10 Questions with Portland author Paul Gerald: Part 2

Last week I interviewed Portland author and internet radio host Paul Gerald. Here is the conclusion of that interview.

Of all the positives that hiking has to offer, what are its foremost attributes for you?

"A particular, serene state of mind and body that I get further into as I hike more. The best is about Day 4 of a backpack, when I’m in the groove physically and mentally, carrying everything I need on my back, and feeling quite free and joyful."

What’s the hike you most want to do that you haven't done yet?

"Across Washington on the PCT. I’ve done pieces of it, maybe 200 miles, but I like those epic walks, and Washington is an amazing place."

You’ve been hiking in a lot of areas throughout the country. What makes hiking in the Pacific Northwest so special?

"We have great scenery, water is everywhere, temperatures are mild, and it doesn’t take too much effort to find a place you can nearly have to yourself. There’s also the variety, with big mountains, glaciers, beaches, desert, amazing forests, rivers and lakes."

Have you had any odd or interesting occurrences while hiking?

"Plenty! A few that come to mind are almost tripping over a moose in Grand Teton National Park, watching a black bear eat huckleberries from about 10-15 feet away, and seeing a tree fall in the forest. Last fall I was headed up Mount Whitney in California and encountered a guy with a thick southern accent. I asked where he was from, one thing led to another, and it turns out he took some college classes from a great uncle of mine in Mississippi. When I told my mom about this later, I found out there’s a decent chance me and this guy are distant cousins."

What projects are you currently working on?

"I just finished up the second edition of Breakfast in Bridgetown. Next up is creating digital versions of that book, as well as apps for the iPhone and iPad. I am building a vast, multi-media breakfast empire!
After that I have some other book ideas to publish, some of which are outdoorsy. I’d like to do something about trees in Portland, and I think somebody should do the definitive guide to the Oregon Coast Trail. There are also a few sports books to do, a collection of my travel stories, and eventually more hiking guides."

Paul Gerald is a best-selling author and host of the weekly internet radio show, Breakfast in Bridgetown.

For more of Adam's writing, reviews, and photography, visit AdamSawyer.com