Take a Hike                                                                        Back

During my travels I've found that the best way to see a country or place is by walking. You'll miss an awful lot of interesting sights & places by driving by in a car and you won't meet some nice people.

While walking through a small village on Bali I passed a family compound and was greeted by a friend of the family who asked me if I like to join the family for their daughters tooth filing. (A right of passage for all Balinese, By filing the incisors at puberty all of the animal instincts are removed from ones personality. i.e. Greed, jealousy, envy, etc.)

It was a rare treat as not many tourists are invited to such personal ceremonies and I gladly said yes. It turned out to a fantastic celebration of the young woman's life, better then any birthday party I've ever been to. Her family made me feel like a long lost relative and I still write them once in awhile.

I would have missed that day and quite a few more experiences If I always drove or even went by bike. You'll see a lot of things by walking. So get in shape and take that walk.    Al

If you like to hike you can try the American Hiking Society Here

The Appalachian Trail:  Here

The International Appalachian Trail: A continuation of the trail into Canada.

Quebec's National Parks & Wildlife reserves would make a nice place to hike.

Rails to Trails is an American group that is converting old railroad lines into hiking/biking trails.