Books About the Journey
Dateline: 03/28/99
A Walk in the Woods by Bill Bryson tells the story of how, to reacquaint himself with America after living abroad for many years, Bill Bryson decided to hike the length of the Appalachian Trail. Having done much walking in England, he was nevertheless a tenderfoot when it came to outfitting himself for a months-long backpacking journey of over 2000 miles. To compound the situation, his companion was an overweight ex-hippy childhood friend.
The adventures of these two are at times hilarious, and Bill adds many educational interludes about the history and state of the trails, parks, wildlife and plant life without getting overly preachy.
I was fascinated to learn that the very first segment of the Appalachian Trail at the southern end involves a climb of over 4000 feet, a heartbreaker for any day but certainly daunting on your first day under the pack.
Bill Bryson shares his discomforts with us, plus the glories. It was encouraging to see these two guys, so obviously unsuited to their chosen task, nevertheless achieve some measure of success. The book was entertaining from cover to cover.
Walking to Denver by Alan Cook
In this novel, the Zeus shoe company sponsors six walkers to walk from Los Angeles to Denver, supported by a motor home staffed with a surly driver and his wife, a capable but overweight nurse. Their adventures say a lot about walking and not a little about people interacting over a tough journey. The author is a regular contributor on email, who walked the same course himself (but over 17 years.)
Set in the 1970's, it hearkens back to the attitudes of those disco times. The protagonist is an accountant and recent widower who takes on the journey as a way to get away and deal with restarting his life. The rest of the walkers are a mixed bag - the director of a charity, a model, a writer, a would-be playboy and a triathlete. They bring along their own baggage as they mix and match, looking for companionship and maybe love as they try to go the distance.
The ardors of the walk are detailed - blisters, injuries, desert heat, lightning, cold, mountains. But the interpersonal relationships are even more challenging than the walking.
These two books may inspire you (or make you think twice) about setting such a goal for yourself, as you read about these "everymen" who took the challenge.
Net Links:
Walking Bookstore My selections of books and audiotapes.
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Review and Interview: The Spirited Walker Carolyn Scott Kortge on how to reconnect body, mind, and spirit through fitness walking.
Review: Walking Fast Therese Ikonian wrote the book on how and why to walk fast.
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