As I was stretching, clambering, grappling over rocks in Kirishima National Park, I replayed in my head the most recent encounter with a fellow hiker. The woman had made the usual greeting, then a look of dissonance flashed across her face. I’d seen that look before when I’ve thoughtlessly put a shoe on tatami, or… Continue reading Travel Gear: Hiking Pants
Category: Walk
My First OLLE Hike
Followed symbols through farms, villages, woods, and by the ocean in southern Kyushu. My first-ever OLLE hike.
Hiking Above Clouds
When I pulled open the drapes this morning, I decided to drop my plan to go directly to Kagoshima City. Instead of yesterday’s unrelenting rain, sunshine was trying to penetrate mist. It was time for a bonus hike. I had less than 60 minutes to dress, pack, slow down enough to enjoy breakfast, then check… Continue reading Hiking Above Clouds
Finding Japan
The flight attendant showed me a handwritten note: “we will be landing [in Kagoshima] at 9:30 [a.m.].” I’m the only non-Japanese customer, and, by the look of it, just about everybody else on this 737 is flying for work. I like traveling with Japanese people because they are generally quiet, calm, and are considerate in… Continue reading Finding Japan
Clinging On
Rusted corrugated metal shuddered as it clung on, as I balanced on rusty a’a scree. 55 mph gusts on a coastal walk.
Sky on Fire
Sky on fire as I walked to work.
Three Lakes Walk
Walked around three Minneapolis lakes.
Canyon Trail
Walked a canyon trail near Palm Springs.
Northumbrian Beauty
When I tap “beauty” into the Google search box for my photo collection, I get a flood of too-easy, stereotypical beauty. There’s enough sunsets and mountaintops to induce indigestion in even the most hardened tourist. But the picture at the top of this post is top of the search results. It’s October 2015. I’m standing… Continue reading Northumbrian Beauty
All Over the Nordeast
Posted Urban Hike: All Over the Nordeast Map. It includes an interactive map I’ve developed.