Encyclopedia of North Carolina

Billed as “The first single-volume reference to the events, institutions and cultural forces that have defined the state,” the massive and highly informative Encyclopedia of North Carolina was edited by the late, great William S. Powell (1919-2015) and published in 2006. I was fortunate to make a small contribution on several topics in the Encyclopedia, including:

  • American Indians – Part 1: Introduction
  • Caves and Caverns
  • Military Installations, Civil War
  • Nags Head Woods Ecological Preserve
  • Swannanoa Gap Tunnel
  • Woodcarving

Dirtbag: The Legend of Fred Beckey (2017)


“Hailed as one of the most prolific and influential climbers of all time, Fred Beckey has become a cult hero in the outdoor world. Eschewing fame, sponsors and family life so his only obligation would be the next summit, this rebel athlete conquered more unclimbed peaks than anyone in history during his 80-year career, staying myopically focused on the mountains until age 94.”

The Magnificent Ambersons (1941)


“Once I stood where we’re standing now to say goodbye to a pretty girl. Only it was in the old station before this was built. We called it the depot. We knew we wouldn’t see each other again for almost a year. I thought I couldn’t live through it. She stood there crying – don’t even know where she lives now. Or if she is living. If she ever thinks of me she probably imagines I’m still dancing in the ballroom of the Amberson mansion. She probably thinks of the mansion as still beautiful. Still the finest house in town. Ah, life and money both behave like loose quicksilver in a nest of cracks. When they’re gone, you can’t tell where, or what the devil you did with them.”

 

Smyrna Dunes Park

With a 1.5-mile-long boardwalk that meanders over vast sand dunes and overlooks white-sand beaches, Smyrna Dunes Park in New Smyrna Beach is the perfect spot for a family outing! We spotted dozens of gopher tortoise burrows, but the weather was a little too chilly for the friendly critters to leave the confines of their homes. We will be back soon!

Bourlay Historic Nature Park


Nestled alongside scenic Lake Griffin in Leesburg, Bourlay Historic Nature Park features several short hiking trails, along with an old Florida cracker house (which serves as a visitor center), 1930’s Bourlay House and Barn (a private residence but one of the trails goes right by it), chickee hut, small fishing pier and kayak launch.

Find Me (2018)


“If you want answers … you have to explore”

As much as we’d all like to believe that our problems will slip away the minute we are on trail, that’s rarely the case. But sometimes we find a way to hold that sadness while still finding beauty and adventure in the natural world. Find Me is a great reminder of how to do just that. Watch it to cheer on Joe as he finds himself again, to celebrate just how beautiful even hardscrabble wilderness can be, and maybe most of all to remind yourself where your own inner Joe resides. My bet is he lives somewhere way outside.” – Kathryn Miles, Outside Online