Backpacker Reply

Who knows maybe this could turn into something more than just highlighted in the Magazine. Dream job on the horizon, probably not, but that's why they call it dreaming.

Rachel,

WOW, all the attention is beginning to make me feel like I've reached Rockstar status.

No sweat, I'm a pretty humble person. I've probably gave you way to much, but I could go on and on. I really do thrive to be outdoors. Just a country boy stuck in the city. Pluse I do admire anyone that works for an outdoor publication. You've got a dream job.

What's your age?

I'm a 43 yr old spring chicken that was born and bred on a farm in northeastern Missouri.

Do you read Backpacker Magazine? If so, since when?

I started reading the mag in 2007 and believe had a sub since 09.

How many miles or days would you say you hike in a typical year or summer?

I try to hike throughout the whole year and would say over a hundred miles conservatively each of the past three yrs.

What's your most impressive backcountry or hiking achievement or statistic? 

Probably my trip to Colorado July 09. Had a hell of a time the first two days with altitude. More water please. I'm a flatlander. Was in Silverton for 9 days. Spent an overnighter at 12,500 at Ice Lake and was too tired to fish. Bummer. Or the time I tood the whole clan on an overnighter around Council Bluff Lake in 100 degree plus heat in June 10. I'm still reminded of the trip today. The family calls it the Death March. Needless to say they weren't very happy with me.

What's your day job?

Biomedical Engineer

Anything else you think we should know about you?

I am an amputee who lost his leg almost 40 yrs ago and can say it has never stopped me. Have been involved in sports or the outdoors for over 30 years throughtout Missouri and Iowa. Yes, Iowa has trees and some good trout fishing. My passion is fishing and the Bucket list is visiting one of the big NP's out west hiking for a week and Canada/Alaska hike/fishing trip. Also would like to thru hike the Ozark Trail, been around it various times but never on it. Guess you could classify me as a newbie to the whole hiking/backpacking fraternity and very rarely do I take the same trail twice. Only wish I had started along time ago.

You or anyone else need anything let me know.

One last thing. I read alot about some of the more well known trails throughout the US, but have never come across any info regarding Missouri's longest the OT. I know they have wealth of information on there website, but maybe Backpacker could highlight the OT in a feature article. I could be your man for trip data.

Thanks so much, Tony