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Balancing on Blue: A Dromomaniac Hiking
Librarian's Note: An alternate cover for this ASIN can be found here and here
Shortlisted for Outdoor Book of the Year by The Great Outdoors Magazine.
Every year several thousand people attempt to hike all 2180 miles of the Appalachian Trail in the eastern United States. Being the first of the big three hikes in America, it is where long-distance hikers go to cut their teeth.
Keith Foskett has another reason. Dromomania, or the uncontrollable urge to wander, has been part of his life since childhood. Hiking is his chosen method to placate the wanderlust. Accompanied by an array of eclectic characters including a world champion juggler, a drug dealer, an Everton fan whose visa is expiring and a sex-starved builder from Minnesota, his experience is far from normal.
Battling a fear of snakes, bears, being in the woods after dark and his own demons, it’s physically exhausting — as well as a psychologically challenging. His adventure weaves a route through some of America’s wildest landscapes and history, and is told with insight, humour and reflection.
Shortlisted for Outdoor Book of the Year by The Great Outdoors Magazine.
Every year several thousand people attempt to hike all 2180 miles of the Appalachian Trail in the eastern United States. Being the first of the big three hikes in America, it is where long-distance hikers go to cut their teeth.
Keith Foskett has another reason. Dromomania, or the uncontrollable urge to wander, has been part of his life since childhood. Hiking is his chosen method to placate the wanderlust. Accompanied by an array of eclectic characters including a world champion juggler, a drug dealer, an Everton fan whose visa is expiring and a sex-starved builder from Minnesota, his experience is far from normal.
Battling a fear of snakes, bears, being in the woods after dark and his own demons, it’s physically exhausting — as well as a psychologically challenging. His adventure weaves a route through some of America’s wildest landscapes and history, and is told with insight, humour and reflection.
284 pages, ebook
First published March 16, 2015
737 people are currently reading
744 people want to read
About the author
Keith Foskett
9 books141 followersKeith Foskett has hiked over 12,000 miles in the last few years and holds a deep respect for the outdoor spaces of this world. His adventures form the basis of much of his writing.
The Journey in Between, an account of his 1,000 mile journey on El Camino de Santiago in Spain.
The Last Englishman, an epic adventure along the 2,640 mile Pacific Crest Trail in the United States.
Balancing on Blue, the second of his big hikes in America follows his continued addiction to thru-hiking on the Appalachian trail.
Travelled Far is a short read about his many adventures, both at home in England, the abroad.
A Thru-Hiking Trilogy is a collection of his first three books.
His latest book called High and Low, was released in March 2018.
He contributes to various outdoor publications and in 2012 was shortlisted for Outdoor Personality of the Year by The Great Outdoors Magazine. His second book - The Last Englishman, was also nominated for Outdoor Book of the Year. He was shortlisted again for two awards in 2015 and his blog (keithfoskett.com) was voted outdoor blog of the year.
Balancing on Blue was also shortlisted for Outdoor Book of the Year in 2015.
Partial to a decent bottle of Rioja, down sleeping bags and woollen underwear, he was born, and still lives in West Sussex, England.
The Journey in Between, an account of his 1,000 mile journey on El Camino de Santiago in Spain.
The Last Englishman, an epic adventure along the 2,640 mile Pacific Crest Trail in the United States.
Balancing on Blue, the second of his big hikes in America follows his continued addiction to thru-hiking on the Appalachian trail.
Travelled Far is a short read about his many adventures, both at home in England, the abroad.
A Thru-Hiking Trilogy is a collection of his first three books.
His latest book called High and Low, was released in March 2018.
He contributes to various outdoor publications and in 2012 was shortlisted for Outdoor Personality of the Year by The Great Outdoors Magazine. His second book - The Last Englishman, was also nominated for Outdoor Book of the Year. He was shortlisted again for two awards in 2015 and his blog (keithfoskett.com) was voted outdoor blog of the year.
Balancing on Blue was also shortlisted for Outdoor Book of the Year in 2015.
Partial to a decent bottle of Rioja, down sleeping bags and woollen underwear, he was born, and still lives in West Sussex, England.
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 160 reviews
March 17, 2017
My feelings were mixed when I finished reading this book. As a fellow hiker and author, I really wanted to like it, and for most parts I enjoyed the story but once in a while I felt the author's view on and description of others, especially day hikers felt too harsh and unjust, and the way the author repetitively addressed one of the fellow thru-hikers by a name she explicitly declined it's downright irritating.
