In 2011, I had 2 months of joblessness and decided to try my hand (foot?) at long distance hiking. After 49 days and 500 miles, I was sold. I met my future husband two weeks before driving to Springer, and we've spent the intervening years hiking, climbing, kayaking and adventuring together as much as possible. We finished the AT in the fall of 2014, hiking from Katahdin to the VA/TN border and, two days later, our wedding. We're gearing up for the Colorado Trail in 2016, closely followed by the PCT. I should also mention our son (the furry kind), Jake, who goes on almost all of our hikes. He's famous for his double high-fives and puppy kisses.