Footprints and Footnotes

Welcome to what will be my hiking blog. Thank you for bearing with me as I post photos and stories and updates about my outings along with some snippets from the rest of my life. My goal is just to log my trips and outings while possibly providing a resource and example for others interested in getting outside.

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Here's one I'll frequently whistle along the trail. 

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This map outlines the hike that my friend and I will be doing at the beginning of next week. 

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2012: A Year of Hiking in Photos (Part II)

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2012: A Year of Hiking in Photos

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This maps shows roughly the route taken for my short New Year's Eve hike. 

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This year I decided to ring in the New Year differently; I chose to meet up with my good friend from Dickinson and spend New Year's Eve and the first day of 2013 backpacking in Michaux Forest. The outing was planned on pretty short notice and soon we left our car behind in Caledonia and began our short trek on the Appalachian Trail (pictured above). We left the AT at Locust Gap, following the Locust Gap Trail mostly downhill to Long Pine Reservoir. There we crossed the road and continued around the reservoir until it began to get dark (we had a late start). We hiked uphill off the trail some and set up camp in a flat(ish) area between some trees. Dinner that night was lasagna and once we had our fill we decided to walk some more to keep warm. We met about 6 snowmobilers out on the icy roads before we turned back for our warm sleeping bags. 

The night was pretty cold for me, as I had leant my pad to my friend who forgot hers. But it was still pleasant to wake up in the chilly morning and begin the hike back. Although it was a very short trip, we both agreed it was a great way to start off a year. The AT and Locust Gaps Trails along with the Rocky Knob and Hosack trail all provide some great loops perfect for day hikes or easy weekends. I hope to get out and do a different loop soon.