Navigate To Your Adventure

The Virginia 250 Passport || 'Important Things Happened Here': Cumberland County, Virginia

2026-01-25T16:07:00.006-05:00

I had to drive my wife to the Cumberland County Courthouse; it wasn’t on my Virginia 250 Passport list, but while I waited for her, I rarely pass up the chance to wander the grounds of a historic courthouse. I like to read the markers, soak in the setting, and get a feel for the local history. Many of Virginia’s oldest courthouses sit quietly in rural counties like this one, often holding stories that are easy to miss if you don’t stop and look around.

That pause turned out to be worthwhile. One historical marker caught my attention, marking a moment that unfolded on April 22, 1776. Standing on the front porch of the Effingham Tavern, Carter Henry Harrison read the Cumberland County Resolution to the citizens gathered there. The resolution boldly called for the colonies to abjure all allegiance to His Majesty.

Harrison was later instructed to carry that message to the Virginia Convention, making this the first known call for independence issued by a governmental body, a remarkable detail to uncover during an unplanned stop.

Today, the marker rests on the courthouse grounds. Just a few hundred feet away, across the street, the post office now stands on the former site of the Effingham Tavern. It’s a quiet corner of town, but knowing what once took place there gives the surroundings a weight that lingers long after you move on.

Now It's Your Turn-

Leave a comment if you have visited each place I visited as I explore the historical sites of Virginia that made America.

Virginia 250 Passport Exploring History

A Complete Guide of Outdoor Holidays

2026-01-03T20:30:00.002-05:00

Editor's note: This article was initially published in December 2022 and has been updated in December 2025 for accuracy and comprehensiveness. Some of the external website links still need to be updated with 2026 event information for this update.

If you are like me, the daily grind of life gets in the way of enjoying the outdoors or even taking the opportunity to experience new activities. Over the years, being spontaneous in this effort has failed. I need to take the time to schedule my outdoor activities.

With a new year approaching, now is the time to fix this issue. I want to plan and schedule those activities. I needed to build a list of ideas or a bucket list. The truth was, I just needed something to make the process simple. This quest might have started with National Bike to Work Day, or another day I need help remembering. Once I had the date, I researched other National Days. This was a great way to put a place marker on my calendar.

As I started to build my list of these National Outdoor Days, I had the idea to make this a yearly guide—a resource that lists all the national, world, or global Days that get us outside to enjoy the great outdoors. While compiling this guide, I wondered how these days started in the first place.

While researching, I found that at least one organization was the catalyst behind those days. Plus, most of these days have environmental, conservation, or stewardship causes behind them. The days are occasions to educate the public on issues of concern. While other National Days are just about getting people outside to enjoy nature.

NOTES ABOUT THIS GUIDE:

DATES: Some national, world, or global days are set as a particular day, week, or month, and it is that day, week, or month every year. Some days are celebrated at different times of the year around the world. This is due to a growing or migratory season. I will provide the correct dates, or note that the dates can differ around the globe.

WEBSITE LINKS: The links provided will navigate you from the Navigate to Your Adventure to the organization or government website that provides more information and resources about the day. This might be one of many resources, and Navigate to Your Adventure does not endorse any particular organization's efforts. Many groups and organizations support and are catalysts in the local area.

HASHTAGS: I have also provided social media hashtags. If you are into sharing your experience. These are the official hashtags suggested by the sponsoring organization.

READER INPUT: My intent in this guide is that it will be a living resource. If you know of a National, World, or Global Day that should be listed. Please leave a comment. If you know of other websites that should be added. Please leave a comment. The goal of this post is to help you to plan and put a day on the calendar. You may do one of these National Days annually with family and friends. You may find a cause you are passionate about and want to support. But the goal is to get you outside and explore.

JANUARY:

Thursday, 1 January 2026

First-Day Hikes: State parks across the United States—and participating regions in Canada—invite you to ring in the New Year on the trail. In all 50 states, you’ll find ranger-led programs and self-guided walks designed to help you start the year on the right foot. And it’s not just about hiking: many parks also offer First-Day activities such as orienteering meets, river floats, wilderness first-aid sessions, camp-cooking demonstrations, and even 5Ks.

Monday, 5 January 2026

National Bird Day: Hike a birding trail or paddle a migratory waterway to learn about wild bird conservation. But this day is about the negative effects of holding exotic birds captive. For more information about National Bird Day, navigate to the Avian Welfare Coalition. Use the hashtags #NationalBirdDay, #MoreBeautifulWild.

FEBRUARY:

Monday, 2 February 2026

World Wetlands Day: Celebrate the role of wetlands in filtering pollution and buffering communities against extreme weather worldwide. Attending a free educational program or posting your own that will take place in a marsh, estuary, lake, or floodplain near you. For more information, navigate to World Wetlands Day. Use the hashtags #CelebratingWetlands, #WetlandsandCulturalHeritage.

13-16 February 2026

Great Backyard Bird Count: The Great Backyard Bird Count is a fun global activity that can be done in your backyard. How do I participate? Choose a location, watch birds for 15 minutes at least 1 day over the 4 days, and identify all the birds you see and hear within your planned time and location. Then share your sightings with an online tool. For more information, navigate over to Birdcount.

Monday, 16 February 2026

Presidents' Day: It is a National Parks fee-free day. Use this resource: Presidential places to plan a visit to reflect on the life and legacy of U.S. Presidents. Also, visit one of these parks related to the Presidents.

Monday, 22 February 2026

World Scouting Day: This day marks the birth anniversary of Lieutenant-General Baden-Powell, known as the founder of Scouting. Scouts Day and Guides Day are generic terms for special days that observe the Scouting movement. There is also Founder's Day, World Thinking Day, Saint George's Day, and African Scout Day. If you belong to a Scouting movement, check when your country observes its day. For more information, navigate over to Scout.

Week of 23-27, February 2026

National Invasive Species Awareness Week (NISAW) is an international event to raise awareness about invasive species, their threats, and what can be done to prevent their spread. For more information, navigate to NISAW.

MARCH:

6-7 March 2026 (Sundown to Sundown)

Global Day of Unplugging: Formerly National Day of Unplugging. Its goal is to commit to 24 hours of smartphone-free living. Then shift to an offline activity, in-person interaction, or real-life gathering. You can organize an outdoor activity to disconnect from the digital world and reconnect with your community. For more information, navigate to Unplug Collaborative.

Tuesday, March 3, 2026

World Wildlife Day: Show your support for the world’s wild animals and plants by increasing awareness of our planet’s endangered species. Sign up for an endangered species program hosted by a state or national park near you, then share what you’ve learned on social media with hashtags #WWD2026, #PartnershipforConervation, #WorldWildlifeDay, #WWD. For more information, navigate to Wild Life Day.

Thursday, 12 March 2026

National Girl Scout Day: Celebrate the first Girl Scout meeting anniversary in 1912. Help inspire your favorite scout to become a National Park Girl Scout Ranger. Volunteers who contribute 10 hours or more. They are recognized with an official certificate and patch. For more information, navigate over to Girl Scouts. What is your favorite Girl Scout cookie?

Saturday, 14 March 2026

National Wildlife Refuge System Birthday: Celebrate the birthday of the U.S. Fish & Wildlife Service by fishing, hiking, paddling, or volunteering in one of over 550 National Wildlife Refuges across the country. For more information, navigate to the National Wildlife Refuge System.

Wednesday, 18 March 2026

Global Recycling Day: This will be the 9th Global Recycling Day. This should be an easy day to participate in the effort. For more information, navigate over to Global Recycling Day.

Friday, 21 March 2025

International Day of Forests: This year's theme is "Forests and Foods". On each International Day of Forests, countries are encouraged to undertake local, national, and international efforts to organize activities involving forests and trees. For more information, navigate to Collaborative Partnership on Forests or UN Women.

APRIL:

Week of 18-26 April 2026

National Park Week/ National Volunteer Week & Earth Day: Kick off the National Park Service’s week-long celebration and recognition for National Parks. Free entry on the first day, 18 April. For more information, navigate over to the National Park Week. Follow the National Park Service on Social Media during the week #YourPark.

Wednesday, 22 April 2026

Earth Day/Mother Earth Day: Marks the anniversary of the birth of the modern environmental movement that started in 1970. In 1990, Earth Day went global, and 190 countries were involved in this event. You shouldn't have to look hard for an Earth Day event. This year's theme is Our Power, Our Plant™. Sharing stories on social media using the hashtag #RenewableEnergyNow. For more information, navigate to Earth Day 2026

Friday, 24 April 2026

National Arbor Day: Celebrated on the last Friday in April, but many states observe Arbor Day on different dates throughout the year based on the best time to plant a tree. Get involved by volunteering to plant and care for trees in these wild lands and your community. For more information, navigate to the Arbor Day Foundation or check your state forestry department.

MAY:

Saturday, 2 May 2026

International Women's MTB Day: Celebrated annually on the first Saturday in May. It's a day for women to gather and ride their mountain bikes and get their stoke on! The day is social media-driven. Look for women's MTB Day events at the local level and get the word out about your Women's MTB Day by using the hashtag #womensMTBday. For more information, navigate to IMBA.

Saturday, 2 May 2026

Clean the Bay Day: Since 1989, Virginians have been giving back to their waterways by removing litter and debris. Over the last three decades, there have been 165,500 volunteers engaged with this event and have removed 7.18 million pounds of debris. For more information, navigate to Clean the Bay Day.

Friday, 15 May 2026

Endangered Species Day: Every year on the third Friday in May, people worldwide participate in Endangered Species Day. This year will be the 19th year of this celebration. The Endangered Species Coalition’s mission is to stop the human-caused extinction of our most at-risk species and restore their habitats. For more information, navigate to Endangered.

Friday, 15 May 2026

Bike to Work Day: BTWD is an annual event that promotes bicycles as an option for commuting to work. Statistics show that 40% of all trips in the United States are less than two miles away. If the city where you live has commuting infrastructure, plan ahead and take the bicycle instead of the car. There are so many benefits to commuting by bike. For more information, navigate to Bike League.

Saturday, 16 May 2026

Kids to Parks Day: Celebrate the 16th annual Kids to Parks Day on the third Saturday of May. The day connects kids and their families to local, state, and national parks to promote discovery and exploration in the great outdoors. Participate in a stewardship, STEM, and history event at a national, state, or local park near you. Or, just visit a park for a day of outdoor fun! Today is all about enjoying nature. For more information, navigate to National Park Trust.

Monday, 25 May 2026

Memorial Day: It is a National Park fee-free day. It is a time for remembrance of those who lost their lives while serving in the U.S. Military. Take the time to reflect on military service and sacrifice. Make the most of this day. The fallen would have wanted it that way. Find Places of Remembrance.

JUNE:

Friday, 30 May through Sunday, 1 June 2025

Bike Travel Weekend: Invite a few friends and plan a bikepacking or touring trip with help from the Adventure Cycling Association, or find an overnight trip at Bikepacking Overnighters.

Saturday, 6 June 2026

National Trails Day: The American Hiking Society's National Trails Day is about committing to trail service. This year's theme is any trail, anywhere- leave it better. For more information, navigate to the American Hiking Society.

Monday, 8 June 2026

World Oceans Day: Visit a coastal park, hike a beach trail, volunteer to pick up trash on the shore, or travel to your local zoo or aquarium for this global celebration of healthy oceans. For more information, navigate to World Ocean Day.

Sunday, 14 June 2026

Flag Day: It is a National Park fee-free day at all national parks, commemorating the adoption of the U.S. Flag on 14 June 1777.

Friday, 26 June 2026

National Canoe Day: Back in 2007, the Canadian Canoe Museum declared the canoe as the 7th wonders of Canada. Celebrated in Canada or virtually, this year's theme is #OnTheWater. To participate in National Canoe Day virtually. Get out on the water and share a photo. Use the following social media tags #OnTheWater, #NCD2025, and #NationalCanoeDay. Tag @cndcanoemuseum on any post so they can see you celebrating the day. For more information, navigate to Canoe Museum National Canoe Day 2024.

Saturday, 27 June 2026

Great American Campout: Also known as the Great American Backyard Campout. This year, Clean Earth Challenge is to go camping and be a part of a wide-scale effort to clean up the planet. This could be around your campsite or on the trail. Hashtag #ComeCleanForEarth. For more information, navigate to The National Wildlife Foundation.

AUGUST:

Tuesday, 25 August 2026

National Park Service Birthday: Help the park service celebrate 110 years of preserving America’s wild places with this year’s theme, Discovering Something New. Plan a park outing with your family, and share your adventure on social media with the hashtags #NPSBirthday, #FindYourPark, and #EncuentraTuParque. For more information, navigate to the National Park Service.

SEPTEMBER:

September is National Wilderness Month. The Wilderness Act was signed into law by President Lyndon B. Johnson in 1964, opening a new chapter in American conservation by creating the National Wilderness Preservation System. Today, there are 800 wilderness areas spanning 111 million acres.

Friday, 4 September 2026

National Wildlife Day: Explore the wilderness areas in your state to discover the wild creatures in the woods and on the water around you. Learn about America's best wildlife viewing experiences.

Tuesday, 22 September 2026

World Car Free Day: A day to get around by bike, train, bus, or walking around. For more information, navigate to Car Free Metro DC.

Saturday, 26 September 2026

National Public Lands Day: Celebrate the 29th anniversary of National Public Lands Day and the 53nd anniversary of the National Trails System and National Wild & Scenic Rivers System with a conservation project at a national park near you. You’ll get a fee-free token in return to use on a future visit. For more information, navigate to the National Park Service.

