on the trail
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Whenever I think of Japan or anything Japanese, my mind goes back to middle school, when we were learning about the fall of the Qing dynasty and the start of the “century of humiliation.” As a 12-year-old sitting in that classroom, listening to my history teacher describe how the Eight-Nation Alliance soldiers including those from…
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John Muir once said, “In every walk with Nature one receives far more than he seeks.” In today’s world, where we’re constantly pulled toward glowing screens, notifications, and the endless scroll of social media, it’s easy to drift away from the simple reality of our surroundings. Many of us move through life half-present, immersed in a world…
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I’ve been to Coonskin Park numerous times over the past four years, but somehow, I never knew the Alice Knight Memorial Trail existed. Maybe it’s one of those local gems that hides in plain sight, just sitting there and waiting to be discovered. Yesterday, I finally found it, and I’m glad I did. Just a…
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I’ve tried to do one hiking trail every weekend if possible. While I was searching for a place to hike near Charleston, I found a nice shady trail called Charles and Betty Russell Park Hiking Trail in Ashland, Kentucky. It’s about an hour drive from Charleston, WV. I passed through the quiet neighborhood near King’s Daughters Medical Center…
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Situated in the heart of the Monongahela National Forest, the Falls of Hills Creek is one of those places that feels like a secret treasure. On my recent visit, I was reminded how powerful and peaceful nature can be when left untouched, and I couldn’t resist sharing the experience. The Walk There The trail begins…
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Welcome back to the road! Today, we are visiting Quincy, Illinois, a town situated on the bluffs above the mighty Mississippi River. Known as the “Gem City,” Quincy is a place where history, architecture, and community spirit come together in a remarkable way. From its early days as a frontier settlement to its role in…
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I didn’t get into hiking seriously until I returned from the Camino de Santiago about three months ago. Since then, I’ve been exploring local trails, and one of my recent discoveries is the Long Point Trail near Fayetteville. This trail is situated within the beautiful New River Gorge National Park and offers some of the most iconic…
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West Virginia is full of trails that connect you to sweeping views and wild beauty, and one of the most celebrated is the Endless Wall Trail. I’ve lived in Charleston for a few years now, and only recently started seeking out hikes across the state. One of the best discoveries so far has been the stretch…
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West Virginia is known for its outdoor activities. While I’ve been a resident of Charleston for about four years now, I wasn’t into sports or hiking until I returned from the Camino de Santiago about three months ago. Since then, I’ve been seeking out places to reconnect with nature. One of those discoveries happened completely…
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Welcome to Cassel: A Hidden Gem of French Flanders High above the Flanders plain lies Cassel, a picturesque village in northern France where history, culture, and panoramic views converge. Though small in size, Cassel boasts a legacy far larger than its borders—making it one of the most rewarding destinations for travelers seeking beauty, depth, and a…