Tell us about your outdoors experience.

Starting with the Boy Scouts. Grew up 5 miles from Valley Forge State Park [became a National Park in 1976]. We camped monthly 12 monthsf the year. I drove cross-country and hiked mountaind in Texas, California, Oregon and Washington State; and some trails along the California coast. After a gap of many years I joined Adventuring in Washington, DC and did countless hikes within 90 miles of Washington, DC, in Virginia, Maryland and Delaware. That led to a great trip to Glacier Park in Montana. I moved to Florida and got the bug to try camping again and that has morphed to into hiking again. Currently have done 3/4 of the Ocean To Lake Trail as well as a couple of other segments of the main Florida Trail. I was able a couple hikes in Costa Rica some years backs. I am taking a trip to South Andros Island in the Bahamas in a couple of weeks. Looking forward to some great sights and hiking there. 

How much do you like to outdoor recreation? Are you in love with it? If so...when did you fall in love and where? 

Love it. Nothing compares. No theme park. No App. No desktop screensaver compares. Nature is still the best show on earth. 

If you knew someone who was thinking of starting outdoor recreation, what advice would you give them?

GO! and GO now! And keep it simple. I found I need less. Just be sure to start with the essentials. Good shoes. Extra socks and water. 

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

The trip I just led.Ocean To Lake Trail and my first hike. My only fellow traveler [Renee] turned out to be a wonderful friend. He was so positive and helpful and never knowing someone before and spending the day doing what we enjoy together. 

What do you like about GayOutdoors?

Opportunity to meet like minded men.  

Describe Floriday to our outdoorzy members who’ve never been there? Is there a lot to do if you are an outdoor enthusiast?

Florida covers ecosystems from horse & hill country up north; fresh springs and lakes through central; tons of coastlines [Blowing Rocks in Jupiter is a must see]; South Florida has the swamps. For me getting to see large alligators in the wild and close was a thrill and the trails aren't all swamps. The wind blowing through Long Needle Pine trees is absolutely priceless.  

What is your favorite Adventure Travel place?

Hmmm...all of them.

What is your wish list for adventure travel and why?

Northwest. I'd like to travel by rail and get off and hike different trails between Chicago and Seattle.  

What is your favorite thing to do a perfect summer day?

Go to the beach.

If you could spend the day on the trail with one person, living or dead, it would be…

Mark Twain.