100% Catholic. Ukrainian at the core. Born in Passaic, NJ. True loves include surfing, soccer, adventure, and hanging out with friends and family. Against all odds, I switched careers in my mid 30s- I quit my job, took a year of science courses at Passaic County Community College, and suffered through organic chemistry and core environmental health courses at East Tennessee State University for 3 years. I think I graduated a couple of days ago. If all is well, there should be a diploma on my pillow in my attic room in Clifton when I come home in October.
Reading National Geographic. Week-long camping trips with my family. Summers in the Catskills (the best mountains ever). And a trip out West with my dad, George, when I was 17. All of these experiences got me stoked about the wild places.
After college and living a year in Colorado, and dabbling with rock climbing and ice climbing, both ill-advised, I decided to take up outdoor sports which more down-to-Earth, such as backpacking.
In 1996, my brother Andrew and I set off on this very same trail on June 5, and made it 1,000 miles. We never intended to do the whole things. We got about 2/3 of the way we were supposed to: from Campo to Tuolomne Meadows in Yosemite National Park. We ENDURED the heat of Southern California, and by the time we got to the Sierras, it was a cake walk. The snows and raging spring melt rivers were mellow. It was just good living. We were eating cheddar cheese for lunch. And Starburts, as many as we wanted.
After a 10-year hiatus, in 2006, I walked the John Muir Trail, which is the gem of the PCT, with a girl I was dating at the time. Then a couple more years off. Last summer, I finally got out for a 10 day trip, this one solo, on the Long Path, NY and NJ’s very own. Surprisingly, the terrain was the most physically demanding of them all. And it got me thinking. Maybe I should give the PCT a shot.
Interview is posted on Sea Sand Surf. Hope the hike is going well.
Matt
I will read and relish! Gracias compadre!
Sent from my iPhone
Hi Danny
We just wanted to let you know that our Father John Kiernan died yesterday around 3 am at the age of 85. I ask you to pray for him and keep him in your prayers.
From your friends,
The Gasperini Family
I am riveted to your trek and cannot get enough of it! When you get to I-5 in Southern Oregon (Mt Ashland exit), call me and I will take you to Callahans for breakfast, lunch or dinner.
Serious, send me an e-mail confirmation and I will treat you to the best Mountain food in Southern Oregon. You deserve it!
Scott (FamilyMan)
BTW, I am doing 66 miles on the PCT next week from Hwy 140 to Crater Lake and taking my wife and 4 teenagers. I suspect there will be a lot of crying. You should come write about it!
I’ve just discovered your amazing descriptions of your days on the PCT. Having lived in Sierra City for 36+ years, the PCT hikers are harbingers of spring just a surely as the birds. I’ve met some wonderful hikers during my daily walks on the PCT with my two dogs. My father lived in what was once the old schoolhouse in Sierra City. He died last year at age 90 and loved to give the hikers cold watermelon as they walked past his home on the highway. Bill and Mary Margaret, new owners of the Moose, have unfortunately met with some resistance to their providing food and facilities to the passing hikers by the county powers that be. Bill seems to be willing to continue the fight to exercise his right to feed and provide shelter to whomever he chooses on his private property. You should know that many of the local residents when they heard of the harassment of Bill have responded strongly. Bill and Mary have begun to receive donations and much moral support so that they can continue giving hikers a haven during their trek.
Have a wonderful, safe journey.
Hi Indy
Such a joy to meet you, give you a lift into Sierra City and now to read about your travels. Ed took me on my first back back trip during the Perseus meteor shower. I hope to some day to travel some of the PCT, you are an inspiration. Have a safe journey.
Good to meet you yesterday! My husband and I were the two SAR members (on horseback) who had just found our missing 3 lost young women hikers. I’m sure you ran into several more members of our SAR team after leaving us! We had several folks on the trails around Matthieu Lakes searching as well.
Thank you so much for sharing some of your valuable food with the hikers when you saw them. Although they didn’t think they were “lost” they had very concerned family members waiting for them. AND, they were not prepared for the below freezing night they endured with only light weight hoodies for warmth.
After getting them warmed up with our extra SAR clothes and fed. We loaded them on the horses, including Elvis the dog, and headed back to the trail head. It was a happy adventure for all. These young women were the NICEST and most grateful subjects I have come across in my 6 years in SAR.
Good luck on your adventure. We are enjoying your blog.
All the Best!
Sue & Gary
Bend, OR
10/13/10… The wind whispers… Is it true?! IS IT TRUE?!!!
I know this is not in the right spot, but i’m trying to send you a comment w/o subscribing.
i’m honored to have been included in this, and am really happy to hear you made it safely to Manning Park.
Thank you for the trail note! (to J- from Flagstaff) that was my first and only paper note that i got and I LOVED it.
I didn’t realize that you and Flyboxer were responsible for the “snakes” on the trail. they helped me out immensely, especially the one where you wrote “NO.” I would have taken that trail and been wandering around the woods by myself for days. I also have talked to other hikers who followed the squigley lines in the dirt.
many many hikers send their appreciation. welcome home and good luck w/ re-entry into non-trail life.
take care – jowie
Hi Indie and congrats on your completion of the PCT!! I am happy to report that last Sunday Ursa Major and about 11 other hikers left Dinsmore’s Hiker Haven bound for Stehekin and then the finish. When you get time send me your email address and I will keep you informed.
Cheers,
Ursa Major’s Dad
scott@tariuswines.com