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Walk Ride Paddle: A Life Outside
A compelling account of one man’s journey across hundreds of miles of Virginia wilderness and a moving testament to the optimistic spirit of America, fueled by three journeys undertaken by Senator Tim Kaine, Walk Ride Paddle provides an unseen glimpse into a life outside.
In 2019, Tim Kaine—Virginia Senator and former Democratic vice presidential candidate—commemorated both his sixtieth birthday and his twenty-fifth year in public office by undertaking a three-part journey across the Virginia landscape as he hiked, cycled, and canoed across the state. His chronicle of the journey became an organic reflection of the extraordinary events occurring across America during that time, including impeachment trials, a global pandemic, growing racial protests, the January 6th attack on the Capitol, and more.
During weekends and in Senate recess weeks, Kaine—over a period of several years—hikes the 559 miles of the Appalachian Trail that cross Virginia from Harpers Ferry to the Tennessee border; bikes 321 miles along the crest of the Virginia Blue Ridge on the beautiful parkways built during the Great Depression to create jobs and give everyday people on the East Coast an accessible place to vacation; and canoes the entire James River—348 miles from its headwaters in the Allegheny Mountains to its entrance into the Chesapeake Bay. Along the way, Kaine reflects on the monumental events that have shaped both his life and the world around him, sharing his deep love for the natural world and the importance of preserving it for future generations in a fascinating memoir that blends adventure, reflection, and political insight.
Written during the journey and with immediacy and honesty, Kaine pulls back the curtain to reveal his inner thoughts during such monumental times. Kaine’s storytelling gift and wise observations offer a fascinating glimpse into the mind of a seasoned politician and outdoor enthusiast.
Walk Ride Paddle is a captivating and compelling memoir of one man’s physical journey through the Virginia wilderness—but it is also a unique and ultimately optimistic perspective on these pivotal moments in history, offering inspiration, wisdom, and hope.
In 2019, Tim Kaine—Virginia Senator and former Democratic vice presidential candidate—commemorated both his sixtieth birthday and his twenty-fifth year in public office by undertaking a three-part journey across the Virginia landscape as he hiked, cycled, and canoed across the state. His chronicle of the journey became an organic reflection of the extraordinary events occurring across America during that time, including impeachment trials, a global pandemic, growing racial protests, the January 6th attack on the Capitol, and more.
During weekends and in Senate recess weeks, Kaine—over a period of several years—hikes the 559 miles of the Appalachian Trail that cross Virginia from Harpers Ferry to the Tennessee border; bikes 321 miles along the crest of the Virginia Blue Ridge on the beautiful parkways built during the Great Depression to create jobs and give everyday people on the East Coast an accessible place to vacation; and canoes the entire James River—348 miles from its headwaters in the Allegheny Mountains to its entrance into the Chesapeake Bay. Along the way, Kaine reflects on the monumental events that have shaped both his life and the world around him, sharing his deep love for the natural world and the importance of preserving it for future generations in a fascinating memoir that blends adventure, reflection, and political insight.
Written during the journey and with immediacy and honesty, Kaine pulls back the curtain to reveal his inner thoughts during such monumental times. Kaine’s storytelling gift and wise observations offer a fascinating glimpse into the mind of a seasoned politician and outdoor enthusiast.
Walk Ride Paddle is a captivating and compelling memoir of one man’s physical journey through the Virginia wilderness—but it is also a unique and ultimately optimistic perspective on these pivotal moments in history, offering inspiration, wisdom, and hope.
400 pages, Kindle Edition
Published April 9, 2024
33 people are currently reading
13 people want to read
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Displaying 1 - 4 of 4 reviews
October 19, 2024
Excellent, illuminating read
I really enjoyed this book. First, I'm a hiker. I've hiked sections of the AT in VA, but I haven't hiked the whole stretch. I wish my knees were in better shape. This story is as much about Tim Kaine's internal journey, his relationships with friends and family, especially his wife, as it is about the journey itself, the people met along the way, and the history of the land.
I've voted for Tim Kaine since his first statewide election. It's wonderful when you discover that your trust in someone is entirely justified, especially through such an intimate book as this.
I really enjoyed this book. First, I'm a hiker. I've hiked sections of the AT in VA, but I haven't hiked the whole stretch. I wish my knees were in better shape. This story is as much about Tim Kaine's internal journey, his relationships with friends and family, especially his wife, as it is about the journey itself, the people met along the way, and the history of the land.
I've voted for Tim Kaine since his first statewide election. It's wonderful when you discover that your trust in someone is entirely justified, especially through such an intimate book as this.
May 24, 2024
An outdoor guide with spiritual, historical and political comments.
Loved this book. It was a great overview of trails of the AT trail, the James River and the Blue ridge parkway in Virginia. Tim Kaine gave his insight of the great outdoors with his comments on the sites history and his spiritual journey and the politics of what was going on in the country during his journey. Amazing feat.
Loved this book. It was a great overview of trails of the AT trail, the James River and the Blue ridge parkway in Virginia. Tim Kaine gave his insight of the great outdoors with his comments on the sites history and his spiritual journey and the politics of what was going on in the country during his journey. Amazing feat.
August 28, 2025
Educational, and an enjoyable fun read
A very discriptive presentation reflecting the many aspects of this journey. Loved the way each segment of journey msde for an easy break and allowed for thoughtful impressions to be processed at the readers base.
A good understanding of the author and his views on various issues.
A very discriptive presentation reflecting the many aspects of this journey. Loved the way each segment of journey msde for an easy break and allowed for thoughtful impressions to be processed at the readers base.
A good understanding of the author and his views on various issues.
November 16, 2025
Viewed From A Life Inside
You’d be hard pressed to find a less outdoorsy person than me - and I have no desire, nor plans, to change at this point in my life.
Nevertheless this book captivated me, bringing me a sense of wonder, of awe, of peace, that I have been needing.
I can’t recommend this book highly enough.
May it be a balm for you as it has been for me.
You’d be hard pressed to find a less outdoorsy person than me - and I have no desire, nor plans, to change at this point in my life.
Nevertheless this book captivated me, bringing me a sense of wonder, of awe, of peace, that I have been needing.
I can’t recommend this book highly enough.
May it be a balm for you as it has been for me.
Displaying 1 - 4 of 4 reviews