The Great Divide

by Stephen Pern

The humor and observations of this young Englishman's account provide a lively record of his 2,500-mile hike along the Continental Divide and the American people, wildlife, and wilderness he encountered

Genres: Travel, Nonfiction

240 pages, Paperback

First published May 28, 1987

Reviews

[Matt Quinn · Rating 4 out of 5]

Great book. Stephen Pern seems like a sound bloke. I love how he goes up to everyone and their nan for a chat, and I love that everyone was so receptive and friendly to him. He inspires proper adventure in me. Also respect for not following a trail.

[Doris · Rating 5 out of 5]

This is, thus far, this book is the most helpful book I've read as far as "what to expect" in backpacking the CDT. The drawback is that the author backpacked the Divide BEFORE the CDT was formally under the way of construction. This book is hilarious at times, actually MOST of the time! I found myself laughing out loud (something very few books have been able to do to me!). On a serious note, one can glean information about how difficult a through-hike can be and some of the mental and physical challenges one can anticipate as well as surprises.

I enjoyed the historical aspects the author brings to light about the various areas along his expedition and the insight provided into the folks who live along the Continental Divide.

Great book!

[David Kessler · Rating 4 out of 5]

Having already hiked the CDT, from Mexico to Canada , this was a pretty clear accessment of what you might go through to hike the length of The Divide. Stephen hikes this in 1987 which is early on. Now with planning guides, well written guide and data books and GPS, you can keep yourself from getting lost along this route. The official trail is not the route to take.

Stephen did some parts of his 'route' different from my route and everybody has to choose what route to take themselves which is kind of fun. What is especially unique about The Continental Divide National Scenic Trail is the average elevation along this 2500 mile plus route is about 7000 ft above sea level. The motto of the trail is "Embrace the Brutality".

Read this book to really get the flavor of the trail and good luck.

[Joanne · Rating 4 out of 5]

This is a memoir written by an Englishman who walked the (western) Continental Divide from the Mexican border to the Canadian border. He comments on the terrain and the people he meets, and muses about the thoughts you think about those things when you are on a long walk and also when the weather and your supplies concern you or your mind turns to the philosophical. I've read a number of these books and this one is pretty good. I was disappointed that the part I most wanted to read about (Wyoming, the Tetons, Jackson Hole, and Yellowstone - having just visited there myself) seems to have gotten the least amount of detail. On a 3000-mile walk, I guess that can happen.

[Eric · Rating 4 out of 5]

Engaging storyteller that managed to capture the monotonous nature of a long hike without writing a monotonous book. It will take some time before I don't think of this book while pooping in the woods after his section on the merits of various natural toilet papers aka rocks.

[Laura · Rating 5 out of 5]

Great descriptions & love his British perspective

I've read a number of memoirs written by thru hikers and this is one of my favorites. Beautifully written and wonderful observations ranging from wry to humble.

[Stefan Fairweather · Rating 3 out of 5]

2.5 stars

[Giulio · Rating 5 out of 5]

As the review on the cover says "Stephen Pern, alone and on foot, has discovered America."

I picked up a copy in a used book store, their were two book on walking the divide, one before the trail, and one after. I bought Pern because it was paperback and therefore 50 cents rather than a dollar.

I live within about an hours drive of the divide and have many fond memories from upon that ridge.

This may be my favorite book Pern is hilarious, adventurous and most importantly, a genius who says exactly what he thinks, no worries about offending, and what he thinks is brilliant.

Belongs on a shelf with the other great writers of the west Abbey, Stenger, Muir, and the rest.

[Christine · Rating 3 out of 5]

Though this book is more than 20 years old, it was still a fun read. I'd never consider a 6 month long hike the length of the Continental Divide - I really don't like camping more than 1 weekend at a time - but I admire Pern's commitment and determination. The author, who is British, reawakened my appreciation for my own country, while at the same time reminding me of my desire to explore other countries to broaden my own perspectives. A good read for those with an adventurous spirit.

[Kathleen · Rating 4 out of 5]

This was different from the books I've read about hiking to AT or the PCT. For one, the CDT wasn't really that developed at the time of this hike. This author had a steadier pacing of writing, too. Instead of having a lot of up front details about "why it was important to cleanse my soul by doing this hike" and details of how it was so much harder than expected at the beginning, the book was more poetic details and observations of minor moments along the hike.

[Gary · Rating 4 out of 5]

This is an old, but pretty good account of walking the continental divide before it was really an official trail. It started a little slow in New Mexico but then grabbed me in Colorado and the rest of way. Quite an accomplishment by the English author roughly 30 years ago. I nearly gave it 5 stars.

[Nigel · Rating 5 out of 5]

At times at a bit wordy particularly the middle third but nonetheless enjoyable. More epilogue on what the author did after the walk and how he got on getting back into mainstream life would have rounded it off nicely.

[Scott Bischke · Rating 3 out of 5]

A fun travelogue about one Brit's through hike of the CDT.

[Patrick · Rating 3 out of 5]

A fun read, now made all the more enjoyable by the time-capsule nature of a hiking journey/trek made during the 1980's, and the cultural observations made by an Englishman, the author.

[Courtney · Rating 4 out of 5]

Dude walked the Continental Divide Trail before cuben fiber. Or even before there was a trail. Very cool.

[Ana · Rating 4 out of 5]

Read this book many years ago and just recently re-read it. Enjoyed it just as much as the first time!