I was born and raised in Southern California. During my youth, I was lucky enough to have had an organized and motivated scoutmaster. We went on many camping trips throughout the years, including what we called “Sierra Trips,” which were strenuous multi-day trips in the Sierra Nevada. Because of him, I developed a lifelong passion for the outdoors.

By age 15, I had:
• Camped in the desert, beach, and on Catalina Island
• Canoed 50 miles along the Colorado River
• Climbed Mount Whitney at the end of a 9-day hike from Cedar Grove (age 12)
• Hiked for 7 days cross-country through the Sierras
• Snow-camped on San Jacinto

I moved to San Diego in 2000 and have loved it ever since.

I own Burger Bench in Escondido and have moved my passion from peakbagging to general exploration via backpacking.