I was surrounded by life and beauty. My soul was content, and my life felt full.

Hiking is great because it's a lifelong sport and you're outdoors, active, so whether you call that a sport or a hobby or a recreation, I think the wording - it's a great way to get exercise, and it can be as challenging as you want to make it.

Something deep within me connected with hard work, nature and simplicity.

Our bodies are made to move, and moving down the trail is one of the oldest, natural ways people have used their bodies.

One thing I think I've always felt about being in nature is that it's a very natural taste.

I was surrounded by life and beauty. My soul was content, and my life felt full.

My motivation to keep hiking was rooted in the magnificent details of the Appalachian Mountains, and the more I poured myself out - the more energy I gave the trail - the more it gave me in return.