Originally published August 29, 2012 On July 24, crews 724-G arrived at Philmont base camp headquarters at about 10:50am. The Ramblin Express bus had picked us up at the hotel at about 6:45am and we drove straight through, aided by the larger-than-expected bus with a built-in bathroom. Upon arrival our three crew leaders and three…
Originally published August 22, 2012 This is the first in a series of posts about our trip to Philmont Scout Ranch this summer. We had an amazing trip -- a family adventure to remember and one that Julie and I are thankful we took before our older boy heads off to college next year. About…
As I plodded through the rain today, I wondered if Saint Brendan had any waterproof gear for his seven year voyage. Our hike was a measly eight days and some of my gear proved woefully inadequate! Today marked the end of our Dingle Way adventure. We hiked over 100 miles and enjoyed plenty of sun…
Cue the Beach Boys soundtrack for this segment of the Dingle Way. If you’ve been following along, you’ve probably noticed that Chris and I have walked a bunch of different beaches over this last month in Ireland. It makes sense: we’re on an island; we visited 4 small islands off the coast of this big…
This leg of the Dingle Way was advertised as the most challenging and it certainly was. We took 7 ½ hours (including breaks) to hike 15.3 miles up and over a saddle in the Brandon Mountains. The closer we got to this leg, the more talk turned to danger and warnings. Most people indicated that…
Today marked the end of day 5 of 8 on the Dingle Way, a notable day since: 1) we are now more than halfway; and 2) it was the first day we hiked the advertised mileage! We have always walked more than expected for varying reasons: Day 1 to Camp: Guide said 11 miles; we…
If only we could talk to the animals! Today will be remembered as much for the cats, donkey and sheep as much as the scenery, and that’s really saying something. My goodness, this stretch of the Dingle Way was outstanding. You know, I look back on what I’ve posted each day and both the writing…
We completed day three of our Dingle Way hike and I must start by saying that the day was gorgeous. We enjoyed perfect weather with a few showers to start but then blue sky, puffy clouds and a light breeze; a far cry from yesterday! The scenery too was a typical serving of Irish awesome.…
On our first day hiking the Causeway Coast Way I kind of bagged on road hiking. There’s the traffic to contend with plus it’s very hard on the soles of the feet - they feel almost bruised after walking just one day with a full pack. We’ll be hiking over 100 miles on the Dingle…
Our first day hiking the Dingle Way started in the heart of Tralee at Ashe Memorial Hall. The trail soon led along the canal, and it was there that a guy stopped his car, rolled down his window and asked “What kind of holiday is this? Strapping things to your back and walking about in…