Hiking In the Time of Danger

How — and whether– To Pursue Adventure in the Midst of Pandemic Last week Sylvia and Brian were hiking out in the mountains of North Carolina Mountains, celebrating Brian’s birthday. We returned home to a different world than the one we left. True, the writing had been on the wall, if one had been willing to see it. Already, the […]

Standing Indian Loop Video

The Standing Indian Loop Hike via the AT In our newest video we hike the Standing Indian Loop in western NC…a very popular 3 day backpacking trip. It is one of the very few places where a long loop hike involving the AT is even possible without a great deal of logistical complication. It’s also a great option for anyone […]

Another Blockbuster Movie!

By popular demand we have a NEW HIKING VIDEO… The Mt. Cammerer Hike, Great Smoky Mountains National Park! This is an 11 mile out and back to Mount Cammerer and its unusual fire tower — our favorite single viewpoint in the Smoky Mountains, and quite a challenging hike. Don’t miss our trip report! And while you are at it, check […]

We Voted! Did You?

North Carolina law prevents selfie’s in the polling place so we waited till we were home to demonstrating the fact that we voted. Alas, no law presents husbands from acting like idiots. It doesn’t really matter to us who you voted for, but if you are an American, it should matter to everyone THAT you voted. If you haven’t noticed, […]

The Great Fall Color Chase Part III

Fall 2018…The more the water the better the fall! We continued our adventures along the high country of the Blue Ridge Parkway for a second day in search of Fall Colors. Alas, the weather outlook did not look promising. The forecast was for rain over much of the Blue Ridge, and the first thing that greeted us out of our […]

The Great Fall Color Chase Part II

Aim high! Fall Trip to the Blue Ridge Some mourn the passing of summer, but not us. We love being in the mountains, and there is no better time to be in the mountains than Fall. Summer is an overrated time of year in our opinion, especially in the Southeastern US…hot, humid, buggy, crowded and prone to frequent and often […]

The Great Fall Color Chase Part I

The Quest for Fall…Adventures with Mikey! (The events described here have been compressed from two weekends spent in Western NC with nephew Mikey from Texas. Since then Mikey has vanished; he was last seen downloading “Red Dead: Redemption 2” for the PS4, aka ‘that thar consarned infernal contraption!’) Fall is out favorite season in the mountains. Every year Sylvia and […]

Hike the Patagonian Route of Parks? Um, Not Exactly…

Patagonian Route of Parks: Update A couple of weeks back, we mentioned a story on the “Patagonian Route of Parks” that had been heavily posted all throughout the travel and outdoor recreation blogosphere. NatGeo, Travel and Leisure, the BBC, Lonely Planet, Men’s Journal… As we are headed to Patagonia next year, we were very excited about this, but details about […]

One Year of Becauseitzthere!

One Year on the Air! One year ago we started this blog in order to share our experiences. The result has surpassed our every possible expectation! Not only has it been a great way to share our stories, but it has also encouraged us to have many more. The last year was a big one, and included our biggest adventure […]

A Rainbow in the Mist: Rainbow Falls

Waterfall Week II: Rainbow Falls, NC **DISCLAIMER: While all of the waterfalls featured here on Becauseitzthere can be safely hiked and enjoyed, be aware that there is GREAT RISK involved in venturing off trail near ANY of the waterfalls described here. We advise you to HIKE SAFELY. Please remember that you are responsible for your own safety on the trail. […]