I like hiking because I can enjoy nature away from any stress in life. It clears my mind and is almost meditative to me because I stop thinking about any of my silly problems. I also like it because of the adventure it provides, and once you have the gear and transportation it's basically free.

I have been to Iguazu Falls, Yosemite, Zion, the Grand Canyon, Pikes Peak, Arches, Canyonlands, Crater Lake, Mt. Saint Helens, Yellowstone, the Grand Tetons, Mt. Rushmore, Badlands National Park, Rocky Mountain National Park, Mendenall Glacier, and a lot of other places in the U.S.

I enjoy hiking and back packing because it is physically challenging, the setting is tranquil and smells nice, and it is far removed from city life, pollution and technology. By using hiking as a way to stay physically active, you can potentially lose weight, reduce heart disease, decrease hypertension, and slow the aging process. It also offers mental health benefits by reducing stress and anxiety. Nature reminds me of my spiritual connections...because it is one of them.