ECB Biography Page
Following are the descriptions/lies that everyone offered as their personal bio in preparation for the East Coast Backpacking Trip (ECT). If your bio is not up to date or you are less than satisfied with it, please e-mail the changes (corrections/additions/more lies) to me, and I will update it.
Regarding people's bios, there's a little button next to people's names who are on Phil's wonderful page of celebrity backpackers and contributors at Trail Talk. Through the miracle of the Internet, if you click on it, you will be taken to their picture page. Shazaam! Also, don't forget to visit Phil's Page O' Pictures.
Idiot BoB
Aragorn -- MI?
Mike
Hiking Location Preferences: None offered
Will the real Aragorn please stand up:
My real name is Mike, 40 years young, Active member of the National Ski Patrol, If it's outdoors I love it, madly in love with my s.o., no kids.
DWM, 40, 6'1", Fit 210Lbs, Dark hair, brown eyes, likes everything out of doors except opera. Not seeking anyone as I have a wonderful S.O. (DWF,36, 5'2" 120# fit, blond, & green) who is the love of my life and is like minded in all but winter camping. I am all the child I can handle so I too am childless by design. I work as a Millwright (Fancy name for Maintenance person.) and we are active alpine members of the National Ski Patrol. We spend several long weekends each winter out west skiing, I do a couple of camping trips. Fishing, camping, volleyball, and golf in the spring/summer. Hunting, camping, and NSP refreshers in the fall. Never enough vacation time...Sinfully happy, light smoke and drink OK.
Bambi -- GA
Hiking Location Preferences: SC, NC, GA, VA, TN (maybe WV & PA?)
40- ouch, 5'6", 150 lbs, I get told I look like a young Chuck Norris everywhere I go. Not sure if thats good or not. Very much enjoying being single. My name is John. I've been mountain bike riding for 11 years, backpacking 2 years. My son is in the ARMY, my daughter & grandchild live about 1 hour away. I work telephones for IBM, I know you would think I'd have a good system! Nope, just webtv, but looking !!
I have come to like you guys like family.
Boots -- north of Lansing MI
Hiking Location Preferences: Mid-west Trip. For the weekend kind of time most folks seem to be mentioning, I vote for less than a 6 hour drive; for a longer trip I'll drive more miles.
I'm a gal by name of Peggy, so the short story is married for 17 yr. & he doesn't bpack (always has said he carried enuf packs in the Army), double income no kids, think Michigan is a great place to live & play, work outdoors in animal agriculture in the state with the distinction of having national recognition for the wild deer herd being infected with tuberculosis, volunteer at Sleeping Bear Dunes Nat'l Lakeshore, Big Brothers/Big Sisters & others, go x-country skiing & snowshoeing, iceskate, racewalk, & some other stuff, enjoy messing around with cooking, and reading but not necessarily reading cookbooks.
I just thought it might be fun to join a group I didn't know much about! I'll bpack any season. If some of the Yankees want a Michigan trip, I'd be happy to offer suggestions & help in planning.
ChicagoBill -- Chicagoland, IL
Cockroach -- TX
Visit Cockroach on Phil's page of Trail
Talk contributors.
John
Hiking Location Preferences: NC, GA, VA, TN, PA
My real name is John. I'm 26, single, live in Dallas, but grew up and went to school in TN. (I feel like I'm now one of those people who has typed "Hi, my name is "blank" and I enjoy cross country skiing, going to jazz concerts and long, romantic walks on the beach.) LOL
I work for a large telecom/network manufacturer (about 8,000 people just at our campus) doing website design/architecture and generally any marketing communications that involves new media.
I've hiked through most of TN, but also TX, some of the PCT, Scotland (Arthur's Seat near Edinburgh) and just recently got my first taste of the Olympics. Luckily I get to travel frequently and see a lot of this beautiful country (I'm typing from Nashville right now :-) ). I plan on hiking through part of the Alps next year (so anyone's experience there would be appreciated). I had to cancel a trip to France last year but the ticket is non-refundable and I have to use it before the end of May '99.
