I happen to live in a rural area of Northern California where a 10-minute drive and 20-minute walk will take me to a 40-foot waterfall among redwoods and ferns. This setting is as beautiful as you will find in the most remote wilderness areas. A great trek can merely be a walk in the near woods. Which drew me to this local adventure:

Recently, Ron Bloomquist of Fort Bragg, California who walks the town each morning for health and then blogs about it, decided on a near adventure of his own. He and a friend strapped on ultralight backpacks and followed the tracks of the local historic Skunk Train railroad, logging 40-miles. Here is his story.

Be light. Be safe. Be one with the pack.