Tenacity: Hoot on the Appalachian Trail

by Gregory F. West, Stephanie F. West

At sixty years old, Gregory F. West laced up his boots, shouldered a pack, and set out to conquer the legendary Appalachian Trail. His trail name, Hoot, quickly became a fitting symbol—not just of the laughter and camaraderie found along the way, but of the grit and tenacity required to face more than two thousand miles of rugged terrain, unpredictable weather, and the unexpected challenges of long-distance hiking.

But this journey wasn’t his alone. Gregory was lifted by the support of Stephanie, initially his girlfriend and “trail angel” whose encouragement, care, and growing love helped him turn his lifelong dream of hiking the AT into reality. What began as resupply planning and moral support blossomed into a partnership that carried them beyond the trail—into marriage and the co-authorship of this story.

In Tenacity, West shares not only the breathtaking beauty of the wilderness and the raw realities of the hike, but also the transformative power of love, perseverance, and shared dreams.

Whether you’re a hiker chasing your own adventure, an armchair traveler yearning for inspiration, or someone who believes it’s never too late to realize a dream, Tenacity will invite you to laugh, reflect, and believe in the trails—both literal and personal—that lead us forward.

214 pages, Kindle Edition

Published December 22, 2025