I am a casual hiker that discovered hiking late in life. I prefer the hiking to going to aerobics. I mostly hike by myself so it fits my schedule but wouldn't mind hooking up with some folks now and again.
2009 update: I have slowly been making my way up to "real" hiker status after quite a few trips in the Supes and elsewhere. I've now gotten in a couple overnite backpacks and 1 car camp.