Newly 30, mother of 4, graduate student, teacher, and backpacker.

My family never really camped while I was growing up, but somehow I found a way to nurture a love of backpacking anyway. I love the solitude, the grandeur and variety of the world around me.

I've hiked, camped, and backpacked all over, from Hawaii to Wisconsin (15 miles in one day, 7 mo. pregnant with baby #2), and even a memorable trip in Scotland (4 mo. pregnant with baby #1). Though I haven't done a lot of outdoor sports, I'll give it a shot sometime; but in the meantime I'll keep finding my solace as I move through the world on my own two feet, usually with my husband and kids right by my side (you know you're doing it right when they go to bed asking to climb a mountain the next day).