Who are you?

[wayne-o]

well since we have a new forum of sorts, i thought i'd start by a little description of myself

i been on this board for about 4-5 years posting and lurking. I love being outdoors, itts my escape from the reality of corporate america. I also mt bike, some road biking,
a little whitewater canoeing when i get a chance. I have made some great friend from this
board (edK, barn , Lynne, photoboy, lita, tonyB, Marshall, Jill, JohnK ... just to name a few)
I've been able to meet several of these people and a group of us go on a annual trip now also. i've learned a lot of in's and out's of gear and technique from the knowledge here also. sooooo.... i'm hoping everyone will post a little bit about themselves for us al lto see (come out of the woodworks lurkers :o)

<img src="http://www.fototime.com/ftweb/bin/ft.dll/standard?pictid={0BDE5F30-4729-414E-AE38-E77E9FBAED1A}&exp=f&moddt=37627.0245248843">

[EdK]

I've also been around the board for about 4 years. Like wayne, I've been able to form some good friendships here, been able to get together with them on an annual basis,(never enough vacation!!). I live in Southern Ca., dayhike and backpack mostly in the local mountains,(San Gorgonio, Cleveland N.F., San Jacinto Mountains), and of course, my beloved Joshua Tree N.P. I've been a volunteer, truely a labor of love, at the Santa Rosa Plateau Ecological Reserve for the past 5 years, and at 51, my aim is to just keep one foot in front of the other. I can honestly say that I love everything nature has to offer. Ed

<img src="http://www.fototime.com/ftweb/bin/ft.dll/standard?pictid={56F3EF9F-F845-49C2-ABE3-CABF71444D7F}&exp=f&moddt=37914.1032727546">

[Pavlo]

Pavlo, been with the board for over 5 years.

Love
Mountaineering
Skiing
Watersports
Rockclimbing
Biking
...

the list goes on!

<img src="http://www.geocities.com/lwildernesspics/Untitled-5.jpg">


:)

[brad nicholson]

main activities: mountaineering, rock climbing, cycling both road and mountain, distance running. army officer. currently living in germany.

[Barn]

I've been lurking and posting for about 4 years too. Made some really good friends here and we're taken some memorable trips together. My big two things are backpacking and fly fishing and I try to combine the two whenever possible. I do most my hiking in the SE but usually manage a few big trips (out west) each year.

Now I have to go find me a cool avatar.

<img src="http://webpages.charter.net/bkloer/images/barn.jpg">

[Lita]

Also been here for a few years, and have met a few on the board through the years, JohnK, Barn, Duckman, Wayne-O to drop a few names ;)

As far as who I am and what I'm about:
I moved from San Antonio Tx to Denver Colorado in '98. My only regret is I didn't get here sooner. What the heck took me so long???!!! When I moved here, I didn't know anybody but was glued to every West facing window, and knew I wanted to get out into the those mountains I saw. The only problem was that I didn't know the first thing about being out in the mountains, and I didn't know where to go or how to get there, or have anybody to go with or show me how. That's when I found out about the Colorado Mountain Club (aka CMC). So I signed up, took a basic hiking course, started my gear collection, and started signing up on trips. That's how it all started for me. Since then, I've taken to day hiking, backpacking, snowshoeing, skiing (mostly downhill but occasionally XC), rock climbing, and most recently took an ice climbing class. I even met my husband David in the club, too, and he's into all this stuff as deeply as I am! In the past couple of years, I've found myself an instructor and a trip leader for the cmc, so I guess I did learn a few things here and there.

So, hello everybody, and here's to the new board!

[b_slow]

Hey there,

My name is Bob, and I'm currently a mechanical engineering student in Madison, Wisconsin. The activity I do the most is definitely backpacking, but I'm also into climbing, XC skiing, snowshoeing, and sea kayaking. I'm currently the backpacking chair for the Wisconsin Hoofers Outing Club, and that's where most of my leisure and entertainment comes from. I also do quite a bit of photography, and travel to far away places. I spent last winter break hiking in Nepal and touring western India, and I'll spend the first half of 2005 studying and traveling in Chile.

