A: David Maiorana, former Naval Aviator with the callsign “Mango” — the origin of which remains unknown. Now, I’m just called the “Hobo.”
A: Anywhere a plane ticket or “Lola,” my RV, will take me! In response to the 2020 COVID pandemic, I made a profound lifestyle change, opting to become a global traveler. I downsized my possessions, retaining only essentials stored in five plastic bins, and purchased a 30-foot RV motorhome. My annual routine now consists of six months traveling within the US and Canada by motorhome and five to six months abroad, carrying a 40-liter backpack. During holidays, I rent an Airbnb in Florida to visit family and friends. This lifestyle suits me perfectly, and I foresee no imminent changes.
A: My professional background includes flying carrier jet aircraft for the US Navy for nine years, followed by a career in construction, building boutique retail stores for the fashion industry in major cities such as New York, LA, Dallas, Atlanta, and Miami. Currently, I work as a stock trader, leveraging the flexibility of my RV and hotel rooms to manage my work schedule. While in NYC my office was located on 5th Avenue, and it was on a floor within shouting distance from hedge fund managers, accountants, and corporate lawyers that gave me the basics on market trends and how to trade them. It was the best advice I received while working in the Big Apple that allowed me to follow the travel freely lifestyle without being surrounded by four walls.
A: Throughout my life, I have consistently been drawn to adventurous pursuits and living on the edge. Although this has sometimes resulted in adverse consequences, I have always managed to rebound and press forward. My current passion is climbing Via Ferratas globally.
A: At 13, I won a position on the US junior wrestling team, which traveled to Helsinki, Finland, instilling in me a love for travel and exploration. I later became part of a college wrestling team from California while still in high school that spent four weeks in Athens, Greece. This experience allowed me to interact with college athletes who treated me well, and I thoroughly enjoyed the freedom. I was a manchild competing against international Olympic level athletes and getting my ass kicked on the mat every day. However, I was without parental oversight, was hanging out with the big boys, of course I had a great time at age 13! By the way, the food was delicious in Greece.
A: I have participated in three Hobnail adventures: trekking to Everest Base Camp, climbing Mt. Kilimanjaro, and attempting the Mt. Toubkal trek. However, the two nights before departing for the Mt. Toubkal climb, I experienced a 6.8 magnitude earthquake in Morocco, which was a harrowing experience. I was working out in my Airbnb when suddenly, the entire building was shaking violently and within seconds started to sway back and forth. I had a WTF moment.
A: One of the highlights of my Hobnail experiences has been the people I’ve met. I have formed lasting friendships with fellow adventurers and locals, such as the Sherpas and porters in Nepal. Sharing meals, laughter, and even watching Top Gun on my iPad with 16 sherpas and porters was a memorable experience. I had just as much fun on the Mt. Kilimanjaro trek forming everlasting friendships.
A: My expectations from these experiences were consistently exceeded, offering me once-in-a-lifetime experiences, friendships, and breathtaking views. It does not get any better than this!
A: Reading Mark Johnson’s book, “Doofus Dad Does Everest Base Camp,” inspired me to join Hobnail’s next trekking adventure to Nepal’s Mt. Everest. I needed to meet Mark, his wife Holly, Dawa, and Tenzi — the Nepal sherpas. I sent Mark an email when I finished his book, and within five minutes he called me to answer any questions. We ended the phone call with a downpayment for the adventure.
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