Other than hiking I like whitewater rafting, tennis, mtn biking, golf (or rather my feeble attempt at playing golf) .....travel, and I'm an avid U.T. Vols fan.
I work too much and drink too much coffee (some days I think the caffeine is the only thing moving me around the office), but that is all part of my master plan to retire by the time I'm 30 (wish me luck on my next set of lottery tickets).
Creekjumper -- NC
Hiking Location Preferences: NC, GA, VA, TN
I'm a 33 year old single mom with a great almost 13 year old daughter. We love to take weekend trips and living in the NW corner of SC we have lots of mountains and woods. I have a degree in nursing, but have taken time away from that to enjoy myself. Now I work for a company that publishes auction value guides for heavy equipment. Great hours, home for lunch, daughter comes to the office after school. Best of all, they put up with my taking long weekends for some of our trips.
Long range plans are to go back to school for a degree in botany.
At present, Happy with what I'm doing and with my life. Hurray!!!!
Curious George -- GA
Visit Curious George on Phil's page of
Trail Talk contributors.
Hiking Location Preferences:
SWM looking for SWF, are you cute, charming, with a zeal for life? Do you have a full head of hair?.... Oops, wrong web-site. My real name is Mark Emery. I'm 24, abhorrently skinny, and have hair like Kramer. I graduated from Baylor University in 1996 with a business degree (about as useful to me now as God was to Darwin). Lived in Dallas for a couple years, working for a chemical manufacturer, Oxychem. No no, not the zit company, the people who stocked the waters at Love Canal with three headed fish. I've since come to the humble realization that the business world will continue only slightly less effective with me gone, and I've taken up a new profession in Atlanta, Georgia. I'm writing copy for an advertising agency.
I'm a relative newbie to the wonderful world of backpacking, but it hasn't taken me long to become thoroughly addicted. I can't point to any trauma, or any good friend, that led to me to start backpacking. I guess the horrors of the business world, societal ills, and a disdain for the daily grind finally boiled over and compelled me to escape. Though I started the sport seeking philosophical enlightenment and commune with nature, I now simply enjoy the sounds of squirrels darting through the underbrush, the feeling of sore feet at the end of the day, and the habitual night time "what was that?" adrenaline rush.
I've hiked through not enough of Yellowstone. I was amazed by geological diversity, fire devastation, and the fact that bear bells preclude seeing any wildlife whatsoever. Since, I've hiked through the Smokies, part of the AT in Georgia, and am planning a trip to Alaska. I'm seeking a backpacking partner for my Alaska trip as I know of few people here in north GA who enjoy anything outside. I'm looking forward to meeting all of you on the trip!
Jim D -- Charlotte, NC
Hiking Location Preferences: From GA to PA
Born in L.A., grew up near
Pittsburgh (Beaver Falls), now live in Charlotte.
34 years old, 1 wife & 1 kid (turned 1 in Dec.). Job:
mech. designer.
Feeney -- Howell Township, NJ
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Feeney on Phil's page of Trail Talk contributors.
John
Hiking Location Preferences: PA, NY, NE
Who am I? Sometimes I ask myself that question...Don't we all? Well, my real name is John. I'm 26, 165 lbs, 6 ft 1 1/2 inches tall, hazel eyes, red hair. I have been camping since I was old enough to go in a baby carrier backpack that my parents carried me in. I have been doing backpacking trips since I was old enough to drive. I was in the cub scouts and boy scouts when I was younger. I enjoy traveling and backpacking in new places. I also have tried rock climbing, kayaking, used to mtn. bike race, fishing but no hunting, love photography. I have tried snowboarding and skiing. Love the snowboarding but never want to get on another pair of skis in all of my life! I love the state of Colorado. I have a 2 yr liberal arts degree that I can do absolutely nothing with and I am working towards a BS in Environmental Sciences. I currently am looking for a better job since I quit yesterday. I drive a 89 VW Jetta GLI and also own a 72 VW SuperBeetle. Hmmm....did I forget anything? Guess thats good enough. If you want to know more just ask....I'd be flattered. Oh Geese I can't forget...I have a wonderful girlfriend that enjoys the outdoors as much as I do!
