In 1967, while serving in the U.S. Army in Korea, Bob spent much of his spare time walking around mountain trails. After being discharged from the U.S. Army in January of 1968, Bob became interested in serious hiking. He completed his first solo hike in the Smokey Mountains National Park from the lower elevations to the very top of the Appalachian Trail. 

 

In 1969 Bob read a book by Collin Fletcher who hiked across California, south to north. From this he got the idea to be the first person to hike across his own state of Florida. This is the focus of his first book "A Walk Across Florida."

 

In 1972 Bob decided that the United States needed a backpacking magazine. He started "American Hiker" publication in mid-June of that year with a part-time volunteer staff of seven persons. He did all of the layout and design. The magazine lasted from October of that year to June of 1973.

 

In 1974 Bob built and ran the B&B Folkstone Lodge in the Smokey Montains, one mile from the National Park, Deep Creek Campground near Bryson City, North Carolina. Besides running the Inn, Bob outfitted and guided visitors to his inn on backpacking trips in the park. 

 

Today Bob lives 10 miles north of the Shenandoah National Park, still working in the mechanical engineering field. His favorite hobbies include writing books and building wood projects in his shop. He is happily married to his wife, Joanne, has five children, two by birth and three by marriage, and five grandchildren, two by birth and three by marriage. That is enough to keep one man busy!

 

Watch for Bob's two follow-ups to his first book A Walk Across Florida. Check out his books page here for more information.