We're in the Mountains, Not over the Hill: Tales and Tips from Seasoned Women Backpackers

by Susan Alcorn

Editorial Reviews
Review
"...an intriguing balance between practical tips to get you started and the retelling of adventure in short snippets." -- Outdoor Australia, August/September, 2003

"A passion, by its very nature, is a sexy thing. Alcorn has a passion for backpacking." -- Hill Newspapers, May 16, 2003

"Great Summer Read! The stories are sometimes humorous and other times serious, but most are at the very least inspiring." -- Mammoth, CA Good News, July 24-30, 2003

"Informative, engaging, and inspiring. (Alcorn) reminds women who want to backpack to set their own goals, to savor their successes." -- Montclarion, July 15, 2003

"refreshing handbook of hiking and backpacking for those who know it isn't over until it's over." -- East Bay Express, April 30, 2003
Product Description
Travel, adventure, women's interest! True adventures, challenging journeys, and life affirming trips.
Three dozen women, in the prime of their lives, take you backpacking in the Sierra Nevada, the Rockies, the Appalachians and more. This compelling collage of stories and advice combines honesty, insight and humor with practical wisdom and proven tips to inspire women and men of all ages.

Gutsy women ford ice-chilled streams, clamber up steep mountainsides, chase away hungry bears -- or await helicopter rescue. Whether scaling mountains solo or lounging with friends near a crackling campfire, they are reaping the rewards of their strenuous days and soaking in the wonders of nature. "If we can do it, so can you."

Genres: Adventure, Nonfiction, Travel

292 pages, Kindle Edition

First published April 1, 2003

About the author

I'm a hiker, backpacker, traveler, author, and publisher. After I started backpacking at age 48, I decided to find out about other women "of a certain age" who backpacked. That led to "We're in the Mountains Not over the Hill: Tales and Tips from Seasoned Women Backpackers," which supports women exploring the rewards and challenges of the wilderness.

After hiking across Spain on the Camino de Santiago (2001), I decided to learn more about the ancient trail and then wrote "Camino Chronicle: Walking to Santiago."

The long-distance hikes have continued--in Patagonia, in the U.S., and on additional pilgrimage routes in France, Spain, Portugal, and Switzerland. I like seeing a country on foot--the slow pace of travel allows me to more fully immerse myself in the culture and to gather information for my books. It's also a much less expensive way to travel!

My husband and I live in the San Francisco Bay Area where we can enjoy the abundant hiking trails, great music, amazing restaurants, and good weather--as well as our friends and family.

I like going on book tours because I get to go to interesting places and share my passion for travel and long-distance hiking. I love doing presentations -- especially when there's time to meet people who share my interests!

Reviews

[Kathy · Rating 3 out of 5]

Inspirational stories about women who don't let their age stand in the way of getting out in the wilderness.

[Liz · Rating 3 out of 5]

I have been on a Sierra reading adventure. I went to see Susan speak at the Mountain Springs Golf Course when she was brought to Tuolumne County by Omega Nu. Being a member of my own women's backpacking group, WWW, I needed to hear others' stories.

[Linda Elsa · Rating 4 out of 5]

I really enjoyed this book. Lots of great tips for older backpackers and many personal stories of hiking experiences.

[Robin · Rating 3 out of 5]

A little more than 10 years ago, I saw a flyer at a street fair for doing a walk on the hidden stairs of the East Bay. I decided to attend the event, as I love walking, and have always been intrigued by these hidden walkways in the Berkeley hills. I was in my 40's at the time, and the other people in the group in their 60's and 70's Kicked my ass with not only strength but endurance, as the walk ended up being about 30 miles from Oakland to El Cerrito. I did chat up one woman as I huffed and puffed, and she told me about this book, which she wrote. And now years later, I finally read it.

I enjoyed the stories in the book of backpacking adventures. There are also great advice & references. It was an interesting choice to organize the book of separating the women's stories in each chapter by topic. It almost implied one should remember the people from chapter to chapter, but the structure didn't help me see them as characters. It just seemed like it didn't do what was hoped.

But I'm glad I read it and was inspired by these stories. I have only backpacked twice in my life, and I suspect I won't do it again. But I love hearing about beautiful locations one can only reach by hiking.

[Sandra Fairbanks · Rating 3 out of 5]

it is good stories...

[Babs · Rating 3 out of 5]

Interesting read but not a page turner. Good advice about hiking.

[Sue · Rating 5 out of 5]

Excellent accounts of older women who remain active, enjoying backpacking & hiking. I enjoyed reading their different approaches to camping, hiking, backpacking as well as their philosophies. I envy the woman who hikes with llamas therefore lessening her burden, allowing more hiking miles with more amenities!! Although the book didn't touch on "how to" suggestions it was a very good read.

[Michele Block · Rating 5 out of 5]

I found great inspiration in this book that I picked up at a used bookstore. Having hiked but not backpacked, I now think think I'm ready to backpack!