John Edward Harris

I am a thru-hiker wannabe who has hiked sections of the AT in NH, NJ, PA, VA and NC. I fell in love with hiking and backpacking over forty years ago. Yes, I am that old! Along the way I took a NOLS Outdoor Educator Course, a LNT Master Educator Course, and two Wilderness First Aid Courses. I also enjoy sea kayaking and most recently cycling. I work part time as a Customer Service Specialist with REI. In other words, I love the outdoors and adventure.

Posts

Go-to GORP Recipe

Go-to GORP Recipe

Most hikers and backpackers probably have their favorite trail mix which is some variety of GORP. While there are many commercial varieties available, I prefer to make my own. Here is my go to recipe.

Apr 13, 2017 : John Edward Harris
Not too “Tired” to Hike

Not too “Tired” to Hike

Sometimes the most problematic part of hiking is just getting to the trail head.

Mar 23, 2017 : John Edward Harris
I Prefer Hiking Boots Over Trail Shoes

I Prefer Hiking Boots Over Trail Shoes

Call me old school, an old fuddy-duddy, or just old because I prefer hiking boots over trail shoes.

Mar 9, 2017 : John Edward Harris
My Mentor Muir

My Mentor Muir

Had they existed at the time, Muir would have hiked both the Appalachian Trail and the Pacific Crest Trail, and probably blogged about his adventures on The Trek

Feb 23, 2017 : John Edward Harris
Book Review: “Freezer Bag Cooking: Trail Food Made Simple”

Book Review: “Freezer Bag Cooking: Trail Food Made Simple”

I think freezer bag dinners are a quick, easy, and inexpensive alternative to freeze-dried meals for any backpacking trip or trek lasting up to a week.

Feb 9, 2017 : John Edward Harris
Why I Hike Alone

Why I Hike Alone

I almost always hike and backpack alone.

Jan 26, 2017 : John Edward Harris
Collecting Stoves

Collecting Stoves

I started backpacking decades ago; therefore I have gone through several stoves and have seen backpacking stoves evolve. Because I don’t like throwing functional things away, I quite a collection of stoves.

Jan 12, 2017 : John Edward Harris
Decorating The Trek Tree

Decorating The Trek Tree

What hiking, backpacking, trail, or trekking ornaments are on your tree? I know not everyone celebrates Christmas or decorates a cut or artificial

Dec 22, 2016 : John Edward Harris
In Praise of Trekking Poles

In Praise of Trekking Poles

I am obviously now a trekking pole convert. I rarely hit the trail without them.

Dec 11, 2016 : John Edward Harris
Review of “Backpacking with the Saints”

Review of “Backpacking with the Saints”

Anyone who considers himself or herself “spiritual” or “religious” will relish in the open mindedness of this work which offers enough meat to chew on to engage their heart and mind regardless of their religious or spiritual tradition or lack thereof.

Nov 23, 2016 : John Edward Harris