2012 Year’s End Review

Wow, 2012 was a great year! I’ve never done so much traveling in my life, and I’m not complaining. Backpacking has given me the opportunity to see some pretty amazing things across the country, and what has started as a hobby is quickly becoming an addiction!

Below is a quick rundown on some of the note worthy “stats” for my 2012 year:

I drove 30,000 miles
Visited 20 states
Hiked approx. 190 miles
Climbed my first 14er, solo
Witnessed the largest forest fire in New Mexico history while hiking in the Gila Wilderness
Went sky diving for the 3rd time in 3 different states
Went to Florida and visited 3 new springs: Troy Spring, Devil’s Den and Little River Spring
Had one of my photos make it into the Big Bend National Park 2013 Calendar (Mine is February)

You might also be interested in my 20 Best Backpacking Photos Of 2012.

Woohoo, bragging rights! Seriously though, I learned a lot this year and feel like I stepped up my hikes quite a bit. All of my backpacking trips went fairly well with only minor hiccups along the way. Most of my gear has remained the same, but I am slowly discarding things to lighten my pack. It’s just so hard to make sacrifices!

My exercise regiment may not have been as intense as it was in 2011. Last year, I had a roommate who was a very good workout partner, and we hit the weights 4 days a week for 6 months straight. I also managed to fit in 1-2 days of running per week. This year, I have had no workout partner which really sucks. No spot for the bench press and other exercises, and nobody to motivate you. I would say I averaged 2 days of weights and 1 day of running per week throughout the year. My diet has remained spot on though and I still look and feel just as good as I did last year, so no complaints!

Well, I hate to say it, but goodbye 21012… bring on the new year!! Where will I hike next? Find out in my next post: My Goals And Planned Hikes For 2012