Freedom -- SC
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Freedom on Phil's page of Trail Talk contributors.
Claudia
Hiking Location Preferences: SC, NC, TN, GA (Foothills of the Appalachian Mtns & Pisgah National Forest)
Visit
gENE on Phil's page of Trail Talk contributors.
Gene Reed
Hiking Location Preferences: anywhere
I'm 40 going on 18. Married, no kids at home. 5"11 and 215. Albino with a ponytail to my belt.
During the day I manage the automation support helpdesk at Ft. Bragg, N.C.
Road bike a lot along with SCUBA. Do some underwater photography when I can. Love being outside!! Wish I could get a driver's license.
Houngan -- KY
Hiking Location Preferences: none listed
Anyway, I'm 6'2" (really! I am! And I have no insecurities! Why are you all looking at me!?!?! Aiggghghghg!!!) 180#, and, ta-da a sprightly 26 years old. I grew up on 400 acres in southern Kentucky, and have recently been bitten (again) by the outdoor bug . Hobbies include everything, currently. I've always loved James Bond movies, not because of the gadgets, or the women, but because he knew how to do EVERYTHING. I guess I'm an experience/learning junkie. Over the last year, I earned my SCUBA cert., bought a backpack and have completed my gear (gotta get into the woods so I can feel justified in posting on this board), begun learning Spanish, plan to hit the blacks for the first time on the ski slopes this year, received my MCSE, found a wonderful girlfriend, developed a taste for gin, and taught myself origami and knot tying.
I suppose that my goal right now is to keep up with my imagination. I'm a networking geek with a software company (I suppose the MCSE kinda suggested that), so I have a nifty net connection and some free time to post to this board, which is by far the best I've run across on any subject. Pleased to meetcha.
Idiot BoB -- Coatesville, PA
Visit
Knucklehead Smith on Phil's page of Trail Talk contributors.
Hiking Location Preferences: North Pole
My real name isn't BoB. It's Robert. I'm really immature for any age. I am gainfully employed, but rarely work.
I stole my motto from AE Newman. "What me worry?"
I started backpacking a few years ago when I found out from Baf that the Feds were going to destroy my still. Moving it further into the woods was the best thing I could do.
I'm an alcoholic and a chain smoker who also chews tobacky.
I like to scratch myself in public (aspiring baseball player) and loan out my hiking gear.
My ears constantly drain because of the concussion from when my still last blew up.
Let's see now, hmmm. Am I forgettin' anythang? Oh yeah, if'n any of you gals find me fascinatin' let me know. Maybe we could hook up an have a chaw spittin' contest for starters.
jen -- VA
Jenny Jenkins
Hiking Location Preferences: VA, WV, NC, PA
Late spring early summer
I'm a 34 yr old single (alone but not lonely) female, 5'5" in my boots and in good shape. I love doing anything outdoors. I'm new to L.D. backpacking, usually just do day trips, but following this site has really fired me up to do some serious stuff now!! With the help of a patient few to show me the ropes. I work as a Cartographer but am tired of sitting in front of a computer all day and am considering going back to school to study wildlife biology or something like that.
My kid - I have an Australian Shepard that goes everywhere with me, including the trail - she's very well behaved - great trail etiquette.
latuer -- GA
lizs -- IA
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lizs on Phil's page of Trail Talk contributors.
Lisa Brainard
Hiking Location Preferences:
Just turned 40, though I think I'm 20. Divorced, 5'4", in good shape, brown hair, brown eyes. (There does that complete my "singles" form?? LOL) Looking for...oh, no, wait a minute... I like volleyball, wallyball, hiking and mountain biking. Have done day hiking trips in Colorado Rockies and in southern Utah. Have taken vacations by myself..love the independence and you meet so many people! Like old ghost towns, old railroad history, old mining areas. Can also be found "recreating" in my "backyard," area near confluence of Wisconsin and Mississippi rivers. You know, Marquette and Joliet were first white people here. Am lifestyles editor at a small paper. Also do freelance midwest/misc. travel writing and photography. Am a cat person..most often cat's on lap when I'm on computer. Am a "magazine-aholic". Oh--drink too much Pepsi and drive too fast...LOL. Would like to try backpacking after reading this (Trail Talk) site!!
