Growing up between the corn fields of Ohio and the swamps of Florida I never cultivated any affinity for being outside at all let alone hiking or backpacking. Then I moved to the Pacific Northwest and everything changed. I have lived in Portland for the past 8 years and after a couple of years realized that there are literal paradises in every direction from here. Now after 5 years of hiking and 2 of backpacking my love and indeed my addiction for the great outdoors is stronger then ever. Much Like John Muir I find my peace, my healing, my god...on the trails.