One day.. One day I'll Hike the AT

Since I got into hiking and the outdoors I've seen a lot of pictures and read a great number of fantastic places from around the globe.  One place that I always keep coming back to is the Appalachian Trail. Running between Georgia and Maine, the AT is about 2,200 miles long and goes through 14 different states.

I don't see myself doing a thru-hike of the trail any time soon, but it's always nice to see what I may have in store.  And thanks to this video we've got a chance to travel the Appalachian Trail without leaving home.

Valley of Fire State Park: Heaven Near Sin City

One of my favourite vacation destinations is Las Vegas. It has everything you could want. World class food, one-of-a-kind shows, lavish accommodations at a reasonable price, lots of drinks, second-to-none people watching and the occasional casino.

It's easy to get caught up in the glitz and glamour of the Las Vegas Strip, with it's bright lights and themed mega-resorts. People often forget that Las Vegas is in the middle of the Mojave Desert and about an hour away from the hustle and bustle of the Strip is Valley of Fire State Park. This gem offers day hiking and camping plus naturescapes that are unmatched and a multitude of different plants and animals.

Valley of Fire is a little slice of virtue in the shadow of Sin City.

A Taste of Backpacking Through Asia

So much of the talk of backpacking and long distance hiking revolves are the big three; the Pacific Crest Trail, the Continental Divide Trail, and the Appalachian Trail. And even more of the backpacking talk focuses on the United States.  But have you taken time to travel the world with a pack strapped to your back? Seen the sites of the forests of Germany or the mountains of Switzerland or Nepal?  How about taking a few months and backpacking Asia.  So many vastly different cultures with unique people, traditions, attractions and history.

If you've never had the time or money to spend three months backpacking Asia, you're in for a treat.  And rather than three months, you'll get a quick sample in just 60 seconds.

Backpacking in 60 Seconds from Jordan Taylor on Vimeo.

A Bucket List Hike

I'm still fairly green when it comes to hiking. I'm getting in to shape more and more with every day hike. I'm feeling stronger with every hill and more confident in my abilities.  But I mentioned in the first post on the blog that one of my goals for the very near future was the venture to the Adirondacks and hike the highest peak in New York, Mount Marcy.

My fitness isn't where it needs to be just yet, so while Marcy is still on my list to check off as a major accomplishment it likely won't be this summer.  But this clip from Campology keeps me wanting to get out on the trail, get in shape and reach the summit.