A Thrilling Family Adventure at Kinzua Sky Walk: Our Unforgettable Experience

On March 13th, 2024, my family and I embarked on an exhilarating journey to the Kinzua Sky Walk nestled near Mt Jewett, PA. Nestled within the breathtaking 339-acre Kinzua Bridge State Park in McKean County, this remarkable destination promises an unforgettable adventure for all who dare to tread its heights.

The Kinzua Sky Walk stands as a testament to both nature’s fury and human resilience. Once part of the majestic Kinzua Viaduct, a marvel of engineering stretching 2,053 feet long and towering 301 feet high, it suffered partial destruction at the hands of a tornado in 2003. However, rather than succumbing to the forces of nature, it was reborn as a pedestrian walkway in 2011, inviting visitors to traverse its length and behold the awe-inspiring vistas of the Kinzua Gorge.

As we stepped onto the sky walk, suspended 300 feet above ground, a rush of excitement coursed through us. The panoramic views stretched for miles, offering a glimpse into the untamed beauty of the surrounding landscape. Walking out on the remaining support towers, we felt as though we were floating amidst the clouds, with the world spread out below us in all its splendor.

One of the highlights of our visit was the glass platform at the end of the walkway, where we peered down into the abyss below. The sensation of standing suspended in mid-air, with only a thin layer of glass separating us from the depths, was both thrilling and humbling.

Before leaving, we explored the Kinzua Bridge State Park Visitor Center and Park Office, where we immersed ourselves in the rich history of the area through self-guided exhibits. The center also offered stunning views of the surrounding landscape, further enhancing our appreciation for this natural wonder.

Despite the thrill of our adventure, we were mindful of the Skywalk Advisory, which cautioned visitors about potential closures during inclement weather. We made sure to check the weather forecast before our trip, ensuring a safe and enjoyable experience for the whole family.

As we departed the Kinzua Sky Walk, we couldn’t help but feel grateful for the opportunity to witness such natural beauty and human ingenuity firsthand. Our visit left us with memories that will last a lifetime, and we eagerly look forward to our next adventure amidst the towering heights of Kinzua Bridge State Park.

March 24, 2023March 21, 2023

Slice and Dice: Crafting a Wicked Woodsman’s Spear!

Get ready to chop some wood!

If you’ve ever dreamed of being a skilled woodsman, there’s no better way to start than by crafting your very own spear. Not only will it come in handy for numerous tasks, but it will also make you feel like a true adventurer. However, crafting a woodsman’s spear can be quite challenging, so it’s important to have a clear plan beforehand. In this article, we’ll guide you through the process of creating a wicked woodsman’s spear that will make all your friends jealous.

The ultimate guide to crafting a woodsman’s spear

Step 1: Find the perfect wood

The first step in crafting a woodsman’s spear is to find the right kind of wood. A good spear should be made from a sturdy and strong wood that can withstand heavy use. Look for woods like ash or hickory, which are both known for their strength and durability. Also, make sure the wood is straight and free from any knots or defects.

Step 2: Shape the spearhead

Next, you’ll need to shape the spearhead. This is the most important part of the spear, as it needs to be sharp and strong enough to cut through tough materials. Use a sharpening stone and a file to shape the spearhead into a sharp point, and then smooth out any rough edges. Be sure to wear protective gloves and eye gear to prevent injury during this process.

Step 3: Attach the spearhead

Once you’ve shaped the spearhead, it’s time to attach it to the wooden shaft. Drill a small hole through the center of the spear and then insert the spearhead, securing it with a strong adhesive like epoxy. Let the adhesive dry completely before handling the spear, and then reinforce the connection with twine or wire for added strength.

Congratulations! You’ve just crafted your very own woodsman’s spear. With your new tool, you’ll be able to chop through wood, clear brush, and even defend yourself against the elements. Remember to always use caution when handling sharp objects, and be sure to keep your spear away from children and pets. With a little practice, you’ll soon be a skilled woodsman, ready to tackle any challenge that comes your way.

March 21, 2023March 21, 2023

“Stay Hydrated and Dive into Nature’s Water Wonders with These Expert Water Hacks”

There’s nothing quite like the beauty of nature and the thrill of exploring it firsthand. But when you’re out in the wilderness, you’ll need to be prepared to face its challenges head-on. One of the most critical elements for any outdoor adventure is water – without it, you won’t last long! In this article, we’ll explore some amazing water hacks that will help you quench your thirst and dive into nature’s water wonders, ensuring you have a safe and enjoyable adventure.

Quenching Your Thirst: Amazing Water Hacks for the Wilderness!

When you’re out in the wilderness, finding safe drinking water is crucial. Here are some amazing water hacks that will help you stay hydrated:

Boil and Filter – One of the easiest ways to purify water is to boil it for at least one minute. You can also use a water filter to remove impurities and bacteria. A portable water filter is an excellent investment for any hiker or camper that will last you for many trips.
Collect Rainwater – If it’s raining during your camping trip, collecting rainwater is a great way to get clean drinking water. Set up a tarp to channel water into a container, and then filter or boil it before drinking.
Solar Still – If you’re in a dry area, you can create a solar still to collect water from the soil. Dig a hole in the ground, add vegetation, urine, or saltwater, and place a container in the middle. Cover the hole with plastic, and wait for the condensation to collect in the container.

Dive into Nature’s Water Wonders: Expert Tips and Tricks for Your Next Adventure!

