About me

My name is David Somers. I live in Central Florida on a 10-acre ranch with my wife, two Dobermans and about 500 domestic animals. I recently retired from a 40-year career as a technical writer. I enjoy running, brewing, bicycling, gardening and playing video games. However, newly out of the employment gate, I wanted to do something BIG before settling down to the serene life of ranching.

I got the backpacking bug, when I learned that the brother of one of my running buddies had been hiking the Appalachian trail in sections over the years. It sounded like a wonderful adventure. After a few shakedown hikes on the Florida Trail, I joined Pete on the Shenandoah section of the AT. After that, it became clear to me that a “thru hike” was in my future. My goal is to complete the Pacific Crest Trail in 2021.

The purpose of this blog is to share my hiking experience with my friends. I am humbled by how many want to follow me on this quest. Therefore, my first audience is the person who would not or could not make this hike. Please forgive me if I explain things that even the most casual hiker would know.

Occasionally, I may add posts that have nothing to do with hiking. I am a writer, after all, so I can’t help myself.

Finally, let me say a word about “chickenflea.” He is a close friend who has no filter. He insists on being a part of this blog. He would settle for nothing less than admin privileges. Occasionally he may add a quotation or even an entire post. I take no responsibility for what he says. He is generally a nice guy, but he does have certain “trollish” tendencies. Pay him no mind and all will be well.