Twenty life lessons from the trail

Traveling in a chosen mode at a pace that allows us to immerse ourselves in the surrounding environment far surpasses what we might experience as a passerby in a speeding car. In addition to the scenery, serenity, stimulation, and the intrinsic rewards that come with walking, hiking, riding, and climbing, the pathway uniquely presents life “lessons.” The trail can be a great teacher if we allow ourselves to reflect on the nature of our experience. In fact, the trail is a perfect metaphor for life itself.

That is the opening paragraph from "Twenty life lessons from the trail,” by Dr. Ronald R. Bearwald. This highly philosophical article appears in the Spring 2010 issue of American Trails Magazine.

As the title implies, the article offers 20 lessons we as hikers can take from the trail, and apply to our overall lives.

"The trail has been, and will continue to be a great teacher."

It's a great read - very thought provoking. Please click here to check it out.



Jeff
HikingintheSmokys.com Detailed information on trails in the Smoky Mountains; includes trail descriptions, key features, pictures, video, maps, elevation profiles, news, hiking gear store, and more.

American Trails announces winners of Photo Contest

American Trails recently announced the winners of their 2009 National Recreation Trails Photo Contest. They've posted all 240 entries into the contest, including the winners which have been categorized according to hiking, equestrian, water, bicycling and accessible trails under the broad category of trail use.

You can also find photos based on trail feature, such as arts and interpretation, rail and canal trails, innovative facilities, artitistic merit and historic features.

They also posted photos under the category of trail management, which includes trail sharing, trail work, health and fitness, and volunteers.

There are many outstanding photos in this collection.

American Trails is the only national, nonprofit organization working on behalf of all trail interest.

Please click here to see all of the photos.


Jeff
HikingintheSmokys.com Detailed information on trails in the Smoky Mountains; includes trail descriptions, key features, pictures, video, maps, elevation profiles, news, and more.