Hi, I wish this board was used more too. I am about 4 hrs from the Appalacian trail. NH is the closest spot for me to pick it up. I have hiked some of it but not too much. I have done most of my hiking in the mountains of Acadia National Park in ME. We just love it there. Hiking is one of the first things I want to start doing when some of this weight comes off. My surgery was just three weeks ago tomorrow. Because I live where the weather is cold, I also want to learn to snowshoe and cross country ski. I just can't wait!!

Cookie, I`m jealouse,First you live where its warmer that I do,second,1 mile from the trail! Where did you retire from? I am going to hike more this year too.Darleen W.

Hey Darleen, sorry it has taken me so long to reply. I walked 60 miles in 3 days as part of the Avon Breast Cancer fund-raisers. It was so incredible. First I had to raise $2,500.00 which was wild for someone like me (very much an introvert - had to step outside my comfort zone). Then I had to spend one year getting ready for the walk - increasing my distance each month, toughening my feet and strenghening my muscles. Bear in mind this was during my heaviest period of morbid obesity. Needless to say, I got checked out by my doctor thoroughly before trying this. We walked from Stone Mountain GA to Metro Atlanta. We slept in tents during the night. It was easily 12 hour walking days. I was able to do 18 the first day but only 6 miles the next day and maybe 10 miles the final day. It was all such an wonderful experience that I plan on doing it again when/if they head back to the South. I would love to tackle the Appalachian Trail someday. It is really a tough trail in many places. I would also like to hike a mountain like McKinley or Olympia. I may get to do Olympia this summer. Take care of yourself. Ro

What a pity this message board isn't used more. I love hiking - the most I've ever hiked is 18 miles in one day. It was an awesome experience and that was when I weighed my heaviest - unbelieveable! Can't wait for spring and summer - warmer weather - to start getting out of doors and getting my new hiking boots broken in. I love to go awandering... (singing this now).

Hello out there, I have recently gotten back into hiking and yes I love it! If there is anyone who lives in or near Surprise that would like to join me on any given weekend please email me at [email protected]. I generally hike in the White Tanks every weekend, but could expand my horizons if you were to have any new and interesting places you would like to try! I look forward to hearing from you! Take care and God bless.