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Squatter: One Woman's Journey to Reclaim Her Spirit on the Ice Age Trail
I'm emotionally not in a good place. So begins Yolanda DeLoach's raw and redemptive Squatter, a tale of trails, trekking, and overcoming trauma. Between heartache and the realization that a relationship was never as it seemed, DeLoach pushes herself toward Wisconsin's historic Ice Age Trail, a place of friendship and, ultimately, forgiveness. But the forgiving starts from within, as she makes her way, section by section, along the trail's storied footways. Honest, heartfelt, and told with a survivor's grace, Squatter inspires, encourages, and listens, like a good friend on the trail.
- GenresNonfiction
288 pages, Paperback
Published January 15, 2024
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Displaying 1 - 28 of 28 reviews
January 5, 2024
“Dreaming big requires believing in yourself. You have to believe you’re worthy of dreams before you can have them.” - Squatter, pg. 65
First and foremost I want to thank Yolanda for sending me an ARC of Squatter for an honest review.
Squatter by Yolanda DeLoach is a story about a woman exploring and hiking Wisconsin’s historic Ice Age Trail while working to distance herself from a toxic relationship. A raw, vulnerable, and honest tale about self-discovery through finding confidence and independence after a relationship wasn’t what she thought it was. This book felt encouraging and empowering, and I enjoyed it more than I anticipated.
When I began this book, I wasn’t sure the pacing was for me, but I quickly fell into DeLoach’s rhythm. The introduction to her and Mitch’s relationship was fascinating and taking the time to understand her life pre-Mitch made this story all the more interesting. I was definitely more intrigued by the relational aspects of the story, but being a regular fiction/romance/dystopian reader, that wouldn’t surprise anyone.
DeLoach’s knowledge of the trail and ability to make it digestible for readers who don’t know Wisconsin, was impressive. I loved the unraveling of relationships she made on the trails through shuttlers, the kindness of strangers letting her squat on their land to camp, and stopping by local dive bars. Her honest, vulnerable approach to being a novice hiker while taking on a big hike was relatable, endearing, and fun to read.
While this isn’t a book I would typically pick up, I am really glad I got to read it. For anyone who is working to separate themselves from a relationship gone wrong - lean on this book to soak up DeLoach’s courage to find a healthy addiction to replace a toxic one. If you’re a hiker in the midwest (or in general), I think this book will be relatable, interesting, and an educational read for you. Overall I give this book a 3.8* and look forward to DeLoach’s success as an author. Thank you again for sending an ARC my way and for the chance to write an honest review.
“Good people really existed. I needed the trail to remind me of that.” - Squatter, pg. 224
First and foremost I want to thank Yolanda for sending me an ARC of Squatter for an honest review.
Squatter by Yolanda DeLoach is a story about a woman exploring and hiking Wisconsin’s historic Ice Age Trail while working to distance herself from a toxic relationship. A raw, vulnerable, and honest tale about self-discovery through finding confidence and independence after a relationship wasn’t what she thought it was. This book felt encouraging and empowering, and I enjoyed it more than I anticipated.
When I began this book, I wasn’t sure the pacing was for me, but I quickly fell into DeLoach’s rhythm. The introduction to her and Mitch’s relationship was fascinating and taking the time to understand her life pre-Mitch made this story all the more interesting. I was definitely more intrigued by the relational aspects of the story, but being a regular fiction/romance/dystopian reader, that wouldn’t surprise anyone.
DeLoach’s knowledge of the trail and ability to make it digestible for readers who don’t know Wisconsin, was impressive. I loved the unraveling of relationships she made on the trails through shuttlers, the kindness of strangers letting her squat on their land to camp, and stopping by local dive bars. Her honest, vulnerable approach to being a novice hiker while taking on a big hike was relatable, endearing, and fun to read.
