[pct-l] Another introduction?!?!?

[John.Hildebrand at trw.com (John Hildebrand)]

Greetings all!  I've been on "the list" for almost a year now.  Thanks to everyone for their experience and knowledge....  My name is John Hildebrand and I am 32 years old.  I live in Ann Arbor, Michigan.  I  have worked for TRW Automotive (in hydraulic development) for ten long years now.  It is very unfulfilling and depressing...Life has got to be more than three measely weeks off a year to decompress.

I have always had a strong interest in thru-hikers and thru-hiking.....  The Appalacian Trial was always a goal for me....  When I finally decided to wake up and change my life, a tremendous thru-hiking opportunity presented itself.....  After some research, I found the PCT...  It was everything I was looking for..

I am planning to attempt the trail in '04.  I have average amounts of experience with backpacking including my most recent trips to Isle Royale, the Tour du Mont Blanc, and Scottish Highlands....  It is my passion and fixation (I'm sure just like all the other folks her).....I've spent the entire year reading up on all of the aspects of the journey, but this forum is an even greater education.

Growing up, my family spent most weekends camping throughout Michigan.  When I was young, we travelled across country to San Fransisco.  I lived in the Bay Area (Fremont) for three years during my most influencial years 8 - 11 years old....My dad took us to camp about everywhere.  My favorites were always Yosemite (of course), Lassen, and Lake Tahoe.....  I never forgot these places.  I have always wanted to return to California to visit (and live).  It hasn't happened since (until next April).  

Life is too short and there aren't any guarrantees (especially with lifespans). 

 As Conrad Anker said, "Life, after all, is what you make of it.  If you make it challenging, it will be a greand adventure.  If you let it slip by without ever seizing the moment and taking a chance, you will never have had a chance to glimpse your true potential."

And as John Muir said, "The mountains are calling me, and I must go."

How is that for an long-winded intro??  :-)