Between a Rock and a White Blaze: Searching for Significance on the Appalachian Trail

by Julie Urbanski, Matt Urbanski (Editor)

Four years removed from her first long-distance hike on the Pacific Crest Trail, Julie, aka Stopwatch, is ready to embark on another thru-hike, this time following the white blazes of the Appalachian Trail, a 2181 mile continuous footpath from Georgia to Maine. She is accompanied by her husband, Matt, aka Optimist, for whom it is his second thru-hike of the AT. They are both burnt out from stressful jobs and are both hopeful that the simplicity of the trail life will recharge their batteries, especially since they have experience on their side. For Julie, it is a chance to improve the person that she came to be and came to dislike, and for Matt, it is a chance to relive old memories while living the trail life he’d come to love. While they could never predict all that would unfold over the months ahead, with volatility in the weather and in their moods, they expect the trail to change the way they see themselves and the world around them. They are also not alone on the trail. Each day they are presented with new perspectives from the varied cast of trail characters hiking alongside them, a few of which have a lasting impression on their hike. This book is for those that appreciate challenges that lead us down the path of self-honesty, who are willing to join Matt and Julie as they make their way through rainy weather and rocky terrain, as expectations meet reality, as they meet new people along the way, and as they search for meaning in it all, all the while following the white blazes of the Appalachian Trail.

Genres: Travel, Nonfiction, Adventure, Memoir, Ebooks

261 pages, Kindle Edition

First published December 12, 2012

Reviews

[Brooke · Rating 3 out of 5]

I'll be generous and round up on my 2.5 star rating. I really wanted to love this book but the writing and editing were not very good. In the end this book was more about what was going on in the author's head during the hike rather than her surroundings. She admits to not really appreciating beautiful scenery. Thus, the book is completely devoid of any descriptions of the sights, sounds, and smells of the trail. Hopefully she will learn to be in the moment more during her next big hike.

[Carol · Rating 5 out of 5]

A perfect mix of soul-searching and introspection with interesting reflection about other people, animals, and places.

Having read many books about long-distance hiking of the AT and other trails, I have to say this was one of the best. Julie was anything but negative (as some of the lower-ranking reviews stated); she was honest and realistic about her experience. The book was certainly not entirely about herself, although she did share herself with depth. There was so much wonderfully descriptive writing about other hikers (some in great depth), non-hikers who entered their lives along the way, towns, animals, and places they visited. Even with all the books I've read about the AT, and having lived most of my life near the AT in various states, there was information in this book about things I did not know (no spoilers). I thought this a most complete accounting of a difficult but rewarding experience -- including the commitment and persistence it took to complete the hike. Kudos, Julie, for being so willing to share your very personal soul-searching and introspection as well as your rich experience. I appreciated your giving the reader information about what happened to some of the hikers your met along the way. Nice wrap-up!

Great writing, by the way. And perfect editing. A pleasure to read.

[Naturegirl · Rating 3 out of 5]

I really love reading experiences from hikers who've thru-hiked the AT. This one was a bit different in that it was someone who had hiked the PCT already, and someone who was also hiking with her husband. I wouldn't recommend this book for those considering a thru-hike who have not yet done one. I am really familiar with the various sections of the AT and have heard repeated stories about the difficulty of each, so it's a bit hard to read a book where occasionally something is hard, but for the most part everything is easy, or not as hard as we thought, or a breeze. These are hikers crushing 30+ miles per day, which is awesome, but also not what most hikers are able to do, so this is more an experiential book and not one that would help thru-hike hopefuls. I also realize that this was a personal journey and a internal one at that, but there seemed to be quite a bit of negativity, as in not appreciating moments when she was in them. For those of us who dream about being able to do this hike someday, the last thing we want to do is hear some 20-something complaining about it.

[Jesse Morrison · Rating 3 out of 5]

A different AT experience

This was a difficult story for me to read. Julie let her feelings shade the experience that I had expected when O started the book. Her obsession for high miles took away the interaction with other hikers for most of the trail until New Jersey.
I went back to review my first AT book; Barefoot Sisters Southbound to renew my perspective of the trail.

[Kyle Greenwood · Rating 4 out of 5]

In Between a Rock and White Blaze, Julie Urbanski invites us to join her and her husband Matt on a personal thru-hike through the AT. Rather than focusing on the scenery and the miles (which would also make for an excellent read), Urbanski lets us live inside her head as she struggles with her own perceived inadequacies and doubt. Given her previous completion of the PCT and her love for endurance running, there's no question about her capabilities. But sharing 3 months on a trail with her closest friend and making new friends along the trail, Urbanski invites us wrestle with the strains of thru-hiking beyond sore muscles and aching feet. Julie Urbanski is as gifted a writer as she is an accomplished hiker!

As a fellow author who grew up in Ohio (and lived in the Cincinnati area for 15 years), and an avid hiker who has spent some time on a very small portion of the AT (though now living in Colorado with my sites set on the CT), Urbanski made me feel like a fellow thru-hiker. She provides enough details of the trails to give the reader a good sense of the trail, without boring us with information overload.

I look forward to reading more of her work, especially her story of the CDT.

