The Man

Mid thirties, white fella, living in the Chicago Burbs who somehow, someway, fell in love with the woods despite being geographically challenged for such a peculiar hobby.

 

Back in town- 

I somehow managed to marry my best friend, and we have a healthy, outdoor loving toddler.  While I like to think I'm something special, I'm not much different than any other backpacker out there.  I grew up camping, even made Eagle Scout along the way, and then after some good trips, good times, and good friends- life ended my "hard core" outdoors lifestyle.  Job, career, family and all that good stuff.  No regrets, you won't find much crying and whining here about being thirty-something and stuck in the burbs from me.  I like my life, I don't want to escape it- just make it better.

 

Out in the real world-

I have been backpacking for over twenty years, camping since I was five.  I led trips for scouts when I was 16 years old.  I've been an official and un-official instructor but never lucky enough to be an "outdoors professional."  This won't be my first thru hike, and it won't be my last.  I make my own gear, some of it I hope to sell one of these days.  I'm in good shape, but not an Olympian.

I can move though, and I know a fair bit about traveling in the woods with a pack on.  I'm a much better hiker than I was ten years ago.  If all goes well, I'll be even better in ten more.  A speed record requires some fitness- but it mainly requires an outdoorsman who's a little crafty- and that's what I am.