A mortal's guide to hiking

Maine outdoors writer Ron Chase has authored a hiking guide with his wife, Nancy. Mountains for Mortals has information for hiking New England's best mountains. It also promises to have great photography.

I haven't seen the book yet so don't take this as a book review. There isn't any local distribution yet so it looks like the only way to get it is by Amazon.

Ron writes occasionally about fun adventures for The Maine Switch, a Maine Today publication.

Today's news watch

Acadia
It's that time of year that Acadia National Park closes some of the carriage roads. They're really wet and vulnerable to even just moderate use. Be patient. They will be open in plenty of time for spring trips.

Hiking
Usually, I'm just passing through Belfast on my way to Acadia or Deer Isle. But here's a reason to stop and stretch my legs:

You may not be through hiking

If you hiked the Appalachian Trail, you have a lot to be proud of. You completed the journey of a lifetime. You attempted something many of us never will dream of doing. It was quite an adventure from Alabama to Mount Katahdin.

Oh. You started at Springer Mountain in Georgia? Didn't they tell you that there is an alternate start to the AT?

Nothing is official. But Alabama officials think the epic journey needs to be longer. Apparently it's too easy.

And take it easy on those e-mails. I'm just the messenger. Besides, you were looking for an excuse to do it again.