Now Mike sounds like your type. Anything but a novice, if his book reviews are to be believed. Good luck!

If you arent one that likes to teach someone about hiking- don't. And if you resent them for you having to put up with a less difficult hike, just don't. I am guessing they get it.

Do not worry about me, my knees are shot and I have trouble walking in a store, I do it though cause I need the exercise. I know you are going to say what exercize, but you do not have my knees. Besides any man who you would let into your home would weigh more than you could stand if they did not get out and try to keep up with you. You are a good cook and I am a good eater, I figured it out long ago. I hope you are laughing!

Why would you look for a man to teach to hike at your level instead of finding one that had already accomplished this himself? Also, who's fault is it that said novice has no idea how much work you put into your prep if you don't tell them beforehand? Of course he will blissfully unaware. From your post it seems obvious that hiking is your most important passion. Instead of disappointing yourself by even trying to date a man who doesn't share that passion maybe make pro level hiker a personal requirement of anyone you give a chance too. Or make it a personal passion and accept that most people are not going to be the same caliber hiker you are. There is nothing that says your partner in romance has to be your hiking partner. If you have to have it that way then you must accept that your pool of potential partners is much smaller than most and make choices thusly.

stupid people die in the hills - see people in trainers and Tshirts walking up the little 'mountains of the UK without extra clothing, food etc ... never realise that an extra 1000ft elevation with cloud blowing in can become very deadly very quickly

I enjoy a leisurely stroll on some local trails. I am cat sitting for a friend while he tackles the Pacific Crest Trail. He is on month 3 and so far he has done well.

I walk my dog for up to two hours at a time. I feel this means I'm justified putting hiker on my profile.

Hmmmmmmm... we were all novices at something once? Advanced skydivers, hang gliders, rock climbers, mountain bikers all have the same dilemma? Some people enjoy being a mentor and enjoy sharing their sport with newbies - but they have to want to become proficient as you have. Leaning woodscraft is like any craft and a mentor is helpful. There is an REI store in Anchorage that has free classes on many outdoor sports and can teach the basics - maybe look up the closest store and see what they offer - at least you could ask somebody to learn the basics first and save you some irritation. Maybe you could suggest that the under 35 hiking club in your area consider hosting a class for newbies of all ages and maybe even volunteer to me a mentor/coach for an evening class? I agree - be prepared and safety is alway top priority. I carried a short barreled 12 gage pump shotgun when camping in Alaska bear country - never shot the damn thing - even for practice. I have hunted in my youth and know how to use a shotgun. It was the same gun the rangers carry in bear country up here. I also always carry Bear Mace - pepper spray. You might consider that for your hikes - works on many animals - including the 2 legged ones. My motto was "always better to have it and not need it than to need it and not have it." It kinda sounds like you are looking for Bear Grylls in tight hiking shorts and well worn Vasque mountain boots... Like me in Wasilla, Alaska hoping to meet Janis Joplin - Ha! The odds aren't in our favor... but you never stop hoping?

Move to where there are more compatible folks.

No thoughts, listen to your body (Sorry, couldn't resist.... Not really sorry though)

Sounds great!

do what feels right

I have friends who do certain activities with me. Sometimes the friendahip came forst. Sometimes i was doing something and found someone who shared the interest. You seem to have exhausted means of meeting people and annoyed because the folks you've found are not as experienced as you.

Maybe putting a note on any dating sites you're on indicating you are looking for an experiened hiker and making it clear what you want before you get climbing?

Good luck finding what you want!

Hike by yourself more often.

Yes i can see it getting tiring,,so maybe put a call out for experinced hiking buddies or group..certainly will have more fun and can concentrate on the adventure not the lessons