
| My name is John Austin Ridge. I am currently 53 years old. I have always been in love with nature and the outdoors but my interest in the Southwest in particular developed when my family lived on White Sands Missle Base in southern New Mexico in the mid-60's. My current hiking passion began a few years ago with my first significant conquest, the South Loop trail to the summit of Mt. Charleston outside of Las Vegas. My hiking passion is fueled by my love of America and it's natural resources and all of the heathful benefits that hiking has brought me. Five years ago I was 6'1" and 224 lbs. Today I am still 6'1" but am now 182 lbs. Hiking doesn't deserve all the credit but exercising while hiking rim to rim in the Grand Canyon is certainly a lot more interesting than 11 hours on a stair stepper. These pages are here for your enjoyment. I only ask one thing, that when you vote please consider how we need to protect these treasures not only in our lifetime but for our children's children's lifetimes. |