Saturday, 26 September 2026

National Fishing & Hunting Day: Learn about the critical role hunters and anglers play in conservation efforts by attending an educational event at a shooting range, wildlife refuge, fish hatchery, or national forest in your area. For more information, navigate to National Hunt and Fish Day.

Saturday, 23 September 2025

Bike Your Park Day: For more information, navigate to Adventure Cycling Association or National Park Service.

NOVEMBER:

Wednesday, 11 November 2026

Veterans Day: Honor America’s heroic veterans with an educational visit to one of our nation’s battlefields, military parks, and historic sites. From the Statue of Liberty to the USS Arizona Memorial, daily admission is free to all national parks on Veterans Day.

Tuesday, 17 November 2026

National Take a Hike Day: Brush up on hiking skills and Leave No Trace practices, then take off for the trailhead on the American Hiking Society’s last trail day of the year. For more information, navigate to the American Hiking Society.

Friday, 27 November 2026

#OptOutside Day: Join REI’s movement to opt out of holiday shopping on Black Friday. Commit to spending the day after Thanksgiving outdoors, enjoying an activity you love, spending time with family and friends, or giving back to nature and your community. For more information, navigate to Recreational Equipment Inc.

DECEMBER:

Friday, 11 December 2026

International Mountain Day: Climb a peak to learn about fragile mountain ecosystems, and take photos of your journey to post on social media and tag #MountainsMatter. For more information, navigate to the United Nations.

14 December-5 January 2026

Audubon Christmas Bird Count: The Audubon Christmas Bird Count is the longest-running community science bird project. Navigate to Audubon Christmas Bird Count to join the fun.

Now It's Your Turn-

Please leave a comment on an outdoor holiday that needs to be added or a resource link.

Trail Closures Due to Wet Trails and Freeze-Thaw Cycle Explained

2025-12-10T20:00:00.001-05:00

It's that time of the year again when we start to see trail closures due to wet trails and freeze-thaw cycles. This article was originally published in February 2021. It's an important trail issue that needs to be revisited. Due to the nature of their design, there are probably more impacts that are caused this time of year with flow-designed trail systems. This article has been updated in December 2025.

Trail damage due to above-normal wet conditions.

New bikes for Christmas and New Year resolutions to get out and be more active. This time of year, we see an increasing number of new mountain bike riders and other outdoor recreational users exploring their local, state, and national parks. This might be their first experience using these public resources and their newfound outdoor activities.

This post is to help trail users understand why there are trail closures due to wet trails and the freeze-thaw cycle we see this time of year. As an outdoor community, take the time to educate new trail users. It doesn't help to have a negative interaction with someone who is new and doesn't know.

In my local area, we have some fantastic trails! Urban trails in downtown Richmond are part of the James River Park System, and just 25 minutes south of the city, there's an IMBA bronze-level Regional Ride Center at Pocahontas State Park, which features over 50 miles of bike trails.

One of the frustrating issues we are seeing now is an increased number of riders still riding when the trails have been closed due to wet weather or the freeze-thaw cycle.

Realized that many new riders don't understand the "why" behind the trails being closed this time of year due to wet trails and the freeze-thaw cycle. I am sharing a guest post from Joel, one of our local trail-builders. Joel’s effort to explain the "why" behind trail closures during this time of year was posted to one of the local Facebook pages. At the end of this post, we have provided local resources that communicate the trail status, so you know before you go.

Trail conditions in your region are very subjective due to the surface soil type, drainage profile, and relative rainfall in a given period. Trails on steep contours may drain better due to the gravitational pull of surface and groundwater downward, versus trails in a flatter area with greater groundwater retention.

Water will seek dry soil if available, but different soil types present different resistance to movement. Similar to how electricity moves through materials with less resistance, groundwater moves quickly through soils with less resistance than those that are more porous and less dense. In dense and saturated soils (clay, loam), water will move more slowly than it will through rocky and sandy soils. The primary soil types in the Metro Richmond, Virginia area are clay and loam-type soils.

This year, the Richmond Metro area experienced record rainfall amounts. This has led to higher groundwater concentrations, raising the water table in our area. You can see this in some trail areas where the ground appears to be leaking water via seeps, where water has traveled through voids and seams in the soil substrate. Trail builders encounter these “springs” on trails, and we typically address them via “armoring” techniques – using the rock to harden the surface and other methods to move water off and away from the trail.

Regarding "man-made" trails such as bermed flow style and jump-type trails, these trails are fun to ride and very popular (Park trail counters show this to be true). While not naturally existing on trail surfaces, trail builders design and build berm trails. The trail builder has to build up these features.

Designing and building these features is a bit of art and science within itself. These features usually have shapes and gradients with more surface area than flat ground. The increased surface area and stacked soil lead to more infiltration and moisture retention. So “built” trails may retain water and moisture while other (natural surface) trails do not. Heavy precipitation may also result in runoff, leading to erosion and channeling (also not good).

In the winter, most trees and plants go dormant and don’t provide the added effects of transpiration. Transpiration- is a process where plants suck up groundwater and hold it or emit it into the atmosphere via humidity expressed from pores in their leaves. Evaporation- from solar radiation is also less impactful during the winter due to colder average temperatures and fewer daylight hours. So during the winter, plants are not intercepting as much water, allowing more free water into the soil or surfaces.

What is freeze-thaw?

The water freezes when the temperature drops at night and the soil is saturated. Ice has more volume than water, so it expands in the same space, heaving up the soil and "unpacking" it, referred to as frost heave. When surface temperatures rise above freezing due to solar radiation and/or air temperatures, that ice thaws and turns back to liquid, which is the freeze-thaw situation.

If you ride or walk on the ground in this state, it turns into a slurry (i.e., a "mess") and destroys its former shape. It’s difficult to predict when trails are safe from freeze-thaw, but to avoid damage from freeze-thaw conditions, trail managers will choose to close the trails, and closures may extend well past the last measured precipitation.

The use of trails when in a fragile state will make areas already susceptible to damage even worse and require either longer closures or difficult remediation (fix, re-route, armor, or permanent closure).

As a mountain bike community, we can keep our trails open and in good shape by being aware of poor trail conditions and respecting trail closures.

Check local trail conditions here:

RVA Trail Report on Facebook RVA Trail Report and on Instagram rvatrailreport

Visit the

Friends of Pocahontas website at fopsp.org or text "POCA" to 804-292-2939 to receive automated daily mountain bike trail conditions and trail closures. This text is normally sent at 6:30 a.m. starting in November and 7:30 a.m. starting in March.

RVA MORE website RVA MORE Trail Status.

Now It's Your Turn-

I would like to hear how your local trail systems and trail clubs communicate temporary trail closures due to wet conditions.

How do they educate new riders about IMBA Rules of the Trail and responsible riding?

Virginia 250 Passport: Exploring History Sites of Virginia That Made America. Part 1

2025-12-07T19:32:00.005-05:00

Today, I explored several historical sites in Virginia that helped shape the story of America. My main stop was the Virginia Museum of History and Culture in Richmond, where I visited their limited-time exhibition Give Me Liberty.

The exhibition was excellent, featuring a blend of original artifacts and period-accurate reproductions. It walks visitors through the major issues of the era and highlights the actions Virginians took in response. The most important insight I took away was the distinction the Founding Fathers made between liberty and freedom. To them, liberty was a God-given, inherent right, while freedom was a privilege granted by the government and therefore subject to revocation.

The exhibition also underscores that, at the time, the phrase “all men are created equal” was understood to apply only to white men. Native Americans, enslaved people, and women were excluded from these rights and protections.

Although it’s not part of the Virginia 250 Passport, I made a quick stop on my way to the museum at the Halfway House Restaurant. Built in 1760 as a horse-change and rest stop along the Petersburg Stagecoach Route, it has hosted its share of notable historical figures.

In 1781, the Halfway House served as the temporary headquarters for the Marquis de Lafayette. In the photo below, you can read the blue-and-yellow historical marker describing the hero of the Revolution who warned Lafayette of a plot to capture him.

Resources:

The museum is open daily from 10 a.m. to 5 p.m. and closed on New Year’s Day, Thanksgiving, and Christmas.
Parking is $5.00 for the first four hours.
Museum admission requires a ticket; current rates are listed on their website. (Note: the rate during my visit differed from the posted price.)
The café and gift shop are accessible without an admission ticket.
Virginia 250 Passports are available at the admissions desk, and staff will stamp your passport upon request.
Now It's Your Turn-

Leave a comment if you have visited each place I visited as I explore the historical sites of Virginia that made America.

The Virginia 250 Passport: Exploring History Sites of Virginia That Made America.

2025-12-03T20:03:00.001-05:00

In 2026, the United States will celebrate its 250th birthday, and few places have contributed more to the nation’s story than Virginia. Known as the “Mother of Presidents,” Virginia is the birthplace of more U.S. presidents than any other state. Seven Virginians signed the Declaration of Independence, the decisive Surrender at Yorktown unfolded on Virginia soil, and Thomas Jefferson penned the initial draft of the Declaration itself. The list of Virginia’s contributions goes on.

To honor this legacy, the American Revolution 250 Commission released the Virginia 250 Passport in conjunction with Veterans Day 2025. Designed to inspire exploration and learning, the passport guides visitors to 70 historic sites across the Commonwealth as part of America’s 250th-anniversary commemoration.

I invite you to join me on this journey as I reacquaint myself with both Virginia’s rich heritage and the broader sweep of United States history. Along the way, I’ll be exploring historic sites across the Commonwealth and rediscovering the stories that shaped our nation.

For me, this feels more significant now than at any point in my life. In a time of intense political division, reconnecting with our shared history provides a sense of grounding and reminds us of what still holds us together.

My goal with this series is to share brief reflections on the places I visit and the things I learned along the way.

RESOURCES:

If you are looking for your copy of the Virginia 250 Passport. They can be found at the following Signature Sites.

Virginia Museum of History & Culture.
Colonial Williamsburg.
George Washington's Mount Vernon.
Jamestown-Yorktown Foundation Museums.
The Sovereign Nations and Indian Tribes of Virginia.

Now It's Your Turn-

Leave a comment if you have picked up your copy of the passort.

Not Everything Goes as Planned: My Attempt at the Norwegian Foot March

2025-05-12T21:06:00.017-04:00

Marsjmerket "March Badge"

Marsjmerket, which translates to "March Badge" in English, is more commonly known as the Norwegian Foot March (NFM) by the United States Military. It is a challenging endurance march or ruck. The origins of NFM date back to 1915, when it was created to test the marching endurance of the Norwegian Army. The Norwegian Army aimed to deploy larger units of troops over great distances quickly and efficiently, ensuring that the soldiers remained combat-ready even after carrying their rucksacks and weapons, which weighed approximately 11 kg/24 lbs. Today, the goal is to promote rucking over long distances among military and civilian personnel.

Marchers are welcomed by the commander and get their final brief.

While most modern militaries rely on vehicles and strategic infrastructure to move troops, foot marching, commonly known as rucking, remains a core component of military fitness, especially among European armed forces. In the United States, ruck marches are still used as physical assessment tools in certain units and military schools. A standard benchmark for the U.S. military is the 12-mile ruck march, which requires participants to carry a 35-pound dry pack and complete the distance in under three hours. While the 12-mile ruck march is a formidable challenge, the Norwegian Foot March (NFM) pushes those limits even further.

The official standards for the Norwegian Foot March are as follows:

Weight Requirement: Military participants must carry a military rucksack with a dry weight of at least 11 kg (24 lbs)—not including water. Civilian participants can use a civilian-style rucksack.
Uniform Requirements:
- Military personnel are required to wear authorized duty uniforms and boots, as specified by regulations.
- Civilians may participate in appropriate civilian attire, but must wear long pants and boots that weigh at least 1.5 kg (3.3 lb).
Distance: The total course length is 18.6 miles (30 kilometers), completed by marching or running.
Time Standard: Completion time is determined by age and gender categories.
Verification: Rucksacks will be weighed both before and after the event to confirm compliance with dry weight requirements. Carrying a weapon is no longer mandatory.

The Route:

The course should follow an “out-and-back” format, utilizing a well-maintained path or dirt road suitable for foot traffic. A minimum of three hydration and food stations must be available along the route to support participants.

Outside assistance from non-participants is not permitted, except for official timing, weigh-ins, hydration/food stations, and designated medical aid stations.

The event must not be conducted if outdoor temperatures in shaded areas exceed 25°C (77°F) or fall below -15°C (5°F), to ensure participant safety.

Completion Certificate and Achievement Pins

Participants who successfully complete the Norwegian Foot March (NFM) within the required time for their age and gender categories will receive an official certificate and pin. The pin is authorized for wear on the Army Service Uniform as a foreign service award. Service members are responsible for submitting DA 4187 to obtain approval to wear the award.

While participants may attempt the march multiple times each year, only one pin can be earned per calendar year.

The pin progression is as follows:

Bronze Pin – Awarded after completing your first successful march.
Silver Pin – Earned upon your second successful year.
Gold Pin – Awarded after successfully completing the march in five separate years.

Marchers are moving out at the start of the course.

"Not Everything Goes as Planned"

That’s how I’d sum up my experience attempting the Norwegian Foot March. Over the years, I’ve participated in several foreign military marches, each one challenging in its own way. The Norwegian Foot March was the final test on my personal list, a goal I wanted to achieve. I trained hard, both physically and mentally, and committed to meeting the standard. But sometimes, no matter how much preparation you put in, the day has other plans, which humble you.

