After college, marriage, graduate school, a few years of ministry and the birth of our first child, I got the itch to go backpacking again. And this time I wanted to go big! I had been reading about the Pacific Crest Trail, running from Mexico to Canada, but I knew that was out of the question because of the time it takes (5 months) to hike 2,600 miles. So I set my sights on the John Muir Trail. I would use my entire two week vacation to hike the 211 miles from Yosemite to Mt. Whitney and without anyone crazy enough to go with me, the plan was to hike alone. My wife was supportive and allowed me to pursue my dream. Over the last twenty five years, my wife has allowed me to hike, backpack, rock climb, and even climb high mountains internationally. Eva, I love you! Thank you for letting me pursue my passion for the great outdoors!