John Panozzo
Bio: Hiking has always appealed to me, but only after my professional activities waned and there was more recreational time, about 15 years ago, did I begin hiking in earnest.
I was born and raised in Chicago’s south side to a first generation northern Italian working class family; arrived in Berkeley for an MBA days after Patricia Hearst was kidnapped and have been on the go (not run) since. The first part of my career was in corporate consulting and investment banking; the second, in wireless telecommunication start-ups. I have traveled extensively and have lived on both coasts and places in between.
Age: 66
Why did you join the 52 Peak Club: I joined the club on November 22, three weeks after moving to Las Vegas, upon the recommendation of a member, Bruce Small, who I met canyoneering as I was interested in finding a group to hike with in the area. My first hike was two days after joining. I never “scrambled” before, don’t even remember hearing the word in a hiking context, so my first Red Rock hike was an eye opener. Geez, you guys actually do this?
Date Completed all 52 Peaks: 6/25/2018
Toughest Peak: None stand out but each had its’ own unique challenges whether in terms of distance, ascent, or exposure.
Favorite Hike: All the hikes have been enjoyable but for some reason these two lead by Kelly Ash were really fun and exhilarating: Goodman Peak and Pine Creek Peak, the former following his own unique route.
How did you feel once you became a 53er:A warm glow of personal accomplishment and humbleness, in the understanding how much more experience and skill I need to acquire.
Advice for new hikers: In no particular order: 1) Carefully read the hike description. The organizers included important information so please take the time to read it. 2) Wear appropriate shoes. “Stealth” or sticky rubber soles are critical for the scrambling Red Rock hikes. 3) Be ready to go (shoes on, sunscreen applied, backpack ready, etc.) at least 5’ before the stated meeting time. 4) Be realistic about your fitness and capabilities. By hiking “over your head” you can jeopardize the whole group. Start with easier hikes and work up to more difficult hikes. 5) Consider hiking with Branch Whitney and John Gonsalves. They are two leaders who are very helpful in suggesting hand and foot placement when scrambling. 6) If you are one of the last hikers in a group, do not spend time texting or taking photos. 7) Be of good cheer. Happiness is contagious. :-)
I was born and raised in Chicago’s south side to a first generation northern Italian working class family; arrived in Berkeley for an MBA days after Patricia Hearst was kidnapped and have been on the go (not run) since. The first part of my career was in corporate consulting and investment banking; the second, in wireless telecommunication start-ups. I have traveled extensively and have lived on both coasts and places in between.
Age: 66
Why did you join the 52 Peak Club: I joined the club on November 22, three weeks after moving to Las Vegas, upon the recommendation of a member, Bruce Small, who I met canyoneering as I was interested in finding a group to hike with in the area. My first hike was two days after joining. I never “scrambled” before, don’t even remember hearing the word in a hiking context, so my first Red Rock hike was an eye opener. Geez, you guys actually do this?
Date Completed all 52 Peaks: 6/25/2018
Toughest Peak: None stand out but each had its’ own unique challenges whether in terms of distance, ascent, or exposure.
Favorite Hike: All the hikes have been enjoyable but for some reason these two lead by Kelly Ash were really fun and exhilarating: Goodman Peak and Pine Creek Peak, the former following his own unique route.
How did you feel once you became a 53er:A warm glow of personal accomplishment and humbleness, in the understanding how much more experience and skill I need to acquire.
Advice for new hikers: In no particular order: 1) Carefully read the hike description. The organizers included important information so please take the time to read it. 2) Wear appropriate shoes. “Stealth” or sticky rubber soles are critical for the scrambling Red Rock hikes. 3) Be ready to go (shoes on, sunscreen applied, backpack ready, etc.) at least 5’ before the stated meeting time. 4) Be realistic about your fitness and capabilities. By hiking “over your head” you can jeopardize the whole group. Start with easier hikes and work up to more difficult hikes. 5) Consider hiking with Branch Whitney and John Gonsalves. They are two leaders who are very helpful in suggesting hand and foot placement when scrambling. 6) If you are one of the last hikers in a group, do not spend time texting or taking photos. 7) Be of good cheer. Happiness is contagious. :-)