Gifts of the Superior Hiking Trail; Walking into Myself

by Mikkel Beckmen

Written by midwest author, musician, world traveler and outdoor enthusiast Mikkel Beckmen, this is a beautiful and poetic chronicle of his southbound journey through the Superior Hiking Trail. Published by local, independent Ramshackle Press, this book is an inspiration and invitation to enjoy life, adventure and the beauty all around you.

100 pages, Paperback

Published May 1, 2023

Reviews

[Ashley Person · Rating 5 out of 5]

"the earth is covered in 79% water and the human body is made up of 79% water. the next time you look in a mirror, look deeply in your own eye. the human eye is also a vast, salty inland sea. it contains a world that sees the world."

nature is a thriving system that we should be lucky to be a part of. each animal, tree, and insect reflects that simply being is a purpose in itself. recognizing the resilience and adaptability of nature is crucial to our future. we have so much to learn from our surroundings and each other. live slower. look up. go where you are being called. wear your heart on your sleeve. we have no where else to go.

"'who am i without the gaze of others upon me?' as i walked the question changed to, 'who am i in relation to wilderness and to the land?'"

[Lori Butler · Rating 5 out of 5]

"Life is a bridge, cross over it but don't build your home on it. The old slogan 'If your heart is free the ground you stand on is liberated territory' takes on a special meaning for the nomad and backpacker. We carry our home with us, and wake up in a new place every day so it becomes necessary to nurture free hearts and to feel at home right where we are." Mikkel Beckmen! This was a delight to read and I will return to it often for your pearls of wisdom from the trail.

[Sam Snyder · Rating 5 out of 5]

I absolutely loved this book. It’s exactly what I needed and a reminder that nature is really the only thing that heals. I loved how each chapter posed questions about inner character, community, compassion and love. Everything around you is a gift if you view it that way. Stop watering bitter roots.🧡

It’s true about love
It’ll die if it’s covered up
It’s gotta be all given away
So we can all feel the heat of its rays

[Eric Kalenze · Rating 5 out of 5]

Mikkel's title is appropriate, as this slim book utterly bursts with gifts.

[Sleonhardi · Rating 4 out of 5]

This trip journal is slim and simply written, yet packed with evocative observations and profound insights. The author is a modern-day Thoreau, intentionally seeking out solitude in nature to explore both outer and inner landscapes. Each of the 24 short chapters (one for each day on the trail) begins with description of the surrounding geology, flora, and fauna, but extends to discovery and exploration of the "gift" found in those features. The accompanying artwork adds to the sense of calm reflection in a beautiful setting.

His journey begins with the question "Who am I without the gaze of others upon me?" but each day presents new questions to ponder. He is led to the conclusion that: "You are a gift to those around you. Every day, something profound will happen to you, if you want it to." [Or I might add, if you take the time to quietly observe and notice it.]

This book holds special meaning for me for two reasons. Firstly, because I have spent a fair number of days on the Superior Hiking Trail myself, backpacking and day-hiking with similar intentions of seeking out solitude, reflection, inspiration and insight. Secondly because I have had the pleasure of seeing Mikkel perform on washboard at many live concerts, and I always enjoy the childlike joy, spontaneity, engagement, generosity, and sense of wonder that he brings to his performances. These same delightful qualities are present throughout his writing.

[Corinne · Rating 5 out of 5]

A friend sent me this book since I’m a backpacker and regular traveler on the Superior Hiking Trail. I expected a sweet story of mishaps (perhaps blisters?) and animal friends helping themselves to a snack.

But this a journal filled with rich reflections on our purpose, finding renewal and discovering life’s gifts that present themselves in unexpected ways.

This was a treasured gift, one that I will read frequently and share as a gift to others.

[Ally · Rating 5 out of 5]

Just read this on a camping trip—made me itch to get on a trail

[Jodi Vandenberg-Daves]

Sweet, gentle, reassuring, inspiring.

[Deb Lewis · Rating 3 out of 5]

My sister lives in Minnesota and has spent time on the Superior Hiking Trail that winds along the north shore of Lake Superior. She sent me this book after I spent 2 1/2 weeks hiking along this amazing trail last fall.

This is a compact book, divided into small chapters that offer big insights into the world of the North Woods and our world at large.

The drawings at the beginning of each chapter are minimalist and gorgeous and drawn by the author's daughter? Or maybe sister. The song link at the end was a nice touch too.

I have a hard time reading about climate destruction and the extinction of animals and their habitats. Beckmen starts out a bit heavy handed, but transitions to more personal revelations which moved me from despair to more hope.

I feel a bit chagrined: While Beckmen was waxing poetic about the plight of the natural world, I was only thinking about where my next meal would come from and how to find shelter :)