Introduction

Where do I start?

First, I'm a teacher, not that it defines me, nor does it affect my physical stature nor hiking abilities, however it does denote a level of stress, and further explains the preciousness of time available to me in a given year. I know, teachers get a long summer break equating to ample time to pursue various endeavors, which is precisely the reason why this current endeavor has begun in the appropriate month of June.

However, my reason for introducing myself to you an a teacher is to one, stress my need, after a long and tiring school year, to get out, get in shape, and get back to a certain calm only achievable, for me, through nature, but also to add to the explanation as to why I chose such an endeavor. My school year is filled to the brim with planning, grading, meetings, and much more. I find my evening company to be a glass of wine and a stack of essays.

In addition to my employment, I also am a new home owner which fills up my weekends with various home improvement projects and gardening when the weather permits. Add to all of this a rather troublesome love-life, much in part to my hectic schedule, combined with a few... not-so-positive choices and, well there you have it... ample need to get out, get away, get centered, and get healthy, on more levels than one.

All of this brings me to my mission. 52 weeks in the year, and more than 52 perfectly acceptable hiking trails in the Placer county area, and beyond.

My method: buy an area map, Tahoe National Forest to be precise, a trail guide book, good hiking shoes, and grab the leash so that my four legged best friend can join me. My goal is to hike one trail a week, with my dog, and in the process get myself back into shape both physically, mentally, and emotionally. A byproduct of this endeavor is this blog, where readers, like you, get to not only follow my hopeful transformation back into a better me, but also find local hikes with accurate reviews, pictures, and humorous anecdotes.

I hope you enjoy reading as much as I'm going to enjoy exploring these hikes for you.