Author Archives: John

If you had told me this time last year that I would be gearing up for the top of the world, it would have immediately been met with scorn.  In fact, the notion of entertaining a climb on Everest had all but … Continued

Laurel was in so we did a bit of walking in the Tremont region. Lumber ridge is a new mile segment for her and a good little hill to pull on a nice, mid winter saturday. We gained about a … Continued

When JD called and asked if I wanted to hike, it didn’t take much arm twisting.  When I asked if he was up for an adventure, he didn’t bat an eye.  His response? “I have always wanted to do that offtrail”.  … Continued

I was supposed to be in Banff, Canada this week.  However, due to the selfishness of some woman who decided to board a plane from Knoxville with the flu and seat herself next to Laurel, the result was as expected … Continued

The view wasn’t much, it had been quite a dreary looking day, but the temperature was good and Laurel was in town. She stops at the summit where we didn’t tarry for lack of vista. It was a stroll for … Continued

Last year about this time, Laurel and I were making our way down towards Mexico for a climb on Pico de Orizaba via La Malinche. It was an eventful experience in that she got seriously altitude sick and had to be … Continued

It was a brisk morning that turned into a glorious day as the Highlander Navy set sail from Cable Cove across lake Fontana on Friday morning. Martin navigates the brisk waters expertly in a heavily laden old 17 foot canoe … Continued

“Why do we like Frank?” Laurel asked me a half dozen times as we climbed up Bote mtn in 40 mph winds. She didn’t drive to Tennessee from sunny Florida for this kind of weather.  And reminded me of it … Continued

I was privileged to join my fellow Southern Forest Watch board members, Rob Cameron and Myers Morton in their quest to complete Smokies mileage this past weekend. We had a bit of company. Myers, Rob and Nick started Friday at … Continued

Three clients canceled on me at 3.30 Friday afternoon so instead of going from my school job to the office, I veered left and ascended o’er Look Rock. My destination was Goldmine and Cane Creek.  The weather was looking bad for … Continued