Each week we assemble a collection – a bouquet, if you will – of books you can read for yourself, or use to build into a display in your library. As always, the books we link to have info from Amazon.com. If you click a link and then buy anything at all from Amazon, we get a small percent of their profits from your sale. Yay!!! Thanks!!! We really appreciate the assistance! 💕😊
We hope you are continuing to stay home and stay healthy. And we can all spend time dreaming about getting back outside for long trips! And while it’s okay to go outside each day for a walk – good for your physical and mental health! – long distance hiking is not on our agendas right now. But we can travel by book, and be planning for the day we can all head back outside to enjoy more outdoor time.
Hiking the Pacific Crest Trail: Mexico to Canada, by Bruce Nelson
One April morning I left the Mexico border and walked north on the Pacific Crest Trail. For five months I hiked through the California desert, the snows of the Sierra Nevada, and the Cascade Mountains of Oregon and Washington. My goal was to succeed in an epic challenge: to hike 2,650 miles and reach Canada before the October snows. It was an unforgettable summer of sunrises, river crossings, and high mountain passes; of physical and mental challenges and peaceful wilderness camps under the stars. In the fall colors of September I reached the border of Canada.This is the story of my thru-hike.
Platinum-Blazing the Appalachian Trail: How to Thru-Hike in 3-Star Luxury, by by Bruce “RTK” Matso and Michael “Sharkbait” Neiman
When thru-hiking the Appalachian Trail, where can I find some fine dining or the best ice cream? After many nights in the woods, how can I add some “luxury” to my hike? And which are the very best hostels and other experiences along the AT? Which is the best Trail town for a visit? Platinum-Blazing the Appalachian Trail will point you to the very best or “platinum” meals, accommodations, and other experiences available to the tired hiker looking to splurge from time to time when taking a break from the Trail.
Old Lady on the Trail: Triple Crown at 76, by Mary E. Davidson
Adventure on National Scenic Trails does not need to end when one is old.
Not beginning long-distance hiking until age 60, Mary takes us with her on her trail journeys to experience encounters with the beauty of wilderness from the Eastern ranges of the Appalachian Trail, the challenges of desert, snow, granite and thick forests of the Pacific Crest Trail, and the rugged and the remote grandeur of the Continental Divide Trail.
Along the way, she introduces the Trail Community. Hikers of many ages and walks of life labeled with colorful monikers called trail names, and trail angels, planned and total surprises, grace her journey. Bears, moose, deer, coyotes, turkey vultures, hawks, eagles, owls, pronghorn, and endless supplies of squirrels and chipmunks share the world through which she walked.
Everyday challenges of completing seemingly endless miles, encountering new adventures, sometimes with friends and much of the time solo, brought Mary to the first pages of this book on a glorious day sighting two grizzly bears and completing long-distance hiking’s Triple Crown at age 76.
Thirst: 2600 Miles to Home, by Heather Anderson
By age 25, Heather Anderson had hiked what is known as the “Triple Crown” of backpacking: the Appalachian Trail, Pacific Crest Trail, and Continental Divide Trail – a combined distance of 7,900 miles with a vertical gain of more than one million feet. A few years later, she left her job, her marriage, and a dissatisfied life and walked back into those mountains.
In her new memoir, Thirst: 2600 Miles to Home, Heather, whose trail name is “Anish”, conveys not only her athleticism and wilderness adventures, but also shares her distinct message of courage – her willingness to turn away from the predictability of a more traditional life in an effort to seek out what most fulfills her. Amid the rigors of the trail – pain, fear, loneliness, and dangers – she discovers the greater rewards of community and of self, conquering her doubts and building confidence. Ultimately, she realizes that records are merely a catalyst, giving her purpose, focus, and a goal to strive toward.
High and Low: How I Hiked Away from Depression Across Scotland, by Keith Foskett
Keith Foskett refused to let his dark mood define his limitations. Unknowingly suffering with depression, he took to hiking the wilds of Scotland to face the inner demons that threatened to gnaw him to the bone. From the craggy Highlands of the Cape Wrath Trail and West Highland Way, to the canals criss-crossing the low country, 600 miles of unforgiving hiking terrain called his name.
Keith repositioned his compass to what really matters in life. As laughter became his traveling companion, he discovered that when dealing with emotional baggage, it’s best to pack light. Pushing his mind and body past breaking point, his journey could set a brave new course for coping with depression.
Battling ferocious weather, the ubiquitous Scottish midge, strange-sounding local delicacies and substandard TV sets, this is one man’s battle to conquer the wilds of Scotland, and his own psychological demons.