While this isn’t a book I would typically pick up, I am really glad I got to read it. For anyone who is working to separate themselves from a relationship gone wrong - lean on this book to soak up DeLoach’s courage to find a healthy addiction to replace a toxic one. If you’re a hiker in the midwest (or in general), I think this book will be relatable, interesting, and an educational read for you. Overall I give this book a 3.8* and look forward to DeLoach’s success as an author. Thank you again for sending an ARC my way and for the chance to write an honest review.
“Good people really existed. I needed the trail to remind me of that.” - Squatter, pg. 224
January 26, 2024
Squatter, One Woman’s Journey to Reclaim Her Spirit on the Ice Age Trail by Yolanda DeLoach is rich with the details of her year-long journey as she works to heal herself--both physically and emotionally. At the root of the problem is a man who comes and sweeps her off her feet, but soon shows his true colors.
Determined to keep space between them and to strengthen her resolve she begins hiking the 1,000+ mile Ice Age Trail that runs over a great portion of the state of Wisconsin.
As she states, “I needed to do hard things in tough places on my own.” This quote is on my monitor now, encouraging me to do the same.
I was able to travel along and feel her love of nature and Wisconsin through her colorful writing about the locations she visited and the people that she encountered, including fellow hikers she knew through her social media group. I felt the cold, damp autumn and the snowy, bitter winter wind of her journey as she shuttled her bike and chained it where she would start crossing the terrain on foot to reach her pickup, Fiona, at the end of the day.
I could watch her grow stronger in mind and body, sharing in the resolution that brought her back home to herself.
Beautifully written, I took in every word and was struck by the heart and honesty she shares in her work. A worthy read.
Determined to keep space between them and to strengthen her resolve she begins hiking the 1,000+ mile Ice Age Trail that runs over a great portion of the state of Wisconsin.
As she states, “I needed to do hard things in tough places on my own.” This quote is on my monitor now, encouraging me to do the same.
I was able to travel along and feel her love of nature and Wisconsin through her colorful writing about the locations she visited and the people that she encountered, including fellow hikers she knew through her social media group. I felt the cold, damp autumn and the snowy, bitter winter wind of her journey as she shuttled her bike and chained it where she would start crossing the terrain on foot to reach her pickup, Fiona, at the end of the day.
I could watch her grow stronger in mind and body, sharing in the resolution that brought her back home to herself.
Beautifully written, I took in every word and was struck by the heart and honesty she shares in her work. A worthy read.
March 26, 2024
Well written journey of a woman’s ice age trail journey and what it meant to her. This was better than I was expecting. I couldn’t put the book down and finished within 24 hours. As a ice age trail hiker myself, RN, and using the ice age trail to heal, I can relate in many ways! Yolanda did an amazing job writing her story. I followed her hike updates on other social media platforms. It came together very well in her story.
February 2, 2024
Raw and unflinching, Yolanda's journey to break free from an abusive relationship while hiking the 1,200 mile Ice Age Trail will capture your heart. While clearly traumatic, her story is an open, honest quest for the truth sprinkled with plenty of humor that made me laugh out loud. The beauty, joy and healing power of nature are in the forefront all the way. Kudos to Yolanda: a brave, spirited woman who did not give up. Powerful and highly recommended.
February 2, 2024
DeLoach’s memoir about using time on Wisconsin’s Ice Age Trail to work through an abusive relationship is a harrowing but restorative read. The author spends the first several chapters explaining her situation in gritty detail, inviting the reader into her chaotic and emotional life. She lays out her need for balance in order to get away from not only the personal torture of a relationship gone badly wrong, but also the trauma of the Sars-Covid 19 epidemic in the life of a nurse. The outdoors was a haven to many during this time.
The story seems both too short and yet deep as DeLoach shares her very recent journey to learn more about herself. The lessons are valuable for anyone struggling with problematic decision-making issues. Professional therapy and general support can only go so far to help people who have a deep-seated need to seek fulfillment in personally damaging ways. DeLoach takes her time showing us her angst and trauma; readers who are sensitive to psychological abuse should be cautious. By the time the author shares her adventures on the trail, we’re invested in her commitment to take control of her addictive behavior and to conquer the trail. After 800 miles, DeLoach finds her trail name, “Squatter,” when she invites herself to share the warmth of a fellow hiker’s heated tent instead of her own solo tent.