[Sharon Snider · Rating 5 out of 5]

Good read for an older person that would of loved to hike the AT when they were young.

The book held my interest and allowed me to experience the pain they went through to accomplish their goals. It gave me a desire to hike a portion of the trail myself at the age of 64!

[Bev Krueger · Rating 5 out of 5]

I really like how honest Julie is in her writing. A lot of people make hiking the AT out to be all peaches and cream. I like that she acknowledges her short falls and recognizes her character flaws. She set out hoping the trail would change her, and it did, just not in the way you would expect

[Mary · Rating 1 out of 5]

A Downer

Finished it to learn about the A.T. Didn't care for her whining. Nor her race to finish, trying to check off miles rather than enjoy. Could have used a better picture of her husband's personality. But congrats, she finished.

[Flint · Rating 5 out of 5]

Thank you for this gift. I wonder how many folk you've inspired to get back out and walk / camp?!?

[Mairead · Rating 4 out of 5]

Interesting insight on thruhiking the AT

[Don Huling · Rating 5 out of 5]

Blazing' the Ap

Excellent read. I thought there was too much emotional angst till I got to the end but it all became clear to me then.

[Don Anderson · Rating 5 out of 5]

Will never

Ok...another great read from Julie. I like her style. Next will be the Trail Life book. Please write about your time in Europe.

[Sue · Rating 2 out of 5]

The author and her hiking partner husband, are bascially professional hikers - more obsessesed with miles rather than the incredible trail/journey they were on. Yes, they completed the trail which is an incredible accomplishment but there was no "wonderment or enjoyment" in it. I much prefer the hikes recorded by the wide range of hikers (young to older) who are excited about the trail and the adventure it gives them.

The author is rather arrogant that she doesn't think older people hike i.e. states that since their cousin will turn 60 after his thru hike, he won't be able to do another hike. Also, anyone 50 or older are really unusual to be hiking. She really didn't research the Trail before hiking, just picked a challenge therefore didn't know people like Granny Gatewood and many others in their 60's-80's who hiked and are hiking the trails.

[Kathy · Rating 2 out of 5]

I wanted to like this book but finished it feeling horrible. Even though we're all supposed to HYOH and there is no "bad" reason for hiking a long trail, I could not accept Julie's reasons for hiking. The Appalachian Trail is "a footpath for those who seek fellowship with the wilderness," but Julie doesn't like the wilderness. She doesn't like trees or flowers, or butterflies or even wild ponies. And although the AT is a "social" trail, Julie doesn't much like people, either.
Julie hiked the AT because she was failing at work. She was failing at LIFE. She hiked the trail because she wanted it (the Trail) to make her a better person. But that's one of the few things a long trail cannot do for a hiker--each hiker has to do that on her own.
Julie had previously hiked the PCT and regretted the kind of person she became on the trail, so when she was failing in life she decided to quit her job and hike the AT with her husband.
Julie's treatment of the people around her, especially her husband, was despicable. Even she admits it--she writes of all her bad behavior and says she regrets it, as if her regrets cancel out the behavior. Not so, especially when you repeat the same mistakes over and over.
And she comes away from both long trails (the PCT and the AT) with a superior feeling of "special-ness." She's special because she hiked 2,600 miles in four months. It's a huge accomplishment--I don't deny her that. But what is special about devoting four to six months to yourself without ever giving anything back? Her husband is special because he put up with her negative attitude--her whining and crying and hating the trail--without leaving her. Young people who join the military, for whatever reason--patriotism, adventure, college scholarships--they're special because they contribute to society while risking their lives for a cause. People who join the Peace Corps--because, while adventurous, they have something to offer and want to help--they're special. They leave home and enter an unknown world and they learn and grow from the process (if they don't die first). So yes, finishing a long trail is a special accomplishment. But if you finish the trail without ever growing as a person or learning a thing about yourself--that's not special. That's a waste.

[Judith]

Julie did another great job in writing about her's and Matt's through trail hiking experiences. This is her 2nd book. 1st was on their hike of the Pacific Coast Trail while this one is about their hike of the Appalachian Trail. I am a bit prejudice as Julie is my great niece. I don't get to see much of her as she does not live locally so this helps me get to know her better. She and her husband Matt are dedicated to living their lives doing what they what to do which is very admirable. Very much recommend the book, even if you are not a relative. The one personal note I'd like to add is that I do find it sad that she spends all her time outside in nature and apparently has no relationship with God. How can you spend so much time in God's creation and not see his glory everywhere? The cover states "Searching for Significance on the Appalacachian Trail." Just find it sad that does not seem to include God. So my prayers for Julie is that she will realize those trail angels she writes about are the result of GOD's work and hope she will find God along the way.

[Julie · Rating 5 out of 5]

I met Julie at an expo for the Ice Age Trail 50 mile run. She was selling this book at the expo. I am so pleased I picked it up. Hiking the Appalachian Trail has always been a mystical endeavor I dream of journeying. Julie portrays this quest with brutal honesty. She illustrates wonderfully how spending 24/7 with your loved one affects the relationship. Both her and Her husband, Matt, handled the wearing on the spirit of cold, rain, bugs, and discomfort in their own ways. They found ways to transcend the hard parts of the trail, and embrace the beauty, and community of the trail. She told me as I tucked my purchase in my race bag to make sure I read the book before starting down the trail. Although I have a much clearer vision of months outdoors, my desire to propel my 50 year old body from Georgia to Maine is not diminished. I loved the anecdotal elements as much as the practical information. Thank you, Julie, for being at the right place and time for me to get my hands on your writing.

