Foster-Keddie Hikes His Way to Relaxation

His father first strapped a backpack on him at the age of five and Washington State Employees Credit Union President/CEO Kevin Foster-Keddie has been hiking ever since. "It has been about 45 years and I still love it," said Foster-Keddie. "Some people may go to a resort or some spiritual retreat to unwind, but hiking is my time to reflect and do a report card on myself." Foster-Keddie tries to hike every week and plans up to four long trips a year that last about eight days. He is never part of an outdoor tour group as he enjoys plotting out the trails himself. Topping his list of favorite hiking spots is the Sierra Mountains. "You get about 10,000 to 14,000 feet up and it is just so very beautiful out there," said Foster-Keddie. "I once spent five days up there and never saw another person." While he usually hits the trails solo, it seems Foster-Keddie has passed the hiking bug on to at least three of his five children. "They all hike to varying degrees but I've found that my three daughters really love it," said Foster-Keddie. "Who knows maybe if the backpacks could hold more food the boys would hike more often-they need a lot of food. At least once a year, sometimes more, all five kids and I go hiking together have just a great time." -mdigiovanni@cutimes.com