DeLoach replaces adrenalin highs of demanding people with physically and emotionally demanding elements of hiking all the trail segments she could between work and home life, through all seasons, over the course of a year. From making new trail buddy friends, to staying in friends’ garages while hiking sections, to campgrounds, to elegant homes, to monasteries, the author completes goals she sets for herself. “This time was different,” she says after completing the northern route. “This time, I had the trail. And the trail was magic.”
DeLoach is candid in admitting that she didn’t want her adult and teen children involved in her problems, but that she needed to work on being more open. I was relieved to read that, because she had teen daughters at home while practicing risky behavior and the mom in me had concerns. She listens to podcasts along the way to learn more about herself and toxic relationships and concludes, “The human spirit is resilient. Even when reduced to smoldering ash, the spirit is able to spark back to life with the right conditions. I found those conditions in nature’s touch and the hearts of others along Wisconsin’s Ice Age Trail.”
I lived near and walked segments of the southeastern part of the trail during the years it was developed and worked on in the 1990s. I appreciated this in-depth journey of nature’s healing power. Readers of true adventure stories, nature hiking, and memoirs will find much to appreciate in Squatter: One Woman’s Journey to Reclaim her Spirit on the Ice Age Trail.
The story seems both too short and yet deep as DeLoach shares her very recent journey to learn more about herself. The lessons are valuable for anyone struggling with problematic decision-making issues. Professional therapy and general support can only go so far to help people who have a deep-seated need to seek fulfillment in personally damaging ways. DeLoach takes her time showing us her angst and trauma; readers who are sensitive to psychological abuse should be cautious. By the time the author shares her adventures on the trail, we’re invested in her commitment to take control of her addictive behavior and to conquer the trail. After 800 miles, DeLoach finds her trail name, “Squatter,” when she invites herself to share the warmth of a fellow hiker’s heated tent instead of her own solo tent.
DeLoach replaces adrenalin highs of demanding people with physically and emotionally demanding elements of hiking all the trail segments she could between work and home life, through all seasons, over the course of a year. From making new trail buddy friends, to staying in friends’ garages while hiking sections, to campgrounds, to elegant homes, to monasteries, the author completes goals she sets for herself. “This time was different,” she says after completing the northern route. “This time, I had the trail. And the trail was magic.”
DeLoach is candid in admitting that she didn’t want her adult and teen children involved in her problems, but that she needed to work on being more open. I was relieved to read that, because she had teen daughters at home while practicing risky behavior and the mom in me had concerns. She listens to podcasts along the way to learn more about herself and toxic relationships and concludes, “The human spirit is resilient. Even when reduced to smoldering ash, the spirit is able to spark back to life with the right conditions. I found those conditions in nature’s touch and the hearts of others along Wisconsin’s Ice Age Trail.”
I lived near and walked segments of the southeastern part of the trail during the years it was developed and worked on in the 1990s. I appreciated this in-depth journey of nature’s healing power. Readers of true adventure stories, nature hiking, and memoirs will find much to appreciate in Squatter: One Woman’s Journey to Reclaim her Spirit on the Ice Age Trail.
January 12, 2024
**A copy of this book was provided to me for a fair and honest review.**
This book details the journey of a woman who is trying to break free from a toxic relationship while hiking (in sections) over 1,000 miles on the historic Ice Age Trail in Wisconsin. As she completes the long and sometimes arduous trek, she develops a greater understanding of herself and the choices she has made in her life.
I am not a hiker and wasn’t sure the details of the Ice Age Trail would interest me, but this book was so well written that I was pulled into the whole story and not just the relationship part of the book. She experiences so many interesting situations while on the trail and I was fascinated by the generosity of the people she encountered. I’m in awe that the author had the tenacity to navigate hiking & camping and brave the elements all by herself. Writing about the hike in combination with trying to extricate herself from the meaningful but toxic relationship she found herself in made for a captivating read.
