Sam Lanza

Name: Sam Lanza

Hometown: Ellenburg, WA

Nickname: “Samwise”

[The Brethren met Sam Lanza on day 3 of the Laugavegur Trail on our 2018 Iceland Adventure. We took a shining to the young lad who was about the same age as our sons. He slowed down his pace to hike with us old guys for a least a full day and we enjoyed his company. He tracked us down again at our terminus campsite of Thorsmork and we were happy to see him again. This was his first big trip and frankly, Sam was very under provisioned. Our trek was ending so gladly gave him all of our leftover food as he continued hiking on to Skogar. Sam was officially bestowed a field-commissioned Honorary Brotherhood membership and we hoped he would stay in touch with us…..and he did connect on afterwards Facebook. Fast forward…..Out of the blue, Sam’s good friend, Neve Peters, reached out to us over a year later (unbeknownst to Sam) and asked if, as a gift to Sam, we could to add him to our A-B website as an Honorary Member. Of course I said we would. But since our honorary members usually write up their own “applications,” I asked her to help by sending some narrative about Sam and she did below]

“Well helllooo there!” Who better to be an honorary member of the Arctic Brotherhood than a mighty quirky adventurer like “Samwise” Lanza. Seeing God’s creation becomes more and more enlightening on every adventure he goes on, whether that be locally or across the world. For those who do not know, the dictionary defines the word Sam as a strong, passionate individual who climbs random buildings in his spare time. If not on a sunrise hike or stargazing, you can find the tea enthusiast sipping away at a fine rooibos, if at all possible.

How does he know the Brotherhood? Well on a beautiful summery day in July of 2018, after finally getting to hike in Iceland, Sam happened to meet the Brotherhood and was blessed with the glorious company of these like-minded fellows on the famous Laugavegur Trek. Connections were made, words were spoken, and a journey became a story.

What is next for Sam? Only time will tell! More of this beautiful world to see and Hot Beverages* to drink!

*Hot Beverage: an exquisite hiking beverage consisting of hot water, honey, and vanilla coffee creamer (preferable the little individual ones taken from cafés)*