Water plays a significant role in any outdoor adventure, from swimming in a lake to kayaking down a river. Here are some expert tips and tricks to help you make the most of nature’s water wonders:

Hydrate Before You Go – Before you start your water-based activities, make sure you’re well-hydrated. Bring plenty of water with you, and drink it regularly throughout the day.
Choose the Right Gear – Depending on your activity, you’ll need the right gear to stay safe and comfortable. For example, a life jacket is essential for kayaking or rafting, while water shoes are ideal for hiking in wet conditions.
Be Respectful – Finally, when you’re enjoying nature’s water wonders, be respectful of the environment. Don’t litter, avoid using soap or shampoo in natural water sources, and follow Leave No Trace principles to help preserve these beautiful areas.

By following these water hacks, you can stay hydrated and enjoy everything that nature’s water wonders have to offer. Whether you’re hiking, camping, kayaking, or just relaxing by the lake, these tips and tricks will help you make the most of your outdoor adventure. So pack your gear, grab your water bottle, and get ready to explore the great outdoors!

May 17, 2022June 3, 2022

Hiking With My Belgian Malinois Around Home

Flash and I like to hike around home here since it is so beautiful. The people are exceptional and so is the scenery. I hear that hiking with our dogs though the forest really helps their senses and mindset.

Dog Senses Highened

I can see my dog’s senses being heightened as we hike through the forest. He smells coyote poop, bear skat deer and more. When he smells the distinct scents, I try to name them for him. I don’t know if this means much, but it does not hurt to associate a sound with a scent.

He loves running through the vegetation as well. He is tasting the grass, ferns, rocks, and dirt as we go. His sense of hearing is great as well. We both heard something snort in the forest at the same time. He was good though and never does he run off.

14 Weeks Old

I continually have to keep reminding myself that Flash is only 14 weeks old. Many older dogs could not compete with his talent and abilities. I want to continue to challenge him, but I do not want to over-train him either.

Natural Abilities of Belgian Malinois

Their natural abilities to understand and pick up on things quick are just blowing me away. It seems like everything I challenge him to do, he picks up on quickly. Thank goodness for YouTube where I can keep getting fresh ideas.

Supper Time

We left right after supper. There is nothing like a good hike after some beef stroganoff . I cooked it like grandma showed me and Flash even liked some of the burger, lol. 🙂

Pictures Of OUr Hike Today

Here are some pictures of our hike today, we hope you like them. 🙂

May 14, 2022May 17, 2022

Why I Quit Hiking on the Appalachian Trail

First off, I want to let everyone know I value the time and the good people that I met on the Appalachian Trail. That being said, a big personal problem with me is that there were way too many people. I don’t think the sanitary conditions were safe either.

Post Office Never Delivered My Supplies

The biggest reason why I came off the trail in North Carolina is the fact that the post office never delivered my food or supplies. I needed a bear can to hike though the Smokies and did not have one. So with no food or a bear can I could not go any further. I bought my food for 6 months before I started this trip, I did not want to resupply with junk food at the stops along the way.

Sanitary Conditions on the AT

The sanitary conditions on the AT are less than perfect and you can expect that with all trails that have no showers or bathrooms. However, on the AT there are designated camping spots, {you are NOT allowed to create any new camping spots} and you are there with 25 to 100 other people using 1 YES ONE privy.

The Privy

The privy is one of the most disgusting things you will ever grace with your ass. I prefer to go dig a hole and do my business there. That being said, women pee on the seat as much as men do because they lift their asses off the seat in order not to touch it with their skin.

So needless to say, I had to go home early and I don’t miss it! 🙂

March 25, 2022March 25, 2022

Pre-trip Ideas for the Appalachian Trail

So I am 3 days from my start day and I have some last-minute pre-trip ideas for the trail. One thing that I did was talk to many people. I talked to military people and a lot of hikers. Of course, I watched endless videos.

More Pre-trip Ideas for Appalachian Trail

So, I went to my brother Jons’ place, and he was talking to me about moleskin. He said they used it in the military a lot for training and ruck marches. He explained how to use it and I am sold. Beware, though, because there are a lot of YouTube videos that do not illustrate how to use it properly. I will include a YouTube video below that shows you how to do it right.

Get moleskin here.

Over 50 Baby Asprin for AT

So for your hikers that are over 50 like me, include some baby aspirin in your pack. It’s very light and only takes one baby aspirin in the morning to help you with blood flow. Of course, you would want to talk to your doctor because I am not. For the benefits of baby aspirin daily, you can check it out here.

Need More Tent Stakes

Another thing that I need to add are more small tent stakes. I could make them out of wood and branches, but I want to get my set up and tear down time to the absolute minimum. When you have to build your house, bed and tear them down everyday you want to be as efficient as possible. So that is why I am opting for more tent stakes.

Yes, I am taking an Umbrella

Why am I taking an umbrella even though I have a tarp and a very good poncho that covers everything? Well, because I watched this video, that convinced me it may be a good idea.

This is not the exact video but the same girl that said if she had to do it over again she would take an umbrella on the AT.

Trekking Poles

So I made it to Georgia and noticed that I forgot my trekking poles that have my duct tape, para-cord and some other things that I put on them. So, this is another last minute thing I’ll have to purchase.

Last Minute Pickups

Salt
Tent steaks
Baby aspirin
Bane strong line
Moleskin
Trekking poles
Umbrella
Clamps

December 14, 2021

Planning for the Application Trail

7 Year of planning. Raising kids, taking care of grandpa. Now it’s time to plan my trip on the AT. I’ve been hiking for several years, but I was never in a position like I am now.

Timing for Plan

My plan so far is to leave the first week of March 2022. I will visit my son Harley in Ft. Gordon Ga. Then I’ll have him drop me off at
Amicalola Falls Trail to the AT Approach Trail. This will be the start of my 2,193.1 Mile journey.

I don’t know exactly what I am going to do about equipment. I have plenty, but I am going to research it more during these next few months before I leave. I’ll keep posting things here as I learn what I am going to do. If you have any siggestions please leave them in the comments below. 🙂