Blog Posts

  • On Enjoying Winter Hiking

    I am not a warm natured person. If everyone else in a room is hot, I am probably quite comfortable. My body simply does not generate much heat. Basically, my internal furnace – is an icebox. So for me, the absolute hardest part of hiking in the winter, by far, is pulling myself away from…

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  • On Togetherness

    Schooling is about separation. Home education allows, even encourages, togetherness.

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  • On Socialization

    “What About Socialization?” I thought this question had finally been put to rest. Yet here it was again. An acquaintance (a former teacher) was concerned about a homeschooled family member who does not get to spend a lot of time with friends. “Their family is not in a group like yours.”  After a little more…

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  • Dead Man Branch Trail

    The Dead Man Branch Trail is a hidden gem. It offers nature immersion, a little history, and moderate exercise.

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  • Opossum Creek Falls Trail

    The Opossum Creek Falls Trail in northwestern South Carolina is a beautiful, quiet hike featuring a sandy beach and a secluded waterfall.

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  • On Snake Bite Kits

    Here in Northeast Georgia, it is not uncommon to see snakes. I have seen black snakes, ring-necked snakes, red bellied snakes, Northern water snakes, and other non-venomous varieties of this creature – both on trail and off. Of the venomous varieties, rattlesnakes and copperheads are the most common here in the mountains. I have yet…

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  • On Testing Gear

    I recently watched this video by Dixie of Homemade Wanderlust. Dixie began backpacking several years ago with an AT thru-hike. Since then, she has gone on to complete the Triple Crown as well as many other trails in the US and abroad. She is quite a celebrity in the thru-hiking community. Even with all those accomplishments she…

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  • On Seeking the Good

    Our Sunday school class recently discussed adversity and tragedy and how we will face them in our Christian walk. It was a great class. But I got a little distracted.

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  • Panther Creek Falls

    The Panther Creek Falls Trail is a popular swimming/camping/hiking spot in Northeast Georgia – for good reason.

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  • On Riding the Lines

    Recently we had the opportunity to drive a rental car with lots of bells and whistles. As I was driving it home on our little backroad, I happened to drive onto the yellow line for a moment and felt the steering wheel vibrate on the left side. That was a little surprising! I immediately recognized…

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