Diary of a Dumb Mud Turkey: A.T. Thru-Hiker & Treasure Hunter

by Charles Tirey

Mud Turkey writes a memoir detailing some of his hikes through the years which eventually led to his thrilling 2019 Appalachian Trail Thru-Hike. The story includes the challenges forcing Mud Turkey off-trail on two different once for three weeks after traversing the first 344 miles. Then, once again in Maine after approximately 2000 miles are behind him, he is side-lined from the trail for ten days. Learn from his mistakes so you are ready for your Appalachian Trail thru-hike, and people won't say, "You are dumber than a Mud Turkey!" Upon completion of the Appalachian Trail, Mud Turkey learns about the Forrest Fenn treasure and embarks on a trek to find the gold and precious artifacts hidden somewhere in the Rocky Mountains. In pursuit of the summit of Mt. Katahdin and the treasure, he recalls scripture relating to the various circumstances encountered along the way while providing numerous photos of breathtaking views only seen from on high.

206 pages, Kindle Edition

Published October 12, 2022

Reviews

[Wayne Walker · Rating 5 out of 5]

From March 23 to September 9, 2019, Charles Tirey (trail name “Mud Turkey because his father used to tell him, “You are dumber than a Mud Turkey!”) thru-hiked the 2,192 miles of the Appalachian Trail from Amicalola Falls State Park Visitors Center at Springer Mountain, GA, to Mount Katahdin, ME. Following an introductory chapter, “Mud Turkey” writes a memoir of his thrilling 2019 Appalachian Trail Thru-Hike, followed by a concluding chapter about subsequent hikes out West in the Rocky Mountains, providing numerous photos of breathtaking views only seen from on high and maps to follow his progress.

Readers, both young and old, will find a lot of fascinating information about the geography of the Appalachian Trail. The pictures included allow those who will probably never attempt such a feat to get a glimpse into what the trail is like. Potential hikers can learn from his mistakes what to do and what not to do. In addition, Tirey, son of a Southern Baptist minister, recalls and quotes various passages of Scripture that relate to the various circumstances encountered along the way. When I was younger (and in better health), I enjoyed hiking, and doing the Appalachian Trail was always a pipe dream that never came to fruition. This book is a great in-depth understanding of the Appalachian Trail with just the right amount of details and a good writing style.

[Grace · Rating 3 out of 5]

If you want basic information about the AT this book is helpful and a quick read. I found myself making quite a few highlights. He mentions lovely places to do day hikes and weekend hikes. He mentioned a couple who were thru-hiking, while driving two cars, leaving one at the beginning of the day's hike and another one at the end of the day's hike. Now that is brilliant! I wish I could have read more about that. No need to carry huge backpacks and needed supplies are always not far away.

What initially got me reading was that Tirey was a pastor's kid so I knew it would be a clean read, which is always refreshing, especially about the AT. In another book I read on the AT the author shares some not so pleasant facts about what happens on the trail.

I had to remind myself that it was a diary. It is not beautiful prose. The last chapter, about treasure seeking almost didn't fit. I know it is a apart of the title but the book would have been more cohesive with just the AT part.

[Esther Dan · Rating 5 out of 5]

Fun Read

A fun read of the adventures of an avid hiker who shares his inspiring exploits while hiking several places. Enjoyed it

[D'face · Rating 3 out of 5]

A stage by stage account of hiking the Appalachian Trail followed by some exploring in search of hidden treasure. A simple faith, a simple patriotism, a simple story.

[patricia sendelbach · Rating 3 out of 5]

Quick read. Would have loved to hear more about the stories collected from his experiences and fellow travelers.