Watkins Glen & Keuka Lake, NY

Watkins Glen, NY is one of the most scenic places I've been to. 19 waterfalls that I remember dreading so much 'hiking' to as a kid, I have now learned to appreciate as an adult. The steps carved into the stream's edge and the walkways built behind waterfalls definitely makes the trek worthwhile. Seneca Lake is a sight to see, but not nearly as spectacular as the way nature carved its way through layers upon layers of rock over the course of thousands of years. 

Just like any good ending to the summer, much was packed into a weekend away. Namely a night at Keuka lake. Yea, the funny shaped 'Y' finger lake of NY state. This one in particular is so clean and cheerful that I couldn't wait to get into the canoe and drift away.  Only regret during this entire trip is that it was too short and I would have loved to have my bicycle. Looking forward to venturing back one of these days. 

Adirondack Mountains, NY | Camping Getaway Pt. 2

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A couple more snaps from a long weekend in upstate NY in the Adirondacks.  These were all taken with the handy iPhone.  Since it rained so much I was a little nervous to have the camera out on the water or in camp.  Looking forward to another weekend getaway.

Check out Pt. 1, here.

Weekend in Northeast Pennsylvania: Pond Fishing

Mother Nature is remarkable.  She deserved a Mother's Day nod this weekend.  I ventured north for the weekend and spent time with family outdoors.  An elderly couple own a beautiful piece of property that we've been fishing on for years.  Though getting to the pond is a little bit of  a hike through fields, brush and uneven paths, it's worth the trouble.

The wildlife was out and about in full force around 9:00 AM when we reached the pond.  Even before my first cast out I saw a few fish jump and birds swoop in for the kill.  To the north of the pond in the forest we heard woodpeckers looking for breakfast and squirrels chasing each other in the trees.

Everyone had some sort of success fishing.  I caught a few pickerel and perch.  It was a "catch and release" kind of morning, but now that we know there are a bunch of keepers in there, we'll be back.

I hope everyone had a nice weekend!

Spring Weekend Getaway

Mornings are still crisp here in Philadelphia.  Despite the weather, trees are now in full bloom and my allergies are acting up!  It's Spring for sure.  New adventures await and more places to explore on the horizon.  Though it may be too early for me to graduate from the foam surfboard, I still have my eyes on the Pinwheel.  Hard to justify, especially living in a landlocked state, but the "shore" as we say, is not too far away.  Anyway, here are a couple of things that would be perfect for a weekend getaway to the beach (of course with your dog in tow).  Make a campfire.  Have a beer (or two).  I command you.

List of goods after the jump...

Father Nature Outdoors Camping Blanket

I'm going to say it, Spring is just around the corner.  And with that comes thoughts and plans of outdoor pursuits. New parks to explore, beaches to visit, lakes to jump in, and trees to climb.  I hope to do a lot of camping in 2015 or at least a couple more outings than last year.  It's time to upgrade my gear and be smart about what I really need.  

It's true, I'm a fair weather camper and I don't need -30 degree F mummy bags or your latest and greatest sleep systems.  Nor do I care too much about weighing gear to the 0.00001 oz. so that my pack is light as a feather.  

Perfect, because the Father Nature Outdoor Camping blanket weighs a little over 2 lbs. and can pack tight at the bottom of my bag.  I wont have to worry about overheating during the summer or getting too cold at night.  

Check out their infographic to see how it works, here.

Full Specs, click here.

Mikkel Soya: Photographer, Writer and Adventurer

by Mikkel Soya from "A fat summit attempt"

I love mountain biking.  I love camping.  So does Mikkel Soya and he captures his adventures with some of the best photographs I've ever seen.  I love checking back to see if any new outdoor pursuits were documented, especially this time of year when I need a little more motivation to get out on the mountain.  Check it out!

Blues and Greens of the Adirondacks

For the first time in a few years we weren't rained on in the middle of the night or blasted by a storm and gale in the middle of the day.  Not to say I really minded much, but this year the trip and weather was absolutely perfect.  The call of the Loons, splash of a fish on the water and silence, only to be interrupted by canoe paddles in the water, is something that really cannot be recreated anywhere.  The Adirondacks are something special.  Coming home with the smell of fire on your clothes and the satisfaction of knowing you bagged the only trout in Black Pond is even better. 


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Gmap4 Topo Maps For Your Next Hike or Paddle

August is the month--we hit the road and head up to the Adirondacks in New York for an extended weekend.  Admittedly its a very short trip as there are weeks worth of activities and adventures to experience, but alas, vacation time is hard to come by.

This year I've been giving a lot of thought to paddle adventures.  You can get in your canoe or kayak and paddle all day, never seeing the same thing twice, exploring new ponds and lakes without setting foot on the ground.  The water system is convenient, thanks mother earth!  So in an attempt to be prepared, I've started searching around for f r e e topo maps online.  Which brought me to the wonderful blog, Wood Trekker (check it out!) because he wrote a post about Gmap4!  Long story short, Gmap4 provides a few different topo terrain views (and a bunch of other options) and is helping me become the official camping know-it-all.  You know, because there's nothing better than one of those in the woods.

Meet My First Pup, Muffin!

"Shut up and give me a snack" - Muffin

Vacation to South Korea | Part III: DMZ and Panmunjon Tour

Prepping for the Camping Trip

Having used almost all of my allotted vacation for the year on my trip to S. Korea, the next little trip planned is for the Adirondacks in August.  I know there's a lot of Summer between now and then, but here's a couple things I'd like to get my hands on before the big day.

1. Book: The Coldest Crucible...

2. Crew neck Sweatshirt:  Reigning Champ

3. Bottle Opener: Fort Standard Crest Opener

4. Camp Flag: Don't Tread on Me

5. Camera: FujiFilm XP60 Waterproof

6. Sandal: Birkenstock Gizeh

7. Beer: Victory Brewery Summer Love

8. Tote: Epperson Mountaineering 

9. Tent: Eureka Expedition Tent

10. Book: Paddle Your Own Canoe...

Vacation to South Korea | Part II: Seoraksan & Jeju Island

Seoraksan: Top of Ulsanbawi

Jeju Island

Jeju Island: Women Divers

I knew when I hit the Korean peninsula that I wanted to do something different.  Sure, Seoul was an enormous city chalk full of culture, tradition and modernity, but my most vivid experiences are those off the beaten path--well at least for a Western tourist.  So to balance a short trip to the Republic, trips to Seoraksan or Seorak Mountain and a short flight to Jeju Island were in order.  I needed a nature fix in between days spent Seoul.

Seoraksan was a sight.  The precipice of Ulsanbawi, one of the trails we ended up hiking, jutted out into the hazy sky as our Korean 'Rexton' car made it's way to the hotel.  Day one was a hike to Biryong Falls, disappointing falls, but a fun time on the trail.  That evening we grilled beef and pork Korean BBQ-style under a black sky and the singer at the restaurant dedicated a song to the group. Gotta love Elton John dedications.  Day two we made our way up to Ulsanbawi and on wobbly legs made our way down the trail to hop into the cable car for one last look at what the locals call "Dragon's Ridge".  Before we left we hit the tiny sea village of Sokcho and tasted the local fare.  Raw octopus isn't that bad!

Jeju Island greeted us with three straight days of rain/mist/spittle.  Turns out that even fewer people know English on the little island and my Korean vocabulary and phrases were not getting any better. We pushed through it.  Hiked on the Eastern side of the island, ate some fried chicken and walked a lot!