A blog for adventure travelers
The Appalachian Trail (A.T.) is supported by a series of shelters which provide a convenient alternative to pitching a tent. Some are nicer than others. Cold Spring is best described as “historic” and it has a good dose of character. The walls are embellished with years of graffiti, the roof has a few drips, and… [Continue Reading]
For years, my friends and family suggested I write about my childhood at sea. But, putting those many memories on paper was an overwhelming thought. Finally I decided the best way to approach the task was to do what I’ve always done, plug my nose and jump into the deep end! This piece takes place… [Continue Reading]
Laura Manina, my sister and fellow backpacker, shares her experiences and tips on backpacking a 57-mile loop to the Evolution Valley. Many thanks to her for this great post and pictures! You can learn more about her travels with her husband, Mitch, on CruisingSailors.com. ~ Evolution Valley. First, it was a suggestion, and then… [Continue Reading]
I travel to eat. At least it seems that way sometimes because I’m completely obsessed with trying local cuisine. My recent trip to Charlotte County, Florida, indulged my closet foodie. This is a region of Florida is known for its seafood. However, like most places, you need to know where to go. My trip was… [Continue Reading]
A few years ago, Mom and I did some hiking in Arizona. This photo shows some of the petroglyphs we saw on the rocks along the trail. I still think they are some of the coolest things I’ve seen while hiking!
I’m exploring Charlotte County, Florida, this week thanks to the Charlotte Harbor Visitors and Convention Bureau. The reason I am so interested in this area is that it offers abundant adventure travel options. Our focus during this trip is birding and eco-tourism. Today we visited the 90,000-acre Babcock Wilderness Preserve via a converted school bus run… [Continue Reading]
People ask what I enjoy about crawling around in dark, sometimes muddy, caves. Perhaps a picture is worth a thousand words, so here is my answer.
I met this little guy in Wekiwa State Park last weekend. Now I just wish I had a longer lens…
A guest post by Amy Heritage – Thanks Amy! The next time a guide book mentions a ‘one hour walk’ for people with a ‘moderate level of fitness’ I’m going to regard it with caution. This is how the trek to Rawhiti Cave is described to tourists by the New Zealand Tourist Board. Truthfully,… [Continue Reading]
Over more than two decades I’ve tried several styles of backpacking stoves for my adventure travels. Most recently, I’ve been using a simple alcohol stove, but missed the level of flame control provided by compressed gas models. When Appalachian Outdoors asked me to review the MSR Pocket Rocket, I jumped at the chance. The last… [Continue Reading]
This is the first book review on The Active Explorer, and I couldn’t have had an easier one to write — I absolutely loved this book! ~ Erika I felt brave the first time I stepped onto the Appalachian Trail (A.T.) solo. Let’s face it — it’s different for a chick on the… [Continue Reading]
Information overload. That’s the typical response when visitors arrive on the eastern side of Glacier National Park, Montana. When a friend asked what he should see during his one-day visit, I was stumped. “One day?” I confirmed in awe, “but there’s so much to see!” Once I wrapped my head around his question, I suggested… [Continue Reading]
I wrote this post as part of my MatadorU writing course. Our assignment was to flash-back from today to a memorable event. The trail to Cracker Lake was one of the most memorable I’ve ever hiked, especially since it was the windiest – at least 40 mph, maybe more. Enjoy. My… [Continue Reading]
 |
 |
Entrance to TAG
NO BOMBS!
The morning after...
There are no words....
Juggle fire
Firestarter
Burn, baby, burn!
Lighting the Bonfire - Ignition!
Lighting the Bonfire
Me in Limrock Cave
Limrock Cave Pool
TAG Bonfire
Well Dressed TAG Campsite
Tumbling Rock Cave`s Gatekeeper
Tumbling Rock Cave Entrance
Formations in Tumbling Rock Cave
Shower in Limrock Blowing Cave
Little Brown Bat in Limrock Cave
Mom outside Limrock Blowing Cave
Exiting Limrock Blowing Cave
Sometimes I find a place I can only call meditative. It’s where I just want to sit down and ponder life or journal in one of my (too) many notebooks. This photo, taken near Wekiwa Springs, Florida, shows one of those places. When I look at it I just want to see what is around… [Continue Reading]
Tarpon Springs, Florida, has the highest concentration of Greek immigrants in the United States. St. Nicholas Cathedral is beautifully decorated with illustrations of the Greek Orthodox faith. My camera didn’t do it justice.To learn more about the area, read my Examiner.com article: Tarpon Springs, Florida: On and off the beaten track.
The drop-off behind this surveyor on the Going-to-the-Sun Road is at least several hundred feet. I’m not sure I could turn my back on it and work! Needless to say, he has the best view EVER!
One of my favorite events each year is the TAG Fall Cave-In held each October. It’s a unique (not used lightly) event and therefore requires a few signs that would seem out of place anywhere else. To view a full set of photos from the event visit my Flickr album.
Connect