I grew up in St. Louis, and got my outdoor start by camping with my family, biking the many rail trails of the area, and canoeing and kayaking on the Meramec and Current Rivers. After high school I was off to college in Manhattan, KS (Go Wildcats!) and spent my free time hiking on the Konza Prairie and mountain biking on the local trail system. Today, I live in the Portland area and enjoy hiking, biking, camping, paddling, and snowshoeing, always with my lovely wife in tow.