Outdoor Adventure Blog

Six years ago, I pulled into the Cracker Barrel parking lot in Clermont, Florida to meet my maternal grandfather for the first time. He was taller than I expected and had a high hairline (damnit), but was otherwise fairly normal. I also learned, over the course of our conversation, that he was of French heritage. I was surprised, never knowing that I had any French “blood.” Sometime later, my mother found old family-tree documents from her mother’s side that told us of more French affiliation in our veins. 

French Evolution »

Like mosquitoes attacking you in the woods after a hard rain, the rigors and responsibilities I’d accumulated over the years were stinging me from every direction and on just about every part of my body. I knew I needed a break. I escaped to North Cascades National Park for a solo overnight.

The Great Guardian Bug Net by ENO »

After writing a post about 10 of my favorite large U.S. city parks, I thought I’d put together a list of some of my favorites from other countries. These are parks that I’ve visited outside the USA, that are all larger than 100 acres, and that are absolutely delightful. Here are the first 5:

My Top 10 Massive International City Parks: Part 1 »

Backpacks are one of those integral pieces of gear that can make or break an adventure. Whether you're looking to spend a few hours on the trail or even a few months on an epic thru-hike, your pack needs to be comfortable. In order for it to be comfortable, it needs to fit right. That's why taking the necessary time before your trip to ensure that you have the pack that is right for you is imperative. Otherwise your weekend backpacking trip might just turn into an experience you'll remember for all the wrong reasons. 

Osprey Makes Buying a New Pack Easy »

Over the past year, I have had the pleasure of doing a number of different trips using Osprey's Exos 58 backpack. My longest trip was a 120-mile loop in the Wind River Range of the amazing state of Wyoming. The pack held up great and is extremely comfortable for long days on the trail.

Osprey Exos 58 Backpack Review »

If you’ve ever traveled overnight more than a couple days away from your home, you know how difficult and stressful it can be to interact with the world in the same way that you do when you’re home. There are oodles of reasons for this, but there are also some easy—but vital—steps you can take to mitigate those when you travel (whether it’s to visit family on the opposite coast or to backpack around Asia). All you have to do is focus on the simple things:

When Packing for Travel, Excel at the Basics »

Some of the best trails in Central Florida can be found in Seminole State Forest in Eustis, Florida. With over 23 miles of multi-use trails (8 miles of which are part of the Florida Trail) this is a great area that you will return to again and again, whether it be for hiking or trail running. 

Hiking Seminole State Forest »

It's common knowledge that people who love their Chacos really love their Chacos. They'll wear them anywhere while doing just about anything—from rock hopping, to running errands, to participating in life events many would deem as 'non-Chaco' as they come (like getting married, for instance). The original Chaco sandals were designed for river guides, and to this day they still perform exceptionally well in water. But true “Chaconians” love to wear them across all disciplines (hiking, backpacking, rock climbing, kayaking, etc.) and in all seasons.

Trail (Shoe) Maintenance: How to Clean Your Chaco Sandals »

Traveling is certainly many things to many people, and few places is that evidenced more than at Travel Country, where people come in to visit places all over the world for myriad different reasons. And that is great, because there are few things more rich than experiencing a new culture for the first time. For me, it is the best thing about travel and, ultimately, I don’t think travel is healthy unless it is rooted in the traveler immersing himself/herself in the local culture. This can be quite difficult and definitely takes work. But when you choose to do it, it can make such a difference in your experience and—more notably—the experience of those whom you interact with on your visit. A nice byproduct is that when you do this, you can fit in quite nicely and experience a truer version of that culture. 

Top 5 Ways to Honor the Cultures You Visit »

Mike Plante credits the summers he spent with this family on the road in a motorhome for his love of the outdoors.

Travel Country Stays Local in Central FL »