I’m a Backpacker. I usually go a few times a year and it often is “The Highlight”. For the hardcore trips I go with a group of guys. I’m usually in the Northern Rockies. I take my daughter once a year. And when I can get her to do it, I take my wife – “Love”. It takes serious planning to go backpacking, and it’s dangerous – you have to be in shape, equipped, and prepared. I’ve been throwing the pack on and going out in the wood for a lot of years, I think 15 years or so now. 

The first time I went, it was pure passion and zero knowledge or skill. I learned a lot of lessons during that trip. It hurt. After that first time, I’d say I have learned one very important and distinct lesson every year. I’m going to try and remember in chronological order and list the lessons below in one of the Articles. Always in anticipation of my next trip, I am excited as to what is going to be this years mystery lesson – because there will be one…

I’m also a Fisherman. And not for the mere 15 years I’ve been backpacking – I’ve been fishing for 50+ years complements of my father. And I can think like a fish…The majority of that time I was spin fishing, both Ocean and Lake. But for the last 15 years (coincident with the backpacking interestingly enough) I’ve added fly-fishing. And whereas I’d say I know spin fishing well on still water, with 15 years of trying hard I’m getting there with the fly rod. I catch fish. And I do love fly fishing on moving water! But I’m no expert. 

If there is one part of the OCEAN BREEZE website that I do believe I can add value, backpacking and fishing while backpacking is going to be it. I’ve been through a lot of lessons, a lot of equipment, and a lot of mountain terrain. I Live For These Things  – as well as everything else on this website – but passion is MASSIVE on this one!