White Blaze Fever

by Bill Schuette

White Blaze Fever, a true life adventure that embraces the reader as a "hiking partner" in pursuit of the 2-inch by 6-inch white blazes from Springer Mountain, Georgia to Mt. Katahdin, Maine.

Through daily journal entries - revised only a little - the vicarious hiking partner will share encounters with bear, moose, snakes and other wildlife. The reader will feel the thrill of viewing the most magnificent vistas east of the Mississippi and come to know a unique collection of individuals guaranteed to bring a smile to your face and warmth to your heart.

A must read for both the arm chair adventurers and the stalwart hikers who not only enjoy reading hiking adventure, but are also looking for specific information on hiking the Appalachian Trail. Over one hundred informative and essential "Hiker Tips" have been infused for hiker
assistance and benefit.

Genres: Nonfiction, Outdoors, Travel

Paperback

First published July 11, 2003

Reviews

[Jeff · Rating 1 out of 5]

It doesn't seem fair that such a poor writer was able to come out with a book. This is nothing more than a journal book filled with tons of exclamation points. Blame it on Bill Bryson. But it gets better. Not only does the guy write like Mr. Rogers, but his "tips" are comical. Worse than anything they put in a 'dummies' book. This is a typical entry from the guy:


Quote:
I walked out of the shelter and boy it was raining! It was raining very hard! I saw some day hikers and they said it was wet. I came back with "Glad we got rain jackets!

HIKER TIP:

I brought a lightweight, breathable rain jacket. This kept me dry and allowed me to breathe!

[Dmreichle · Rating 3 out of 5]

This book was poorly written (probably along the lines of something I would write lol), but it held my interest. A day by day account of hiking the Appalachian Trail is by it's very nature boring at times. I guess I just like that an average guy just did a day by day journal and got a book published out of it. If I had to rate it purely on writing style, I would probably rate it a "2", but since it was at least good enough to hold my interest, I gave it a 3.

[James Ritchie · Rating 4 out of 5]

This is a good hands-on book for anyone contemplating a hike on the Appalachian Trail. The journal-entry style of writing allows the reader to experience the rhythm of the hike as well as the disappointments and victories of the author. There a numerous "hiker tips" throughout the book that sometimes seem like obvious nuggets of information but, on the other hand, having been a hiking leader myself for many years, are useful for many novice hikers - these are the kinds of questions people ask. The author is relatively easy going so his experience is viewed in a positive context. Reading "White Blaze Fever' sounds, in the end, like the kind of experience you too would enjoy and, indeed, feeds your own white blaze fever.

[Linda · Rating 2 out of 5]

I enjoy all AT books, especially those written by thru-hikers. Unfortunately, I judge all Appalachian Trail books by Bill Bryson's A Walk in the Woods, and he sets a high standard with his storytelling, humor, and wit. White Blaze Fever does include many "Hiker's Tips" throughout the book and those might be helpful to the novice. Details in the tips include author's personal experience with specific brands of tents, hiking poles, etc. Altogether an okay read, but just not as entertaining as Bryson.

[Jen]

White Blaze Fever is no literary masterpiece, and the editing was rather slipshod, but for someone considering hiking the Appalachian Trail within the next few years, it is a useful read. Forthright, honest, and earnest, it gives the reader an idea of what to expect. The minutiae of mosquitos, rocks, shelter conditions and "trail magic" would bore most readers to tears, but I got the feeling that Schuette (Damn Old Mountain Slayer) was presenting his thru-hike as it was. And I can expect some monotony, some magic and some sore knees when I finally attempt it myself.

[Kurt · Rating 4 out of 5]

Another Appalachian Trail memoir. Good on the day-to-day detail.

[Dan · Rating 5 out of 5]

This is one of my favorite books about thru-hiking the Appalachian Trail. It is a fairly detailed account of the authors hike.

[Ezra Adams · Rating 5 out of 5]

Good read. The combination of hiking tips and trail narrative works well enough.

[Jill McAfee · Rating 5 out of 5]

I have read this book multiple times. Mountain Slayer's wonderfully honest experience on the Appalachian Trail helps you travel right along with him.