Journal Entries

Appalachian Trail thru-hikers from the morning we did trail magic at the NH 112 trailhead.

Theoretically we were following a trail, the yellow blaze led us to this water crossing, a distributary of the East Branch of the Pemigewasset river. We’d been having a pretty boring hike up till this point and then things got interesting as we crossed over to a little island and then had to cross back to the shore and rejoin the main trail.

Day three - this was a working weekday but we got out in the afternoon for a river swim at Lady’s Bathtub in the East Branch Pemigewasset River. I adore river swimming, it’s my absolute favorite and this spot is awesome!

Day two - hanging out with the Sifferman’s again, the whole family this time for a picnic supper. Doing what outdoor-loving families with 7 kids aged 19 to 2 do - play by the river and create river rock throwing challenges that everyone, well except the baby, could participate in.

The Little Miami Scenic Park trail is along the old Little Miami railroad. This photo shows an aging railroad structure.

From a sign on the trail:

"Chartered in 1836, the Little Miami Railroad reached Milford in 1841 and Loveland in 1844. It was the first railroad in Clermont County. John Kugler supplied the ties for much of the 6.15 miles of track in Clermont County, In 1860 President-elect Abraham Lincoln rode the train on his way to his inauguration. The railroad played a significant role in the Civil War by carrying troops and supplies to nearby Camp Dennison. On July 14, 1863 General John Morgan and his raiders derailed a train near Miamiville. The fireman was killed and 150 Union recruits captured. The railroad became a part of the Pennsylvania Railroad system in 1870. Trains ceased operating in 1962. The Ohio Department of Natural Resources purchased the right-of-way in 1979 and from 1983 to 1999 developed a multi-purpose paved trail from Milford to Xenia."

Mont Chocolat summit (Chaudière-Appalaches - Parc régional du Massif du Sud)

Due to a very busy summer, it has been awhile since the last time I was able to hike the Buckeye Trail. Because the much-anticipated Phish festival Curveball in Watkins Glen, NY was canceled due to water contamination, I had some extra time on my hands. Rather than sulk around the house in disappointment because of the canceled festival, I decided to hike the Buckeye Trail with my wife Alice. We had a great 6.4 mile hike as I continued my journey on the Little Miami State Park Trail.

We started in Milford where I left off in late June. As you can tell from the sign in the picture, Milford is the intersection of many great trails - some local and some national. It was special to be at a place where so many great trails intersect.

The trail continued on the bike path and is completely flat. We saw so many cyclists on the trail. It is wonderful to see so many people enjoying the outdoors!

Day two - @toesalad @brienne @mypictograph hiked these peaks. I took a rest day, read and napped.

White blaze.

Cool rock formations.