As a retired service member, there’s no official reason for me to take on events like this — no military incentive and no required evaluation. My motivation is personal. The Norwegian Foot March is the only one I never participated in during my time in uniform, and now that I am retired, it is my quest to complete this march.

It’s more than just the physical challenge. Participating helps me stay connected to the military community, and I especially enjoy the camaraderie with European NATO troops. That shared experience is one of the most rewarding aspects of these international military marches.

In the end, sometimes we just need to do hard things for ourselves and to be reminded of what we're still capable of.

The pack shoulder straps are a dead giveaway that I am rucking an old-school ALICE ruck.

Lessons Learned

Throughout my military service, I’ve had a love-hate relationship with the ALICE pack. That said, when it comes to rucking, I still consider it one of the best options available. Both the medium and large ALICE packs include a built-in radio pocket, which is ideal for this kind of event. It allows you to position weight high on your back, right where it should be for balance and efficiency.

While the ALICE pack works well in its standard form, a few thoughtful upgrades can make a significant difference. Enhancements such as improved shoulder straps, a padded frame back panel, and a more durable kidney belt can greatly boost comfort and reduce fatigue. I’ve also reinforced the strap on the radio pocket, which showed wear.

Most Norwegian Foot March (NFM) events require participants to carry their own water. Based on my experience, having completed two DANCON marches, one Marche Internationale De Diekirch, and attempted the NFM, I’ve learned that I often carry more water than necessary. In practice, grabbing a bottle at aid stations along the route is much easier and lighter.

For the NFM, I carried a 3-liter Source bladder filled halfway, plus a bike water bottle in hand. In hindsight, there's a better hydration setup for the ALICE Pack: either a U.S. 2-quart canteen with a hose kit or a standard Nalgene bottle paired with a Swig Rig Wide mouth.

Get your base pack weight as close as possible to the required minimum. As the saying goes, "Ounces equal pounds. Pounds equal pain." There's no reason to carry more weight than necessary.

If you search for Norwegian Foot March training plans, you’ll find programs ranging from 6 to 16 weeks, all progressing toward the full 18.6 miles (30 km). However, for someone like me, simply logging the mileage leads to injury and leaves gaps in overall conditioning. I’ve since reevaluated my approach and plan to build an aerobic foundation through Zone 2 running before transitioning to rucking. During my last attempt at NFM, the course began with a mile of beach sand—an obstacle I encountered three times on the out-and-back route. With consistent zone 2 training, I aim to build the endurance needed to power through sections more efficiently.

Marchers start to spread out on the course.

One thing I’ve consistently observed during these march events is that European troops tend to excel at them. Rucking is a core component of their military physical training, deeply integrated into their preparation for combat operations.

The Norwegian Foot March humbled me. But in that failure, I found something even more valuable than a badge: perspective.

Failure isn’t final, it's a lesson. An opportunity to become better than we were yesterday, and push forward with renewed purpose. I may not have earned the badge this time, but I walked away with insight, humility, and a deeper understanding of what it takes. And next year, I’ll be back to finish what I started and to earn that badge the hard way.

Now It's Your Turn-

Leave a comment if you have participated in a Norwegian Foot March or any tips for the march.

To see more pictures of this event put on by the United States Army School of Music, visit their Flickr page.

Navigate over to our related posts at:

POSTCARD: All Those That Wander Are Not Lost || Pocahontas State Park

2025-04-24T07:00:00.002-04:00

" All Those That Wonder Are Not Lost."

~ J.R.R. Tolkien

I often get asked at the park, "Which trail do you recommend?" The answer, I always say, depends. I typically ask two questions to guide you: How far do you want to hike? What are you wanting to see on the hike?

This photograph was taken one early summer morning while I was scouting a section of trail for a project. I can't exactly pinpoint why I stopped to take the shot. Maybe it was the sense of being the first to witness the trail that day. Whatever the reason, in that moment, the trail felt like it was mine to explore, to savor, and to experience.

So, the next time you set out to find your perfect trail, ask yourself: What do you truly seek? Whether it's solitude, adventure, or something else entirely, the right trail will reveal itself to you.

My Postcard series is my modern take on the traditional postcard—a single image paired with a narrative, meant to share an experience with you. As with all the photos on this blog, I take them either with my smartphone or a GoPro. The image above was captured with my smartphone. I then edited the photo with Snapseed, which is available on both iOS and Android.

Now It's Your Turn-

I would like to hear what you look for in a trail. What is your favorite trail that gives you that zen experience?

Navigate over to our related Postcard Series posts at:

Postcard Rays of Light Pocahontas State Park

Camping Gaz Turbo 270 Conversion for Threaded Fuel Canisters

2025-01-26T08:32:00.005-05:00

Part of my collection of Camoing Gaz Bleuet 206 and 270 stoves.

The Camping Gaz Bleuet 206 was my first backpacking stove, and it holds a special place in my memories. This little stove ran on a pierceable butane-propane mixed cartridge, and I first used it in the mid-'80s, when it was widely available worldwide. The 206 was incredibly simple to operate—just turn the knob, light it, and you were good to go. Each cartridge provided about six hours of cooking time, perfect for my trips.

There were a couple of drawbacks, though. Once you pierced the 190-gram C206 canister, you couldn’t remove the stove until the fuel was completely used. Also, the butane-propane mix in the canisters could freeze in cold weather. While I never personally experienced fuel freezing, I always made sure to be prepared in case it happened.

As a young Scout, I’d look forward to Christmas each year, when I’d find one or two new fuel canisters in my stocking. If I spotted them on sale, I’d grab a few extras to build up my stash. Even though I can’t find those C206 canisters anymore, I still have a decent supply that will last me for years.

A few years later, I upgraded to the Camping Gaz Bleuet 270 Micro Stove, which used the sealable CV270 (220-gram) or CV470 (450-gram) canisters. The 270 was just as easy to use as the 206, but now I could detach the stove from the canister, making it more convenient for packing. However, it still had the same freezing issue as the earlier model. Another downside was that the Bleuet 270 could only be used with Camping Gaz canisters, while most other stoves use threaded connectors for fuel canisters.

Camping Gaz is Non-threaded (left), and the Coleman (right) is threaded like most modern canisters.

A year or two after I purchased my second stove, Coleman acquired the French company behind Camping Gaz. By 2016, the canisters were no longer distributed in the United States.

My second stove is the Camping Gaz Bleuet 270 Micro Stove on the self-sealing canister.

Once the remaining stock in stores was gone, U.S. consumers were left without a fuel source. As a result, many stoves were relegated to paperweights once their owners ran out of canisters.

I haven’t used my Bleuet 206 much in recent years, but I still have a good supply of fuel canisters left. The Bleuet 206 and the Bleuet 270 have been incredibly reliable over the years, and I’m reluctant to give them up simply because the canisters are no longer available in the U.S. (though you can still find them in other parts of the world).

Every few years, I’d check online to see if I could source the canisters, but with no luck. That is, until I came across some posts where people were converting their stoves to work with threaded fuel canisters. It seemed like my Bleuet 270 might get a second life after all! Naturally, I wanted to learn how these conversions worked and hoped I could enjoy using my Camping Gaz stove once again.

You might ask, with so many modern stoves that weigh just a few grams, why bother going through the trouble and expense of reviving an old stove? Fair question, and one I hope to answer. The Camping Gaz stoves I have were dependable and incredibly easy to use. They didn’t just boil water for my backpacking meals; they allowed me to cook real, satisfying meals while camping. After all, what’s a great outdoor adventure without a memorable meal shared with friends? It’s frustrating that these canisters can’t be found in the U.S. but are still readily available elsewhere.

If you’re a fan of Camping Gaz stoves or just enjoy learning about conversions, modifications, or hacks, stick with me. I’ll walk you through the process. But here’s the kicker: the Bleuet 270, despite looking like it would work, isn’t the right fit. It turns out I needed to start with the Camping Gaz Turbo 270.

Camping Gaz Turbo 270 carrying case.

I managed to find a Camping Gaz Turbo 270 stove online, though I had no idea how old it was, how much it had been used, or when it was last used.

All the parts that make up the Turbo 270.

There are a few key differences between the Bleuet 270 and the Turbo 270. The most obvious one is that the burner on the Turbo 270 is larger. Additionally, the housing where the on/off knob is attached is different, giving the stove a slightly distinct look.

The next step in the process was to find a donor stove for the valve I’d need for the conversion. For this, I decided to use a Coleman Peak 1 3001 series stove. These stoves are fairly easy to find and typically cost under $20.

Coleman Peak 1 is needed as a donor.

When I received the Coleman Peak 1, I was a little surprised by how cheap and flimsy it felt right out of the box.

Coleman Peak 1 out of the box.

Step #1: Remove the red plastic housing.

One side of the plastic housing was removed.

Step #2: Once the housing is off, remove all other parts of the stove. What's that blue that I see?

All the parts of the stove.

Step#3: Remove the black dummy cap from the blue turn Knob.

Guess what? Is that a Camping Gaz valve?

How about that! Surprised to see the Camping Gaz blue Knob? That is the same style knob that is on my Bleuet 270 and the same knob that is on the Turbo 270.

Step #4: Unscrew the Turbo 270 burner head from the valve and replace it with the new one from the donor stove.

Turbo 270 with the new valve.

Turbo 270 is attached to a new threaded fuel canister.

Step #5: Turn the knob on and light. Note: I have the solid windscreen section in the back of the stove. That section should be over the knob.

After who knows how many years this stove was used, it started burning on the first light.

And there it is! I successfully converted the stove from using a non-threaded fuel canister to being compatible with threaded canisters. I'm pretty sure this stove had been sitting in someone’s garage or gear closet for years, but when I fired it up, it worked like it had just been used on a recent backpacking or canoeing trip. It’s a testament to how durable and reliable the Turbo 270 canister stove really is.

Update note: While it's not in the post, and has been discussed in the comments. You will need to use the old jet with the conversion. The hole in the old jet is bigger than the new jet of Peak 1. You will need a 7mm socket to change the jet out. Warning- You can run the risk of damaging the jet during the removal process. The reader assumes the potential for damage during this conversion.

A reader mentioned in the comments that the same conversion can be done with a Campgaz Globetrotter stove. I haven’t verified that myself yet, but it definitely gives me another excuse to pick up one of those stoves and give it a try!

Navigate over to our other post on converting a Camping Gaz Bivouac 270 Lantern to threaded fuel canisters.

Now It's Your Turn-

This post brings in a lot of different search queries, and I’d love to hear from you! Did this guide help you rescue your stove from the trash? Have you done a conversion on another Camping Gaz model? What was the first meal you cooked on your stove? Feel free to leave a comment—I’d love to hear your thoughts and experiences!

Outdoor Personal Reference Library- From Field Manuals to Stories of Adventure

2024-10-19T20:56:00.009-04:00

" These beautiful days must enrich all my life. They do not exist as mere pictures- maps hung upon the walls of memory- but they saturate themselves into every part of my body and live always."

~ John Muir

Years ago, during my time at the Basic Non-Commissioned Officer Course (BNCOC), one key piece of advice stood out from the instructors: As a Non-Commissioned Officer (NCO), it wasn’t our responsibility to know everything, but it was our duty to know where to find the answers. We were equipped with a milk crate full of Army Regulations (ARs), Field Manuals (FMs), and Technical Manuals (TMs) to reference for any questions that came up in our roles.

This may date me, but I vividly recall when my sergeant would carry a map bag filled with field manuals during training. When we had downtime, he would conduct impromptu “hip-pocket training” where he’d pull out a manual to review the tasks, conditions, and standards for the skills we were working on.

If you’ve ever been in the Boy Scouts, you might remember having a handbook that contained everything you needed to know about scouting—first aid, knot-tying, or what to pack for your first camping trip. There was also a Troop Librarian who maintained the Merit Badge Library, which offered resources on a wide range of subjects to explore.

Whether you’re into hiking, camping, or other outdoor activities, having a personal reference library is just as important. It doesn’t have to be expensive, and I’ll share what’s in my own library and how I use it.

A solid reference library can be the difference between being well-prepared and feeling uncertain when you’re out in the wild. Build your collection, use it often, and enjoy the sense of confidence and preparedness it brings to your outdoor experiences.

My library consists of four core parts.

1. Maps and Trail Guides

Purpose: Provide essential information on terrain, trails, and navigation.
Tips for Use:

Keep a variety of maps, including topographic, regional, and trail-specific maps.
Consider using apps that allow you to download maps for offline use.
Regularly update your maps to reflect any changes in trails or access points.

2. Guides and Manuals

Purpose: Offer detailed instructions on skills, safety, and techniques.
Tips for Use:

Organize your guides by skill level or topic (e.g., first aid, navigation, survival).
Create a study plan to familiarize yourself with key sections, perhaps reviewing a different weekly manual.
Practice skills in the field based on what you read, turning theory into practice.

3. Stories that Inspire

Purpose: Motivate and connect you to the outdoor community and ethos.
Tips for Use:

Include a mix of adventure narratives, biographies of explorers, and environmental literature.
Share inspiring stories with fellow outdoor enthusiasts to spark discussions or plan new adventures.
Reflect on what you read by journaling your own outdoor experiences and aspirations.

