Outdoor accessibility

How not to mess up your own fun

Who knew, back when we used to swing on trees and hide out under the forsythia bush on summer days, that “getting outdoors” would one day be a thing. Like, a Thing. An activity. A hobby. An industry. As kids, we were just told to outside and play, so we did. In a tiny townContinue reading “How not to mess up your own fun”

Pack the good socks: working a hike into just about any trip anywhere

I’m biased, but I think hiking is the ultimate outdoor activity — you can do it just about anywhere with zero special equipment. People travel to amazing destinations just to take epic hikes, and plenty of us roam the trails and mountains all around our home territory. But don’t forget that you can get trailContinue reading “Pack the good socks: working a hike into just about any trip anywhere”

Bears hibernate in winter. But you’re no bear.

Sure, it’s cold. Classic winter move. You’re settling into a comfort zone with blankets, something hot and a TV remote and that’s part of the beauty of the season. But dropping temps don’t have to put your outdoor exploring into full hibernation mode. Not a ski fan or into snowshoeing? Doesn’t matter. Even a walkContinue reading “Bears hibernate in winter. But you’re no bear.”

A mileage challenge sets me on a new path

A West Virginia State Parks challenge started me hiking in earnest in 2016. Sam England, the Parks Chief at the time, had issued what he called the Chief’s Challenge. I read about it when the press release came in to our local newspaper. The task, for anyone willing to take it on, was to hikeContinue reading “A mileage challenge sets me on a new path”

Get your shoes on — we’re going outside

You don’t need special water bottles, fancy shoes, expensive jackets or any other gear to start exploring the outdoors. Especially not in West Virginia. Walk out your door and find the nearest street or road, patch of woods or stream. Those places will do just fine to refresh your memory of going outside to play.Continue reading “Get your shoes on — we’re going outside”