ALL TRAILS LEAD TO ICE CREAM

  Typically, the most picturesque time in my neck of the woods tends to be around the end of October and the beginning of November.  It was just about that time that Matt joined me for one of my post-surgery walks over in Michaux State Forest.  At that time, I still couldn’t do any trail hikes…so we walked around Laurel Lake and followed the access road up to Fuller Lake.  The pictures that I took that day are some of the best I’ve taken in a while.  Matt joined me for a five mile walk in Michaux State Forest.  The pictures that I took on this day were some of my favorite of the year.  -- October 26, 2022 The view from the boat dock at Laurel Lake.  -- October 26, 2022 Making our way around Laurel Lake, I snapped this picture of the Fall foliage reflecting in the still water.  -- October 26, 2022 Another amazing picture of the foliage reflecting in the water of Fuller Lake in Pine Grove Furnace State Park.  -- October 26, 2022 A cabin hi...

  I took a walk in the woods the other day.  I know that doesn’t sound too out of the ordinary for me…but it’s been a while since I’ve been able to do that.  Without going into it too much, about six months ago it became very evident that I would need to have another surgery on my back.  All the signs were there and by August it was unavoidable.  It’s all good.  I mean, I’ve been through this before and as much as it sucks, I knew what to expect and ultimately there are a lot worse things that can happen to somebody.  But yeah, that walk in the woods, with the last vestiges of the Fall foliage hanging onto the trees, felt really good. I took a walk in the woods the other day at Oregon Ridge Nature Preserve -- November 6, 2022 My support system is amazing…and they deserve so many thanks.  So, here we go…First and foremost, is my wife Robin, who promised that she’d be with every step of the way (again) just as she always has been.  She was ther...

Leading Matt and Tim on a crisscross ridge adventure in Michaux State Forest -- June 21, 2022   Mountain biking with your friends is great group therapy.  There is nothing like hitting the trails and heading off into the woods to lose your mind and find your soul.  There are conversations to be had, stories to be told, laugher to be shared, and trails to be shred. There's not a care in the world...unless you are the ride leader.  You know, the guy who ultimately knows where you are, where you've been, where you are going, how you are going to get there, how long it will take you to get there, and (at any given moment) can point and say "our vehicles are parked over there."  It's a lot of added responsibility. Leading the way in Patapsco Valley State Park. -- December 28, 2021 Taking the lead for our annual ugly sweater ride in Hershey.  Left to right:  Matt L, Dave R, Ben K, Matt W -- December 11, 2021 I've been that guy for the past few years and I ki...

 2021 was a good year on my bike, a good year to be submerged in nature, and a great year with those closest to me.  In the past twelve months, I've ridden my bike or hiked in four States, the District of Columbia, no less than eight State Parks, three State Forests, and four National Parks.  I've had the privilege to have ridden or hiked with (please forgive me if I accidently leave you out) Robin, Alex, Jackie, Sophie, Mike, Matt, Ben, Tim, Lynne, Josh, and Chris.  Looking back on the year, there have been so many good outings with many special people.  I tried to narrow it down, in no specific order, to what I thought were the best dozen rides and hikes of the past year.  The 13th activity listed is the exception.  It was, and still is, probably the most fun ride I've ever completed. I wish you all a happy new year and I hope to cross paths with you in 2022.  Let's backtrack 2021.  Enjoy! Taking a break and appreciating it all. -- April 25...