[Beth · Rating 4 out of 5]

I did really like this. I believe Julie gave an honest description of her experiences on the trail. Were there times you wanted to shake her and say, "can't you believe what an amazing adventure you are having?" then again I was lying on my comfy couch or sitting on my front porch, not hiking for 94 days from Georgia to Maine. What I learned from this book is it is all about the perspective you have on your current situation and how you deal with it at the time and what you learn from it. This wasn't a trail mile by mile description, if you want that buy a guide book. If you want to know what goes on in the head of a thru-hiker, or even an endurance athlete, this is your book. I'm sad I didn't buy both this and the PCT book when I met Julie at the Ice Age 50 in Wisconsin. I will take Julie's lessons to heart, and remember to stay positive this is only temporary, as I embark on longer and longer endurance events. I will also get a Lyme test!

[Drew · Rating 4 out of 5]

“Between a Rock and a White Blaze” well written, honest look at what it’s like to hike the Appalachian Trail. Sometimes funny sometimes sad the book takes the reader along on the ups and downs (literally and figuratively) of what it’s like to be out on the trail all day every day attempting a thru hike. The author is very forthcoming about her reservations and feelings throughout the hike and how it relates to her “real life” (off the trail). Many times I found myself agreeing with her and at other times I was like “really, you’re going to (or not going to) do that?” but in the end I think we’re all have some of those moments. You may not like the author but I think it's a very honest look at both her and the AT. The end was a little self-helpish (or I could see how someone could read it as a bit self-absorbed) but overall I enjoyed the book and I really felt it put me out on the trail with them.

[Aaron Shipman · Rating 3 out of 5]

This book is more different than Ms. Urbanski's The Trail Life. In this book, Ms. Urbanski follows the trail journal format. Julie and Matt fly through the AT in much the same way that they sped through the PCT. While averaging more than 20 miles a day Ms. Urbanski lets the reader get a glimpse of the camaraderie that develops along the trail and some of the pitfalls that can happen during a long distance hike. While a pretty average run of the mill trail book, I enjoyed it none the less. I would not recommend the book as a first time AT book, but after you have read a little more of what is out there, it is a pretty good read.

[Amy · Rating 4 out of 5]

I've seen some complaints that the author talked more about her feelings than her surroundings; that's exactly what I liked about the book. This is actually what I'm looking for in an AT memoir. I imagine that so much of the journey is about where your head and heart end up rather than your physical self.

I see many outward differences between myself and the author, but I imagine that the feelings she experience transcend these.

[Allison · Rating 5 out of 5]

In spite of others negative reviews, I really liked this book. There are plenty of books on hiking the AT that go on and on about the scenery, etc. This author chooses, instead, to focus on what's going on in her head during her hike. In the end, thru-hiking is just as much a mental game as it is a physical one, and I enjoyed reading her perspective.

[Jay · Rating 4 out of 5]

As a thru hike dreamer I try to read everything I can get my hands on. Some are technical, some are not. This one gives a great glimpse of what the life is like for Stopwatch as she does her hike. I would love to read a report from her husband, that would be quite interesting. Loved the part at the end that got into philosophy.

[Stephen F · Rating 4 out of 5]

I want to say this was the first AT book I've read that was written by a female. I was interesting to read about the trail from that viewpoint. I found it a very easy read and Julie's weight struggle even made my wife laugh.
I've got their A Long Way From Nowhere: A Couple's Journey on the Continental Divide Trail on my "Want to read list".

[Rachel Stansel · Rating 4 out of 5]

Another great AT book

Another great AT book. This joins my top five though for two reasons. First it is written by a female hiker and a couple hiking together. Second, it's one of few where the hiker writes of doubt and struggles in such a predominant way. It helps to have what felt like a more likely and relatable experience.

[Aussiehiker · Rating 5 out of 5]

Yet another great read from Julie.
She is honest and tells it like it is.
Perfect for those who are attempting to hike ANY distance and informative for those who are just armchair hikers.
More Please Julie!!

[L.W. Clay · Rating 4 out of 5]

Amazing how fast they walked the AT. I believe she wrote about each day! Her experiences were fun and well written. I wasn't keen on the ending. I don't know how i would change it, but it just didn't settle with me.

[Daniel Bear Croll · Rating 5 out of 5]

Well written

Easy to read well written will most likely read it again in the future, probably gives an accurate description of what to expect from the emotional side of thur hiking it's never easy but you will learn something about yourself

[Irene · Rating 5 out of 5]

Loved it.

[Jeanne · Rating 3 out of 5]

This account of thru-hiking the Appalachian Trail comes with both bragging and whining. I guess after walking from Georgia to Maine the author is entitled to both.

[Alison]

kindle 260 (hikes)