I've been on the board for about 2 years, occasionally asking for (and receiving) good advice on various topics and posting a few trip reports. Hopefully we can revive this board- I get the feeling that it used to be much more active, and now it's kind of in a lull. Anyway, glad to be here.

later,
Bob
http://www.mountainworks.net

[bergers]

Hey,

I have been around for a few years, can't remember how many. Most of the time lurking, but I have posted a few times. I enjoy climbing, mountaineering, hiking, backpacking, kayaking, canoeing, etc. Pretty much anything outdoors.

I have been busy with school, but I have now graduated again and I am done with school for a while. I finished my masters in Aerospace Engineering at Iowa State University. I am on the hunt for a job in between going on climbing trips and gear shopping trips.

I am hopefully going to move to the Seattle area soon which is closer to employment opportunities and mountians.

[NoKnees]

I've been a lurker and occasional poster for a few years. 32 year'o guy living in the S.F. Bay Area who likes just about all things outdoors... Winters snowboarding, summers backpacking and beach volleyball.. It's all good..

...digs around for appropriate photo....

http://www.s92441553.onlinehome.us/photos/dinnerforone.jpg

[DefJef]

Hey Y'all
It's great to have this new forum!!! Awesome!
I've been posting and lurking for a year now, and I really respect the info provided here, and enjoy the conversations.
I've spent much of my life hiking, esp. all over the Whites in NH and the Greens in VT. Now I've moved south to Charlottesville, VA and am trekking all over the Shenandoah. I am now really into mtn. biking and more recently rock climbing! (Small stuff).
Great to be aboard!

[Snow Nymph]

Hi,
My name is Cori and I'm 47 y/o. I've been lurking here for about a year or so, and only post my weekly trip reports. I live in Southern CA, but recently got married (to SnowDude) and we bought a 2nd home in Mammoth Lakes.

I backpack from June-November, and snowboard November-June. Last year I got 71 days of snowboarding, 45 days of backpacking, 16 dayhikes. This year I will try to get more snowshoeing/backpacking in. I've done a little rock climbing, canoeing and biking. I used to run anything from 5Ks to Marathons, but by the time I turned 35 I had too many injuries and had to quit. So now I focus on trips to the Sierra every weekend, while still working 40 hrs a week.

2004 is already a good year in the Sierra. I haven't met anyone yet, but hope to soon.

My weekly photos are on my website:
http://www.snow-nymph.com

[ChristopherG]

My name is ChristopherG and 26yo. I guess I've been around this board for about 2 years, mostly lurking since I only ocassionally feel like I have something meaningful to say. I live in Indiana and I am a Grad Student which means limited time to do my favorite activities.
I've been snowboarding for about 5 years... Mostly local, but I've boarded most major places in Vermont and I've been out to Montana. Snowboarding is probably my favorite activity other than maybe soccer. I'm for sure a freerider... had knee surgery once and watching people practice rails and jumps :eek: I guess I'm getting old enough where I just enjoy being on the slopes safely! Although I did enjoy the MT and VT back countries.
I do backpack but mostly in the summer since I'm a poor grad student. This past summer I spent time in Badlands, Yellowstone, Lolo National Forest, Yosemite, Grand Canyon, and Zion. I've been lucky enough the past two summers to take some whirlwind, month trips out west so I can get my hiking bug cured for the year.
I enjoy mountainboarding and mountain biking. I'm a novice at most things because I only get maybe 60days a year to really get out. Maybe when I finally graduate (again) I'll find more time in the summers (great thing about teaching is the summers).

That's pretty much all I've got...

http://mypage.iu.edu/~cgentry

[Barn]

You said you're from Indiana and I saw that you have an IU hosted webpage so I checked it out and read your bio. Wow, kind of scary. I too have a BA in Geography from IU and then went on to Indiana State for graduate studies in the Department of Geography and Geology (no Anthropology back then but this was 20 years ago.) Got my MA in Geography with an emphasis in Remote Sensing. Spent most my time in the Indiana State University Remote Sensing Lab (ISURSL) with my head advisor being Paul Mausel. Following graduation I became a software engineer at ERDAS, Inc. which I am still to this day. Are you familiar with our software package called IMAGINE? I know the ISU Geog. labs have several copies. Anyway, this is probably too much shop talk for a public forum. It's just interesting that we took very similar paths albeit 20 years apart.

