I am relatively new to hiking, as I just started in June of 2021. But I have been hiking constantly since then, increasing levels of difficulty. My biggest accomplishment has been hiking the Grand Canyon rim-to-rive-to-rim in one day. HI am currently pursuing my Ph.D., and hiking is crucial for my mental health. My mind clears up in the mountains, and that is where my best ideas come. I live in Southern California, so I am on a mission to hike as many mountains as possible in my area. I usually hike alone, but I am happy to meet people that think alike.