I’d been there once before, so I knew what I was in for: great views of the Haw River, an abandoned mill site, the Saxapahaw Hydroelectric Dam, and even a surreal wooden artwork/slide in the shape of a gigantic fish. … More Hiking Saxapahaw Island (with a note on Name Change)
And though no part of my experience did anything to stop the war in Ukraine, it did help to remind me that the world is still beautiful, inspiring, and meaningful in its own right. And because of this, it’s also worth fighting for. … More Hiking Brown Elfin Knob in a Time of War
And as I walked through pine, oak, and beech trees, it occurred to me that all of this could be gone tomorrow, especially if climate change continues to worsen, creating regions of protracted drought that can easily catch fire — as has already happened in California, Oregon, Australia, Turkey, and many other regions. … More Hiking Occoneechee Speedway to an Eno River Beauty Spot
A couple weeks ago, I took an easy mile-and-a-half hike to the Eno River Rock Quarry, accessible from the Cabe Lands access at Eno River State Park. … More A Return Hike to Eno River Rock Quarry
As the trees thinned on either side, Bobbitt Hole spread out in front of me, like a painting in the water. … More A Peaceful Spring Hike to Bobbitt Hole
Mark Explores 