[ChristopherG]

Barn,

Nice to meet ya... I have met Paul various times. He is an emeritus faculty member now, but he is still amazingly active in the department. I'm not sure if John Oliver and Bill Dando were there when you were, but Dr. Oliver and Dr. Dando have since retired. They have a really young department now. I'm not sure if you know John Jensen from S.C. (written the best books on RS), but his son is at ISU and he was a big part of my committee.
Being a geographer and am very familar with IMAGINE... BTW I'm glad there is now a utility to open HDF formatted files in the newer versions. Used to have to convert ASTER images so I could use them in IMAGINE. I just started my PhD at IU in the fall and am looking to gut it out in three years. If not I can finish in the normal 4, but I'd like to get out and start some real work (and quit borrowing money!).
Like you said, probably too much Geog talk for here, but I'm sure we'll run across each other on here again sometime.

CG

P.S. Do you ever attend the AAG meetings? This year is in Philly. I'll be there presenting so let me know if you're going to be there.

[GreatDivide14]

I'm working on a BS in biology at IU, albeit not right now. I'll be back in the fall. I've done some hiking around the Deam, Morgan-Monroe, and what have you, and I got out west by myself this past summer...nice to be free to choose my own pace. Anyway, if you're back this fall, we might cross paths. Have you done POCAR (Purdue Outing Club Adventure Race), or would you like to next January?

I'll have an actual post once I find a good pic.
-David

[Rich M]

I am a 57 year old/young backpacker and have been doing so since I was 17. Plan to continue backpacking till I drop. I also enjoy kayaking, canoeing and both mountain biking and riding my recumbent bike. Do a few bike tours between backpack trips. I am retired and live in Southern Oregon.

[Hiker Boy]

Hi guys!

Wazzup?

My name is Stephen or HB. I can be found haunting the mountains and coastline of British Columbia or Washington state. I am currently holding onto my 30's by the fingernails but I hear 40 is not too bad! :( You'll find me working nights in my local community hospital's lab. I am an avid hiker and snowshoer. Some know me as an encorageable gear ***** and enabler...not true! :D

http://www3.telus.net/sharp/trippics_files/image016.jpg

[GreatDivide14]

Been lurking occasionally and posting far, far too much since MadMoose got me started in late 2002. I live in Terre Haute, IN, the armpit of the Midwest, when I'm not living in Bloomington while working on a BS in biology from Indiana U. I've been hiking and camping all my life, and I've recently taking up backpacking and fairly serious mountaineering. I've done a few Colorado 14ers, including Longs and Capitol (arguably the two hardest nontechnical ones), and I've loved them, but I've also done my share of rambling about in the local woods without a hint of purpose to spoil the giddy, childlike spirit of adventure. It doesn't really matter whether I'm admiring a wide panorama of jagged Elk Range ridges and azure lakes or a 4-inch-high waterfall in a woodsy creek. It's all beautiful to me.

Still, this looks better on the screen.

[GreatDivide14]

I hate computers. Let's see if this edited copy works:

[Gam]

I've been around this board a long time, not as long as Ed, Wayne, and some of the others, but I've been coming in and out for several years. I backpack, canoe, fish, and I used to climb. I may still climb, I'm not sure right now. I'm tired of something hurting all the time.
I have trouble taking anything too seriously.
http://www.fototime.com/48C9257DC172CC4/standard.jpg

[wspokes]

Hello to all,

I am a 33 year old full time outdoorsman who works full time as a Registered Nurse to finance my habits! I deal mostly with nursing informatics and education now. I am an avid hiker. I raced road bicycles for years until hanging up the fast tracks for the recreation life...look around and enjoy cycling is now my motto. I mountain bike as well, I live is a small town in western, Pa. have a bit of a website of my own which constantly is in need of updating. http://users.penn.com/~wspokes/index.htm
I work hard now to pay off my home so I can kick back to part time in the future and enjoy life! I have been posting and reading for only a short while since probably November of 2003. Love the forums! Glad to meet all of you and hope to enjoy more of this list! Enclosed is a picture from me hiking with my favorite two companions, Simba and Sage! Enjoy!

[UKMatt]

Hi,

I am UKMatt, originally from the United Kingdom but now sort of residing in San Francisco, CA (I say sort of because I have been travelling a lot for the past three years in Asia for my job).

