When I manage to escape from work I love to travel, backpack, and rock climb. Often all three together.

Traveling

I have traveled in the Dominican Republic, Ireland, Scotland, England, France, Italy, Spain, Vancouver BC, Ontario, the Rocky Mountain States, and the East Coast. What could be better than experiencing different cultures, different ways of viewing the world, and meeting new people?

Backpacking

This is not really separate from traveling, almost every place I travel I also get out on the trail hiking or backpacking. However, when in Alabama I most often go to the Pinhoti Trail. This is a 110 mile trail located in Southern most portion of the Appalachian Mountains in Eastern Alabama. This trail goes up and down over rolling hills, occasionally beside a water falls, and often beside bubbling streams. The best attribute of the Pinhoti trail is the solitude it offers, on 90% of my days on the trail I have never seen another hiker. I also highly recommend the Sipsey wilderness as a place to spend a couple days.

Climbing

My brother got me into climbing several years ago. We have climbed in Boulder Canyon CO, Maple Canyon UT, Wild Iris and Sinks Canyon WY, Ontario, and the Tennessee Wall. Since then I have done a fair amount of bouldering at the local boulder field, and occasional gotten out to some local climbing spots. I am a moderate climber, fairly comfortable on 5.8 routes, and max out on easy 5.10 routes.

Please also see my backpacking guide to Alabama and the web page for the Alabama Hiking Trail Society: AHTS Website