paddle. pedals. pen.

  • Hiking the New England 67 with my Son

    Hiking the New England 67 with my Son

    I had the privilege of joining my son on a backpacking trip to complete his New England 67 in the summer of 2020. Words cannot fully express how meaningful this journey has been for me. I’ve written a short piece about this that’s been published in Outdoors.org. Read more

  • My 16-year-old and His Friend Hiked Vermont’s Long Trail…By Themselves

    My 16-year-old and His Friend Hiked Vermont’s Long Trail…By Themselves

    This story was originally published on goeast.com. As I watched my 16-year-old son and his friend walk into the woods at the Massachusetts/Vermont border to begin their northbound thru-hike to Canada—alone—I fought the urge to run up the trail with them. Despite my beaming smile and outward excitement, I was still conflicted about whether or Read more

  • New England 67

    New England 67

    New England is home to 67 high peaks (mountains that top off at 4,000 feet or more). For the past several years I’ve been backpacking and day hiking to the top of each one. Along the way, I’ve encountered soft forest paths that spring underfoot and unforgiving granite; views for miles and socked-in peaks; sweltering Read more

  • Cycling the Whites

    Cycling the Whites

    A 130-mile Hostel-to-Hostel Adventure Challenging climbs, thrilling descents, and stunning scenery framed our White Mountains cycling adventure this fall, while comfortable lodging, good company and camaraderie made this trip truly great.  It was late October when I joined a group of intrepid cyclists on the brand new 130-mile, hostel-to-hostel cycling tour through the White Mountains, Read more

  • Downeast Maine to Grand Manan Island

    Downeast Maine to Grand Manan Island

    4 Bikes, 3 Ferries, 2 Countries, 1 Lobster Boat to the Rescue “How old are your children?” “14 and 15.”“Okay, they’ll be fine. We don’t allow little ones at the cliff edge sites.  Are you light sleepers?”“Not particularly, why do you ask?”“Some folks find they’re kept awake at night by the whales.” This is how Read more

  • Biking Katahdin Woods & Waters National Monument

    Biking Katahdin Woods & Waters National Monument

    This article was originally published in the Summer 2018 edition of the Appalachian Mountain Club’s Wilderness Matters. In mid-May, a group of Appalachian Mountain Club trip leaders visited the KWWNM, some for the first time, to explore and learn about the recreational opportunities it holds. When I pulled into the parking lot at the Matagamon Gate with my two Read more