I love getting out of the city, whether for a bit of mountain biking, day hiking, car camping or backpacking. I love the latter although with my work stuff I usually end up sneaking in some car camping with day hikes...

That's about all for now... wish I was packing to get out there (it's wet and windy today - love that kind of weather!) but I am sadly packing for another trip to Hong Kong (which has some really cool day hiking - nowhere else on the planet like it)

Here's me at the top of Mt Lassen:
<img src="http://home.mindspring.com/~ukmatt/matt_on_lassenpeaksmall.JPG">

And here's a not particularly picturesque photo of Hong Kong - after a couple of hours wandering around in hilly jungle-ish terrain you pop out over Repulse Bay and get this view of the beach through an enormous Feng Shui inspired hole in a pricey apartment block!
<img src="http://home.mindspring.com/~ukmatt/repulsebaysmall.JPG">

That's all for now...

UKMatt

[Jay H]

<img src="http://pic8.picturetrail.com/VOL230/588152/2611995/317285.jpg">

errh, picture didn't workee... try this link:

Picture link (http://pic8.picturetrail.com/VOL230/588152/2611995/31728508.jpg)

That's me on the top of the Tourmalet in the Pyranees during last year's Tour de France.

Been on the board a bit for a couple of years now, although I'm fairly quiet!!! I'm a cyclist, both on and off, and also a bike commuter as well as tourer and adventure racer who also enjoys hiking, backpacking, X-C skiing and soon to be a kayaker once I buy one.

Jay

[brad nicholson]

i live in heidelberg germany and we are making the trip a few times on the weekends to see le grand boucle. are you interested in riding in or around grenoble? we are going to ride l'alpe de huez and some others. let me know and maybe we can link up.

[wayne-o]

Hey brad, just a pic of me and my bike that waits patiencely for me to ride it this year

<img src="http://www.fototime.com/ftweb/bin/ft.dll/standard?pictid={F6A7B03C-6A92-4B86-B67E-3E5E5029D865}&exp=f&moddt=37979.0528795833">

[brad nicholson]

looks like you are torturing that nice trek with a pair of mtn bike kicks on your hoofs...say it aint so? ;)

by the way where was that taken? do you ever get up and ride around athens ga? that is where my wife is from and there are some nice rides up that way...

let me know when you want to bring the steed over to germany...i will get some more pics up this weekend of some climbing on my road bike...

[wayne-o]

guilty on the shoes..... :o)

i had just got it in that pic and i got some dedicated road bike shoes for christmas this year.

that pic is on a rails to trails pathway that runs for about 50 miles that is paved on an abandoned rail line, so its off the street with no cars to worry about. Athens is on hte east side of the state, i'm nore on the west side of GA, i really haven't rode the street much at all yet. a trip to europe is on my wish list, just funds and time.....

[Rick D]

Hi,
my name is Rick, I'm 35...and I'm a gear-o-holic. Okay, it's photography gear rather than outdoor gear, but I'm working on upgrading the latter. My main hobby is outdoor/nature photography, but it goes hand-in-hand (or foot-in-foot) with hiking, snowshoeing and backpacking. I've been posting and lurking for about 3 years - went by "PhotoRick" on the previous board. I'm not a frequent topic-starter, but stop by when I'm looking for outdoor gear recommendations, or to reply to questions about Colorado or photography. My background is in nuclear engineering (Navy) and then I went on to study ecology and geology at the U. of Pitt. I moved out to Colorado in '96 to attend law school at CU, which I never did. I ended up working for the forest service in Winter Park, and then moved into the corporate world where I now spend more time working than I should. I live about 30 minutes west of Denver, CO, surrounded by dozens of wilderness areas, and within a short drive to any of 5 or 6 National Parks/Monuments - a pretty good place to call home! My favorite hiking/backpacking area is probably the Beartooth Mountains in Wyoming and Montana, but anywhere outdoors is my kind of place!

Cheers!
Rick

[1064nm]

I've been around for 3-4 years, sometimes in lurk mode, sometimes not.

Love backpacking and climbing, especially in the cold weather varieties of the sport. While I live in the armpit of the mid-west, I go to the Canadian Rockies every chance I get: they are a nearly perfect mountain range.

I've got a wife and daughter, and during the week, I do science stuff.

