Author Archives: deanorolls

Overnight Backpacking Alone (My First Time)

I went solo backpacking on a 13-mile hike and camped overnight alone in the Wildcat Shelter at Montgomery Bell State Park. It was my first time overnight camping in the woods. It was also my first time doing it all alone. I survived by drinking from streams, eating with a toilet trowel, producing fire from …

Continue reading “Overnight Backpacking Alone (My First Time)”

Cumberland River Bicentennial Trail (Ashland City, TN) – Biking

We rode bikes on the Cumberland River Bicentennial Trail. It is just up River Road in Ashland City, TN. It is a rails to trails conversion that runs alongside the Cumberland River with an awesome bridge. Oh…and I almost lost my drone (because I didn’t check the wind conditions). That was a fun near heart …

Continue reading “Cumberland River Bicentennial Trail (Ashland City, TN) – Biking”

Montgomery Bell Park State Park

We went to Montgomery Bell State Park to hike and bike. The boys joined us.  We biked on a few of the trails on the extensive mountain bike trail network.  We hiked to all three of the lakes on the 3700-acre property.  We also saw all the iron ore pits from when was mining was …

Continue reading “Montgomery Bell Park State Park”

Vero Beach Florida – Spring Break 2021

We joined up with the extended family in Vero Beach, Florida for the back half of our Spring Break.  We did a lot of eating (that was the main priority actually).  When not stuffing ourselves we played PG-13+ rated games, hit the beach, went on boat rides, and explored up and down the coast to …

Continue reading “Vero Beach Florida – Spring Break 2021”

Hiking Fall Creek Falls State Park

We kicked off the 2021 RV season with a visit to spectacular Fall Creek Falls State Park. I was positive no Dean child would ever come with us on a trip but Max proved me wrong (on our 8th trip). He and Arden joined us over Spring Break. I planned a full day of hiking …

Continue reading “Hiking Fall Creek Falls State Park”

Backpacking Preparation – Getting and Testing My Gear In Nerd Fashion

I spent the winter months ‘nerding out’ learning about backpacking. I’ve always thought it would be interesting to head out man vs. trail. I’ve never done it, however. For me, part of the fun in most things is in the planning. Ultralight, backcountry, backpacking provides plenty of opportunity for that. Researching, making checklists, taking measurements, …

Continue reading “Backpacking Preparation – Getting and Testing My Gear In Nerd Fashion”