Forward by Rob Espuga

When Gramps asked me to write a forward for Team Hike The Book and explain what Team Hike means to me a world of feelings, memories and emotions rushed into my head.  I remember when my older brothers used to take me hiking.  They stole a bunch of backpacks and tents (we're Spanish by the way) and took me up to highpoint to get high.  I was eight.  From that weekend on I had backpacking in my blood.   

In College I was planning a gay weekend in the woods with Kevin McGloin when Boner caught wind of it and we asked him to join us.  I was dating three women at the time so I figured what the heck, I could pass on this opportunity to hook up with Boots.  I figured there would be plenty of time for that in the future anyway.  As luck would have it five other Pi Kapps wanted to come along and Team Hike was born.  I'll never forget how those idiots packed for that first trip.  I told them pack light, only water, food and an extra layer of cloths.  You can imagine how hard I was laughing inside when I saw them show up with gallons of water, canned food and dressed in layers so they didn't have to carry the clothing.  Their packs must have weighed about 100 LBS each!  I have to admit I was a little worried when we headed up the wrong trail for a half-mile.  I thought Gramps the fat slob was going to keel over right then and there.

As the years passed and I became a bigger and bigger jerk I'm glad to see these guys have kept my dream alive.  They have been getting gay in the woods now three times a year!  I occasionally make a hike and when I do it is the best.  These guys are still packing like idiots but at least they are weighing themselves down with beer and steak instead of gallons of water and cans of beef stew.  I'm also glad they kept my dream of bringing guys into the wood that aren't Pi Kapps.  I admit I felt a little awkward at first when I brought Jeffery on Team Hike but when I see some of these guys friends I don't feel nearly as bad.  Looking forward I look forward to going on at least a few more hikes with my only request being more enchiladas.