[JohnK]

Let's see ... trying to remember what I wrote the last time an introductory poll was taken ... can't remember but here goes. I live in the Northeast and enjoy rock climbing (try to hit the Gunks whenever possible), snowboarding, backpacking, winter mountaineering, biking, etc. etc. Like others, I have been around on the board for a number of years - sometimes posting, sometimes just reading/listening/lurking. A short-term goal of mine: to meet the Southern contingent from this board.

[Jay H]

i live in heidelberg germany and we are making the trip a few times on the weekends to see le grand boucle. are you interested in riding in or around grenoble? we are going to ride l'alpe de huez and some others. let me know and maybe we can link up.

Hey Brad, sorry for the late reply, I did not see your reply for some reason til I happened upon the thread tree above and even then when I clicked on the thread it took me to Wayne-O's photo and I had to scroll up.... Anyway, love to ride anywhere and everywhere but I've already planned a trip to Wrangell-St. Elias in Alaska this year in August and my friend has thoughts of biking from NJ (near New York City) to Maine so my trips are already booked. When I did see the Tour last year, I did it from the Pyranees til the finish in Paris, so I missed out on the Alps, and hence, L'alpe de Huez.. Maybe some other time...

Go Tyler!

jay

[Dusty Dan]

Hi, I'm Dan. After trying to log in using several names that were already used, the cat walked in and I used her name - Dusty. I have been lurking for a couple of years I guess and posting since last year some time. My main interest is backpacking and hiking in all four seasons, and I also have a mountain bike I ride with my two boys on occasion. The family also goes car camping at infrequent intervals, when I can pry my wife away from her garden. I am the worst gear head I know of, and originally came to the board for information on equipment.

I am on the downhill side of 40, but have been hiking and backpacking since I was an 11-year-old Boy Scout in WV, and my REI number is less than a half million. I used to look at the pictures in the catalog as a boy and wanted to go to the Cascades and climb mountains. Never got to do that, but at least I have never quit going out entirely. These days I don't get to go nearly as much as I would like, either a result of career (which finances the gear and trips), family responsibilities, lack of partners, or poor weather. Last trip, it was illness, an ice storm and car problems (soon to be remedied with new car) all at the same time. Still, I keep doggedly on...

My lack of facility with my new digital camera and image software keeps me from posting any pictures just yet, but I'll get to it before too long. Hope the board livens up some - it seems like it used to be more well traveled.

Dan

[wayne-o]

you're always welcome here, just let me know when you might have some time

Wayne

[Lynne]

I'm new here. You are all freaks. :p

[Skyeward]

Howdy all,

My name's Daniel. I'm currently a student at Brevard College in southwest NC, majoring in Wilderness Leadership. I do a lot of backpacking, mtn. biking, and hiking around Pisgah and Shining Rock Wilderness, both of which are right down the road! I've been backpacking for about 7 years, and basically there ain't nothin I love more in this world then being quiet in the midst of wild places. The last couple years i've become really interested in ultralight packing, got my 3-season base weight down to about 7-8 lbs now. Greetings everyone from the land "Wintery Mix'!

[brad nicholson]

even this ex-pat of a carolinian. glad to see that someone is enjoying brevard college! what a nice place to go to college...ride the tsali and climb the nose one more time for those of us who can't be back in nc right now...brad

[Skyeward]

is the wealth of knowledge about my specific area. Great for trip reports too, everyone is very interested!

[wayne-o]

how well i know that view, now that i know what you look like, i sure i'll see you up there sometime this year

[suddha]

My name's Jason and I spend most of my warm weather free time cycling, both MTB and road. I also do a lot of backpacking and kayaking. In the winter, XC skiing is my passion.

I love to travel and recently returned from a monthlong bike tour in the steamy hill country in Sri Lanka. The week after I got home, I did a 35K ski race. I love the paradoxes of a small world.

Attached is a photo of me on the Homestretch of Longs Peak.

Cheers.

[wayne-o]

thats a cool pic Jason, an angle i never seen it from. I've made it to the boulder field from a camp at battle mt(i believe that was the name...) on a hike towards the peak, one day maybe, i'll get to the top of that one :o)

[ncmtns]

This new forum isnt taking my old s/n and or p/w. Maybe senility is finally catching up with me. So guess i will use the NC one for now.
As the name infers, I live in NC near Asheville. Been on the board for maybe about 3 yrs? Only pic i have online is on the Ed Fest pic from the older forum. Backpacking is my main escape with fishing a close second. Lately ive found hammocks to be incredibly comfortable and easy to find a stealth camping area. Most fav area is the Rock but im hoping to explore out west some day.

