hiking, History, and Hog Heaven
Eating, Drinking, and Cooking on the Trail: Tips for Weekend Backpackers
Perhaps the most creative adaptations new backpackers learn to make are culinary. Regardless of what you like to eat or cook at home, your choices change when you have to carry your kitchen and pantry on your back. Although camping brings to mind visions of s’mores and roasting hot dogs over an open fire, the … Continue reading Eating, Drinking, and Cooking on the Trail: Tips for Weekend Backpackers
