I'm a retired teacher, lifelong trail lover, and writer (murder mysteries and essays, mostly). Born and bred in Seattle, WA, I've lived in Western Washington my entire life, except for four years when I was teaching overseas. I love this region's islands, rain forests, mountains, rivers, and ocean beaches, and I also love its creative, active, environmentally conscious, forward-thinking, eccentric, and down-to-earth people. LNT is my byword and wish for all of us who enjoy the outdoors. Hike on!