[Jordie]

I've been visiting this forum for 3 years. Four years ago I had a heart attack and 3 stents at the age of 42. After intially thinking my active life was over I set the goal of getting back on the trail. Getting in backpacking shape was, and is, the carrot in front of the horse to keep me working out and exercizing. I found this web site while I was researching lighter gear and got great advice. Been visiting intermittantly ever since.

Jordie

[BroncoKenVB]

Good afternoon -

I just discovered this forum and already have learned a great deal. I am Ken. I came to backpacking through my scouting activities in Colorado and New Mexico. For those of you familiar with it I did a 70 mile trek at Philmont in NM. I haven't backpacked since college but now I am once again a scout leader and moving my group of boys away from 'bubba camping" westward towards the adventures I anticipate on the AT.

I am especially interested in those with backpacking experience with youth and in reducing weight for young campers. Right now we, as a group, are not AT ready but we are working on it. Anything ya'll have have to reduce packed weight at a reduced cost would be most appreciated.

Also any experience you may have on the AT in VA or in NC - less challenging sections suitable for young boys ages 11-14. Or perhaps I am just dreaming to think 11yr olds can do the AT. As a 17 yr old I took my youngest brother then 11 on the Continental Divided trail in Colorado. We packed light and kept treks short but it was do-able.

I am -

Ken
Virginia Beach, Virginia (Elev. zippity squat)

[Jordie]

I was a Boy Scout leader too. I then headed up a High Adventure Explorer Post. I live in Texas now, but at the time I was in the northeast. We did weeklong trips on the AT in PA, a week in Baxter State Park (Katahdin and some AT) in Maine, White Mountains and AT in NH, weeklong canoe trip in Algonquin Provincial Park in Ontario and a weeklong bicycle trek. We did numerous long weekend trips throughout the year. We sent the boys to Philmont, but at the time I couldn't take 3 weeks off from work and didn't go. It was a great time and a lot of fun. I've hiked the AT through the SMNP, but I don't know if it's ideal for scouts because the AT through there is heavily used and the shelters are at a premium for the through hikers. Every year before we'd go we'd go over the gear list and what to bring and what not to bring, but you know kids and you know kids mom's! We'd drive to where we'd start and before we'd go we'd literally have a shake down. We'd turn their packs upside down and shake it all out and go through every item piece by piece "keeper" ""stayer". They pack giant cans of off, giant flashlights with 12 volt batteries and many, many bizarre items. Mothers would always pack clean underwear for every day of the trip etc. Meanwhile most would forget to pack TP. It keeps you young...

Jordie


Good afternoon -

I just discovered this forum and already have learned a great deal. I am Ken. I came to backpacking through my scouting activities in Colorado and New Mexico. For those of you familiar with it I did a 70 mile trek at Philmont in NM. I haven't backpacked since college but now I am once again a scout leader and moving my group of boys away from 'bubba camping" westward towards the adventures I anticipate on the AT.

I am especially interested in those with backpacking experience with youth and in reducing weight for young campers. Right now we, as a group, are not AT ready but we are working on it. Anything ya'll have have to reduce packed weight at a reduced cost would be most appreciated.

Also any experience you may have on the AT in VA or in NC - less challenging sections suitable for young boys ages 11-14. Or perhaps I am just dreaming to think 11yr olds can do the AT. As a 17 yr old I took my youngest brother then 11 on the Continental Divided trail in Colorado. We packed light and kept treks short but it was do-able.

I am -

Ken
Virginia Beach, Virginia (Elev. zippity squat)

[BroncoKenVB]

Hi Jordie - The folks at Blue Ridge Mountain Sports suggested part of the AT through Shenandoah National Park. It looks ok. My only reference is my Colorado treks. The elevation differences seem to be about 2000 feet in the extremes in this section.

I agree full shake downs are required. Only now after a few trips do they understand the importance of weight reduction. Mom's who do the shopping don't think weight, they think function, and size / weight are irrelevant. Then add the CD players, the game boys, and other contraband and we are off to a fine time. TP is a major ommission. That comes from living in a land of indoor plumbing. We'll work on it.

