Eric Todd Sweet: Meet Mt. Washington’s Candy Man
If there’s one thing you could say about Eric Todd Sweet, it is that his personality certainly matches his name. The self-proclaimed “candy-eating fun guy” who loves Hi-Chew and Fun Dip has made the trail leading to Mt. Washington’s summit a more positive place since he began hiking 8 years ago.
In fact, Mr. Sweet recently made his 99th venture to the top of Mt. Washington just this week and will complete his 100th summit before Veterans’ Day in honor of those who have sacrificed so much to protect our freedoms.
Mr. Sweet recently made time to connect with BivWack Outdoors to share some information and insight about his unique love of nature and how he spends his time outdoors.
Questions and Answers with Eric Todd Sweet
Who is Eric Todd Sweet?
“I’m a happy-go-lucky, candy-eating fun guy. And I’m all about building communities. I grew up in Massachusetts and started hiking about 8 years ago. Since then, it’s been about creating groups and meeting people. I created the White Mountain Misfits and I’ll hike with anyone who might need a little extra help or just enjoy some company.”
What do you like, or love, about hiking?
“I’ve always loved being outside and spent most of my childhood in the woods — finding new trails, climbing trees, and building forts. The woods is the only place where you can reconnect. For me, hiking is also about getting to the top and enjoying a sense of accomplishment. It’s also about making friends and helping others along the way.”
“One way I’ve shared this love is through volunteer work with Adaptive Sports Partners of the North Country and their Sunrise Ascents program and event. I help make trails accessible to kids who need help with mobility and it makes my heart grow.”
How has hiking helped you personally?
“Hiking has helped center me. It’s helped me find myself. In 8 years, I’ve never missed a weekend of hiking. It’s healing and they should really prescribe it as a drug because there are so many benefits to just going outside.”
“You know what’s most amazing about hiking? The community. You stop and interact and get to know their story. It makes me smile. It makes me glow.”
Tell us about the friendships you’ve made along the way.
“I met my best friend on the trail — his name is Captain Chris. We met on White Face Mountain and had so much in common. Believe it or not, we ended up only living a mile away from each other! He and I hiked Mt. Kilimanjaro together — my biggest mountain at 19,341 feet!”
“ I’ve made so many dear friends on the trail. I have an amazing amount of friends. There’s not a hike that goes by that I’m not recognized. It’s not an ego thing — shows what a presence I have in the community.”
What has motivated you to hike Mt. Washington as many times as you have?
“I love the challenge. I’ve started doing it in affiliation with Flip Sockz and in support of a veterans’ support project called Home Base. They help New England veterans and their families get the care and services they need right in our community. I will finish my 100th summit in time for Veterans’ Day in their honor.”
Join Forces with Mr. Sweet’s Positive Presence
Mr. Sweet loves encouraging others to get outside. He encourages everyone looking for a connection to find him on Facebook.