As a woman I felt it easy to relate to finally finding someone who seems to fit what you want in life, and how hard it is to break free when you find out that he is not as he appears. The reflections of the author’s childhood and early adulthood felt raw and honest and gave an understanding to her “addiction” to this man.
I did feel the story ended a little too abruptly for me. The hike of the Ice Age Trail was complete, but the man was still trying to rekindle the relationship. I felt she was able to break free of the harmful relationship, but he was not, and I wonder if she is still dealing with his obsession with her. Perhaps it was because I was so invested in the book that I was disappointed when it was over.
This memoir is a definite read, even if you aren’t a hiker or haven’t been in an abusive relationship. Most of us can relate to trying to accept the way were raised, to understand why we do the things we do, and how experiences in our past affect how we live our lives.
This book details the journey of a woman who is trying to break free from a toxic relationship while hiking (in sections) over 1,000 miles on the historic Ice Age Trail in Wisconsin. As she completes the long and sometimes arduous trek, she develops a greater understanding of herself and the choices she has made in her life.
I am not a hiker and wasn’t sure the details of the Ice Age Trail would interest me, but this book was so well written that I was pulled into the whole story and not just the relationship part of the book. She experiences so many interesting situations while on the trail and I was fascinated by the generosity of the people she encountered. I’m in awe that the author had the tenacity to navigate hiking & camping and brave the elements all by herself. Writing about the hike in combination with trying to extricate herself from the meaningful but toxic relationship she found herself in made for a captivating read.
As a woman I felt it easy to relate to finally finding someone who seems to fit what you want in life, and how hard it is to break free when you find out that he is not as he appears. The reflections of the author’s childhood and early adulthood felt raw and honest and gave an understanding to her “addiction” to this man.
I did feel the story ended a little too abruptly for me. The hike of the Ice Age Trail was complete, but the man was still trying to rekindle the relationship. I felt she was able to break free of the harmful relationship, but he was not, and I wonder if she is still dealing with his obsession with her. Perhaps it was because I was so invested in the book that I was disappointed when it was over.
This memoir is a definite read, even if you aren’t a hiker or haven’t been in an abusive relationship. Most of us can relate to trying to accept the way were raised, to understand why we do the things we do, and how experiences in our past affect how we live our lives.
January 20, 2024
I received an advanced reader copy book to give an honest review. I’ve followed Yolanda’s story on IG while she was hiking the IAT, so I was familiar with her story. We’ve hiked the IAT ourselves in our local area of Wausau and surrounding counties. So I recognized some of her trail stories, which made it more personal. Her writing style was very captivating to me and pulled me right in from the very first page. I didn’t know the depth of the abusive relationship she was in and it’s hard to fathom how hard it was to finally take those final steps of the restraining order. I’ve never been in that kind of relationship, so to see the time, energy invested to finally be able to say “enough is enough” was harrowing. You have to be a strong person, to take on the entire IAT. To do it mostly solo, camp solo and a good portion in winter conditions is no easy task. It makes me itch on the inside to consider doing it myself. I would recommend anyone who loves hiking, or anyone in an abusive relationship, or anyone who needs to self reflect to read this book. It’s very inspirational and educational. It was a quick read for me with an easy writing style. I hope Yolanda will continue to write, maybe hike other trails and give us an update on how she’s doing. I wish her all the best!
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
March 6, 2024
Over the course of a month, I thoroughly enjoyed my nightly hour read of this book. It was soooo hard to put down! A well written & brutally honest snapshot into the author’s journey navigating a verbally abusive relationship & how connecting to nature helped her break the cycle. Definitely worth the time to read this incredible book! It hit a wide range of emotions for me which is always a good sign of a great book. Helped me understand how victims can get sucked in while blaming themselves making it seem impossible to leave. It paints an incredible picture of hiking Wisconsin’s Ice Age Trail. I felt like I was right there hiking it with Yolanda. It reveals how even when there seems to be no hope, it pops up through the people & places you connect with. Igniting sparks of hope that once seemed lost. Job well done Yolanda! Cannot wait for her next book!
