Love at First Hike: A Memoir about Love & Triumph on the Appalachian Trail

by Michelle Pugh, Lark Wells (Editor), Carrie Armstrong (Photographs)

Love At First Hike is a memorable tale of a thruhike attempt of the Appalachian Trail. 'Brownie' had long dreamed of hiking the Appalachian Trail after college and after graduating she set out to do just that. Meeting other prospective thruhikers the first day she sets off towards Maine. Along the way she accurately recounts daily trail life with all its joys and pain and rain. She also falls in love with one of her hiking partners. Souleman becomes her partner and together they conquer one obstacle after another. But can love triumph over trail miles and injuries? Can they make it to Maine? Will they survive life after the trail? Michelle Pugh's true story of her hike is a great read and not just the tale of an Appalachian Trail thruhike, but one of love and inspiration.About the Author - Michelle Pugh was born in Atlanta, Georgia, but grew up mainly in Wilbraham, Massachusetts. She moved to Greenville, South Carolina, to attend Furman University, where she earned a degree in philosophy. After college, she hiked the Appalachian Trail, which was the inspiration for her book, Love at First Hike. Michelle has lived in five states since college, but has now settled in Simpsonville, South Carolina, where she works as an Emergency Medical Technician. When she is not working she enjoys hiking, camping, reading, cooking, and quilting..Author - Michelle 'Brownie' Pugh.Binding - Paper.Pages - 396.Publisher - Create Space.Year - 2013.ISBN - 9781456440541..

Genres: Travel

398 pages, Paperback

First published March 15, 2013

About the author

Michelle Pugh was born in Atlanta, Georgia, but grew up mainly in Wilbraham, Massachusetts. She moved to Greenville, South Carolina, to attend Furman University, where she earned a degree in philosophy. After college, she hiked the Appalachian Trail, which was the inspiration for her book, Love at First Hike. Michelle has lived in five states since college, but has now settled in Simpsonville, South Carolina, where she works as an Emergency Medical Technician. When she is not working she enjoys hiking, camping, reading, cooking, and quilting.

Reviews

[Michael J · Rating 4 out of 5]

Excellent book , I enjoyed it very much , I met Michelle in Damascus Va & bought a signed copy from her , she’s a very nice person

[Darla Ebert · Rating 3 out of 5]

A fun read. I enjoyed many parts of the book, especially the unusual adventures the author relates. Her dedication to walking and climbing the Appalachian Trail is admirable.

[Katie · Rating 5 out of 5]

I think it's a great engaging and personal memoir. She is also a great friend of mine, who I grew up with and fell in love with the outdoors and the A.T. at the exact same place as her. Reading her description in the beginning of the book of Enchanted Forest at CBB makes me remember each sight and sound of it. I love her writing style and felt like I was hiking right along with her. Even if I had already known the story, read her trail journey as she hiked and knew how it would end, I still wanted to continue with her along the trail.

I think her story, does a great job at balancing the good and bad of the trail, it makes you want to pick up a backpack and go hike and explore it yourself.

Even if your not into the outdoors or hiking, I highly recommend picking up the book..

[LeAnn · Rating 4 out of 5]

I really, really enjoyed this book and it gave me a new-found respect for anyone that even attempts to complete the AT (and especially thru-hikers). However....spoiler alert...I was extremely disappointed to learn that they divorce after their whole journey together. And worse...it only was given one sentence of explanation?!!? I would have preferred more info after reading the entire love story on the trail. Glad I didn't know this going into the book, though, it would have changed everything for me. Overall, good book...but sad about the end result. :(

[Diane Parsons · Rating 4 out of 5]

Although it was great reading about this couple's hike, it made me realize that hiking the AT is NOT for me. I'm too fond of creature comforts. Anyone who plans to hike the trail, or thinks they might like to, should read this very honest tale of a successful hike.

[Sharon · Rating 4 out of 5]

What can I say? I am totally addicted to books about AT hikes. This was a particularly good one. I really enjoyed it once I figured out when she did her hike. I think that should have been stated on the jacket....and that is the only reason I did not give it 5 stars.