Thanks for visiting hikingcamping.com.

Through the summer, we’ve done our best to blog weekly. But we’ll be unable to do so for the next two months. We’ll be climbing the via ferrata in the Italian Dolomiti, then trekking the Grande Randonnée 20 on the French island of Corsica.

Many peaks in the Dolomites have fixed cables, ladders and bridges, allowing otherwise isolated climbing routes to be joined to create longer routes and making them accessible to climbers who, like us, are not exceptionally skilled. “Via ferrata” means “iron way.” The first via ferratas were built in the Dolomite region of northern Italy during the First World War to aid the movement of mountain infantry.

The GR 20 follows the mountainous spine of Corsica. From Calenzana in the north, to Conca in the south, it’s about 180 km (112 mi) long, entails more than 10,000 m (32,800 ft) of elevation gain, and takes about two weeks to complete. It’s widely considered the most demanding long-distance trek in Europe.

We’ll resume blogging in late November. Please check back with us then. We’ll have lots of practical advice and inspiring photos to offer anyone interested in the via ferrata and/or the GR 20.

If you’re contacting us about business—specifically, the titles published by hikingcamping.com—not to worry. Our distribution manager, Theresa, will be here handling our publishing company’s daily operations while we’re away. She’ll promptly ship your book order and gladly respond to any questions or concerns.

Please check our blog again in late November. Shortly thereafter, our new book — Heading Outdoors Eventually Leads Within, Thoughts Inspired by 30,000 Miles on the Trail—will be available. Keep it in mind as a Christmas gift for friends and family who have an affinity for nature. We know they and you will find it unique, meaningful, and beautiful.

Until then…   Walk on.

– Kathy & Craig

The constant stream of information we get through mobile and hand-held devices is changing the way we think. This New York Times article explains how the use of digital technology is altering our brains, and how retreating into nature can reverse the effects:

http://www.npr.org/templates/story/story.php?storyId=129384107

"Excellent book!"

You intend to hike this summer. You need a hiking guidebook. You go to your local bookstore or outdoor shop. You find several guidebooks on the region that interests you. To determine which book will best serve you, look for…

(1)

Originality. A unique title suggests the book offers you a fresh, valuable perspective.

(2)

Creativity. An artful, contemporary cover design shows the authors’ enthusiasm for the subject.

(3)

Clarity. The directions are so precise that when you read them, you can visualize the trail.

(4)

Conviction. To plan an optimal experience, you need opinionated advice, not just directions.

(5)

Personality. An engaging voice. You’re choosing a companion. It should be lively, not dull.

(6)

Great writing. The authors are your guides. You want them to be intelligent and articulate.

(7)

Beautiful photography. A variety of revealing, full-colour panoramics and close-ups.

(8)

Ease of use. An inviting, spacious, logical layout. You want a comfortable companion.

(9)

Inspiration. Just flipping through it should fuel your desire to go hiking.

(10)

Commitment. How frequently have the authors updated the book? How recently?

(11)

Generosity. Are the authors giving back? You should see evidence on the copyright page.

(12)

Dialogue. Authors with an email address, website and blog are inviting two-way communication.