I love the Smokey Mountain area. We stayed in the Asheville area one Thanksgiving. It is really beautiful. Perhaps as they get older we can go out that far.

Must run. Cubbies tonight with my youngest.

Ken

I was a Boy Scout leader too. I then headed up a High Adventure Explorer Post. I live in Texas now, but at the time I was in the northeast. We did weeklong trips on the AT in PA, a week in Baxter State Park (Katahdin and some AT) in Maine, White Mountains and AT in NH, weeklong canoe trip in Algonquin Provincial Park in Ontario and a weeklong bicycle trek. We did numerous long weekend trips throughout the year. We sent the boys to Philmont, but at the time I couldn't take 3 weeks off from work and didn't go. It was a great time and a lot of fun. I've hiked the AT through the SMNP, but I don't know if it's ideal for scouts because the AT through there is heavily used and the shelters are at a premium for the through hikers. Every year before we'd go we'd go over the gear list and what to bring and what not to bring, but you know kids and you know kids mom's! We'd drive to where we'd start and before we'd go we'd literally have a shake down. We'd turn their packs upside down and shake it all out and go through every item piece by piece "keeper" ""stayer". They pack giant cans of off, giant flashlights with 12 volt batteries and many, many bizarre items. Mothers would always pack clean underwear for every day of the trip etc. Meanwhile most would forget to pack TP. It keeps you young...

Jordie

[wingding0]

I haven't been around much lately. Work has been keeping me busy, so I haven't been posting as much. I'm 43, live in Southern California. I think the Sierra Nevada is pretty close to heaven.

[wingding0]

Okay, I'm going to try the picture again. This is me from last weekend on Mount Baldy (southern california).

[trailhound]

Hi, I'm Dave and live in Minnesota. I loved the outdoors as a kid but got away
from all the fun for quite a few years. In 2000, at age 36,I met some new friends
who were into hiking, camping, and biking and now just love all outdoor activities.
So far I have only done day hikes throughout Minnesota and last year in Colorado
(Rocky Mt Nat'l Pk). This year we're heading to Crater Lake in Oregon.
In the future I hope to tackle overnight back-packing (If I'm not too old?) and maybe a
fishing/camping trip. My dream is to visit one or two new National Park each year.
Isle Royale (Lake Superior) and Yellowstone are high on my list. Happy trails.

[joshvklok]

I am an American Living in Mexico.

I love Hiking, climbing, biking, running, hunting, archery and adventure racing.

I have a 1 year old son and a beautiful wife

I have been on the MTBR forum for like 8 years and visiting this forum for maybe 2 years

[Duckman_]

Ok, its about time I guess. Been here forever like EdK, Hikerboy, JohnK, and others. Old guy at 45. Used to be the moderator here, but got slack on the job and my bud Wayneo took over thankfully. Backpacking, kayaking, and mtbing are my passions. Lately its been mtb bike crosscountry racing. at least for the last year or so. Love it. Been sorta 'semi retired' the last year, at least from the corporate bullsh@t. It was killing me(and almost did). I love adventure...especially the kind with true conseqences. Most of travels are here in the SE mtns, but get out west once and while, being the Sierras, Rockies, etc. Been on the trail with many here..EdK, Barn, Wayneo, Gam, Lynne(don't believe that new person stuff), Marshall, and many others. All good people to say the least.

Duckout

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[mboydell]

Hello!

I've been lurking on this board occasionally for the last year or so, but figured it was about time to make a post or two. I'm in the Navy (until the end of the month), and have been fortunate to get to some spectacular places as a result. If you're heading way, way south, drop me an email and I'll give you the inside scoop if I can. I'll be heading southbound for 2 months on the AT out of Harpers Ferry in mid-October, so maybe I'll see you on the trail. I've been backpacking since I was a kid, and have gotten into a bit of low-key mountaineering and mountain biking in the last 5 or 10 years, but haven't gotten out much in the last year or two.

Here are some photos of my favorite places - Mt. Scott on the Antarctic Peninsula, Torres del Paine in Chile, Parque Nacional Los Glaciares in Argentina, and the Freycinet Peninsula in Tasmania. Enjoy!

Happy hiking!