Maggie Hudson,
Maggie is 42, single with children. She enjoys "all" outdoor sports! Maggie's been hiking for a few years, and solo hikes often. She canoes, bike rides, and takes her dog also. The dog's name is Zowy, and she carries her own pack, her food, water plus a few extra items.
jmac -- OH
Jerry Mc Graw
Hey there, I am a SWM,nice person,(at least that is what I am told) 48 years, from Dayton,OH. My name is Jerry Mcgraw I am a avid camper and backpacker, although fairly new to the backpacking arena.. I support myself as a Facility Mgr. at a local Managed Service Organization. I enjoy traveling and the ocean/island scene.
Meerkat -- NH
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Meerkat on Phil's page of Trail Talk contributors.
Beth Starkey
Hiking Location Preferences: NH, ME, VT, NY
My name is Beth and I currently live in the seacoast area of New Hampshire. I can't believe it, but I've been hiking for 10 years now. I'm 34 & single. I discovered this backpacker website in March of this year and observed quite a lot before I started contributing to it. Now I'm addicted and have really come to know quite a few of you. I even had the chance to meet & hike with two people from the west coast this past summer (my first time out there & it's beautiful!).
I'm currently a secretary in the engineering department of an environmental company. I may soon be laid off (and therefore am planning my next adventure, which is to travel & hike my way to the west coast, hopefully getting to meet more people from this site on my way).
I am a member of New H ampshire's 4,000 Footer Club (having hiked the 48 peaks of 4,000 ft. & above on the list). I've done the section of the A.T. from Gorham to Grafton Notch. I've done a little rock climbing and even tried ice climbing once. I also really love to play frisbee. I just love to be outdoors and have adopted a contributor's favorite quote, which is "Any day in the woods is a good day!"
When I'm not hiking, I'm enjoying my other hobby, which is making my own greeting cards, journals, etc. using art rubber stamps.
NOTE: Go figure, someone adoptin' a sayin' from Idiot BoB.
Nigal -- Piqua, OH
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Nigal on Phil's page of Trail Talk contributors.
Craig Turner
Hiking Location Preferences: MI - TN, IA - PA
My real name is Craig Turner. 29 going on 18 and married to my soalmate for 10 years now. My wife says that it only seems like 10 minutes...under water! I'm a personal care giver for two guys with developmental disabilities. I live in west-central Ohio in cornfield country. I like to hike about one weekend a month. I am currently working on my doctrine degree in "life experiences". I am 6'1" and weigh 265lbs (which is about as big boned as you can be without being fat!) and am in surprisingly good shape. I love to read and get outdoors.
Pamster -- NC
Hiking Location Preferences: NC, GA, VA, TN
40 something m/f, brown hair and eyes average hieght and in okay shape (could use a bit of tweeting) 2 kids ages 20 (still can't believe she's 20) and 15. Love camping of any kind. I kayak and play judo. To earn my keep I am a laboratory administrator for an EEG (electroenchepholography) lab at a Medical Center in NC. I love animals. Have 2 cats, 2 dogs, 2 ferrets, three fish tanks and a koi pond.
Visit
pemsit on Phil's page of Trail Talk contributors.
Hiking Location Preferences: Smokey Mountain NP area
Pvt. Pyle -- VA
Hiking Location Preferences: South Carolina up north to the southern 1/2 of PA
Time preference: May 20th to Aug 10th
Male, 6'3", 200 + too many lb. I like the outdoors, hope to either go into microbiological r&d, or environmental law, or marine biology. I currently work at Domino's Pizza and may possibly own my own franchise someday. I am also currently looking into the stock market. I want to invest in it in the summer when I have the $$, but I may not because it's a "bear market" right now. I hope the East Coast trips work out.
redneckyankee -- OH
Dave
Hiking Location Preferences: MI, TN, and maybe NH
Name is Dave. 35 y/o, single 6'1" 230lbs. No kids. Mostly out of shape but seem to get by fairly well. Smoke too much. Don't drink. Live in NW Ohio. Employed as a Clincial Social Worker. Currently interviewing for a a position with a different company. Fairly recently relocated back to the midwest to be closer to family after living in Fl. for about 8-10 years (who knows how long for sure?). Love the outdoors (if I didn't I would not be at this web site), been car camping and day hiking my whole life and have just recently gotten into backpacking. Thus far I've done two very short overnight (solo) trips. Planning my first 3 day trip (solo) for this weekend!!