4. Digital Resources

Purpose: Access a wealth of information and community support at your fingertips.
Tips for Use:

Subscribe to reputable outdoor blogs, podcasts, and YouTube channels.
Join online forums or social media groups focused on outdoor skills and adventures.
Use apps for weather updates, navigation, and safety protocols, ensuring you stay informed on your outings.

Maps and Trail Guides:

Having a good source of maps and trail guides is an excellent starting point for any outdoor adventure.

The smallest section of my library, but arguably the most cherished, consists of maps and trail guides. Since my time for outdoor adventures is limited, I begin my journey long before I step outside. For weeks or even months before the trip, I immersed myself in the maps, mentally walking the trail as described in the guidebooks, picturing the terrain from the topography of the maps. This mental exploration is part of the adventure itself.

There was once a time when you could easily visit your favorite outdoor outfitter or surveyor’s shop to pick up paper USGS maps. With the rise of the internet, those days are largely behind us. However, you can still find maps and trail guides for popular parks and trails at many outfitters or bookstores.

This section of your library requires careful consideration for a few reasons. I’m fortunate enough to live in a state home to one of the most visited National Parks in the country, along with about 1.7 million acres of National Forest. Despite this, my collection consists of just three maps for the National Park and one for the National Forest. The park’s map and trail guide cover the most well-known hikes, while my forest collection provides a broader view of the area.

When building your map and guidebook collection, I recommend starting local or with places you visit frequently, as paper maps and guidebooks can be pricey. Additionally, they become outdated over time, as trails and resources change. Factors such as natural disasters (like wildfires), land easements (e.g., pipelines), and budget constraints (e.g., maintenance backlogs) can all impact trail conditions. Even contact details, like phone numbers or addresses for ranger stations, can change.

Even if a map or guidebook becomes outdated, don’t toss it out! Instead, use it as a base to add your own notes. For example, if I discover something not marked on a map, like a new spring or a trail reroute, I’ll make notes directly on the map. These small updates help preserve the history of the trails while keeping your reference materials relevant for future adventures.

Guides and Manuals:

Learn by reading and then doing.

The largest section of my library is dedicated to guides and manuals—my go-to "how-to" resources. This includes everything from bicycle maintenance manuals to Dutch oven cookbooks, and a wide range of survival and outdoor skill books.

While you can find tutorials for almost anything online these days, sometimes it's nice to step away from the screen and read a book. There’s something about flipping through pages, studying pictures and illustrations, that helps solidify how to perform a task. For example, if I’m working on my bicycle and need to tackle a task I haven’t done in years—or don’t do often—I’ll pull out the manual and refresh myself. Spending just 10 minutes reviewing the right steps can save me time, money, and avoid potential mistakes.

Stories that inspire:

Books and Magazines inspire us to find adventure and tell our own stories.

The smallest section of my library, though the one I’m currently working on expanding, holds a special place. It's filled with captivating photography and epic stories of people feeding their adventurous spirits. Some of these stories even highlight the things we're losing in the natural world. These narratives inspire us to step outside and create our own stories.

In a way, we live vicariously through the photographs and tales of others. Whether it's a trek across distant lands, a paddle down a famous river, or overlanding to remote campsites and villages, these stories allow us to explore from the comfort of our favorite chairs. But it’s through these stories that we get motivated to embark on our own journeys, write our own chapters, and create adventures that are uniquely ours.

Tips on Expanding Your Inspirational Library

1. Diverse Genres:

Explore a variety of genres within outdoor literature, such as memoirs, travel writing, nature writing, and environmental essays. This can give you different perspectives and styles of storytelling.
Look for books that combine adventure with themes of conservation or personal growth, which can be particularly inspiring.

2. Photography Books:

Invest in high-quality photography books that focus on specific landscapes or outdoor adventures. They can serve as both inspiration and a visual escape.
Consider creating a collection of your favorite outdoor photographers. Their work can motivate your own adventures and deepen your connection to nature.

3. Journaling and Reflection:

After reading a story or article, take some time to journal about how it resonates with you. What ideas or adventures do you want to pursue?
Keep a list of books and articles that inspired you to take specific trips or try new activities.

4. Online Resources:

Continue curating your digital library by following blogs and social media accounts that align with your interests. Look for diverse voices and experiences in the outdoor community.
Consider subscribing to newsletters from your favorite outdoor magazines for regular doses of inspiration.

5. Themed Adventures:

Plan trips based on the stories you read. If a book describes a particular trail or destination, consider visiting it to create your own narrative.
Use your library as a resource for themed trips, such as culinary adventures inspired by your cooking books or photography excursions to capture the landscapes you admire.

Digital:

With the internet at our fingertips, there’s no shortage of how-to videos, step-by-step tutorials, and guides available for any outdoor pursuit. While I often start my planning process with a trail book and map, I also rely on digital resources to help shape my trips.

My digital library consists of bookmarked trail resources, blogs, and trip reports that offer extra details that might be missing from my hard-copy guides. But it’s important to be cautious—online information can sometimes be misleading, and it might not match the route you're planning to take. I’ve downloaded GPX files in the past, only to realize they covered just part of the route I was looking for.

Just like the physical magazines you see in this post, many are now available online or as PDFs. Some of these PDFs feature high-quality photography and inspiring stories that add value to your collection.

I have no affiliation with these publications, but I want to share some great ones I’ve found:

Sidetracked Magazine- This is an online and printed magazine. That captures the experiences of adventure travel through personal stories. I like to describe it like NatGeo meets Banff Mountain World Tour in one magazine. These are coffee-table quality. Around $12 plus shipping.

Trailgroove Magazine -This online and PDF magazine. Focuses on accurate outdoor content and relays the actual hiking or backpacking experience. Free online to read or around $5 to download a PDF copy.

Bicycle Traveler - This is non-commercial. A free international magazine devoted to bicycling touring. Download as a PDF

If you want a great place to find books on outdoor subjects. Mountain and wilderness writing. Then head over to the Banff Centre Mountain Book Competition. The Banff Centre is also the place where you will find the outdoor movies from their Banff Mountain Film World Tour.

Building Your Library on a Budget

Thrift Stores & Used Bookshops: You can often find valuable outdoor books for a fraction of the price.

Library Borrowing: Take advantage of local libraries for books and manuals, which can save you money.

Free Online Resources: Websites, e-books, and PDFs can be found for many outdoor topics.

By curating your outdoor reference library in this way, you not only enhance your knowledge and skills but also deepen your connection to the natural world. Plus, you’ll inspire others around you to get outside and explore. Happy adventuring!

Now It's Your Turn-

If you have any recommendations for books? That would be great to add to an outdoor resource library or an online or PDF magazine. If I haven't listed, please leave a comment with your recommendation.

POSTCARD: Rays of Light || Pocahontas State Park

2024-09-02T17:29:00.210-04:00

" Nature does nothing in vain, and so whatever is, is for the sake of something else."

~ Aristotle

The rays of light shine their way through the forest canopy.

It was a normal morning in the park and as I sit down to write this post I cannot remember what self-imposed task I had set for myself that morning.

As I started to descend down the road. The sound of the electric motor of the vehicle I was driving must have put me into a trance, or it was my random thoughts. As I started to see the bend in the road. I saw the rays of light, beaming through the tree canopy that made their way to the ground. I knew right then I needed to capture the image that I saw. I reached for my pocket to retrieve my smartphone only to realize that I left my phone on my desk.

I quickly thought of staying on my routine task. But I knew I would miss this opportunity to capture the image if I didn't return to the office to grab my phone. While my office is not far away. I felt I was in a race for time. Was I going back in time to see the light rays as I did moments earlier?

A weekend earlier, I was riding my mountain bike and stopped to chat with a hiker. I told him I had been riding the same trails to create a route that would allow me to ride the most trails and limit my riding to parts of the trail twice. He said it must get boring to ride the same trails. I replied that the trail is always changing.

It makes me wonder how many people miss what nature has to offer. Take a different route. Do your routine route in the reverse direction. Nature might surprise you.

My Postcard series is my take on the modern version of the postcard. It's normally one picture with a narrative to capture and share an experience with you, the reader. As with all the images on this blog, I take them with my smartphone or GoPro. The picture above was taken with my smartphone using the native app installed on my model phone. I edited the photo with Snapseed, available for iOS and Android.

Navigate over to our related Postcard Series posts at:

Postcard: Embracing Stillness and Clarity in Nature

To see more photos in this series, navigate over to Navigate To Your Adventure on Flickr.

Snowshoe Mountain: A Dual Adventure of Thrilling Mountain Bike Trails and Scenic Views

2024-07-21T21:16:00.027-04:00

I must warn you that this post comes with a 25-year backstory. But I’ll keep it as brief as I can. For those 25 years, my friend Richard has been trying to get me to ride mountain bikes at Snowshoe Mountain Ski Resort.

Over the years, our mountain biking crew would head up to ride cross-country or race downhill. This was back when downhill bikes still had elastomer forks, and if you had upgraded to speed springs, you were considered cutting edge.

While I enjoyed all types of riding, downhill never caught my interest. Maybe it was the specialized bikes and gear needed, or the thought of mastering the skill felt daunting. Whatever the reason, I kept putting off a trip to Snowshoe… until this week.

This 3-day trip was set to include two days of cross-country riding, and I’d be joining my friends Jay and Lisa for the adventure. Since my current bike is rigid, I needed to rent an enduro bike to handle the cross-country trails. It’s funny how technology from motorcycles has found its way back to bicycles—after a bit of adjustment, I was glad I decided to rent this beast.

I’ve ridden in the mountains plenty over the years, but this was my first time navigating the Spruce forest, tangled with rocks and roots, in the way I did on this trip. On our first day, after what felt like hours of pedaling, we finally made our way to the top of Cheat Ridge.

Snowshoe Fire Tower is located atop Cheat Ridge.

At an elevation of 4,730 feet (1,442 meters) atop Cheat Ridge stands the Snowshoe Fire Tower. I had no idea this iconic tower was part of our route, so imagine my excitement when I learned that it was accessible. I’ve always wanted to climb a fire lookout tower and take in the panoramic views above the forest.

Originally called the Rich Mountain Fire Tower, this historic structure was built in 1925. It stood in Randolph County until 1999, when it was sold to Snowshoe Mountain Ski Resort. In 2000, the tower was carefully dismantled and relocated to its current perch, where it continues to offer breathtaking views. Mountain Ski Resort. The fire tower was dismantled and relocated to its current location in 2000.

Looking west from the fire tower, a ribbon of forest road cuts through the Spruce.

After climbing 80 steps, you’re elevated 60 feet above the forest floor, rewarded with sweeping panoramic views that stretch endlessly. At one point, there were 8,000 fire lookout towers across 49 states, playing a crucial role in protecting our National Forests. However, due to neglect, budget cuts, and the rise of new technology, only about 2,000 towers remain today, with only a few hundred staffed during fire season.

Advancements in technology—like satellites, cameras, FLIR systems, and drones—have largely replaced the need for these towers and the fire lookouts who once manned them. As these modern tools become more accessible, we risk losing these iconic structures, which are often sold for scrap or repurposed as rental accommodations for overnight stays, further diminishing their historic significance.

The view looks north of the tower.

It's funny how doing something as simple as climbing a fire tower will bring back memories of the Smoky Bear Campaign and "Fire on Kelly Mountain," an episode on The Wonderful World of Disney in 1973.

The ski slopes can be seen from the south of the tower.

Both days of riding pushed my technical skills and tested my ability to stay on the bike. When Richard asked what my favorite part of the trail was, I realized I had been so focused on navigating the terrain in front of me that I didn’t really take the time to reflect. I was constantly trying to pick my line before the mountain decided it for me. My photos don’t capture the true essence of the trail or its technical difficulty—my memory only recalls it as a blur. It felt like I had simply survived the last two days on the bike.

But, to answer Richard's question, the trails at Snowshoe were more than just roots, rocks, dirt, and trees. They were part of something bigger—an opportunity to learn. I realized that my friends weren’t just sharing trails; they were sharing their love of riding. I’ve been cycling since the late '80s, yet there’s still so much to learn. You don’t fully appreciate how much you rely on the saddle and the inner thighs to keep you steady until you're truly challenged on the bike.

A pine needle path cuts its way over the moss-covered ground.

During the brief moments when I wasn’t gripping the handlebars with a death grip, hyper-focused on the trail ahead, the sight of the Spruce trees and the moss-covered ground transported me to mental images of the Ardennes Forest and the speeder bike chase from Star Wars.

Enchanted Forest Trail. One of the many trails that we rode.

I am getting to the age now that I can't put off 25 years before I do something with a friend. Will I go back to Snowshoe? I'm sure I will, but I also need to work on other adventures I have put on the back burner.

We take the Ballhooter lift back to the top of the mountain where we started.

Embrace the easy ride back to the top. You deserve it!

Now It's Your Turn-

Leave a comment about the biking/hiking you have done at Snowshoe Mountain. What is your favorite trail or loop?

Camillus "Demo Knife" Review

2024-05-07T19:42:00.008-04:00

Editor's note: This article was originally published in January 2014 and was updated in May 2024 for accuracy and comprehensiveness.

Camillus closed its doors a few years ago, but another company acquired its intellectual property, allowing the brand to live on—though the knives themselves are no longer in production. For many years, Camillus was a trusted supplier of knives to the U.S. Armed Forces. Among the most iconic was the Demo knife, which became a standard issue in the military. These knives were either given to service members, included in survival kits, or kept in toolboxes for practical use.

