Roger "Psycho" Binschus
Hello, My name is Roger "Psycho" Binschus, and I am 37 years old. Currently I live in Corbett, OR. I teach High School Mathematics at Corbett High School.
In 2005, I set out to hike the entire length of the Pacific Crest Trail. I only hiked 1200 of the full 2600 miles. Due to snow conditions in the Sierras, I jumped from the Kennedy Meadows to Ashland. It was this decision, I believe, that directly altered the course of my life. Ultimately this decision resulted in me leaving the trail earlier than expected, and finding myself working as a Program Leader at an Outdoors School Program, mentoring High Schoolers, and teaching Middle Schoolers. In this teaching roll, I helped others develop a finer appreciation of the Outdoors, and our inherent connection to the earth.
I was finally able complete a thru hike of the PCT in 2010 with my partner in crime Lauren "Apricots." Wright. Since our return from the PCT Lauren and I have both continued our education in an
effort to further our careers. I was able to realize my dream to become a
High School math teacher by completing a Master of Art in Teaching at
Concordia University. I am now a math teacher at Corbett High
School teaching Precalculus, AP Calculus AB, and AP Calculus BC.
For fun, here is a video I made after my first attempt at the Pacific Crest Trail in 2005.
Lauren "Apricots" Wright
My name is Lauren Wright and I am 37 years old. Currently I live in Corbett, OR.
I have always held a strong interest in traveling, and have spent time living overseas in India as well as a two stints in New Zealand, where my love of nature really took hold. I have listened to Roger talk of his passion for the Pacific Crest Trail for most of the years I have known him, and always had interest in going out myself. It was an absolute pleasure getting the opportunity to experience the PCT with him in 2010. Since completing the trail it has been amazing to be able to reflect on where I've been, and where I am going.
The challenges that we faced with readjusting after the trail were in many ways more difficult than the trail itself, but they have served as powerful motivation for me to continue to pursue my passion for nutrition and nutritional counseling. Upon our return from the PCT I completed my Associate of Science in Health Sciences and earned a certification to become a Nutritional Therapy Practitioner through the Nutritional Therapy Association.
Since relocating from Portland, Oregon, where Roger and I lived for over 10 years, to Oak Harbor, WA, and then back to the Greater Portland Area, I have begun building my practice as a Nutritional Therapy Practitioner.
Hiking the PCT taught me perseverance and dedication unlike anything I have been through before. Similar to long distance backpacking, working toward overall health can be a daily struggle. Getting consumed in the final destination while not recognizing the progress you make each day can cause the overall goal to seem unattainable. Being able to stay focused on the present and on the tasks for that moment makes the ultimate goal of vibrant health a realizable one. As a Nutritional Therapy Practitioner I work to help others as they progress toward health by sharing this experience with them and showing them ways to apply it in their daily life.
Good eats, Good Feets, and Happy Trails,
Lauren "Apricots" Wright
