Attempted camping for the first time last weekend at Hickory Run Campground with a bunch of guys. We did a 9 mile hike during the morning and afternoon. The weather was cold and raining but we all felt good. My back did not hurt at all. The stream crossings were a challenge because of all the rain we have had recently and also very comical as we debated the appropriate route. Afterwards during the search for beer in White Haven , we stumbled upon the Tavern on the Trail. Had some soup to warm up and headed back to camp. Sleeping was almost non-existent for me - as the temps were hitting the mid 30's and it was windy. I was cold and distracted by the noise and not being able to see outside the tent. I moved to the car at 1AM and did not sleep much there either. Got up at 6:30, sun was shining and went on a hike in the nice weather while the others slept until 9. Then visited Jim Thorpe on the way home. First time there too. I loved it. Overall a pleasant trip. Who needs sleep.
Ok the sleeping situation sounds awful. There is nothing better than a good nights sleep after hiking and being outside all day. I often sleep better while I’m camping. Glad you didn’t let it get to you and made the most of it! ⛺️ maybe you can make a bed in the trunk of your car next time. Makes it so much more enjoyable.
I miss hiking. Unfortunately Denmark is the least suitable place to hike. And even though hiking does not technically need to involve a mountain, it feels incomplete if it doesn't.
I felt I was with you on your expedition. Unfortunately I will never experience it for real but have the consolation of the beauty and ruggedness of the Peak District near at hand and the remnants of the romantic Sherwood forest of legend only a few miles away so I am grateful for what I have. Your exploits give me an added pleasure to experience more of this beautiful world with all it's faults. Thanks from the Yorkshire Fenix
What a beautifully written description, Brenna! My husband is a paddle boarder (and kayaker and kite boarder and hill walker), too. I just had him read your description, and he really related to it.
That's wonderful, Colleen. Hopefully we have some sun while you're here. I'm hoping that for us, too, because we have 4 couples (friends and relatives) visiting us between next week and the first week in June! We keep telling everyone that May and June are the best times to visit, and now they've all chosen to come.
This being said, it would be great to get together in person if you plan to visit the Dingle Peninsula in County Kerry--which I highly advise! If so, private message me and I will send you our details.
I can totally relate to the churning of the mind while hiking and the inexplicable breaks of clarity that also arise. I most enjoy that process over days of trekking. Probably why there are so many memoirs about the same (Wild, etc)!
I live in Seattle, it’s a great place to access both, but little babies have made that a challenge the last few years which leaves you with just overcast and rain in the winter instead of the fluffy snowing mountains.
Seattle is a great example of a worldly city with great access to nature. Do your kids like being outside? I observed in Vancouver everyone just dresses for the part no matter what the weather!
They like being outside and my three year old pledges that when she grows big, she will climb mountains with me, which is cute. :) I hope I can still climb then!
While my husband and I have hiked for years, it's only been in the 18 months since we moved to Italy that I've realized just how much I love it, and need it. There is so much great hiking within 60-90 minutes by train from Milan! Hiking is when I feel alive. It's when I feel a peace I never feel in the city—even though I love the city as well. Hiking is when my head finally clears and I just live in the present moment, soaking in the beauty. I consider it priceless and hope to spend the rest of my years hiking northern Italy, especially the eastern shores of Lake Como.
There's an old mule trail that runs pretty much up the entire eastern shore of the lake. It's pretty easy to hike from town to town that way. Some stretches are more challenging than others, but it's always interesting and beautiful!
Jokingly, I’ve told friends that if a hike doesn’t challenge me mentally and/or physically, then for me it wasn’t a hike. I enjoy (my version of) hiking, because I hear the sounds of nature (I live downtown Indianapolis at a VERY busy intersection) and if I can push through something that challenges me on the trail then I can remember that same pep talk to apply to other things. I don’t consider Indiana to have too many exciting trails, but I’m moving to Massachusetts this summer, and really excited to discover the trails in the New England states.