February 16, 2019
I really enjoyed the Last Englishman, the author’s account of walking the PCT, so chose to read this. Likewise, this is really good if you enjoy reading about long-distance trails. What’s striking is the camaraderie amongst the hikers and the hospitality shown by locals.
Scenically the Appalachian Trail sounds disappointing at times as most of the route is apparently through forest without any view. There is much emphasis on doing the miles each day, which of course you need to do if you want to hike 2,000 miles before winter sets in. Personally, I came away with the impression I’d rather hike a small section of it and take the time to really absorb it, although I can understand those who want the sense of achievement that comes from doing the entire trail. His reflections on how he felt free on the trail with just his backpack and no other possessions makes you think about the way we live with so much focus on material things. I’m now looking forward to reading his other books on long distance hikes ( the trail to Santiago in northwest Spain and the western coast of Scotland).
Scenically the Appalachian Trail sounds disappointing at times as most of the route is apparently through forest without any view. There is much emphasis on doing the miles each day, which of course you need to do if you want to hike 2,000 miles before winter sets in. Personally, I came away with the impression I’d rather hike a small section of it and take the time to really absorb it, although I can understand those who want the sense of achievement that comes from doing the entire trail. His reflections on how he felt free on the trail with just his backpack and no other possessions makes you think about the way we live with so much focus on material things. I’m now looking forward to reading his other books on long distance hikes ( the trail to Santiago in northwest Spain and the western coast of Scotland).
May 10, 2017
I just didn't enjoy this as much as I was hoping to. Some books pull you in and fire your imagination, you can feel and see what it's like to be there. This was not one of those books!
I found the author calling a hiker by the wrong name and then "apologising" for it over and over really bloody irritating too!
I found the author calling a hiker by the wrong name and then "apologising" for it over and over really bloody irritating too!
March 27, 2019
Like other reviewers I wanted to like this more than I did. He so clearly loves the outdoors and his description of the trail is a loving tribute to the AT. But this author had a chance to also talk about how the outdoors makes his life better and therefore encourage others to seek healing in nature but instead he is downright arrogant and dismissive of anyone who is not a thru hiker. So instead of being inclusive he really makes anyone who is not a hiker think.. are all hikers like this?? Fortunately I am already a hiker so I just think he is a bit of a jerk. An opinion repeatedly enforced by his continuous and repeated use of a
Hiker name for a woman who has clearly told him she doesn’t like it. As well his description of fellow male hikers and their seeking of female companionship makes me think jeez women have to put up with that crap even in these environments??? Are men just dogs everywhere??? Honestly he could have done better. How this won an award is beyond me! Obviously no women were on the panel.
Hiker name for a woman who has clearly told him she doesn’t like it. As well his description of fellow male hikers and their seeking of female companionship makes me think jeez women have to put up with that crap even in these environments??? Are men just dogs everywhere??? Honestly he could have done better. How this won an award is beyond me! Obviously no women were on the panel.
February 1, 2018
The book begins with short beginning stories of several other hikers and their reasonings for wanting to thru hike the AT from their point of view. As soon as that chapter is done you just read from Keith Foskett’s view. I get wanting to introduce the other characters because they play big roles in the story but I believe it caused some confusion giving the feel that you will read from everyone’s point of view. Despite that, I was enjoying the book up until the 50% complete point though. Once I got to the halfway mark I noticed the author would repeat himself with stories and details about people. I just read that a few chapters back, I didn’t forget and I could have done without the repeating. At the very end of the book the author brings in the other hiker’s points of view again as they tell how they felt after the hike. Compared to all of the other books I’ve read from hikers and their experiences on both the AT and PCT, this one fell very short as those other books set high expectations.
March 12, 2025
As I love hiking and nature, this book intrigued me. The poetic title misled me into expecting a poetic, spiritual adventure in the Appalachian wilderness. I was disappointed: it is a rather prosaic hiking log.
The setting is certainly epic: a 2000-mile hiking journey through a wild, untamed mountain range with a cast of eccentrics and non-conformists. Unfortunately, the author does not convey the nature he encounters and the people he meets in an exciting, insightful or memorable way. He rather matter-of-factly spools down landmarks, elevations and weather, and it becomes repetitive quickly. Sticking to the physical struggles, we learn little about the mental challenges and nothing about the spiritual journey.