The knives shown below are the Camillus Model 1760, which is the Army-issued version of the Demo knife. The two Army knives in my collection are stamped with the years 1981 and 1991 at the base of the blade, indicating the years they were manufactured.

The knife measures 3.625 inches long and weighs 3.5oz.

On the center side of the scales of the Model 1760 knife, you'll find the initials "U.S." stamped. In contrast, the Demo knives of the 1763 model are marked with the initials "U.S.M.C.," "U.S.N.," and "U.S.A.F."—each corresponding to different branches of the military. The only real difference between the two models is the branch-specific stamping; the knives themselves are identical.

If you click on the image below to enlarge it, you'll notice the words "can opener" stamped on the can opener itself. Interestingly, this is the only tool labeled with its specific function. The can opener is a particularly robust and reliable tool, and in my experience, it's one of the best I've used on a knife. It’s also versatile enough to serve as a church key if needed.

Four of the most common tools are needed while in the field.

The Demo knife is as tough and reliable as they come, built to withstand the demands of soldiers and Marines. Nearly indestructible, it makes an excellent choice for a field pocket knife.

Soldier and Marine proof and almost indestructible.

The Demo Knife is a robust, all-stainless steel tool that I’d describe as “overbuilt.” With a 3.25-inch blade and a closed length of 3.625 inches, it’s not overloaded with tools, but it offers exactly what you need—and nothing more. In addition to the main knife blade, the Demo knife includes the following tools:

Pen Knife Blade (Awl)
Medium Flat-Tip Screwdriver
Bottle Opener
Can Opener / Flat-Head Screwdriver

The craftsmanship of the Demo Knife isn’t refined, nor was it ever meant to be. If you’re seeking a more polished knife, you might want to look into a vintage Victorinox Soldier, Pioneer, or a modern Pioneer Alox. These knives have the same tools as the Demo Knife but come with the meticulous craftsmanship you’d expect from the Swiss knife maker. I personally had a vintage Pioneer, which would have been my go-to over the Demo Knife.

The Demo Knife was not refined in its craftsmanship or meant to be. If you are looking for a more refined knife. Look for a vintage Victorinox Soldier, Pioneer, or a modern Pioneer Alox. The Victorinox has the same tools as the Demo knife. The craftsmanship is what you expect from the Swiss knife maker. I had a vintage Pioneer, which would have been my go-to knife over the Demo knife.

However, if you’re in the market for a classic pocket knife suited for camping, backpacking, or general outdoor use, the Demo Knife is tough as nails. It’s the bombproof tool you need. You can still find them at gun shows or on online auction sites, with a used Camillus Demo Knife generally running around $35. If you come across one for less, grab it. Colonial Knife Company also made a version called the 2205 Military Scout, and the NSN for the Demo Knife is NSN 51100-00-162-2205—hence the 2205 in the name. That model appears to be discontinued, but Colonial now carries the MIL-K-818D.

Conclusion-

For a classic, military-tested pocket knife ideal for camping and general outdoor field use, the Camillus Demo Knife is the tool you need. Dependable, durable, and equipped with the right tools for almost any task you’ll face in the field.

Now It's Your Turn-

Were you issued the Demo Knife when you were in the Service? Were you gifted a Demo Knife from a family member who served? What was their service story? Please leave a comment.

POSTCARD: Embracing Stillness and Finding Clarity in Nature

2023-10-31T15:24:00.005-04:00

"Be the person your dog thinks you are."

- J.W. Stevens

Man's best friend observes our surroundings. Always vigilant!

I took this photo about two months after returning from deployment. For over 330 days, I had been living in a world far removed from family and friends, constantly operating at full speed. Even after coming home, I still felt the urge to keep moving, to stay busy.

Fortunately, I have an 8,000-acre state park right outside my door. It became my escape, a place where I could take our two overly affectionate dogs for a walk. Those walks helped me transition back from the chaos of deployment.

This image, I think, captures what I was searching for. It marked the moment when I was finally able to embrace stillness. I didn’t need to keep moving at 100mph to feel productive. Allowing myself the space to be still gave me the chance to reset, and being in nature with my dogs helped me find clarity. That clarity gave me the perspective I needed to face challenges, embrace new opportunities, and plan a path forward.

Maybe our dogs know what we need better than we do.

Navigate over to our related Postcard Series posts at:

To see more photos in this series, navigate over to Navigate To Your Adventure on Flickr.

Rapidan Camp || Shenandoah National Park

2023-09-26T22:37:00.016-04:00

Editor's note: This article was originally published in August 2012 and was updated in September 2023 for accuracy and comprehensiveness. You will see both Hoover Camp and Rapidan Camp used. Don't be confused by the names, just know it's the same place.

The main cabin at Hoover Camp is called "The Brown House."

Late on Saturday evening, I decided I wanted to embark on a day hike at Shenandoah National Park the following morning. My goal was to find a route around 10 miles. After rummaging through the house, I pulled out my collection of PATC maps and guidebooks for the park. I found what I was looking for in the PATC guidebook for Circuit Hikes in Shenandoah National Park.

On page 67 of my somewhat outdated guidebook, I discovered the perfect hike—a circuit trail around Hoover Camp. The route covered 9.9 miles with an estimated time of 5 hours. Perfect! Exactly what I had in mind.

When I arrived at Shenandoah National Park, I was greeted with perfect weather—61 degrees on the mountain, which was a welcome change from the recent heatwave. I began my hike at the Byrd Visitor Center, a great starting point for exploring the area. Both the Byrd Visitor Center and the Big Meadows area offer excellent access for day hikes. The Hoover Camp circuit begins on the east side of Skyline Drive, directly across from Big Meadows Wayside.

The trail starts on the Rapidan Fire Road, which is a gravel path cutting through Big Meadows. As a side note, you could easily spend an entire day exploring the network of trails in the meadow, a prime location for spotting deer and a variety of birds. About a mile down the Rapidan Fire Road, you'll find Mill Prong Spur Trail on your right. This trail will be my return route from Hoover Camp. I continued along the Rapidan Fire Road, descending into the Rapidan River Valley.

Note: If a 10-mile circuit sounds too long, there is a shorter option. You can take the Mill Prong Spur Trail for 1.8 miles to Hoover Camp, making this hike an out-and-back route.

The sign is correct, and my map was outdated.

I quickly checked my map and noticed both Rapidan Camp and Hoover Camp listed, which left me a bit confused. I knew I needed to head back up the mountain, but let me explain the mix-up—I'll keep it brief.

In 1948, the Boy Scouts of America were granted a 20-year lease on Rapidan Camp to use as a summer camp, and they renamed it "Hoover Camp." The resources I used to plan my hike were the 13th edition (1990) of the PATC Circuit Hikes in Shenandoah National Park guidebook and the 17th edition (1995) of PATC Map #10. Fast forward to 2004, after the National Park Service restored the campgrounds, they officially changed the name back to Rapidan Camp.

The 1995 PATC map had shown Rapidan Camp as the location used by the Marines, while Hoover Camp referred to the camp renamed by the Boy Scouts.

The road looks like it goes up forever!

Just a short way up the fire road, I spot a trail marker indicating Rapidan Camp to the left. Following the side trail, I come across a cabin. At this point, I realize I’m probably about a mile east of where I thought I should be.

I double-check my map to see how far I need to go to reach Hoover Camp. Then, out of nowhere, a guy appears from around the cabin’s deck. I ask him if Hoover Camp is further up the trail, and he casually replies, "This is Hoover Camp."

Now I’m really confused. I thought I knew where I was on the map, but the signs were telling me something entirely different. That’s when the man explains that this is part of Rapidan Camp. He introduces himself as an NPS Volunteer, and he’s been volunteering as an interpreter at Hoover Camp for 9 seasons. As an interpreter, he guides park visitors around the camp, sharing its rich history.

Here's a link to the Park Service website about the camp.

The back view of "The Brown House."

The Presidential retreat is located at the junction of Laurel and Mill Prongs, where the two creeks form the headwaters of the Rapidan River. The President’s cabin, known as the Brown House, has been restored to reflect its 1929 appearance.

The NPS volunteer did a fantastic job leading the tour, providing fascinating insights into the history of the camp as well as the lives of President Hoover and First Lady Lou Henry Hoover. The guided tour took about an hour and was, without a doubt, one of the highlights of the hike.

After leaving Rapidan Camp, I followed Mill Prong Spur Trail back to Rapidan Road. From there, it was about a mile to the starting point.

While I did have a bit of confusion with the two camp names, this day hike turned out to be one of the most enjoyable I’ve experienced in the park.

Note: I didn’t follow the full route described in my guidebook. The hike took about 4.5 hours, covered approximately 9.3 miles (not including lunch or the tour), and involved an elevation gain of 1,320 feet.

Trail Notes:

Activity: Day Hiking
Route/Place: Rapidan Road, Broyles Gap, Mill Prong Trail, Mill Prong Spur Trail, Rapidan Road/Big Meadows
Activity Type: Day Hiking
Trail Difficulty:

Rapidan Road: Easy
Broyles Gap: Easy
Mill Prong Trail: Easy
Mill Prong Spur Trail: Easy

Trail Conditions: The trails are well-maintained and clearly marked with trail signs and white blazes.
Waterfalls/Streams: Big Rock Falls, Mill Prong, Laurel Prong, Rapidan River
Trip Results: Successful
Road Conditions: The road is suitable for all vehicles, with an access fee.

What you need to know before you go.

References: This hike is detailed in the 19th edition (2023) of the Potomac Appalachian Trail Club (PATC) guidebook Circuit Hikes in Shenandoah National Park, 19th edition 2023. The guidebook offers excellent detail and is an invaluable resource. Additionally, the PATC Map 10, which covers the Central District of Shenandoah National Park, is another fantastic tool for navigating the area. PATC maps are considered the gold standard for the park. Both of these resources are available for purchase at the PATC store, Visitor Center gift shops, and outdoor retailers.

Shenandoah National Park Fees

Shenandoah National Park Map

Report a Trail Issue

Now It's Your Turn-

Leave a comment about hikes you have done in the South District. What is your favorite trail or loop?

Navigate over to our other related articles on hikes in Shenandoah National Park.

Doyles River Loop || Shenandoah National Park

2023-09-22T22:03:00.004-04:00

Editor's note: This article was originally published in October 2016 and was updated in September 2023 for accuracy and comprehensiveness.

Jones Run Trail just before the first water crossing.

A trip to Shenandoah National Park was well overdue. For one reason or another, I had not been able to make it to the park. This past October, I made it out for a day hike to catch the fall colors. While I might have missed the peak by a couple of days, this trip did not disappoint.

The plan was to hike the short version of Doyle's River Loop. The short version is a 6.5-mile loop with about 1400ft of elevation change. There is a long version of this circuit hike, which will make a loop of almost 8 miles. The trails in Shenandoah National Park are well-maintained by the Potomac Appalachian Trail Club (PATC). This hike can be found in their guidebook Circuit Hikes in Shenandoah National Park, 19th edition, 2023. The level of detail that the guidebook provides was all I needed to navigate the trail. The PATC Map 11, which covers the South District of Shenandoah National Park, is another fantastic resource for this hike. PATC maps are the gold standard for the park. Both of these resources can be found in the PATC store, Visitor Center gift shops, and outdoor retailers.

Parking is located at Jones Run Parking (MP 84). It has been my experience that during peak park usage, you want to get to the trailhead by 9:30. If not, you will find yourself dealing with a full parking lot.

Old-growth Tulip Poplar.

Following the Jones Run Trail, I was surprised to find old-growth Tulip Poplar. They are massive and tower over the forest floor. I found a great spot to have lunch. Just before where the Jones Run and Doyles River Trails meet.

Cedar Mountain is in the background of the Doyles River Trail.

This image was taken on the Doyles River Trail about halfway up from Jones Run Trail. In the background is Cedar Mountain, Elev 3330 ft. On both trails, you will find a couple of waterfalls. The Jones Run Waterfall (42ft) and the Lower Fall (63ft). Also on Jones Run, there are a couple of pools to enjoy in the summertime.

I probably do this backward from most people. I end up learning about the history of a place after I have been there. Then learn the history of it before I go. This hike was no different. The picture below is Browns Gap Road. The construction of the road started in 1805 and was known as Brown's Turnpike. During the Civil War, this was an important route and was used by Stonewall Jackson to get his troops across the Blue Ridge on many occasions. There is one lone Confederate Soldier buried along the route.

Browns Gap Road spans across the park. I enjoyed hiking the section of Browns Gap Road so much that I wanted to go back to hike the entire distance of Browns Gap. It is incredible to me that a road that is 216 years old is in such great shape. I named it the Rhubarb Highway because Rhubarb ran down the side of the trail forever. This was one of the most enjoyable day hikes that I had been on.

Browns Gap Road used to take produce out of the valley to Richmond, Virginia.

Trail Notes-

Activity: Day Hiking.

Route/Place: Jones Run Trail/Doyles River Trail/Browns Gap Road/Appalachian Trail/Jones Run parking milepost 84.

Activity Type: Day Hiking.

Trail Difficulty: Jones Run Trail - Easy & Older Kid Friendly.

Doyles River Trail -Moderate & Older Kid Friendly.

Browns Gap Road - Easy & Kid Friendly.

Appalachian Trail - Easy & Kid Friendly.

Trail Conditions: The trail is very well maintained. Marked with trail signs and white & blue blazes.

Waterfalls/Streams: Jones Run Waterfall (42ft) and lower (63ft) & upper falls on Doyles River Trail/ Jones Falls Run & Doyles River.

