01. Photographer pick: Curt Suneson
Curt Suneson is a wildlife, nature and landscape photographer based in Raleigh, North Carolina, who has photographed many beautiful pictures of the Appalachian Mountains. He is a hiker who focuses on North Carolina and the southeast. His work can be found at https://www.instagram.com/curtsuneson.
The Appalachian Mountains are some of the oldest mountains in the world, dating back over 480 million years. Photo by Curt Suneson
02. Article pick: Warren Doyle and the life-changing magic of the Appalachian Trail
This fascinating article is a profile of Warren Doyle, who has been hiking along the Appalachian Trail since the early 1970s and has hiked the entirety of it 18 times, an informal record. He has led several groups of people along the trail and started the Appalachian Trail Institute in 1989, teaching hikers to approach the trail with a sense of mindfulness and intention, emphasizing the importance of staying present and focusing on the journey, rather than the destination. Doyle also encourages hikers to be respectful of the natural environment. The article discusses Doyle's personal journey and the impact that the Appalachian Trail has had on his life, as well as the many hikers he has taught over the years. It also explores the broader cultural significance of the trail and its enduring appeal to hikers and outdoor enthusiasts.
The Appalachian Mountains have a long and rich cultural history, with a tradition of music, storytelling, and crafts that has been passed down through generations. Photo by Elijah Mears, Unsplash
03. Book pick: A Walk in the Woods
“A Walk in the Woods: Rediscovering America on the Appalachian Trail” by journalist Bill Bryson is a humorous nonfiction book about Bryson’s attempt to hike the entire Appalachian Trail shortly after returning to America. Hiking with his friend “Stephen Katz,” Bryson chronicles their journey while giving insights into the history and ecology of the trail, as well as his own personal reflections on nature, friendship, and the challenges of long-distance hiking.
04. Video pick: Mountain superstitions of Appalachia Myths, Wives Tales and Signs
"Mountain Superstitions of Appalachia Myths, Wives Tales and Signs" goes in-depth on the various superstitions and beliefs that have been passed down through generations of people living in the Appalachian Mountains. It is a fascinating look at the culture of Appalachia, and goes into the history of these superstitions. Some of the superstitions in this video include that its bad luck to bring an old broom to a new house, the belief in the power of certain plants and herbs for healing, taking the behavior of animals as omens, and beliefs on how to treat people. It must also be said that for those with a more horror-minded brain, a simple YouTube search will bring up dozens of videos about horror stories originating from the Appalachian Mountains.
05. Quote of the Week
"The Appalachian Mountains are an ancient and beautiful range, wild, rugged, and enchanting."
— Jay Erskine Leutze