Hiking Dude Blog

Archives:
2023 - Nov Apr Jan
2022 2021 2020 2019 2018 2017 2016 2015 2014 2013 2012 2011

01/29/2023

Camino de Costa Rica - Day 14

Saturday - I thought yesterday was hot and humid, but today wins! We dropped down the last few hills before a 12 mile walk along dirt roads through vast palm oil forests and paved roads through small towns in the coastal flatland. It was mostly a grind avoiding traffic and keeping the feet moving towards the coast.

We did stop at a store for fresh coconut water - a straw poked in a hole in the coconut! That was refreshing.

Reaching the end of the trail around 1:30 at the ocean in Quepos was sudden and fulfilling. With no more land to walk on, we could take our time the rest of the day relaxing and enjoying our success.

You can see photos on Instagram

Leave Comment
Posted: 01/29/2023

04/07/2023

Costa Rica Flora

On my hike across Costa Rica, there was never a lack of lush plant life. From the warm, humid coastlands over the cooler mountain ranges, thick forest and jungle could be found everywhere except where bananas, pineapples, coffee, and palm trees had been planted. There were many exotic plants which I had not seen before and a rainbow of colors in the flowers.

Here is a sample of the exotic plants and flowers from along the trail.

(I didn't notice the small insect until preparing these photos :-) )

Leave Comment
Posted: 04/07/2023

04/18/2023

Free Costa Rica Talk

Are you busy on Sunday, April 30 at 11am?

If not, join us in room 102 of Hanson Hall on U of Minnesota campus for the first presentation in our world tour about our successful 2023 Camino de Costa Rica hike.
If nothing else, you'll get a sticker, and maybe a free copy of my latest book.

See Expo site for details.

There are a lot of other interesting 1-hour presentations on Saturday and Sunday. After our talk you could hang around and learn about Machu Pichu, Tanzania, Te Araroa, Mt. Assiniboine, and the Wabakami wilderness.

Hike On!

Leave Comment
Posted: 04/18/2023

04/28/2023

C U There

Hey, go to early church on Sunday so you can visit with us about our Camino de Costa Rica hike in Room 102 of Hanson Hall on U of Minnesota campus at 11am. See Midwest Mountaineering's Expo site for details.

1 comment Leave Comment
Posted: 04/28/2023

11/08/2023

3 New Hiking Books

Just in time for Christmas for you or that hiker you know!

I published SHT4U2NO - 150 Super Hiking Tips For You To Know this summer. Tips and advice from my thousands of miles and hundreds of nights spent on long trails. It includes examples of when I used tips on my treks.

Last month, I finally published Trail Tales #1 - seven fictional short stories for young readers, inspired by my Arizona Trail thru-hike. It took a few years, but it's done!
The stories feature Scout, a boy that can talk to animals, and how he helps animals in need while demonstrating good outdoor ethics.

And, I just published Trail Tales #2 - the second book in the Trail Tales series, this one based on the Superior Hiking Trail. This coming year, I will finish the next two books and the series is scheduled to have 10 books in all.

Click a book title for purchasing.

Hike On!

Leave Comment
Posted: 11/08/2023

Older Posts Newer Posts

Site Disclosure Statement

All Comments:

Feb 13, 2020 - Jason Berklund

Hey hiking dude I have several questions planning my first north to south trip from 270 all the way down. I kind a know what to wear what to eat all that important jive. I am in relatively good shape definitely Not concerned about where in tear. 45 years old going with a 21-year-old nephew. My question is I have friends in Duluth that I don’t want to burden with driving me what’s the best way to get up to otter Lake Road that’s not gonna cost a crap ton. We were thinking 15 miles a day. We were also thinking hammocks. Let me know what you think please. I have read so much and look at so much and heard so many opinions but You seem to be very realistic on your comments. Thank you

Feb 13, 2020 - Hiking Dude

@Jason - Hammocks work fine - most campsites have lots of trees. 15MPD is realistic, and you'll probably do more than that many days.
Getting to the northern terminus is expensive (in my mind). If you can schedule correctly, Arrowhead Transit is cheapest to Grand Marais, but then Harriet Quarles is the only shuttle I know of. You might find a good ol' boy in Grand Marais willing to drive you the 35 miles to the end for a few $$$.
It's a 3 hour drive from Duluth - that's 6 hours and 300 miles round-trip. Maybe your friend would like to drive up the north shore for a day.

Ask a Question

Find more Hiking Resources at www.HikingDude.com