Kern Hildebrand has been leading trips for the Sierra Club since 1980. An avid hiker and traveler, Kern has been to every continent and 48 countries, exploring wild places and learning from different cultures. He has taken groups on journeys as varied as trekking in the Himalayas and Andes, rafting in Alaska, horseback riding in Mongolia, and to both polar regions. He loves the outdoors and is keen to introduce others to the wonders of nature, fascinating cultures, endangered wildlife, and exotic locations. Before retirement, Kern worked as an administrator in city government. When not traveling the world, Kern can be found hiking and tending his California woodland acreage.