The author has been hiking, backpacking, and cross-country skiing throughout the American West for several decades. He continues to enjoy long backpacking treks through remote sections of the Grand Canyon, as well as hiking and backpacking trips elsewhere in the American West. A life-long writer and photographer, the author has published more three dozen books. His day jobs have included wildland fire fighter, part-owner of an outdoor shop, and computer consultant. He is currently a 9,000-hour professional pilot.