I had a great time in 2009 Backpacking. Some of my favorite places in 09 was hiking at the Point Reyes National Park along the Tomales Trail on the coast of California. Hiking right through a National Elk Preserve was really cool.

I also enjoyed my trip to New Hampshire. I signed up for a 3 day Mountaineering Class. Met some great people, camped, and then hiked up Mt. Washington with wind gusts close to 80 mph. It was my first experience hiking with Crampons on.

Another one of my favorites was the Cohutta Wilderness in Northern Georgia. The Jacks River Trail was an awesome summer hike. You ford the river over 40 times. However, the down side was when I caught Viral Meningitis right after the trip.

My trip to Kentucky and the Red River Gorge was awesome. Great campsites, and plenty of scenery. I hope to get back there in 2010.

Spending time in the Shawnee National Forest in downstate Illinois was also fun. I never knew they had a swamp river and a Kayak trail. The things you don’t know about your own State.

My favorite moments however, was going to Trail Days 09, where I shot my first documentary. I got to spend time with a bunch of great people, hikers, and friends. I will never forget camping in tent city. I was also able to go on a 10 mile hike out of Damascus on the AT.

You can also watch the best of 2008.

Hope to see all of you on the trail in 2010.