Mexico City has the best high mountain access in North America. Three volcanoes over 15,000’ lie within 50 miles of Mexico City: 1) Nevado de Toluca at 15,390 feet, 2) Iztaccihuatl (Ixta) at 17,159’, and 3) Popocatepetl (Popo) at 17,887 feet. Orizaba,…
The Pacific Crest Trail’s 2650 miles has segments for all levels of hikers. One of the most visited spots on the PCT is the Desolation Wilderness – for good reason. It features granite peaks, alpine lakes, and multiple trails including…
One of the great joys in life is seeing something in person that you’ve studied. Visiting a world class, historic landmark brings the geography, human ingenuity, and often years of struggle to life. It adds depth. It gives perspectives often…
What area inspired the writings of William Wordsworth, Samuel Coleridge, & Beatrix Potter? England’s Lake District with its glacial carved valleys, chiseled mountains, and lakes is England’s most scenic spot. I recently climbed England’s tallest Peak and camped beside one…
California hosts many of America’s best long distance trails. The trails mirror California’s diversity, but the trails and routes all showcase the best of California and are over 30 miles in length. The trails range from the John Muir Trail…
Camping with the President is one of my family’s favorite books. We’ve read about Teddy Roosevelt and John Muir’s adventures in Yosemite multiple times. My family and another one, all with young kids, recently visited Yosemite and visited some of the…
Backpacking in Angel Island is special: Sports one of the best urban camping areas in the nation with world class views of San Francisco, Marin & the Golden Gate Bridge Acts as a portal into SF history. Chapters include the…
During summers growing up in suburban Pittsburgh, I watched the BBC show Nature w/ George Page everyday and imagined those exceptional places. Living in the Bay Area, I can now visit world class destinations with just a reasonable drive. My sons…
I’m posting descriptions of my past favorite trip – the Appalachian Trail. To conclude my trip, I flew 1500 miles from Baltimore to Colorado in about 3 hours. It would have taken me over 75 days to walk that same…
I’m posting descriptions of my past favorite trip – the Appalachian Trail. I am getting back on the correct email numbering with 7.5. I was bit aggressive with my last number #7 and skipped #6. I am in the Front…