Q: How did you get started?
A: My dad took me hiking where I grew up, in the Pittsfield State Forest, in Massachusetts, at age 10. I hiked the Appalachian Trail at 18, which was my real start. My mentor is Ed Garney, who hiked the AT in 1970 and wrote the book, "Appalachian Hiker," which I carried on my thru-hike and whom I met on the trail.

Q: Where is the best place to hike in Maine for a beginner?
A: For a daytrip in southern Maine, Pleasant Mountain. Also there's Chick Hill in Bangor, Caribou in Evans Notch and of course Acadia National Park, a "hiker's paradise." These offer many options and are not too far away from things.

Q: What's your favorite Maine place to hike
A: Evans Notch area — Caribou Mountain. This hike has every thing you need in a small mountain with great views, a variety of terrain and it's an interesting place as well.

Q: What's the best way to explore Maine through hiking?
A: Go slow, enjoy the scenery, relax. See the views and surroundings at 2 miles per hour or less, that's the best way to go.

Q: What's your most treasured piece of gear?
A: Definitely my camera, and my sleeping bag which has been everywhere with me. It's old and stinky but it still does the job. It's been a good friend

Q: How does one choose an instructor or guidebook or course?
A: There's no guide needed for hiking. Just get out and do it. LL Bean, Eastern Mountain Sports and Maine Outdoor Adventure Club offer courses in basic backcountry skills. A comprehensive guide book will include up-to-date topographic maps, is easy to read, and has a thorough description.

Q: What are some common mistakes that beginners make?
A: They often take too much gear and food. And they don't break their hiking boots in ahead of time, which should be done over a few prior shorter hikes .

Q: What are some of the most common hazards of hiking in Maine?
A: Common hazards include hypothermia, which happens more often in summer when people are wearing cotton. Remember: no cotton. Use polypropelene tops and nylon shorts or pants. Ticks and stream crossings are another hazzard. Be careful in high water in the spring and fall. Don't hike alone and tell someone back home where you're going.

Q: What's the most important thing you need to enjoy a hike?
A: A good attitude. Enjoy it, leave your 'baggage'"at home. Just go out and do it.

Q: What's the worst thing that's ever happened to you on a hike?
A: Descending Bigelow Mountain after I injured my knee to a point where I was immobile.

Q: And the best?
A: Finishing the AT on top of Katahdin.

Q: Any apocryphal stories, legends or myths about Maine hikes that you'd like to de-bunk?
A: Sleeping in the woods isn't as bad as you think. You won't get attacked by bears, but your food may be eaten by chipmunks.

Q: Is there something that you do that most other hikers don't, or advise against?
A: I hike alone alot, which is not advised at all. But you have to make the judgment call based on your experience level. I feel I have enough experience, where I can get myself out of almost anything and I have experience with the terrain.

Q: What words of advice or pearls of wisdom do you give to beginners?
A: Don't be afraid to try new things. Just get out and do it. Know your abilities, have confidence in yourself and you'll do just fine. The alternative is sitting on your couch watching TV and eating chips, and that's no fun. We live in one of the most beautiful places in the world and we should take advantage of it. Life is short and you're dead for a long time.

Q: What other places in the world do you like and how do they compare to Maine?
A: I like the Sierra Nevada range of California, but it's second to Maine.

Q: What's the best time of year for hiking and why?
A: September has warm and sunny days, clear blue skies, and the leaves are changing. It's the most refreshing time of year and unfortunately it goes by very fast.

— Interview by Ellen Kanner, MaineToday.com

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Carey Kish's Backpacking Gear List Everything you need (and then some) for three-season backpacking in Maine Kish says: Go light — but take what you need! Strive to keep your pack weight down to maximize comfort — about a quarter of your body weight at the most. Maine weather is variable, especially in the mountains, so you must be prepared, but don't overdo it. You'll be surprised by what you can do without. The following should serve the average backpacker from spring through fall. Pick and choose depending upon weather and location. Some items, like tent and stove, can be shared with other trip members. Go light and free the body and soul! Recommended Clothing Good boots, waterproofed Wool/synthetic socks and liners, plus spares Shortie gaiters Synthetic T-shirt and shorts Sun hat/baseball cap Bandannas Synthetic long-johns (or tights) and long-sleeved top Wind and rain top/bottom (preferably Gore-Tex) Wool or fleece hat and gloves or mittens Fleece jacket or vest Down vest Camp shoes (sandals or sneakers) Recommended Equipment Trekking poles Pack (4000 to 5000 cu. in.) Waterproof cover for your pack Tent Sleeping bag rated to 20 degrees F Insulating sleeping pad Plastic ground sheet Two water bottles (better yet, get a Platypus or similar hydration system) Water filter/purifier or tablets Backpack stove and fuel/fuel bottle Cook pot Cup, bowl, utensils, pot gripper, lighter Pocket knife Headlamp or flashlight and spare batteries Compass and guidebook or map (and the ability to use both) Sunscreen and lip balm Insect repellent Candle stub Personal First Aid Kit (stuff for blisters, cuts and scrapes, personal medications etc.) Toilet kit Small repair kit (nylon cord, needle, thread, duct tape etc.) Trash bag (for packing out everything you pack in!) Optional Reading material Notebook/pen Camera/film Binoculars Small towel Food Suggestions Take what you like to eat, but try to keep things simple, quick, and easy to prepare. One-pot cooking is best for starters. Plan for about 2 lbs. of food per person per day. It's really all you need. Breakfast: oatmeal, cereal, powdered milk, bagels, cream cheese, coffee, tea, cocoa Lunches: granola bars, chocolate bars, cheese, breads/crackers, sausage/pepperoni, hard candy, jerky, cookies, fruit Dinners: instant soups, pasta, rice, canned tuna or chicken, hot drinks, pudding for dessert What else: Kish says, "Have fun! It's why we go to the woods. Relax, go slow, look around you, enjoy. Forget about work for a while. Let the magic of the woods and mountains flow into you." To top of page