Section Hikes of 2016: Cumberland Falls Area

After opting out of the Florida Trail thru-hike, or any other long distance trails, I ached to get back on a trail, somewhere, anywhere. So 2016 became a year of somewhat smaller adventures, section hikes.

While visiting with the family in Kentucky, springtime arrived early. I set out on March 22nd to pick up where I'd left off on the Sheltowee Trace in Southern Kentucky. I'd hiked about a quarter of the 320 mile trek the previous spring before bailing out due to heavy rains and swollen stream crossings.

As fate would have it, I would only be spending five days and four nights on the ST this time around. A minor disaster struck on day four at a stream crossing. I slipped and fell backwards on a sloped, mossy rock. After I collected myself, I realized that my left middle finger was grossly dislocated. Later, I would discover that the ring and pinky fingers were also damaged. Weird thing, I've fallen backwards like that dozens of times in my hiking life, the backpack always bracing the fall with no issues. But this time was different. Either my trekking pole got hung up in my fingers or I just slammed them into the rock, a natural response.

Fortunate to have family in Central Kentucky, I got to a place with a phone signal and arranged a pick up the next day, bailing out after on 35 miles this time around. The ER doctor got me put back together, and she also dug out two ticks that has decided to call the crease of my buttock home.

Damn you, Sheltowee Trace! I'll conquer you one day!

Back where I left off, U.S. 27 near Whitley City, Kentucky

Camped in a nice cave

Strange things along the Cumberland River flood plane

More strange stuff, and just a bit creepy

Camped along the river

Feels good to be back on the trail!

Too cloudy to catch the moonbow, and t-storms in the area

First time ever at Cumberland Falls!

Camped on the beach, sheltered by a hanging rock

Slippery bridge

Met a photographer at Dog Slaugher Falls

I don't think it's supposed to look like that!

Definitely not.

Hiker issues, down but not out!

Another 30 something miles completed, about 200 to go.
Next year, perhaps.

When Being Rich Means Having Less

I dropped out of the rat race nearly five years ago at an age most would say is too young to be retired. People talk a lot about being wealthy, and for most, that means accumulating material things. For me, being rich means accumulating amazing experiences and making unforgettable memories. It means meeting new people from different places, being exposed to new cultures, and being able to understand perspectives and values that might differ from my own. It's so liberating once we come to terms that we really don't need much, declutter our lives, and truly become FREE!

Here's a video of a few of us hikers just sharing stories about our adventure on the Pacific Northwest Trail. Alex "Money Shot" Maier compiled this beautiful footage and these interviews clips, an encore to his critically acclaimed documentary, "A Sense of Direction - A 1200 mile Walk on the Pacific Northwest Trail."