Paul Toonen Interview

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1) What is your favorite place that you have been to on the planet?

I love Mykonos Greece. We rented mopeds and drove around the entire island. Steep winding narrow roads made for roller coaster rides like none other. We hiked 9 totally different beaches. Some were miles of white sand, others 300 foot high rock ledges. The people were more than friendly to an obviously gay group. Hugs from shop keepers is a common greeting. Food is very healthy and inexpensive, as are the hotels. We lived on olives, cheese, breads, and fish. Wines too were incredible. Breaking plates at midnight is a must!

2) Do you shoot pictures with a digital or film camera?

I use a small digital camera, so i can pop it in any pocket or back pack. It also is less invasive on a group shot, to capture un posed moments.

3) When you have 2 hours to squeeze an activity on a Saturday morning, what do you do?

My quick two hour adventures are hikes along the lake Michigan shore, or Milwaukee river banks. No equipment, lots of wildlife, diverse terrain, and easy to talk friends into joining.

4) What is the number one reason why you don’t get outside as much as you’d like?

Wisconsin weather is always changing. This week it went from 20 below to 40 above. Several inches of rain, or snow is common. Dressing for the weather in layers is a sport in itself.

5) Where would you build your ideal vacation house?

Wisconsin's woods are where my great grandparents came in the 1850's from Amsterdam. Liberal thinking came with them, the first state to have gay rights. Cabins in Wisconsin are surrounded with all species of trees, Explosions of color, Varied topography, i couldn't live anywhere else. Devils Lake state park in Baraboo Wisconsin, Where the Glaciers stopped and melted, is the ideal place to vacation.

6) What adventure, that you have yet to do, is number one on your list?

The train to Vancouver thru Canada, stopping at the great national parks for long hikes would be great. Over night at the Grand hotel, or a cabin in the wilderness, either would add to the memories.

7) What is the most significant gear invention?

I'm not into total wilderness, but i do find a Swiss army knife comes in very handy on every journey.

8) What is your number one priority when buying a car?

I always need more space in my Chevy van, i think about downsizing for economy, but where would six buddy's put their gear.

9) What do you do to enhance your outdoor fitness?

Sex outdoors is the best workout. It utilizes every muscle, it causes total awareness of every sense and it creates a feeling of belonging to the environment, an inner peace.

10) What was your scariest moment on an outdoor adventure?

White water rafting down the Menominee river in Peshtigo Wisconsin, with 10' drops and granite rock base, I saw my lover of 30 years, fly out of the raft with six great friends in it. He was pinned under the Raft and i was useless , in shock. Only his long blond curly hair was showing in the roaring waters. My friend sitting next to me reached over, grabbed a fistful of hair and pulled him into the raft. The moment plays over in slow motion every time we argue. I love him, and my friends dearly.

Final Thoughts:

The Ski Trip Group is some of the same guys that have rafted, biked, camped, dinner club, movie club, and attended many birthdays and funerals over the last 30 years. Your web site brought us responses from around the country and Canada. Four new guys were able to join us this year from the info on GAYOUTDOORS.COM. I know they will be with us on the Ski Trip 30 years from now, Thanks to you.