Smiley -- AL
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Smiley on Phil's page of Trail Talk contributors.
Lee Hollingsworth
Hiking Location Preferences: AL
45 year old male, 5'10, 155 lbs, mechanical engineer living in North Alabama. Conflicted by desires for lightwt BPing and gearhead. Aspiring to thru hike AT. Due to professional life totally involved in man-made stuff, am all the more overwhelmed by getting outdoors and seeing what God has made.
Snowman -- WI
Rob
Hiking Location Preferences:
My name is Rob I am 34 5' 6 160# married to a girl who likes camping in summer only. Have two girls 3 next month and 5. Work homehealth in Respiratory therapy. I camp and hike year round. Like canoeing and hiking with my kids. Work with Boy Scouts. Philmont- Been there, ready to go again. Live in Wisconsin.
Todd -- O' Canada
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Todd on Phil's page of Trail Talk contributors.
Hiking Location Preferences:
Ok... who I am.. my name is as above, add "Arthur Allan Ward" and you have the whole enchilada. I have several nicknames, depending on whom your talking with. My grandfather coined "Toddler the Waddler" for me back in 1968, and it has stuck. My brother calls me "frog" instead of the more popular "toad" I endured in school. I am 30 years old, married 7 years and now divorced. I have 2 daughters ages 8 and 5. I have been "walking in the woods" longer than I can remember. It has always been my place of peace. I am currently working myself toward a degree in Outdoor Recreation and hopefully an eventual job within the Parks Canada umbrella. I live in London Ontario. My favorite spots to pack are the Bruce Trail and Pictured Rocks National Lakeshore. I have taken trips to BC and Newfoundland, but I am not considering myself anything but a novice backpacker. I care to have very little money in life, and consequently I have acheived this! :-) I spend what money I make improving my mind and body and spirit. I am looking forward to meeting some of you soon. It has been enjoyable learning about you all.
twigeater -- ME
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twigeater on Phil's page of Trail Talk contributors.
Melissa
Hiking Location Preferences: Rarely go out of state, but what the heck.
My name is Melissa, I'm 39, 5'7", blonde hair, blue eyes, have a 19 year old son, soon to be grandma, and am single. I have worked for the State of Maine for 14 years.
Wall-Man -- LI, NY
Hiking Location Preferences: PA, NY, CT, MA, NH, VT, ME (VA or WV for 2 - 3 nighter)
This feels strange...I think I like the anonomity of the web, but here goes...
I'm 33, 6' 1" 200pds been married for 9 years, now separated and we are currently working towards a long, fairly amicable, and overdue divorce. Have two outstanding children (boys), my best friends, who will be turning 9 and 6 next month, and a great 9 1/2 month old Lab mix for a trail partners.
Been camping since I was 3 - growing up my familiy used to spend 5 straight weeks in a tent. I started serious backpacking about 8 years ago when, frustrated with life, I booked a trip to Colorado to escape awhile, and a friend (a regular backpacker) asked if he could go. Since I had no agenda, he asked would I mind making it a bp trip. It changed my life - I went there miserable, and for 9 days I scrambled up mountains, pushed my limits, and was rewarded with fantastic views and a sense of accomplishment. When I returned, I knew that I could tackle any problem - change any situation - just how bad do I want it.
I still hike with that guy once or twice a year, and I always plan something that is beyond what we usually can do - but we try.
I'm a pretty sucsessful exec for an advertising company, something I owe to my sense of responsiblity to my kids and to that Colorado trip.
By the way, I really do enjoy all you folks, and appreciate being a part of what we have here.
Take me back to the ECT Main Page
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