From the beginning, the narrator's personality didn't appeal to me. His views come across as opinionated, antiquated and narrow-minded. His attempts at humor were tame and repetitive at best, irritating and cringe-worthy at worst. I could not relate to his hiking philosophy either: he speaks of conquering mountains and winning on the trail. He often seems competitive in his journey and towards other hikers. Towards non-through-hikers, tourists or locals he tends to be downright judgmental. Staying in nature for this long can be extremely humbling, but if this was the case here, we don’t find out.
The narrator keeps things above the surface: while he lets the reader know that there was a lot of time to reflect, we don’t learn about what. A characteristic, anticlimactic scene describes a final trail ritual, in which hikers share the stories of their trail experience. However, we don’t hear a single one of those stories, not even his own.
The descriptions of fellow hikers remain skin deep, rarely we learn more than their trail-names. The depiction of the scenery is similarly superficial. All that remains are ever-similar tabulations: walked X miles, stayed at Y shelter/hostel/motel, climbed Z mountain, ate a lot, met A, B and C, exchanged pleasantries. There is no adventure, no (self-)discovery, no development, no spiritual reflection. He finds no connection with locals, with fellow hikers, with nature or with himself.
The book suggests that, if you follow a strict itinerary, walking through even the most striking landscapes can become monotonous: as I was struggling to finish the book, I could sympathize with the hikers struggling to finish the trail.
Where the book shines are the quiet moments, when the narrator stops and takes in the otherworldly beauty surrounding him. But these are few and far between and after a sentence or two, he packs up and rushes on to the 100th description of him setting up camp and preparing food.
The book would have benefited from better editing. Some sentences resemble winding paths through rocky terrain, making the reader stumble and backtrack. The grammar and punctuation mistakes are frequent and annoying, much like the mosquitoes that plague the narrator. The pacing could have been improved by cutting some of the ticking off of landmarks and recurring chores.
In the end, I learned little about the narrator or his hiker friends. Their motivation for undertaking this endeavor remains nebulous. Each day, they seem to rush to their next shelter, and ultimately, they rush to the end of the trail.
Was it not about the journey, but only about covering miles and crossing off numbers? The only outcome the narrator considers successful seems to be reaching the end of the trail. When he finally does, his sense of achievement and pride had me wish for some more self-reflection and humility. Surprisingly, after hiking 2000 miles, the narrator appears completely unchanged. To me, this made the book unmoving and forgettable.
The setting is certainly epic: a 2000-mile hiking journey through a wild, untamed mountain range with a cast of eccentrics and non-conformists. Unfortunately, the author does not convey the nature he encounters and the people he meets in an exciting, insightful or memorable way. He rather matter-of-factly spools down landmarks, elevations and weather, and it becomes repetitive quickly. Sticking to the physical struggles, we learn little about the mental challenges and nothing about the spiritual journey.
From the beginning, the narrator's personality didn't appeal to me. His views come across as opinionated, antiquated and narrow-minded. His attempts at humor were tame and repetitive at best, irritating and cringe-worthy at worst. I could not relate to his hiking philosophy either: he speaks of conquering mountains and winning on the trail. He often seems competitive in his journey and towards other hikers. Towards non-through-hikers, tourists or locals he tends to be downright judgmental. Staying in nature for this long can be extremely humbling, but if this was the case here, we don’t find out.
The narrator keeps things above the surface: while he lets the reader know that there was a lot of time to reflect, we don’t learn about what. A characteristic, anticlimactic scene describes a final trail ritual, in which hikers share the stories of their trail experience. However, we don’t hear a single one of those stories, not even his own.
The descriptions of fellow hikers remain skin deep, rarely we learn more than their trail-names. The depiction of the scenery is similarly superficial. All that remains are ever-similar tabulations: walked X miles, stayed at Y shelter/hostel/motel, climbed Z mountain, ate a lot, met A, B and C, exchanged pleasantries. There is no adventure, no (self-)discovery, no development, no spiritual reflection. He finds no connection with locals, with fellow hikers, with nature or with himself.
The book suggests that, if you follow a strict itinerary, walking through even the most striking landscapes can become monotonous: as I was struggling to finish the book, I could sympathize with the hikers struggling to finish the trail.
Where the book shines are the quiet moments, when the narrator stops and takes in the otherworldly beauty surrounding him. But these are few and far between and after a sentence or two, he packs up and rushes on to the 100th description of him setting up camp and preparing food.
