I am an avid reader, but I don’t get to read solely what I want to because I have to read the books I assign my students.  So, when I got the chance to read a few books on hiking, I thoroughly enjoyed them.  This summer I read A Walk in the Woods, Gramma Gatewood’s Walk, and Through Hiking Will Break Your Heart. I recommend reading books on backpacking trips.

Reading has always been a way of escaping for me, but it is also educational and enlightening.  Through these books, I learned about different types of backpackers and how they prepared.  I also got a glimpse of the trails I hope to hike myself someday.  The books revealed something about the writers as well.  Best of all, it brings excitement to the training.  I can look at these and think about what I might go through and how I might handle different situations. I am also reminded of the excitement and unexpected encounters we had on our different trips.  There is nothing like connecting to the stories I read.

This summer I also watched The Redwood Highway.  This movie showed beautiful trails and views.  I was impressed with an older woman taking on the hike alone.  She and Gramma Gatewood have shown me that I am never too old to do these hikes.  I just need to have the right attitude and not let fear hold me back.  I don’t think I would backpack alone, but I do see myself out on the trails into my later years.  I feel younger when I am hiking than I do many other places.

So, if you can find the time to read some great books, I highly recommend these.  I will write individual reviews in coming posts.