Long days of rhythmic, meditative footsteps across unfamiliar terrain allow for easy access to mystic-lite states of consciousness. Where the balance between the internal and external experience is a sort of perpetual motion, a physical reflection of the inner need for exploration, growth, and understanding. But then again, I’m a romantic. This idealized view of […]
Northbound from Key West, Florida
It took two days to reach the southern most point of the Continental United States, only to then immediately turn around, hiking north on the Florida Keys Overseas Heritage Trail. A new beginning, to see Florida again with fresh eyes. Two days more of pounding pavement, back to the Seven Mile Bridge, where cars rush […]
Family Time in Florida
Like a ship grounded by fate, I found myself pulled into the vortex of family I hadn’t visited in years. Life for Carisa and her husband Johnathan had recently been turned upside down when their car caught fire, leading to her moped accident, rendering her reliant on crutches. Yet, their resilience outshines setbacks, illuminating a […]
The Great Rite
A wounded animal, Seeks sustenance, To heal echoes of damage, Lingering from time immemorial. Crossing the barren desert, The abomination of desolation, This pagan offering, Knelt before the temple of the goddess, And wept at her acceptance. Healed on her altar, Through the supreme power embodied in the feminine, The Great Rite unfolds. A holy […]
Tiny Thorn Homestead
Middle of the night, middle of nowhere, I find myself between trails, at a Circle K high on the wind swept plains, deep in the heart of the Arizona Painted Desert. These intervals between trails provide a precious opportunity to reconnect with some of my favorite people, to help out with projects around Tiny Thorn […]
New Beginnings at the End of the AZT
In these final days on the Arizona Trail, I had the pleasure of hiking with @socotoshowco for a few miles, someone I haven’t seen in years. I weaved back and forth along the trail as I awaited my bus. The upcoming walk from Vail into Tucson, then onward to Phoenix for a layover, marks a […]
Plans Change on the AZT
Rain fell from the cloudless sky as I lay awake, gazing at the twinkling stars. There had been no rain predicted, not the slightest chance of showers, and yet, within a half hour the stars were hidden behind a thick canopy of dark clouds. I fell asleep thinking it would be a passing shower. But […]
Stealth Camping Sabino Canyon
Gratitude washed over me as the sun reclaimed the Santa Catalina Mountains. The persistent chill and dampness had worn on me, prompting daydreams of warmer, heavier gear. On a cold and breezy morning descent from Mt. Lemmon, my focus wasn’t on miles but on descending to Hutch’s Pool. I yearned to warm up, spread out […]
Summerhaven, Arizona
Embarking on the cold, wet, and foggy ascent along Oracle Ridge, too late in the night, I nestle into tall grass, once again seeking refuge under a perpetually damp poncho. High above the arid landscape, the town of Summerhaven faces a water shortage, a challenge underscored by the lack of monsoon rains in the larger […]
Oracle, Arizona
Resting under Oracle’s skies for three nights, beneath my poncho, amidst rain, thunder, and lightning. Javelinas stirring in the night, my mind racing, fueled by Dollar Store energy shots on the hike towards new shoes. My body urged me to seek solace in the trail. To keep moving in a dance of exercise-induced neurogenesis, while […]