Meet Jason Morris: Outdoor Enthusiast

		Name: Jason S. Morris
		Age: 32
		Location: Farmington, NH
		Outdoor Activities: Hiking, Photography

Can you give us a brief bio of yourself?

I grew up in Alton at the Southern tip of Lake Winnipesaukee. So we were always close to the White Mountain National Forest. My parents would bring us kids up to the Swift River for swimming on hot summer weekends. We also did a lot of hiking. When I was 10 I hiked my first 4000 foot mountain (Mt. Adams) with my Uncle. From then on I was hooked to NH's National Forest Mountains. My mother and I hiked all over the Presidential Range and my Partner and I began the 4K list in 2007, completing 38 to date. I blog about most all of our trips and post pictures at hikethesummits.blogspot.com

 

What do people most often tease you about?

When on the trail (and often on smaller mountains) being over packed. I see way too many people hiking the trails with little to nothing with them. Not smart! Your situation can change in an instant in the mountains. A simple fall or miss step can result in a debilitating injury and WMNF weather can get worse without warning. It is always a good idea to have rain gear and extra food and water in case of an emergency…no matter how big the mountains or how short a hike you are doing!

 

Describe a typical week in your life. I own and operate a Janitorial Company so my nights are quite busy. When I have free time during the day I often spend time as a volunteer Land Steward for the Forest Society. I have spent a lot of time at our selected site, Moose Mountains Reservation in Middleton, performing trail maintenance and sprucing up the property. And hiking and taking photo's of the plants and animals there too of course! Weekends are generally reserved for a hike in the White Mountains. Sometimes a 4000 footer, sometimes smaller peak. Whatever we are in the mood for!

How do you decide where to (climb, bike, hike...)?

We decide what to climb based on the weather, how we feel as far as energy level and how our leg muscles are feeling. Weather is a big factor. If it is going to rain or there is a threat of rain we try and pick something on the easier, safer side. If it is going to be beautiful than it's off to the Presidential Range or some other 4K Peak!

What is the secret to a happy life?

Do what you love, always make time to do what you enjoy doing. And if you have someone along with you that enjoys it as much as you, all the better!

Who's had the greatest influence on your life and why?

So many have had an influence when it pertains to my love for hiking. It would start with my parents who always brought us kids out on hikes and activities outdoors. They also portrayed and distilled in me qualities of hard work, determination, and perseverance.

 

As already mentioned my Uncle had a big influence by bringing me up my first 4000 footer and he was a great teacher as to planning a hike and being prepared. He also helped lead 3 Youth Group hikes with our church up Mt. Adams, Garfield and Washington!

 

Another influence was a co-worker who worked for me. He died suddenly of a massive heart attack one night at the age of 41. It was such a sudden shock to me. Here I was working my butt off every day and not spending much time getting out and enjoying life. It really hit me how suddenly my life could end at any moment. That I should take the time to enjoy life and to get out and hike as often as possible! Don't take anything for granted and count each day as a blessing. Miss you Brian, RIP.

 

The last big influence was when I met my Partner Scott in 2007. He had never hiked before, never even done anything really outdoors. I took him on a hike and we have been hiking all over the place together since. It has been an exciting adventure taking us all over NH and across other States including Maine, Vermont, Georgia, New York, Ohio, and Pennsylvania! Next stop…Tennessee's Mt. LeConte in the Rocky Mountain National Forest!

How would you describe yourself?

Energetic, happy and outgoing. Rarely like to sit still! I often compare myself to Sponge Bob. Paint me yellow and there you have it! Happy-go-lucky, go-with-the-flow kinda guy. Hard working and like to learn as much as I can about what I love to do.

If you had a million dollars, what would you do with it?

Funny you ask….I would buy Kimball Castle in Gilford. Close to the mountains and the lake, a view of the Sandwich Range and Mt. Washington. This place needs a lot of love though….A million wouldn't go far. Scott and I always talk about winning the lottery. There are so many old farmhouses that we would love to buy and restore. We also always talk about buying up forest and lakeside properties and conserving them. Even going so far as to buy homes for sale along lake shorelines, tearing down the house and restoring it's natural landscape and opening it to hiking, etc. Imagine bringing our small lakes and ponds back to an undeveloped state!? I think of how beautiful Stone Mountains Pond is in Barrington. And how it was saved from development. Now it will remain a place to hike, fish and enjoy!

Where do you find serenity?

On the edge of a cliff, high atop a mountain! Or really just on the trails. There is peace and a carefree feeling, even when huffing and puffing in the heat, on a steep, rocky footpath. It all brings inner peace and serenity. There is something about being on a mountain, on a trail or just in the forest that calms the soul!

What's wrong with the world?

So much, too much! When it pertains to the outdoors….people need to SLOW down. Put the phone away, put the music away, put the worries of the world out of mind. Let the forest do the talking, let nature be the music and enjoy what this planet has to offer!

What do you still want to accomplish before you die?

I want to see as much as the world as I can! I really want to get to the Grand Canyon and a trip to Ireland and Scotland are one of those "to do before I die" things on my list.

What's right with the world?

There ARE people out there that care. And not just in times of crisis. There are so many that give their time and energy helping people in need; those that work on conserving our natural and cultural places and those that sacrifice themselves to keep us safe.

What is more important to you, challenge or comfort and why?

Both! There is nothing better than enjoying the comfort of a ledge side lunch after a challenging hike up the trail to get to "THE" perfect spot!

What are the advantages of getting older?

Knowledge…and being able to share what you have learned and experienced with others.

What would you place in a time capsule that would tell a relative 100 years from now who you were?

Hiking boots, car keys and ice cream