Frequently Asked Questions
Q: I'm having a problem with your web site. Can you help me figure out how to...?
A: Keep in mind that I'm figuring out a lot of things as I go also. There might be certain bugs I can help with, and other issues that I can't really do anything about. If you have trouble signing up for a trip, by all means contact me (see bottom of page) and I'll do what I can to help you out.
Q: How long have you been leading these trips?
A: I first worked as an outdoor guide in 1992, and I worked for Everett Parks and Rec from 1995 until 2020. I became a self-employed guide in February of 2022. I have led nearly 3,000 outings in my career as a guide.
Q: How many trips do you do every week?
A: Check the schedule to get a good idea. Usually 3 or 4. I almost always have trips on Saturdays and Sundays, and the mid-week trips vary from week to week. The vast majority of trips are one day outings, although a few times a year I lead overnight trips that are 2 or 3 days.
Q: What sort of people come on your trips?
A: All sorts. Men, women, families, young, and not-so-young. I take kids from age 6 and up, and I frequently have participants in their 80's, and even occasionally 90's! The easier trips, especially those on weekdays, tend to be an older crowd, while the longer trips tend to be a younger crowd. We tend to have more female participants than male. Most people are generally very friendly and laid-back. After all, we do this so we can relax, get away from our worries, see some beautiful places, get some exercise, experience nature, and be with other people interested in doing the same.
Q: I'm afraid I won't be able to keep up with the other hikers. Your groups probably go pretty fast, right?
A: No, no, no, not at all. Most people starting out with me are relieved to realize that the pace is generally pretty leisurely. Our groups are out there for fun and relaxation, and to take time to enjoy the outdoors. We are not out there for an intense workout! When I lead groups on busier trails, I find most of the other hikers go faster than we do.
Q: How difficult is snowshoeing?
A: If you can walk, you can snowshoe. We don't go as fast or as far on snowshoes as we would on a snow-free trail, so the effort required is not generally any greater than many hikes. And you do NOT get as cold out there as you might think. You usually stay plenty warm just by keeping moving, and not stopping for long breaks. Give it a try, I bet you'll love it!
Q: Do you have the best job in the world, getting paid to go hiking?
A: Well, most days I would say yes. There are plenty of challenges too, like bad weather, long hours of driving, dealing with a different mix of people each time, and the physical strain of taking over 140 trips a year. But yes, I'm very fortunate to make a living doing something I love, and hopefully that comes across to everyone that I lead. We live in a wonderful part of the world, with so much to see and enjoy. I'm happy to help you get out there and enjoy it.