I'm just getting started with backpacking, having done a lot of camping and hiking over the last several years. Right now my goal is to get in shape, get efficient and lightweight and just be able to set out and enjoy myself. Stay healthy and fit! I have plans to relocate and move west to the Rockies or west coast in 2 years once my kids are on their own. Until then I'd like to explore the East Coast while I'm here. I really want to do a trip to Newfoundland and explore there. I've been all throughout the Canadian Maritimes beforehand and something about Newfoundland calls to me.
Aside from that I'd like to explore the Catskills, Adirondacks and up in New England. While I have 4 day weekends (I work Monday-Wednesdays 12-14 hrs each day) so that allows me a chance to take a trip but extended trips are difficult still so I figure the more time I spend on the trail, backpacking even a few hours from home, the more experience I'll get, which will be a good thing.
My long term goals are to do some hikes on the Colorado Trail and parts of the PCT such as the Sierras, Cascades, etc. I'd love to go overseas to New Zealand but $$ is a definite problem on that one.
A lot depends on where I actually relocate to. I honestly don't know where I'm going to wind up, which is half the fun.