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January 07, 2008
The Ordinary Adventurer
Truth be told, I'm not particularly fond of reading most hiker journals. You know the type I'm referring to. "I woke up, cooked breakfast, started hiking at 8 AM, saw a bear at 11 AM, my feet hurt, it's cold and raining, I have a blister, I'm running low on Snicker bars, I reached camp at 7 PM, I cooked dinner and fell asleep." <yawn> That gets old pretty fast.
Then there is the rare hiker who has the skill and insight to capture the essence of the hiking experience, and distill that experience into words that makes the reader crave for more. Such is the case with Jan "Liteshoe" Leitschuh.
Jan is well known in long distance hiking circles for her excellent journal from her 2003 Appalachian Trail thru-hike. Her journal remains one of the most popular on Trailjournals.com, and for good reason. She is a gifted and talented writer. Recently, I was pleasantly surprised to learn that Jan had written a new book about a trail that I have been thinking about hiking for a number of years - Vermont's Long Trail.
Let me start by saying that "The Ordinary Adventurer" Hiking Vermont's Long Trail; A Primer for Baby Adventurers and Other Musings on the Nature of Journey, is no ordinary book. It is a gem! What makes this book such a fun read is Jan's ability to capture the subtleties of the hiking experience. As an experienced backpacker, I could totally relate to the mental aspect of Jan's hike. The frustration that can arise from poor weather, a stiff climb, or from a recalcitrant hiking partner (sorry Clyde). The splendor of being alone in the woods, lost in your thoughts, or listening to the ethereal song of the Hermit Thrush. The joy felt when the sun emerges from behind a cloud, or when a stranger offers you a cold beverage or a much needed ride to town. The satisfaction from realizing that you have accomplished a goal, such as climbing Mt. Mansfield, even though that goal seemed insurmountable only hours earlier.
Beyond the mental aspect, Jan's description of the Vermont woods brought me right back to the Green Mountain State; a place that I truly love to hike. The paper birch, the mushrooms and the rushing streams along with the fragrant smell of Balsam Fir. I also thoroughly enjoyed Jan's treatment of the unique fellowship that forms out on the trail. It's all there! Both the outer journey, and the all important inner journey.
When I finished the book last night, I was saddened to put it down. That's what happens when you become engrossed in a good read. Thankfully, like a gift that keeps on giving, this book has lit a fire that only a backpacking trip can extinguish. I am already thinking about an end to end hike of the Long Trail in 2009, and I have "The Ordinary Adventurer" to thank for that.
"The Ordinary Adventurer" is the perfect read for those who have dreamed the dream of thru-hiking the Appalachian Trail. Whether you ever set out to actually hike the whole Appalachian Trail is immaterial. This book will entertain you, educate you, and perhaps best of all, let you know that you can accomplish your goals - one step at a time.
For more information about "The Ordinary Adventurer", or to purchase a copy, please visit the author's website at funfreedom.com. If you'd like to meet the author, Jan will be attending the Southern Ruck at the Nantahala Outdoor Center in Wesser, NC on Saturday January 19, 2008. She'll be reading passages from her book starting at 3:45 PM in Kleinrath Hall.
Hiker's Bookshelf | By Jeffrey Hunter | 12:54 PM
Comments
This looks to be a great read! Love that concept of the 'ordinary adventurer'!
DSD
Posted by: DSD at January 17, 2008 08:58 AM
Hello Hikers,
I am looking for information on any hiking groups or perhaps guides that would help my son, who is disabled, have the opportunity of hiking the Appalachian Trail. He has had a seizure disorder since birth and he is now 37...sometimes months go by without event but it is definitely a fainting spell is a real possiblity. In any case, he is reading Bill Bryson's book now and is so taken with the idea of doing it or some part of it. If anyone has suggestions please email me at arthead720@hotmail.com ...we live near Chicago and hike the Indiana Dunes and the Ice Age Trail.
Thanks
Posted by: moonchild at January 29, 2008 09:12 AM
