Have you always been an outdoorzy person?

Since I was born I had been very active outdoors. I enjoyed many camping trips and hikes throughout New England with my family. And, I had the great opportunity to be involved in a Boy Scout troop that was very active with camping and backpacking trips.  

How long did it take you to move from hiking to peak bagging?

The moment I joined GO. My first GO hike was the first day I started my NH 4,000 footers and it was a big one ~ Franconia Ridge.  

What do you like about GayOutdoors?

The many different people I meet. I repeatedly have the opportunity to reunite with members I have hiked with on past trips and there are always new people to meet on almost every hike. Everyone is always friendly and offers unique values to the group.   

What was your first GO excursion? How did it turn out?

My first ever GO event was a slide show presentation about GO that was hosted at a local church. It was a very large step in my life to muster up the willpower to step out of my shadows and attend, but it paid off! I immediately learned there was a physically active and healthy gay community I can relate to. The acquaintainces I made at the presentation immediately became my friends and comrades on the new hikes I began to join on.  

What is your favorite NH hike?

I'd say Franconia Ridge in the White Mountains. My reasoning is twofold: the magnificent beauty of the trails and the ridge itself with the true alpine gardens, and this was my first ever hike with GO. I'll always remember the perfect hike I had. What a way to start my 4,000 footers!  

What would members be most surprised to learn about you?

Hmm, that is a tough one for me to think of. I had been very active in scouting until I was 18, I serve on the Board of Directors for the local snowmobile club, or I never visited the west until a GO opportunity came about?

What is your favorite Adventure Travel place?

Baxter State Park and the vicinity in Maine. The main gate is exactly 300 miles from my home and this region presents so many opportunities for having fun and to escape day to day reality back at home. 

Complete this sentence...you know it's been a good GO trip when...

...everyone has a smile at the end of the trail.  

And now for the lightning round...favorite healthy food?

A new thing for me...mangoes.  

Favorite "bad" food?

Chocolate in large quantities, sometimes with a spoon of peanut butter. 

Favorite hike snack?

Cliff Bars.

Favorite indoor activity?

Playing with GIS mapping software.