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.