The coast has its charm, but sometimes you’ve got to trade salt air for mountain air. That’s how we ended up leaving Northport with a thermos of coffee, a bag
You don’t always need to climb a mountain to earn a view. Sometimes, Vaughan Woods delivers exactly what you’re looking for—sunlight spilling through tall pines, the steady sound of water
Intro: Chasing Moxie (and Finding It) Some places you don’t stumble into — you chase them. Moxie Falls was one of those places for me. A long drive into a
I’m Kevin, the trail-worn, grill-stained voice behind The Hip Explorer. A few years back, arthritis had me sidelined and limping through life with more frustration than fire. After a long wait and one titanium hip later, I got a second shot at walking the woods and I’ve been chasing sunrises and smoke ever since. This site is where I share what I see, what I carry, and what I cook when I’m not out chasing coastal light or muttering at my gear. Some days it’s about the hike. Some days it’s about the brisket. Most days, it’s a bit of both and a little too much coffee. I’m not here to impress you. I’m here to tell the truth, photograph the view, and flip a few ribs while I do it.
Pull up a chair. It gets real, and it gets smoky.