May 21, 2024
Yolanda takes the reader into her inner world as she endures the turmoil of a toxic relationship and a decision to earnestly hit the Ice Age Trail - soon she is well on her way to realizing she is in a parallel process as she traverses the trail. She checks off the sections and connecting routes to put distance between herself and the relationship; while introspectively learning, that at her core - she is determined, capable, smart, lovable, fiercely strong, deserving of peace and ready to sever the ties that were binding her to harmful patterns of on again off again. As she nears completion of the trail she gains perspective and agency to stand her ground. The reader will find themself cheering for her, seeing her strengths before she does and feeling proud of her. This is a story of resilience, learning, growing and then breaking free.
January 18, 2026
Some phrases/thoughts that resonated with me or gave me some great food for thought:
“Dreaming big requires belief in yourself. You have to believe you’re worthy of dreams before you can have them”. Pg. 65
“The trail made it easy to leave reality behind.” Pg. 79
“In the morning, I sat ona Rick, braiding my hair at the water’s edge, and spied two moose across the cove. Nature kept on giving.” Pg. 83
“Maybe I never developed a full sense of self to begin with. How could I abandon something I never had?” Pg. 84
“Overnight, the trail had gone from being an enjoyable pastime, to a necessity for curing my confusing addition.” Pg. 88
“The human spirit is resilient. Even when reduced to smoldering ash, the spirit is able to spark back to life with the right conditions. I found those conditions in nature’s touch and the hearts of others along Wisconsin’s Ice Age trail.” Pg. 261
“Dreaming big requires belief in yourself. You have to believe you’re worthy of dreams before you can have them”. Pg. 65
“The trail made it easy to leave reality behind.” Pg. 79
“In the morning, I sat ona Rick, braiding my hair at the water’s edge, and spied two moose across the cove. Nature kept on giving.” Pg. 83
“Maybe I never developed a full sense of self to begin with. How could I abandon something I never had?” Pg. 84
“Overnight, the trail had gone from being an enjoyable pastime, to a necessity for curing my confusing addition.” Pg. 88
“The human spirit is resilient. Even when reduced to smoldering ash, the spirit is able to spark back to life with the right conditions. I found those conditions in nature’s touch and the hearts of others along Wisconsin’s Ice Age trail.” Pg. 261
February 4, 2024
Yolanda DeLoach’s book grabbed my attention with her opening sentence and I finished reading it in a day. Squatter describes Yolanda’s journey to find herself and leave a toxic relationship while, completing the Ice Age Trail. Trail magic oversees Yolanda’s self-recriminations and allows her to rethink her life and what she wants. She spends a lot of time alone which, gives her time to think but, also meets wonderful people that want to aid in her journey in any way that they can. It is an open and honest discussion of her feelings and how one gets trapped in an abusive cycle. In addition, Yolanda’s descriptive language allows one to see the trail through her eyes and how it can help heal the soul.
February 7, 2024
It’s rare to read a book that intertwines a personal story with an account of an adventure where one doesn’t outshine the other. I usually find myself not caring as much about one aspect and rushing through that part to get to the other. This book is different. I did set out to read it as an adventure narrative—as someone who is interested in hiking the Ice Age trail myself that was the aspect I was most interested in. However, Yolanda draws you into her personal story in a way that made me feel I was also experiencing it. Her growth, not only as a hiker, but also in her ability to leave an unhealthy relationship and learn to trust strangers, is as an amazing story as becoming a 1000 miler on the trail. I finished this book feeling truly inspired!
February 26, 2024
Maybe I'm biased because I've met Yolanda and am on several FB groups with her. Or maybe because I also hike the Ice Age Trail. No matter. I thought she did an excellent job weaving two challenges, one emotional and the other physical, in such a way that keeps the reader involved and rooting for her. She details how it's possible to become emotionally addicted to an abusive partner. She opens our eyes to how difficult it is to break away. Her descriptions of the 1,200 mile trail are spot on, and, if you're an IAT hiker, you find yourself saying 'oh, yeah, I remember that segment.' It's an inspirational and motivating read in many ways.
