Note: This is a review of N. K. Jemisin’s The Broken Earth series. While I avoid overt plot points and specific spoilers, it’s impossible to write a review like this without delving into the dynamics of this work of art. I very much enjoyed reading the series — even in 2020, a couple years afterContinue reading “Lord of the Rings (Reviewing N. K. Jemisin’s Broken Earth Trilogy)”
Category Archives: Uncategorized
The Loyalsock Trail: Ahab Gets His 60-Mile Trail
Prelude. Ten Years Ago, My White Whale July 2010. One of my early backpacking outings was a trip to hike the 60-mile Loyalsock Trail with a crew led by hiking guru Doug (who, as a side note, is as accomplished on the trail as he is a witty mensch in personality, though now out inContinue reading “The Loyalsock Trail: Ahab Gets His 60-Mile Trail”
Processing Privilege, Determining Action (Reviewing Isabel Wilkerson’s The Warmth of Other Suns)
Once I picked up and started to read Isabel Wilkerson‘s The Warmth of Other Suns I put down all other books. It’s difficult to describe the particular power of this book’s information, story, history, research, and writing. It’s unlike anything I’ve ever read. I wish I had read it years ago. I wish everyone readContinue reading “Processing Privilege, Determining Action (Reviewing Isabel Wilkerson’s The Warmth of Other Suns)”
What I’m Reading, July 27 – August 2
Inevitably, this “What I’m Reading” update turns into a review of what I actually just finished. So be it. I finished two memorable books this week. N. K. Jemisin’s The Fifth Season is an astounding work of sci-fi/fantasy that I’m ashamed took me this long to start reading. Jemisin is a generational talent and I’mContinue reading “What I’m Reading, July 27 – August 2”
The LHHT: Four Days, 70 Miles, Several Beers, and One Wilderness First Aid Evac on the Laurel Highlands Hiking Trail
Day One: 5 Night Miles to the Decker Shelter and 19 Miles to Rt. 30/Walat’s When Claudio hit me up to join him on a complete hike of the 70-mile Laurel Highlands Hiking Trail (LHHT), I smiled. Just like him, I had the LHHT on my list of must-hike Pennsylvania trails. I had also beenContinue reading “The LHHT: Four Days, 70 Miles, Several Beers, and One Wilderness First Aid Evac on the Laurel Highlands Hiking Trail”
Trip Prep for the 70-Mile Laurel Highlands Hiking Trail
I don’t usually spend a lot of time planning gear and food for a three-four day trip because my gear list is pretty set and dependable. I want to get the weight and selection right on this, though. Usually summer trips in the mid-Atlantic are straightforward and this one, 70+ miles in Pennsylvania on theContinue reading “Trip Prep for the 70-Mile Laurel Highlands Hiking Trail”
What I’m Reading, July 5 – July 11
While I haven’t been updating this feature weekly, I certainly have been keeping up my reading! I won’t lie, it’s been a real positive aspect to the COVID-19 era for me. Combined with going through the New Yorker weekly, the Atlantic monthly, and the newspaper daily, reading the written word on real paper has meantContinue reading “What I’m Reading, July 5 – July 11”
Protected: Musings For Me, Tuesday, July 7.
There is no excerpt because this is a protected post.
DC UL Backpacking Trip Report By Yours Truly
This was a fun trip to plan. Sharon, Karan, and I looked closely at maps of the Mid State Trail (MST) and Standing Stone Trail (SST) confluence in Rothrock State Forest a few weeks back and designed a loop with no car-shuttling required to make for an epic little return to one of our favorite hiking areas of Pennsylvania. Continue reading “DC UL Backpacking Trip Report By Yours Truly”
What I’m Reading, June 7 – June 13
Week two of this little feature. Not going to make the progress this week I’ve been accustomed to this spring thanks to being back in physically at work in the office and also taking Friday night and Saturday for a little backpacking adventure. Oh, and newspapers and magazines vying for attention. Category 1: Non-Fiction. [Finished OrlandoContinue reading “What I’m Reading, June 7 – June 13”
Text and Trails 