Hi everyone!

Been a lurker at the site for a little bit, and figure it is about time to introduce myself.  My name is Aaron, I'm 33 years old, and I've had the hiking bug for about 6 years now.  After a nearly hike-free year (lived in the Bay Area of Cali during '07...ugggh), I am back in the beautiful Northwest and itching to get out and about.

Grew up in Tahoe and meandered a bit in those areas and Yosemite when I was young.  More recently I've mainly hiked in the Gorge, Mt. Hood, and Saint Helens areas, but am looking for some tips on other great ventures.  Hoping to do a Jefferson to Hood trip this summer.

I'm a recovering goth-kid and life-long horror fanatic...and I am probably the only hiker on the trails with black fingernails and Frankenstein patches on my pack!  Wouldn't have it any other way :)  I also search out the occasional letterbox and would be interested in conversing with anyone who thinks rubber stamps are cooler than Geocaching!!

Good to meet you all, and looking forward to swapping stories, pictures and questions in the future!

Aaron

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"Nature does not hurry, yet everything is accomplished." -Lao Tzu

Welcome to the site Aaron.  I'm sorry you're first experience here was a database problem!

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What do you suppose is around that next bend?

Thanks!  To be honest, I was pretty sure I was doing something wrong...I'm just glad to know I wasn't being outwitted by a forum posting :)

 

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"Nature does not hurry, yet everything is accomplished." -Lao Tzu

Hey Aaron,

Welcome to the site.  Glad you found us.   Black fingernails!  Well I'll know it's you if I see you!  :)

 

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Jeff - Site Admin

Someday you'll take me home to live forever....up on the mountain
S. Chapman

Welcome, Aaron - we need more goth hikers in the woods..! In fact, I'm thinking REI needs to produce a goth line of tents and packs (black, of course).

Along those lines, I watched a biker dude roll into the Elowah/Nesmith trailhead on Sunday, peel off his leathers, put on a pair of hiking boots and pack, and head up toward Nesmith Point. Cool!

Tom

Thanks for the welcome guys!  While I haven't looked like a mall-rat Marilyn Manson wannabe for about 10 years now, some habits do die hard :)  Nowadays its jeans, converse and a t-shirt, but you'll know me if you see me I'm sure.  Misfits stickers on my Nalgenes and Frankenstein patches on my packs. 

It would be nice if there were more stereotypically "un-outdoorsy" types spreading the word amongst their peers that a few nights in the woods will define the real you much more than your clothing!

Anywho, I am loving this community, these forums and my new favorite site...thanks again!

-Aaron 

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"Nature does not hurry, yet everything is accomplished." -Lao Tzu

Hey Aaron

Welcome back to the PNW. The Bay Area is a nice place to visit ( especially if you like to eat ) but I am truly sorry you had to actually live there.

If you ever want to head up towards Seattle there is a hike you might really like its called "Gothic basin". It is up around Big Four. I have never done it my self but it is on my list of hikes to do. I have spent a lot of time around there and its beautiful country. Check it out.

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Everybodys got somthing to hide......Except for me and my monkey!