Trip Results: Successful.

Road Conditions: Road suitable for all vehicles- Access fee.

What you need to know before you go.

Shenandoah National Park Fees

Shenandoah National Park Map

Report a Trail Issue

Navigate over to our other related articles about hiking in Shenandoah National Park.

Now It's Your Turn-

Leave a comment about your hike of the Doyle's River Loop.

DIY Project- MTB Orienteering Map Board

2023-07-31T23:01:00.002-04:00

Editor's note: This article was originally published in July 2011 and has been updated in July 2023 for accuracy and comprehensiveness.

The local orienteering club scheduled a mountain bike orienteering event that they will be hosting at the local state park. I am very interested in this event, so I started my research to find out more about the sport. Like any sport, there is always some type of gear that is unique to the sport. Mountain bike orienteering is no different.

In the case of mountain bike orienteering, it happens to be a piece of gear called a map board. The map board is attached to your handlebars and holds your orienteering map so you can ride and read your map at the same time. Online you can find these boards for anywhere from $60-$90. Mountain bike orienteering is a niche sport where I live and I might see one event a year. So, the online price for a map board is more than I would like to pay.

With that, I figured that I could make my own. The hardest part was to figure out what supplies I would need for this DIY project.

Supplies:

Clipboard
NiteRider light mount
Tire patches
Rear Derailleur washer
1-gallon zip-lock bag
Binder clips

Supplies needed for this DIY project.

The Process:

Once I had all the supplies that I needed for this project. The first place I started was to remove a hanging tap on the chipboard. This item was just an annoyance because it rattled and didn't provide a function.

Remove this tab.

Step #2:

Remove the light mounting shoe from the NiteRider mount. Now, we see that we have a recessed circle.

Step #3:

A spacer will needed to fill the recessed circle. I figured that a tire patch would work. While it almost fits the circle I still need another spacer for height.

A vulcanized tube patch will be used as a spacer.

The tire patch is used as a spacer.

I used a washer from a rear derailleur pulley. Always keep those small parts. You will never know when they can be used.

Derailleur is used as a spacer.

Step #4:

Drill a small in the clipboard. For my handlebar set-up, I drilled the hold in the clipboard, so the bottom edge of the clipboard doesn't protrude past the steer tube.

The finished product.

This project ended up being more proof of concept than a functional map board. Regarding the NitRider mount, it didn't provide the height that I needed. The map board needs to sit up higher off of the handlebar. In mountain bike orienteering you need to be able to access a cycle computer. This configuration didn't provide the space that was needed to run a computer. Aside from those issues, The concept of the map board works.

Now It's Your Turn-

I would like to hear if you have tried to make a map board. Did you find a solution to raise the map board tighter?

POSTCARD: Water & Steel || James River Park System

2023-07-30T22:58:00.010-04:00

" No man ever steps in the same river twice, for it's not the same river, and he is not the same man."~ Heraclitus.

Water in a river is always moving, and a river is always changing.

I thought this morning would be just like any other—another familiar, repetitive workout. As I stepped onto the bridge, ready for the usual trek across the James River, I was met with an unexpected view. It was the perfect way to start my day, and I knew I had to capture the moment.

As I sit here reflecting on Heraclitus’s quote, I find myself thinking about its deeper meaning. To me, Heraclitus suggests that life is always moving forward. You’re never the same person you were yesterday because your experiences shape you. Life, in essence, is in constant flux.

Looking at this image, I see the same idea at play. The places where I spend my time aren’t static—they are always evolving, offering new and unique experiences with every visit.

Navigate over to our related Postcard Series posts at:

To see more photos in this series, navigate over to Navigate To Your Adventure on Flickr.

Virginia Capital Trail || How to use Amtrak to Ride the Trail

2023-07-15T08:04:00.011-04:00

Editor's note: This article was initially published in September 2019 and was updated in July 2023 for accuracy and comprehensiveness (Amtrak screenshots are current).

Like most good ideas, it's not always about where they come from, but rather about following through with them. I may have been inspired by explorer Alastair Humphreys, or perhaps by Laura and Russ over at The Path Less Pedaled, but who really knows?

The logistics of outdoor adventures can often be tricky. Sometimes you need two cars, a shuttle service, or just a little extra help getting from point A to point B. This can become even more complicated if you're a solo traveler. But what if you could reach your trailhead or starting point by train?

Waiting for our bikes to be offloaded from the baggage car.

That’s right—by train! While Amtrak previously offered a bicycle box service, it was limited to certain routes and stations. However, Amtrak now offers a new train-side service on select routes, providing cyclists with an exciting alternative way to explore.

The above Amtrak routes offer train-side checked bicycles.

The Virginia Capital Trail stretches 51.2 miles, connecting Jamestown—the first capital of the Colony of Virginia, founded in 1607—with Richmond, the current capital of Virginia. This scenic trail is also part of the TransAmerica bicycle route (Route 76) and the Historic Coastal Route of the East Coast Greenway.

As shown above, Amtrak's Northeast Regional trains 65, 66, and 67 make it possible to ride the entire 51.2-mile Virginia Capital Trail by taking the train either from Richmond to Williamsburg or from Williamsburg to Richmond.

Now, let’s unravel the process of using the train to set up this cycling adventure.

I’ll break down the trip into three main legs:

Train station to train station
The route from the train station to the trailhead
The Virginia Capital Trail itself

There are two Amtrak stations in Richmond, but for this trip, you’ll want to use Main Street Station (RVM). In Williamsburg, the station is called the Williamsburg Transportation Center (WBG).

Here are the relevant train schedules:

Train 66 departs Williamsburg at 5:41 p.m. and arrives in Richmond at 6:30 p.m. (daily)
Train 65 departs Richmond at 9:34 a.m. and arrives in Williamsburg at 10:30 a.m. (Friday and Saturday)
Train 67 departs Richmond at 10:10 a.m. and arrives in Williamsburg at 11:14 a.m. (Sunday-Thursday)

Amtrak 67 Northeast Regional Train reservation screen.

In the screenshot above, I’ve selected the Northeast Regional Train 67 from Richmond’s Main Street Station (RVM) to the Williamsburg Transportation Center (WBG). Next, you’ll have the option to choose between coach and business class. I personally opted for coach class, and it turned out to be a great choice—there’s plenty of room, and the seat is quite comfortable for the one-hour journey.

Select your seat.

Select the SAVER ticket option ($10) and click Add to Cart. On the next screen, you'll see options for additional items—this is where you can add your bicycle to your booking.

An additional Item is where you reserve space for your bicycle.

The bicycle reservation costs an additional $20, bringing the total train fare to $30. Once your payment is processed, you’ll receive an email with your ticket attached. Be sure to check that both your personal ticket and the bicycle ticket are listed.

Note:
Based on my research, the bicycle service is available from May to October. Parking at Main Street Station (RVM) is $5 per day, while parking at the Williamsburg Transportation Center (WBG) is free.

Mile marker 0 of the Virginia Capital Trail begins in Jamestown. Depending on your route from Williamsburg, the ride to the trailhead ranges from 7.5 to 10 miles. The trail’s endpoint is at Great Shiplock Park, which is just 0.9 miles from Main Street Station.

Note:
When we arrived at the station with bicycles, the security staff seemed surprised. Initially, they told us bikes weren’t allowed on the train. However, once I mentioned that I had a ticket for the bicycle, they pointed us in the direction of the stairs to board.

The waiting area of Main Street Station, Richmond, Virginia.

Richard and I were welcomed by the grand splendor of this ornate station, built in 1901. During wartime, as many as 1,000 troops would pass through the station daily. It's hard to imagine that bustling scene now, as today we were two of just four passengers catching the train from Richmond.

The ornate details of the station.

The old rails that trains came into the station on. Now part of a 100,00 venue called The Shed.

The bicycles are waiting for the train.

In the picture above, you can see a long steel plate. The train car designated for bicycles will pull up in front of this platform. One of the conductors will first check your ticket to ensure you have the bicycle reservation before the conductor will load it onto the train.

Bicycles are being loaded train side, and the train cars are just for bicycles.

Departing Richmond, we pass Great Shiplock Park. This is the endpoint of the trail from Jamestown.

Our train ride lasted just under an hour. The train offers free WiFi and has a café car where you can grab snacks. Unlike a plane, there's ample space between the seats to stretch your legs. As the train approaches the station, the conductor will come by to let you know when it's time to prepare for disembarking, especially if you're near the front of the train. This helps streamline the unloading of the bicycles.

Waiting to unload the bicycles at Williamsburg Transportation Center.

After unloading our bicycles and changing into our riding gear, we needed to ride to the trailhead. The station is just four blocks from Colonial Williamsburg and the College of William & Mary. We opted to take Jamestown Road, which has a bike lane for most of the 7.7-mile ride to the trailhead.

While our primary focus on this trip was using the train and riding the Virginia Capital Trail, we quickly realized it could have been turned into a multi-day, multi-venue adventure. We could have explored Williamsburg, cycled the Colonial Parkway to Yorktown, and even gone mountain biking at New Quarter and Waller Mill Parks.

Mile Marker 0 is just across the street from Jamestown.

Right around the corner is Billsbury Brewery and Taphouse.

One thing we learned on this trip is that when heading back to Richmond, you're likely to encounter a headwind for the entire route.

The bike selfie.

At the midpoint of our ride, we catch a light lunch and beer at Cul's Courthouse Grille.

We took a much-needed lunch break at Cul's Courthouse Grille, located at Charles City Courthouse. The grille offers a great selection of craft beers from both Richmond and Williamsburg and is very cyclist-friendly. If you're wearing road shoes, be sure to bring cleat covers, as the grille features the original wood floors from the 1872 building.

Coincidentally, the day we took this trip marked the 18th anniversary of 9/11. Richard wore his RWB team kit and unexpectedly ran into a group of RWB members who were doing a 9/11 anniversary ruck to the Virginia War Memorial.

Team RWB 9-11 Ruck.

Richard at the Great Shiplock Park, mile 51.2

This was a great trip, and the train just opened up different options for travel and exploring. I hope this post inspires you to use the train to make your cycling adventure.

Disclaimer:

This trip was a fantastic experience, and taking the train opened up new possibilities for travel and exploration. I hope this post inspires you to use the train for your own cycling adventure.

Disclaimer:
While this post serves as a guide, be sure to check train schedules, station routes, trailheads, trail conditions, and weather before you go. Keep in mind that the train can sometimes be delayed, as Amtrak shares tracks with freight trains, which may cause longer travel times. If you're planning your trip from Williamsburg, note that the train arrives in Richmond in the afternoon, meaning you'll likely get back to Williamsburg quite late. Consider planning for an overnight stay or bringing bike lights for the return ride. To plan the safest route from the train station to the trailhead, I used Google Street View. Two routes I found suitable were the Jamestown Road route we took and the Colonial Parkway route.

Resource links:
Main Street Station

Virginia Capital Trail

Williamsburg Transportation Center

Amtrak

Now It's Your Turn-

If you have any questions or comments, please comment or use the Contact Us form, and I will do my best to answer your questions. After reading the article, did you take the train? Was this helpful?

DANCON MARCH || Camp Novo Selo, Kosovo

2023-06-17T23:10:00.018-04:00

During my deployment, I had the opportunity to participate in two DANCON Marches. Each one was different. While the general details of a DANCON March are the same in this post as in my previous post. The images and my experience of the event are different. I hope you enjoy the post.

Participants check their gear and wait for the start of the event.

What is a DANCON March?

DANCON stands for Danish Contingent. The DANCON March is a long-standing tradition that dates back to 1972 when the Royal Danish Army was deployed to Cyprus. Since then, the event has been held wherever the Danish Contingent is stationed, including locations such as Afghanistan, Bosnia, Croatia, Kosovo, and Iraq, among others.

The march serves two key purposes: to assess the Army's physical readiness and to provide a social event for participants. The route typically winds through the countryside near the Danish camp, fostering a sense of connection and trust between the Danish military and the local residents. Additionally, proceeds from each march are donated to support wounded Danish soldiers and veteran programs.

Everyone is lined up to start.

DANCON March Requirements:

A 25km route on foot, crossing varying terrain.
A 10kg dry-weighted pack, in addition to food, water, socks, and other essentials.
Weapons may be included as part of the load.
The march must be completed in full military uniform and boots.
The march has an 8-hour time limit.

Can I wear the medal on my uniform?

The short answer for U.S. military personnel is no. The DANCON medal is considered "honorary" and can only be accepted and retained, not worn on the uniform. I cannot speak for other armies' policies on wearing the medal. However, the medal is more of a reminder of the "Type II fun" you had and a badge of accomplishment for bragging rights. Don't let the inability to wear the medal discourage you from participating—it’s about more than just the award. The event is a social gathering with multinational troops and, importantly, serves as a fundraiser for Danish veteran programs.

Hundreds of Troops are greeted with a sunrise.

Does the medal change for each march?

Yes, each Danish Contingent designs its own medal based on regimental traditions, so the medal may vary from one march to the next.

The first of the fields and wood lines that we would follow.

DANCON March Camp Novo Selo

Having completed a DANCON March earlier in my deployment, I knew exactly what to expect, especially the intense July heat. This time, the start time was earlier, with a two-hour window for check-in. We weighed our packs to ensure they met the official weight requirement before heading through the check-in process. The Danish Army has this down to a science. It was interesting to observe the different uniforms and equipment of each army during check-in. While each nation’s gear may look different, it's clear that, at our core, all soldiers are the same.