February 4, 2024
The best journey memoirs reveal the author’s physical challenges as well as their emotional transformation along the way. SQUATTER delivers on both counts. DeLoach conveys the very real trials she faced as a bike-shuttling section hiker on the Ice Age Trail, while providing glimpses into her struggle to break an addiction to an unhealthy relationship. Of course, the subtitle of the book tells us she was successful. Still, I found myself reading “just one more chapter” to find out how. Compelling and honest, this book earns its place among my favorites about the trail I love so much.
September 17, 2024
This book was not what I expected. I thought it would be about the trials and tribulations of walking a 1000+ mile trail through the state of Wisconsin in various weather conditions. I was amazed at the brutal honesty of the writer in regards to her reason for completing this daunting task on her own. The insights given into a relationship filled with emotional abuse was eye opening. The story of the Ice Age Trail hike and how it helped Yolanda heal and grow is beautifully and painfully written.
March 16, 2024
Excellent read. Yolanda DeLoach integrates her healing journey not only through a challenging relationship but also at a time when the world faced pandemic/endemic stressful times. While most of us were trying to find new ways to navigate the pandemic by hitting the outdoors, Yolanda found a way to use nature to heal her soul. Discoveries of her own internal strength and healing process kept me glued to the very end.
November 24, 2024
I think this is my favorite book to read this year. It’s honest and raw. I love Wisconsin and the author’s description of our State is amazing. Her journey is amazing. Being outdoors as healing has always resonated with me and the author writes a love letter to healing, exploring, commitment and compassion for others and ourselves. I’m definitely not brave enough to hike and camp in Wisconsin winter, I’m in awe of her bravery. Rock on with Fiona!
April 1, 2024
Yolanda DeLoach's pure and honest approach to the steps (literally and figuratively) she took to heal from an abusive relationship immersed me within nature. DeLoach wrote, "Nature certainly makes me feel small at times." She expanded on this because it wasn't that simple but these messages, sprinkled throughout the book, encouraged me to reflect, to embrace the healing power of nature.
August 8, 2024
I didn't know what to think about this book when I started. How can anyone make a year-long hicking adventure interesting? Well, she did! I couldn't wait to see what her next adventure was and what she had endured. She is a very descriptive writer and makes you feel like you are right there with her.
June 13, 2025
What a fabulous read! The author’s writing style was descriptive and compelling. I love how she combined the telling of a toxic, abusive relationship with hiking the Ice Age Trail. I grew up in rural Manitowoc County so it was fun to see local places referenced like the monastery, the convent and my great-uncle Milties’ Mack trucks.
November 9, 2025
Having completed section hiking the IAT in 2024 this was a great walk down memory lane an an excellent account of what hiking can for the spirit. I highly recommend giving both the book and a hike a try.
March 4, 2024
I really enjoyed reading, found it very relatable. Well done
June 5, 2024
I can’t recommend this book enough. Having read many hiking books, I put this one at the top. It’s so much more than a “trail” book. Please enjoy.
January 22, 2025
Lovely writing. I could feel the cold and the hills, along with the wildlife sightings, as the author hiked. I rooted for her efforts to escape a toxic relationship.
March 5, 2025
Picked up this book because I love Wisconsin's Ice Age Trail and at first, I thought the author was a hot mess. But by the end, it turns out that she's a baller hot mess! Loved this book! ❤️
June 23, 2025
I loved this book! DeLoach is a beautiful observer of both her self and the world around her. Inspiring!
October 9, 2024
What a great read; I found it difficult to put down. Completely beyond my expectations. I thought another hiking book, ho hum. The author, caught in an abusive relationship, was unable to end it. She set out on adventure of a lifetime and found her worth on the Ice Age Trail by hiking approximately 1000 miles on her own. If you’re looking for something fresh, give this book a chance.
Displaying 1 - 28 of 28 reviews