Attempted camping for the first time last weekend at Hickory Run Campground with a bunch of guys. We did a 9 mile hike during the morning and afternoon. The weather was cold and raining but we all felt good. My back did not hurt at all. The stream crossings were a challenge because of all the rain we have had recently and also very comical as we debated the appropriate route. Afterwards during the search for beer in White Haven , we stumbled upon the Tavern on the Trail. Had some soup to warm up and headed back to camp. Sleeping was almost non-existent for me - as the temps were hitting the mid 30's and it was windy. I was cold and distracted by the noise and not being able to see outside the tent. I moved to the car at 1AM and did not sleep much there either. Got up at 6:30, sun was shining and went on a hike in the nice weather while the others slept until 9. Then visited Jim Thorpe on the way home. First time there too. I loved it. Overall a pleasant trip. Who needs sleep.
Ok the sleeping situation sounds awful. There is nothing better than a good nights sleep after hiking and being outside all day. I often sleep better while I’m camping. Glad you didn’t let it get to you and made the most of it! ⛺️ maybe you can make a bed in the trunk of your car next time. Makes it so much more enjoyable.
Wow what a beautiful corner of the country. Italy has been on my list for far too long, but I know that I will get there in time. Thanks for sharing!
This sounds wonderful! Paddle boarding and hiking are 2 of my favorite things
I miss hiking. Unfortunately Denmark is the least suitable place to hike. And even though hiking does not technically need to involve a mountain, it feels incomplete if it doesn't.
We went hiking in Denmark. Have you been to Mons Klint? It’s definitely had some incline! 😂 and it was super beautiful.
Yes it is really nice. But how many times can one go to the same place??😂
I felt I was with you on your expedition. Unfortunately I will never experience it for real but have the consolation of the beauty and ruggedness of the Peak District near at hand and the remnants of the romantic Sherwood forest of legend only a few miles away so I am grateful for what I have. Your exploits give me an added pleasure to experience more of this beautiful world with all it's faults. Thanks from the Yorkshire Fenix
Peak District national park looks awesome!!! Thanks for reading Keith!
What a beautifully written description, Brenna! My husband is a paddle boarder (and kayaker and kite boarder and hill walker), too. I just had him read your description, and he really related to it.
Aww thanks for sharing that Clarice. I shared your blog with my husband too, because we’re coming to Ireland in May!!! 🇮🇪
That's wonderful, Colleen. Hopefully we have some sun while you're here. I'm hoping that for us, too, because we have 4 couples (friends and relatives) visiting us between next week and the first week in June! We keep telling everyone that May and June are the best times to visit, and now they've all chosen to come.
This being said, it would be great to get together in person if you plan to visit the Dingle Peninsula in County Kerry--which I highly advise! If so, private message me and I will send you our details.
I can totally relate to the churning of the mind while hiking and the inexplicable breaks of clarity that also arise. I most enjoy that process over days of trekking. Probably why there are so many memoirs about the same (Wild, etc)!
I live in Seattle, it’s a great place to access both, but little babies have made that a challenge the last few years which leaves you with just overcast and rain in the winter instead of the fluffy snowing mountains.
Seattle is a great example of a worldly city with great access to nature. Do your kids like being outside? I observed in Vancouver everyone just dresses for the part no matter what the weather!
They like being outside and my three year old pledges that when she grows big, she will climb mountains with me, which is cute. :) I hope I can still climb then!
That is so sweet ❤️
While my husband and I have hiked for years, it's only been in the 18 months since we moved to Italy that I've realized just how much I love it, and need it. There is so much great hiking within 60-90 minutes by train from Milan! Hiking is when I feel alive. It's when I feel a peace I never feel in the city—even though I love the city as well. Hiking is when my head finally clears and I just live in the present moment, soaking in the beauty. I consider it priceless and hope to spend the rest of my years hiking northern Italy, especially the eastern shores of Lake Como.
So beautiful Michael! So glad you have found this for yourself.
I haven’t yet been to Milan, or Lake Como, or any of the nearby hiking! Hoping to do so this summer. Any favorite trails?
There's an old mule trail that runs pretty much up the entire eastern shore of the lake. It's pretty easy to hike from town to town that way. Some stretches are more challenging than others, but it's always interesting and beautiful!
Jokingly, I’ve told friends that if a hike doesn’t challenge me mentally and/or physically, then for me it wasn’t a hike. I enjoy (my version of) hiking, because I hear the sounds of nature (I live downtown Indianapolis at a VERY busy intersection) and if I can push through something that challenges me on the trail then I can remember that same pep talk to apply to other things. I don’t consider Indiana to have too many exciting trails, but I’m moving to Massachusetts this summer, and really excited to discover the trails in the New England states.