Approximately 900 participants took part in the march, hosted by the Danish Contingent. Soldiers from the following partner nations were represented: Austria, Bulgaria, Croatia, Denmark, Germany, Hungary, Italy, Latvia, Poland, Slovenia, Switzerland, Turkey, and the United States. I’m sure I’ve missed a few others.

The last time I participated in the DANCON March, I loaded my pockets with candy to hand out to the children in the villages we passed. However, since we started our march before the sun had risen and finished before the villagers started their day, I didn’t bring any candy this time. If your event takes place during daylight hours, I highly recommend bringing candy to give to the local children.

Pro-tip: Save some candy for your return to Camp Novo Selo. While you’ll miss the children at the start of the march, there will be kids in the village just outside the camp on your way back. If you don’t have candy, they’ll likely ask for uniform patches, which can be a bit persistent.

Sometimes you have to forge your own path.

Though I knew the event would be tough, I was excited to march into the countryside and walk through the small farming villages. As we left camp, the march headed east, and we were greeted by a stunning sunrise. It quickly became clear that this march would take a different route from the last one. With over half of Kosovo’s land dedicated to agriculture, our path wound along the edges of fields and down rutted tractor paths.

Navigating the route proved challenging, as passing other participants was difficult due to the sheer number of people, the crops, and the uneven terrain. Once we finally reached the asphalt, it was time to make a move and push forward.

The air quality in Kosovo can be bad. You can see the brown smog in this picture.

It’s hard to put into words, but the sun in Kosovo just feels intense. On this day, it didn’t take long for the heat to set in. There’s little relief from the sun, as trees are few and far between, as shown in the image above. What always amazes me is the sheer number of troops participating in this event—they seem to march on endlessly. Along the route, there are aid stations offering food and water to help keep everyone going.

Over half of the land in Kosovo is used for agriculture. Most land is used for subsistence farming.

I can't emphasize enough how different this DANCON was from the first one I participated in. We started right at sunrise, but instead of passing through the villages like I had before, we marched through the fields that sustain the people of Kosovo. The route was about 2km shorter than the previous march.

However, the Royal Danish Army had a little trick up its sleeve! As we neared the camp, we thought we were almost done—just a few hundred steps away from where we started hours earlier. But then, one of the Danish soldiers cheered us on and told us we had to take a lap around the running track at the camp. In an instant, I went from thinking I was finished to realizing I had more to go. It felt like a bit of a mind game—definitely a disheartening moment!

The corn as a little longer to grow.

The finish-line check-in didn’t go as smoothly as the weigh-in that morning. It took me almost an hour to check in and receive my certificate and ribbon.

A few things to keep in mind if you're considering doing a DANCON March: Each Danish contingent designs its own ribbon, reflecting its regimental traditions. The routes can vary, and sometimes the distance may be shorter depending on factors like heat and manpower. The start time could be a mass start or staggered, so be prepared for either. Tickets for the event sell out quickly, so don't hesitate to secure yours once they become available.

Now it is Your Turn-

Please leave a comment. I would like to hear about your DANCON March.

Navigate over to our other related articles on the DANCON March.

To see more photos from the DANCON March, navigate over to Navigate to Your Adventure on Flickr.

Finding Time Stewardship || Clean the Bay Day

2023-06-03T13:12:00.141-04:00

Volunteers are cleaning the trailhead.

June offers many opportunities to get outside and enjoy what the outdoors offers. June also provides stewardship opportunities such as Clean the Bay Day and National Trails Day events.

The Friends of the Low Appomattox (FOLAR) hosted Clean the Bay Day as one of their enduring Stewardship Saturdays.

Over 25 volunteers were in attendance for the event. They provided a couple of hours of manpower to pick up trash and perform invasive plant removal. Our area of focus for this event was Rotary Park at Pocahontas Island, located in Petersburg, Virginia.

This section of the Appomattox River Trail is located on Pocahontas Island, a 70-acre peninsula on the north side of the Appomattox River. Pocahontas Island was listed on both the Virginia Landmarks Register and was placed on the National Register of Historic Places in 2006. Some of Petersburg's first enslaved blacks were brought here to work in 1732. The island is known to be home to the oldest African-American communities in the Nation. Today, it's a small community of about 70 residences.

Evidence has been found of prehistoric indigenous people of North America on the island. This would have dated back to the Archaic period in North America.

Pocahontas Island is an underserved community, and providing a service as simple as picking up trash and invasive plant removal can make an impact on multiple levels. We picked up 700-800 lbs of trash in about 2 1/2 hours.

One of two piles of trash was collected.

I have set a goal for myself in 2023 to volunteer once a month with some type of Stewardship project. I enjoy volunteer events like this because I meet and interact with people who are outside of my sphere of influence.

Now It's Your Turn-

Did you volunteer on Clean the Bay Day or National Trails Day? Please share with us the stewardship projects that you have worked on.

Complete Guide to Outdoor Holidays

Finding Time for Stewardship

Appomattox River Trail, University Blvd

Finding Time For Stewardship

2023-04-23T11:57:00.007-04:00

Over the past 25-plus years, I have been involved in recreational conservation and stewardship. Whether it has been building a new trail, rerouting or closing off a trail, or something as simple as picking up trash. Looking back, I would say that my exposure to conservation and stewardship was through Scouting. Service projects, merit badges, and rank requirements all had some element of conservation and stewardship in them as a requirement.

It seems that since the pandemic, there has been an increase in the volume of people using public lands. People getting outside in nature have positive effects. But there have also been negative effects that have stemmed from so many people using public lands. It does matter if the public land is a national park, state natural resources, or a local park. All of these public lands have seen the impact of increased use. I believe most of this is from a lack of knowledge. But sometimes I wonder...

I set out this year to volunteer my time to support one stewardship event each month. It seemed simple enough to give up a few hours one weekend a month. Participating in trail work, invasive plant removal, and trash pick-up. Plus, it would be a great way to network with other outdoor enthusiasts.

With family commitments, normal life, and taking the time to enjoy my own outdoor activities. I found the simple act of giving back a few hours each month harder to do than said. I needed to find a simple way, I could do on my own and make a difference. More importantly for me, I could see the result of my effort.

It just so happens that I saw it on the Leave No Trace website. That April was their international #LeaveNoTrash movement. A pledge to pick up 30 pieces of trash this Earth Month. Now, I had something that I could be a part of even if I was doing this on my own. There are also #LeaveNoTrash events.

NOTE: Sign the pledge, and an interactive map will pop up that will show you when and where these events are taking place near you.

I have the luxury of being able to work out and train as part of my workday. My plan was to take an active recovery day and incorporate my #LeaveNoTrash pledge. No better time and place to do this was on a Monday after a nice weekend on Belle Isle. Belle Isle sits in the middle of the James River in the heart of downtown Richmond, Virginia. This area of the James River Park System is very popular, and I knew that picking up trash would not be an issue.

As I entered the maze of trails on the island, I realized that my 30 pieces of trash goal would be quickly met. So much so that I stopped counting. One location on the island that I wanted to address was an area on the upper part of the island. This spot overlooks a pond on the island. The image above shows that location. The before-and-after images show what a big difference just picking up trash can make.

That image is a great example of an unhealthy landscape. This is due to not only trash being left behind, but also a result of overuse, an illegal fire, and graffiti on the rocks. Not only does this damage the resources, but it also takes away from other users' experience.

Unfortunately, our public lands are understaffed and lack the resources to conduct general maintenance. Because of this, many public lands have a friends group or volunteer group that helps the park staff with various stewardship projects. Picking up trash or reporting trail hazards is something all of us can fit into our outdoor schedule, and it makes a difference.

Kayakers Enjoying an Early Morning Float.

Finding time for stewardship was there all along. I just need to adjust my thoughts on how I incorporate it into my outdoor lifestyle. Plan ahead, pack a few resources, and focus on one effort.

The results from the Leave No Trash pledge reported by Leave No Trace:

10,689 people

320,670 pieces of trash

9,897.4 pounds of trash

RESOURCES:

Leave No Trace

James River Park

Now It's Your Turn:

Please leave a comment on your stewardship efforts. What service project did you help support, and what was the result? What group did you help support? How do you manage to find time for stewardship?

Overlanding Vehicles || The Stories Behind the Pictures

2023-03-13T06:48:00.019-04:00

I grew up before the internet, when exploring meant riding your bike as far as you could around your neighborhood. Sunday evenings were a highlight for me; I’d sit down to watch Mutual of Omaha's Wild Kingdom. The show, all about wildlife and nature, opened my eyes to the wilds of Africa and other distant, exotic places. I remember the cast driving Series Land Rovers and Toyotas across the African savannas, showing lions and elephants in their natural habitat — it was an incredible journey, even if it was only through the screen. At the same time, National Geographic magazine fueled my curiosity about the world, especially the issues that involved paper maps. I could spend hours studying the maps after reading the stories.

I eventually owned a 1990 Range Rover and a 1998 Land Rover Discovery, and it was my dream to modify them into overlanding vehicles. Unfortunately, the cost of repairs kept that dream out of reach. I live vicariously through Land Rover forums and follow adventure travelers on social media. The more unique and unconventional the vehicle, the more I am drawn to it.

During my military service, I traveled to Central Asia and Eastern Europe, where I encountered some truly unique overland vehicles. However, it’s the stories of the adventure travelers I’ve met along the way that have left the deepest impression.

I want to share these vehicles and the fascinating stories behind the photos with you. My hope is that they’ll inspire the spirit of adventure in you, just as they have in me.

Land Rover-Defender110: Background WWII Monument, Dushanbe, Tajikistan.

The Victory Monument stands proudly amid the bustling Ayni Street in Dushanbe, Tajikistan. Given the heavy traffic on this road, it’s not the easiest monument to visit. The tall steles at the site tell part of the story of the Soviet soldiers’ victory over the Germans, but the real highlight is the Soviet IS-2 tank. This tank was part of the 170th Brigade and played a role in the battles across Hungary and Austria during World War II.

As I made my way back across Ayni Street from the monument, my eye caught a Land Rover 110 parked nearby. While I still don’t know the full story behind this Land Rover, my mind started to wander, imagining its journey to reach Dushanbe. Tajikistan, the poorest country of the former Soviet republics, is home to numerous non-governmental organizations, and this white Land Rover likely belongs to one of them. I couldn’t help but wonder about the experiences it has witnessed along the way.

Mercedes Benz Unimog.

As I made my way back to the hotel, I spotted a Mercedes-Benz Unimog parked in the lot. This thing was an absolute beast, almost resembling a gypsy wagon. I immediately sensed there was an incredible adventure behind this vehicle. I lingered, hoping to catch a glimpse of the owners, eager to hear their story.

When the German couple who owned the truck returned, I learned they had driven the Unimog from Afghanistan to Tajikistan. They had been traveling through Afghanistan when rising religious tensions made it too dangerous to continue. Fearing for their safety, they hid their vehicle with a man who owned a scrapyard and flew back to Germany. Eight months later, they returned to recover their truck and continue their journey.

In awe, I couldn’t help but ask, “You do realize there’s a war going on in Afghanistan, right?” Their calm response left me stunned—it’s a level of adventure travel I’ll never fully understand. To travel in an overland vehicle through a country in active conflict takes the concept of adventure to an entirely different, bold level.

The decal on the side of the door of the Unimog.

The couple's truck had a broken bolt in the suspension, and they were working on getting it repaired while also waiting for their visa to enter Uzbekistan. The broken bolt was the main topic of conversation, but there was more to the truck than just that. A sticker on the door hinted at a deeper story. A quick search on the internet revealed that this vehicle had once been used for tourism, specifically in the Acacus Mountains of the Ghat district in western Libya. This region, famous for its thousands of prehistoric cave paintings, is a UNESCO/World Heritage Site—an adventure in itself.

Once the couple received their visa, they still faced an 8,000-kilometer journey ahead to get back to Germany. What stuck with me from our conversation was how these travelers had overcome the fear of the unknown. Too often, we let fears—especially the fear that adventure travel is too dangerous—hold us back. It's easy to let those fears stop us, but hearing their story reminded me how much there is to explore when we push past those limits.

Unimog is taking a break, waiting for a repair.

I’m not much of a motorcycle guy, so when I first saw these bikes, I thought they were BMW R71s. However, I quickly realized they were actually Urals, which were modeled after the R71s. After the war, motorcyclists were drawn to the Ural for its reliability and impressive off-road capabilities.

Russian-made Ural motorcycles.

The Tajikistan Ministry of Defense motorcycles are coated in glossy paint and are primarily used for ceremonial events. These bikes are Russian-built Ural, but due to recent global developments, Ural production has since moved to Petropavlovsk, Kazakhstan.

Russian Jeep, UAZ 469.

The UAZ 469 is a legendary light-utility military vehicle that was widely used by the Soviet Union and numerous Warsaw Pact countries. It saw extensive service with government agencies throughout the Eastern Bloc. The UAZ 469B is the civilian version, though it's hard to tell which model this particular vehicle is. While the UAZ 469 wasn’t originally sold to the public, many found their way into the hands of enthusiasts through surplus sales. It's fascinating to see such a vehicle being used as an everyday driver.

Toyota Land Cruiser is used by the International Committee of the Red Cross.

