2012 is the 75th anniversary of the world’s quintessential hike—the Appalachian Trail.

Sooner or later, you’re going to need a spotting scope. I’ve tried a lot of scopes and found there are some great products at every price range. Clearly, you can’t expect a $250 scope to perform like a $2,500 scope, but if your expectations are realistic, you can find some excellent quality without robbing the piggy bank. Or, as a bird blogger said recently, robbing a real bank.

Does your congressperson understand where you stand when it comes to America's national parks? Perhaps more to the point, do they care where you stand?

“Freedom’s Fortress” is the perfect place to start a visit to one of the nation’s most historic harbors. The massive Chesapeake Bay and the historic towns that cluster at its mouth are a premier destination for history buffs and water enthusiasts.