Nearing the end of an amazing chapter in National Park adventures, I am setting my sights on challenges for an equally rewarding new calling in my life.  Since 2013, I have hiked, backpacked and completed river float excursions.  These adventures culminated in a year-long hiatus from my 25-year career in which I visited 62/63 of the National Parks in the USA.

While still in my youth, I enjoyed trekking in the veldt of South Africa and ascended the summit of Table Mountain (via cable car).  With 50 years on this beautiful earth, I have made my way to some amazing peaks and unforgettable hikes, including Mount Teide of Teide National Park on Tenerife in The Canary Islands.

As a health care provider for the past 25 years, I have a keen interest in the nutrition and hydration for the community I serve as a whole.  It is important to dispense current and accurate information without bias about nutrition and hydration.  As a pharmacist, I evaluate clinical research across many topics and as a hiker and outdoor enthusiast, I peruse literature on available products designed for hydration for active children, youth and adults.

Recently, I finished 3/3 core modules towards a certificate program at the University of Florida, having completed my Advanced Master Naturalist certificate with an emphasis on Wetlands, Coastal and Uplands Systems.  I believe in being a full participant in recreation while respecting the ecosystems I encounter when exploring the marked trails and backcountry on public lands.

SocialHiker and Six-Pack of Peaks Challenge is the challenge I didn't seek out; which luckily found me.  As I “step-up” my recreation to new heights, I'm starting with the region closest to my current home, that of the Appalachian Range.  With plans to complete several regions and hopeful that the Social Hiker community will continue to inspire future highs along incredible pathways, I invite fellow challengers to stop by and say hello and hope to see you on the trail.