Whenever natural disasters or humanitarian crises make the news, you’ll often spot the iconic white Toyota vehicles of the United Nations or non-governmental organizations (NGOs) on the front lines. Toyota Gibraltar Stockholdings (TGS) is the official supplier of 4x4 vehicles to these humanitarian agencies, and they make simple yet crucial modifications to enhance the vehicles' capability in challenging environments. The Land Cruiser pictured here is a standard model, but it could be equipped with additional features like bull bars, HF radios, spare tires, and fuel cans, among others.

This was the first time I had encountered an NGO white Toyota, and it’s a clear sign you're in an austere part of the world when you spot one. One such organization, the International Committee of the Red Cross (ICRC), provides essential medical support along the border with Afghanistan. The ICRC also offers training to enhance the skills of local medical professionals, ensuring critical care in some of the most remote areas.

Swiss Army Pinzgauer.

Named after the Austrian breed of cattle, the Pinzgauer is a highly versatile off-road vehicle known for its exceptional mobility. Available in both 4WD and 6WD models, the Pinzgauer is built to tackle tough terrain. I discovered this particular one while supporting a Boy Scout Camporee, parked in the lot of the local park.

When I was a Scout, one of the troops I was in used a school bus to take us on campouts. The Pinzgauer, however, is a whole lot cooler than our old troop bus. This particular model is the 710 4x4, which can transport up to 10 Scouts, making it the perfect vehicle for adventurous outings.

Ex-MOD Land Rover Defender 90.

The Defender 90 was the first thing that caught my eye when I arrived at the/ Archaeological Site of Philippi, thanks to a weather delay earlier in the morning. Unfortunately, I didn’t have much time to explore Philippi. This Defender, a right-hand drive model, stood out with its two-tone camouflage paint scheme. Most NATO Land Rovers I’ve encountered are either all green or feature a three-color camouflage, making this one a rare sight.

Passenger side view of tools and equipment on the roof rack.

There was an unusual piece of gear on the roof rack, making it difficult to tell whether this vehicle was set up for overlanding or being used for work purposes.

Named after the Laubrosch European Tree Frog.

While exploring Matka Canyon, located in the west-central region of Skopje, Northern Macedonia, I came across a fascinating Mercedes-Benz overland rig. Originally a military vehicle, it had been expertly converted into an overland camper. Large diamond-plate storage boxes were added for extra capacity, and bike racks were mounted on the rear of the camper. With its green color and rugged build, "Laubrosch"—a name inspired by the green European tree frog—seemed like a perfect fit for this beast of a rig.

The overlanding family had set up camp in a beautiful spot for the day, taking in the views of the Teska River and the surrounding mountains. This area is a popular destination due to its proximity to Skopje, offering a wide range of outdoor activities and cultural experiences. Matka Canyon is also Northern Macedonia's premier spot for alpine hiking, attracting adventurers and nature lovers alike.

I spotted a Toyota Land Cruiser HZJ78 on the streets of Munich, Germany. At first, I noticed the Land Rover badge on the grill and thought, "This can't be a Land Rover." The truck had been heavily modified, with body parts that made it look vastly different from its original design. The rear of the vehicle had been customized to include storage and even a sleeping area. I really wish I could have met the owner to learn more about this unique truck and its story.

Whenever I see a Lada Niva, I can't help but think of that iconic scene in the Jason Bourne movie, where Bourne is searching for the girl in the Russian apartment. Now known as the Lada Niva Legend, this rugged vehicle has been in production since 1977. It comes in several variants, including hatchback, compact wagon, and pickup, and was originally designed for rural markets. In other parts of the world, it's known by different names and competes with vehicles like the Suzuki Jimny. During my time in Tajikistan, I saw plenty of Lada Nivas on the roads.

It’s always fascinating to see the variety of 4x4s, everyday vehicles, and overlanders around the world. Each one is as unique as its owner, reflecting different needs and capabilities.

Now It's Your Turn-

I would love to hear about your favorite Overlander and the stories behind it. If you happen to know of an Overlander blog that has great adventures and stories. Please share their blog or website in the comments.

Day Hikes around Beagle Gap || Shenandoah National Park

2023-01-14T22:33:00.015-05:00

Editor's note: This article was originally published in May 2017 and was updated in January 2023 for accuracy and comprehensiveness.

I’ll always remember this early April day for its near-perfect conditions. The sky was clear, offering a breathtaking view all the way down to the Shenandoah Valley, with Charlottesville visible in the distance. It was a special father-daughter day hike, and my daughter had requested a shorter route than the River Loop we hiked together back in October.

The plan was to enter the park from the South District and drive north for about 5-7 miles, landing us at Beagle Gap. From there, we could easily tackle two short day hikes. The great thing about Beagle Gap is that it offers the convenience of returning to the car between hikes to drop off or grab gear, plus there are port-a-potties available if needed. It’s an ideal family-friendly trailhead location, allowing us to start our adventure without spending too much time on the Parkway.

Beagle Gap lies between Bear Den Mountain and Little Calf Mountain. What makes this area so unique is that both sides of Skyline Drive are meadows. This meadowland is a remnant of the Royal Orchard, adding a touch of history to the landscape.

The lower meadow of Bear Den Mountain overlooks the town of Waynesboro, Virginia.

The first leg of our hike would take us up to the summit of Bear Den Mountain along the Appalachian Trail. This section of the trail is part of the Appalachian Trail Park, not within Shenandoah National Park. At the top of Bear Den Mountain, we’d find two radio antenna farms, marking the summit with their unmistakable presence.

Illegal campfire.

As we made our way up to the summit of Bear Den Mountain, we came across a side trail that led to a cluster of rocks. In the photo above, you can see where someone had made an illegal campfire. While they did a decent job of covering the spot, the damage to the small tree is still visible. This was a particularly dangerous location for a fire, given the abundance of dry pine needles surrounding the area. It’s a sobering reminder of the risks, especially considering the Rocky Mount Fire, which broke out on April 16, 2016. That fire became the second-largest in the park's 90-year history, burning 10,326 acres. Given the circumstances, I’m sure that the fire was caused by human activity.

The family picnic site of the family that had owned the Royal Orchard.

In the mid-'90s, the view from this spot offered a clear sightline down into the valley. However, over the years, the trees have grown tall and now block the once-open vista. This location, just off the Appalachian Trail, sits near the radio towers, which are positioned behind me in this photo. It's a perfect spot for a lunch break, as there are about four old tractor seats scattered around. Historically, the owners of what was once the Royal Orchard would come here for family picnics and to enjoy the fireworks displays in the valley.

Time to make lunch.

I’m not sure how often you come across a half-inch steel table in the mountains, but we found one here, and it made the perfect surface for preparing our lunch. My daughter loves backpacking meals, and she always enjoys helping out with meal prep, making the experience that much more fun.

Apple tree blooms.

The old apple trees from the Royal Orchard were just beginning to bloom during our visit. It’s easy to forget that people once lived and farmed in what is now Shenandoah National Park. Over time, the landscape has reclaimed most of these homes and farms, but if you look closely, remnants of them can still be found.

The second leg of our hike took us up to Little Calf Mountain. Just before reaching the summit, we met our first thru-hiker of the season. He had started his journey on February 10th and had just entered the South District of the park. If you have a new PATC map of this section, be aware that the trail on the map doesn’t exactly match what’s on the ground. It’s not a major issue, but something to keep in mind — and the same goes for some tracklogs and other online maps. Again, it's not a huge problem, just a minor note for those navigating the trail.

Summit of Little Calf Mountain.

At the summit of Little Calf Mountain, we were greeted by another beautiful meadow — the perfect spot for a lunch break with a stunning view back toward Bear Den Mountain. Afterward, I planned to head to Calf Mountain Shelter, knowing there was a spring there. I was eager to use my Sawyer Mini filter to collect some fresh mountain spring water. It's always important to filter water from any source in the park to ensure it's safe to drink.

Marking the way to the spring at Little Calf Mountain Shelter.

The spring itself is in better condition than the sign nearby. Depending on the time of year and rainfall, you might encounter surface water flowing across the trail, but that's not the spring itself. The true spring is marked by a white PVC pipe at its source.

In the picture below, you can see a benchmark that marks the boundary of the Appalachian Trail Park. By the end of the day, I think we had hiked about as far as we did back in October.

AT Survey Marker.

Whether you choose to hike Bear Den Mountain or Little Calf Mountain, both offer short, family-friendly trails with great spots to stop and enjoy a picnic.

Trail Notes:

Activity: Day Hiking
Route/Place: Appalachian Trail / Beagle Gap Area
Activity Type: Day Hiking
Trail Difficulty:
- Bear Den Mountain: Easy & Kid-Friendly
- Little Calf Mountain: Easy & Kid-Friendly
Trail Conditions: Well-maintained with clear trail signs and white blazes.
Waterfalls/Streams: None
Trip Results: Successful
Road Conditions: Accessible for all vehicles — access fee required.

What you need to know before you go.

Shenandoah National Park Fees

Shenandoah National Park Map

Report a Trail Issue

Navigate over to our other related articles on hikes in Shenandoah National Park.

Now It's Your Turn-

Leave a comment about your hike around Beagle Gap. Or share your favorite hike in Shenandoah National Park.

Military Veterans and Gold Star Families Lifetime Pass to Our National Parks

2022-12-19T22:21:00.006-05:00

The lifetime pass is just one way the nation shows its gratitude and support to the Armed Forces.

The Military Interagency Pass was established through the 2004 Federal Lands Recreation Enhancement Act, one of five America the Beautiful Park Passes. This annual, free pass grants military members access to over 2,000 recreational destinations across the country.

In December 2021, the Alexander Lofgren Veteran in Parks (VIP) Act was passed, granting lifetime access to federal lands for veterans and Gold Star families, in addition to the existing free Military Interagency Pass. The Act honors the memory of Alexander Lofgren, whose tragic death in Death Valley National Park was recounted by his partner, Emily Henkel. Her powerful testimony brings to light the accident that claimed Alexander’s life.

Over the years, I’ve used my Military Interagency Pass to visit one of my favorite National Parks. As of Veterans Day, November 11, 2022, veterans and Gold Star families can now receive a lifetime pass. Below, I’ve included links to each federal land agency, though please note that not all agencies have updated their websites with the most current information.

There are 108 National Parks that charge entrance fees, and here is a list of those parks along with their entrance fee prices. This will give you a clearer understanding of the value of the lifetime pass. Additionally, I’ve included the link to information on eligibility for veterans and Gold Star Families, along with the required forms of identification.

In addition to obtaining the pass at contact stations, you can also purchase the Military Veterans and Gold Star Families Lifetime Pass through the USGS Store. Please note that the pass will not be available for immediate download; it will be mailed to your address. There is a $10 processing fee for purchases made through the USGS Store.

Accursed Mountains || Bjeshkët e Nemuna National Park, Kosovo

2022-10-13T14:55:00.015-04:00

The immense granite walls of the Accursed.

Whether it’s a tall tale, a myth, or the legend of an army that inspired the name of the Accursed Mountains, we may never know for sure. But one thing I can confirm is that this section of the Accursed Mountains in western Kosovo is absolutely breathtaking. Also known as the Albanian Alps, the Accursed Mountains form the southernmost subrange of the Dinaric Alps.

Founded in 2012, Bjeshkët e Nemuna National Park is located in the districts of Gjakova and Peja, in the far western part of Kosovo. The park’s western border is shared with Albania and Montenegro.

Rugova Canyon is considered to be Europe's longest and deepest canyon that follows the Drini River.

One of Kosovo’s most famous attractions is the Rugova Canyon, also known as Rugova Gorge, which is regarded as Europe's longest and deepest canyon. In 1985, the gorge was declared a protected natural heritage monument. The towering granite walls rise 2,000 feet (609 meters) above the Drini River, creating a truly awe-inspiring sight. The iconic M9 road runs through the canyon, stretching for 13 miles (23 km) along the Drini River and Rugova Gorge.

Looking back down the Rugova Gorge to the City of Peja.

The area is a popular destination for hikers, climbers, skiers, and cavers. Unlike most of my other posts on Navigate to Your Adventure, where I usually draw from firsthand experience, this one is a bit different. I didn't actually set foot in the national park or the Accursed Mountains during this journey. However, what I did gain was the unique opportunity to capture stunning images of the Accursed Mountains, Rugova Gorge, and Bjeshkët e Nemuna National Park.

What an adventure it would be to drive up that mountain trail.

Often, the images we see online of breathtaking destinations come from the same few vantage points. We're drawn to these wild places by the captivating photos others have shared, hoping to replicate the same experience they had, rather than creating our own unique adventure.

The rugged beauty is amazing.

The chance to visit this part of Kosovo came as a last-minute opportunity on the day of my trip. I had no idea what to expect or what I would encounter. The photos I captured that day were taken from a vantage point that most adventure travelers will likely never experience, allowing me to fully absorb the raw, rugged beauty of the area in a way few others ever will.

Alpine meadows in the Accursed Mountains are where only a few 100 inhabitants live today.

I may never have the chance to experience the Accursed Mountains in the same way I did that day. While that leaves a sense of longing that can’t be filled, it also sparks my imagination, inspiring dreams of the adventures that still await. I hope these images do the same for you, fueling your own sense of wonder and possibility.

A vehicle parked just off a rugged mountain road sits as hikers forage for wild mushrooms.

Now It's Your Turn-

I know I have missed a lot about this area. Please leave a comment on the things you experienced and explored in the Accursed Mountains and the National Park.

Navigate over to our related post:

Postcard Livadh Lake Sharr Mountain

To see more photos of the Accursed Mountains, navigate over to Navigate to Your Adventure on Flickr.