The perfect setting — a motley team.  

Despite limited experience together, the team learned to effectively communicate, execute and thrive in a rigorous environment.

Chris, "El Capitan"

Chris literally stumbled into his hiking obsession during a North Face Endurance trail ultra in Harriman State Park.  He felt drawn to the serene setting but realized he would like to enjoy it at a slower pace, possibly even spending the night.

A few overnights later he realized he was drawn into winter camping, snow shoeing, and became obsessed with researching longer trails in more distant locales.  After enjoying Tongariro,  Lake Waikeremoana and the Ruahine Range in New Zealand, he felt ready to attempt something as challenging back in the U.S.  The John Muir Trail was it.

Only question was who wanted to endure days filled with 10 hours of hiking, a minimum of 3,000' of daily elevation gain and loss, crappy dehydrated meals, no showers, bears, rattlesnakes, marmots, pikas and the looming specter of their own fragile egos constantly broadcasting to themselves that they couldn't make it up 'another' hill.....

Thankfully he wasn't alone:

Gustaf,  "Goose"

My half-Swedish half-brother responded to my invitation 3 weeks before our trip from Stockholm, "I've been wanting to go hiking for a while - send me a list of what I need and I'll have it all sent to my Brooklyn apartment this week."  Could this be possible?  Against all odds (and with a little guidance), Gustaf bought all his gear and collated/distributed his food supply drops in 4 days - mostly from Stockholm.  A logistics feat for the JMT, no doubt.

On the trail, Gus, with the least "hiking" experience, proved to be one of the most reliable and self-sufficient group members.  And when we bid adieu to the other four on day 7 I learned how much I truly could and needed to depend on him for the next 11 days in the deep wilderness. Tack så mycket, Gustaf.

Jason, "Mr. Wang"

An outdoor sport enthusiast, Jason had been more recently focusing on watersports (sailing, surfing, wind surfing, kite surfing) until diving into hiking on terra firma.  

Known as a powerful athlete with a clear head for executing tough decisions in tight situations , Jason stepped up to the co-captain role on the first half with aplomb. Helping me keep tabs on the collective and individual pulses/morale of the group, he was indispensable.  Thanks to him he made my job easier and everyone else's experience better.

Tyler, "True Grit"

A recent convert to backpacking, Tyler took his first trip with Jason & Chris to Harriman in November 2014, during an arctic snap - a trial by...ice.  Tyler brought along his two labs to add to the challenge, rarely slept, and after waking to a light dusting of snow asked "when are we doing this again (without the dogs)."

Tyler also recently completed a 150 mile ride from Manhattan to Montauk scarcely a month after picking up his very first road bike.  This guy does not back down from a challenge and consistently pushes himself beyond the threshold of his own abilities.

Katherine, "Hop-a-long" (Mrs. Wang)

As a high-end fitness consultant to hard-driving NY clients, Katherine is used to getting other people to achieve what they don't think they're possible of.  To do that she's had to master instruction in Pilates, TRX, Nutrition, SPX fitness, Zumba, and pre/post natal fitness and nutrition.  

Katherine has consulted with and created classes for boutique studios in and around New York City, including SLT and The Movement (MOVE by KGBody). We were all envious of how KG's insuppressible energy propelled her effortlessly down the trail. 

Lindsay, "Pocahontas"

Admittedly, Lindsay was maybe a hiker, but not an "overnight" backpacker.  In fact she couldn't remember the last time she slept in the woods and was nervous about the prospect.  Why this then?  She wanted to put herself through a different type of challenge...

She comes from a background that doesn't shy away from endurance challenges.  Lindsay has extensive experience competing at a high level in Iron Man, marathon, road and mountain biking events as well as other endurance competitions.   Lindsay's ability to dig deep and endure the long burn impressed all when she developed the worst case of blisters and pushed on through.

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Despite any of our individual backgrounds, we soon learned that without extensive high altitude training with 30-45lb packs, we were all going to suffer.

Hard.