Hiking Dude Blog

My morning hikes have been more adventurous and interesting for the past few weeks, for two reasons.

1. My neighbor retired and has been hiking with me. Instead of just doing my normal route up and down the trail, we have branched out and are covering lots of different neighborhoods, trails, and paths. Also, our mileage has been around 6 miles rather than my old 5 miles! My SPOT track is drawing lines all over town as each day gets added to it. :-)


2. I saw an ad on facebook for a 10x telephoto lens that you just clip onto your phone. It was something like $55 (wow!) so I looked around and found the exact same no-brand item someplace else for $8 (including shipping). The colors, markings, description 100% identical. So, I splurged and waited for it to arrive from China.
You can see here some of the photos I have taken with it. I will post about it in a couple days with more details. Anyway, it has made it more interesting trying to get some shots.


We are fortunate to have quite a few green areas around, plus some marshes, hills, and bike paths. Lots of varied walks to take in preparation for the big trek of the summer.
There are also lots of places for birds and animals to roam. With the mild winter, it seems we have a plethora of rabbits, squirrels, and deer. The song birds are now migrating through, or deciding to stay awhile, and I even saw a bright orange and black Oriole yesterday.


Until the ticks get thick, and the mosquitoes start to swarm, it will be easy to enjoy the trails. It is a good time to get out there and explore!

Hike On

I've been carrying a SPOT Messenger on my adventures since 2007. A SPOT is a satellite pinging device that can be used to request aid in an emergency, or just track your route. My wife is more comfortable knowing this extra bit of safety is along on each trek.

I use the tracking ability of the SPOT to ping a satellite about every 10 minutes. At any time during my hike, visitors here can see where I am on the trail. At the end of the trek, I have a map of my adventure and I can add geotagged pictures to my online adventure. Here's an example trek.

There is an annual fee, but here's a way you can save 20% off your service plan ...

1. Purchase a SPOT device - locally at REI, Cabella's, Gander Mountain, Bass Pro Shops, EMS, Sportsman's Warehouse, or online at their web sites, or wherever you can get a good deal. It's not too difficult to find a very good deal on the device - I got mine free just before Christmas!
2. Activate your SPOT device with whatever rescue and tracking options you want.
3. Visit Referral Page and enter your Name and SPOT ESN to receive 20% off your next annual service plan.

By referring you, I also receive a discount on my next annual service plan, so we both win!

If you have questions about the SPOT GPS Messenger, I would be happy to answer them.

Hike On Safely

The North Country Trail Association is at it again. These people are sneaky about tricking us into hiking more miles!
Anyone that hikes a total of at least 100 miles on the NCT in 2017 can get a free patch, plus they are offering prizes and free resources to folks that sign up for the challenge.
If you really get into this, there's even a Grand Prize for someone that also fulfills their Built It Challenge - that's just doing two simple activities to spread the word and get others involved in the NCT project.
They've got forms, mileage log sheets, a flyer to print and share, and other stuff to help you out. Learn all about this fun challenge and the rules at their page.

I did the challenge last year, along with about 1,500 other people, and plan to repeat this year. Anyone want to get it done all at once and thru-hike the SHT in September?

Hike On!

Testing is important. I didn't test my blogging process for my phone before leaving on my trip so I am unable to share daily updates. :-)
I'm having a great time exploring and will share a report of my hikes when I get home in a few days.
Food is great. Weather is great. People are great. It's all great!