Hometown: Muscatine

Major: Psychology

Why I wanted to go on the trip: I wanted to go because I was looking for some sort of a challenge in my life, something to train for and look forward to.

Area of expertise: Preventative first aid/illness prevention

Most enjoyable hike and why: It's hard to pick out my favorite hike. I really enjoyed the day hike at the Pacific because the scenery was unique and some parts of the trail were similar to an obstacle course. I also had a great time climbing Belford and Eagle Cap.

Most beautiful sight of the trip: It's impossible for me to select one most beautiful sight. Maybe I am partial to the very first sight of the ocean - hiking down the wooded trail and seeing the mass of ocean just peeking through the dense trees.

Funniest moment of the trip: Possibly the funniest thing that happened on the trip for me was visiting the dam and going on the "dam" tour, seeing the "dam" fish, riding the "dam" elevator…I really felt like I laughed constantly the entire trip.

The most important thing I learned about backpacking: I learned immeasurable things about backpacking. Maybe the most important was the technique of keeping warm at night, even though I never really mastered that. I also learned that creativity is very important in backpacking - if you have a problem to solve, there are no real rules.

The most important thing I learned about myself: I knew I was physically capable of doing the trip, but I learned that I am capable of doing a lot of things that I would have depended on other people for in the past - like putting up my pain-in-the-ass tent, lighting the stove, etc.

Favorite thing about the van rides: My favorite things about the van rides was talking and laughing with people about what we did "when we were kids," sleeping, being able to stop to go to the bathroom, and learning about Kristen.

Favorite overnight stay: My favorite overnight stay was in Leadville at the church were Molly Brown was married. Everyone was in a really up mood that night.

Would I do it again and why: I would certainly do something like this again. Among other reasons, I'd do it simply because it was fun. I had a terrific time and I thank Rick and Lynne, as well as Holly and the other journey people who contributed to it.