This is the first post in my new blog for hikers.
Some people ask me why I hike. For me, it boils down to the sense of adventure–especially for a long-distance hike. Eight years ago this coming March, I began a thru-hike of the Appalachian Trail. Even now, as I think back on that morning of March 14, 2003, I remember the anticipation of several of us as we were ready and eager to take that first step into adventure.
In upcoming posts, I will write about many topics associated with hiking. Topics that will inform anyone with an urge to put on a backpack and walk into the great outdoors. I hope that you will be enlightened and that you will share your experiences with me.
Best of luck. Looking forward to it!
Looking forward to reading about your adventures!!
Great job Ray ~ can’t wait to read your updates!
This is a terrific site, Ray – I’ll look forward to getting my exercise by reading what you write on hiking :>)
Ray, I’m so excited by the steps you are taking – both figuratively and literally! Congratulations on your new blog. I look forward to keeping up to date on all that’s going on with you, your writing, and your adventures.
Thank you, Stephanie.
Ray,
Your adventures on the trails inspire us. We may never leave the living room, but your adventures propel our minds to terrains we would not have imagined on our own.
Axel
Thanks, Axel. I have fond memories of both are Mt Washington summit climb, and our Franconia Ridge walk with Bob Muir.
Ray, I look forward to your postings and hope this encourages others to enjoy nature and the great outdoors!
Thanks, Judy.
Thank you, everyone.
Nice job, Ray. I look forward to reading your posts and getting inspired. When the Yellow Pages said “let your fingers do the walking” I must have taken them too literally. Congratulations! I love the fresh look of this blog.
good luck with the blog, dad. It will be interesting to see what topics will be brought up about the hikes as well the adventures, stories, dilemmas, choices(decisions), weather etc, etc that come up during the hikes.
Thank you, Steve.
just wanted to add our joint email too. Kathy will be interested in the blog.
Terrific job, Ray. Looking forward to reading about your adventures.
We will look forward to hearing from you – OFTEN!
Good to here from you Ray. I too love to hike, but haven’t lately, and so I’m now 220 pounds (i.e., FAT!)
We’ll be watching for the next episode of your adventures in the great outdoors.
We’ll look forward to hearing about your hiking adventures!
Hamlet,
Great to see your blog…nice job! Don’t know if ya remember me, Old Buzzard (Ga>ME ’08). You called me after reading my blog of the A.T. hike in newspaper(Brockton Enterprise/Patriot Ledger).
I thought you might be interested… I will be putting on my new program “Trail Dreams” @ the Kingston Public Library, March 24th @ 7 PM. It is free, but you must register because space is limited 781-585-0517 x112 or http://www.kingstonpubliclibrary.org, calendar at-a-glance.
Take care, Brad “Old Buzzard” Cook
Thanks, Brad/Old Buzzard. Good to hear from you. Yes, I plan to register for “Trail Dreams” in Kingston next month. See you there.
The information from this blog is definitely catching my interest. Someday I just might try to hike a couple of miles in the northern states to experience the pure joy of being outside, powered by my own two feet. It makes me think of Quechee Gorge in Vermont – I only went halfway down that trail toward the river, but it was like being in another truly beautiful world. Thank you, Ray, for giving us another prospective on life. I look forward to more :>)
Thanks, Virginia. Know what you mean by “being in another beautiful world.” Another big reason why hikers can’t wait to get on a trail.
Ray, I love your blog, it is truly inspirational.
Thanks, Kent!
I think your having made it to Katahdin done is amazing, and I nominated you for the Very Inspiring Blogger Award. You can check it out at http://mymeanderingtrail.com/2012/11/02/now-its-my-turn-to-pay-it-forward-who-moi/.
No need to do anything. Just wanted to let you know that I find you truly inspirational and look forward to reading more.
Thank you! Happy trails.