Anyone who has read my book or my most recent essay on FloridaHikes.com knows I am enamored with the Green Swamp, a huge stretch of forest about an hour west of Orlando. But perhaps equally as beautiful is the adjacent Richloam Tract of the Withlacoochee State Forest that lies directly north of the Green Swamp … Continue reading For hiking with a taste of history and old school soda, check out the Richloam Tract of the Withlacoochee State Forest
Tag: hike
Check out my latest essay in Still Point Arts Quarterly
I was thrilled to have an essay of mine titled "Rebirth Beside the Baltic Sea" published today in the summer issue of Still Point Arts Quarterly (on pages 16 through 25). In this essay, I describe backpacking I did in Sweden during a family vacation last summer, which I also describe in Chapter 12 of … Continue reading Check out my latest essay in Still Point Arts Quarterly
Finding My Way Home will be receiving a 2025 FAPA President’s Book Award
I was thrilled to learn earlier this week that my book, Finding My Way Home: Fighting Depression Backpacking in Central Florida, will be winning a 2025 FAPA (Florida Authors and Publishers Association) President's Book Award. Winners are selected in several categories and receive either gold, silver, or bronze medals. I've been selected to receive a medal … Continue reading Finding My Way Home will be receiving a 2025 FAPA President’s Book Award
Primeval day-hiking paradise awaits at Tiger Creek Preserve
Highlands Loop Trail at Tiger Creek Preserve As the heat of summer approaches and my attention shifts to Florida’s springs and beaches, perhaps my biggest regret from the spring and winter is having not yet hiked this year at my favorite day-hiking destination in Central Florida, the Nature Conservancy’s treasure trove of trails at Tiger … Continue reading Primeval day-hiking paradise awaits at Tiger Creek Preserve
Kissimmee Prairie Preserve State Park: Home of Big Sky and an Ocean of Stars
When I rediscovered backpacking last winter, I made my first one-night trip on an unfamiliar trail to Kissimmee Prairie Preserve State Park, on the 5.5-mile Kissimmee Prairie Loop that is a favorite trail for Florida families. I described Kissimmee Prairie Preserve in my book with reverence and awe, as I still do today. A huge … Continue reading Kissimmee Prairie Preserve State Park: Home of Big Sky and an Ocean of Stars
I can’t wait to return one day to Adirondack Park
Baxter Mountain Earlier this week I posted about my week at the Craigardan Spring Writers Retreat, at a working farm and artists community nestled in the eastern Adirondack Mountains just outside Elizabethtown, New York. But I did not share any details or many photos from the hiking I did there or about how the entire … Continue reading I can’t wait to return one day to Adirondack Park
Thank you to Kate Moses and everyone at Craigardan!
I just had the privilege of spending a magical week in the Adirondack Mountains at the Craigardan Spring Writers Retreat, learning from distinguished author Kate Moses and three brilliant women who will certainly also soon be distinguished authors. I highly recommend this program for any new creative writers looking to learn from the best. After … Continue reading Thank you to Kate Moses and everyone at Craigardan!
Looking to Backpack Near Minneapolis? The Western End of the Ice Age Trail May Be Just the Place
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
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
