When did you first start hiking, what prompted you to start, and how did it turn out?

I wish everyone, especially workaholics, could be as lucky as I was. In 1992 I was carrying 2 briefcases home after 12 hour days at work. I was climbing the corporate ladder. On my way home one night, I hit black ice and spun head on into an oncoming car. No one was hurt in the other car. I was flown by heli to Hartford Hospital where I spent 9 days, thru Christmas, in a coma. Then I spent 45 days in rehab. Luckily, [here's the lucky part], rehab went well. I know something had to change or I'd die working. My fifth grade teacher took us for a "hike" at the Barn Door Hills near or in Granby, CT. I really enjoyed it. Somewhere I found out about Pembrook, and AMC B&B type place in Woodstock, NH. I blindly signed up for a weekend at Pembrook and found the people to be very nice. My very first hike was Kings Ravine on Mt. Adams. We did Ice Gulch, I think it was, and Welch & Dickey on Monday; Columbus Day 1997. I loved the views, the exercise, people and teamwork Kathy Didier ran Pembrook with. I was always pretty close to the last person picked when it came to team sports, but on those first hikes, the trip leaders thought I was great...so I was hooked! What is the best book, music or game for enduring a 5-day storm in a tent?

I'd need a laptop! Sudoko, and book is "Walk in the Woods."

If you could hike with any famous person for a day [dead or alive], who would you pick?

Barack Obama

What is your favorite on-trail energy food?

Honey roasted mixed nuts with plain M&M's.

If you have a long weekend, where do you typically go?

Summer hiking in NH; winter skiing in VT.

Do you prefer to save up for one big yearly trip, or take multiple shorter trips?

I'd take one trip and stay in Boston on weekends.