The book would have benefited from better editing. Some sentences resemble winding paths through rocky terrain, making the reader stumble and backtrack. The grammar and punctuation mistakes are frequent and annoying, much like the mosquitoes that plague the narrator. The pacing could have been improved by cutting some of the ticking off of landmarks and recurring chores.
In the end, I learned little about the narrator or his hiker friends. Their motivation for undertaking this endeavor remains nebulous. Each day, they seem to rush to their next shelter, and ultimately, they rush to the end of the trail.
Was it not about the journey, but only about covering miles and crossing off numbers? The only outcome the narrator considers successful seems to be reaching the end of the trail. When he finally does, his sense of achievement and pride had me wish for some more self-reflection and humility. Surprisingly, after hiking 2000 miles, the narrator appears completely unchanged. To me, this made the book unmoving and forgettable.
June 14, 2016
Keith Foskett aka (Fozzie)has not disappointed me yet, this is the 2nd book of his that I have read and he is a wonderful writer and story teller, giving us quite an adventure.
I loved in this book how he starts and ends his journey with story of some of the people he did most of his hike with, I don't think I have ever read a hiking book that has portrayed fellow hikers the way he did and that was a lot of fun.
When you read this book you will feel the passion he has for long distance hiking, and to be able to do what he loves plus making a career out of it, is quite impressive.
Being “British”, sorry, “English” He gives us a certain amount of English humor or should I say, Humour.
The stories of the friendships are wonderful and his descriptions of the area is beautifully put, from the sounds, colors, views whatever it may be he describes it in beautiful detail.
I have not walked any long distance trails but I am in awe of people who accomplish it. At least I can live vicariously through them.
I am looking forward to reading his book of the Pacific crest trail.
I loved in this book how he starts and ends his journey with story of some of the people he did most of his hike with, I don't think I have ever read a hiking book that has portrayed fellow hikers the way he did and that was a lot of fun.
When you read this book you will feel the passion he has for long distance hiking, and to be able to do what he loves plus making a career out of it, is quite impressive.
Being “British”, sorry, “English” He gives us a certain amount of English humor or should I say, Humour.
The stories of the friendships are wonderful and his descriptions of the area is beautifully put, from the sounds, colors, views whatever it may be he describes it in beautiful detail.
I have not walked any long distance trails but I am in awe of people who accomplish it. At least I can live vicariously through them.
I am looking forward to reading his book of the Pacific crest trail.
December 22, 2016
The author considers anyone who is not a thru-hiker beneath him, treating them with disdain and at times disgust. That is, until he needs one of the loathsome creatures to haul his dirty butt into town for food and resupply.
The book sorely needs some editing. There were misspelled words and terrible grammar. I cringed every time he used 'I' as the object of a preposition. Apparently they don't teach the proper use of pronouns any better in England than they do here in the U. S.
The book sorely needs some editing. There were misspelled words and terrible grammar. I cringed every time he used 'I' as the object of a preposition. Apparently they don't teach the proper use of pronouns any better in England than they do here in the U. S.
December 12, 2021
This was meh. I love thru-hiking stories, so in that way the book didn't disappoint. Unfortunately, the author comes across as a bit of a dick. He's condescending, respectless to women and day hikers. He takes a very arrogant tone in most of the book, which started to annoy me greatly. I will not read another book by this author!
February 12, 2020
Some interesting stuff but mostly eye rolls
April 2, 2018
I downloaded this on Kindle Unlimited.
I loved reading this book, at the same time as it making me feel really fed up because I wasn't there, doing it, and now I (very probably) never will be. I was glad I've read Bill Bryson's A Walk In The Woods, because I recognised some landmarks, even the names of shelters, and was familiar with the basics of such an endeavour, not least of all the superiority of the 'thru-hiker' compared with the day hikers (I detected the hierarchy, even in such a goodwill-filled world!), the mechanics of daily living, and the reasons why people (like Bill Bryson) drop out.
At the beginning, before 'Fozzie's' adventure starts, there are short first-person pieces introducing some of the hikers with whom Keith walked his many miles. I particularly liked the story of 'PJ' (thru-hikers all have their 'trail names') ~ he got out of bed one morning, told his wife he was going to hike the AT, and would not be coming back. Just one slight criticism that isn't really a criticism ~ I think they would have been twice as effective if dropped in here and there, throughout the book, when we'd got to 'know' the person on the trail. Lazagne, Thirsty and co all appear at the end, too, to talk about their life post-AT.
Keith and his friends have much in common: a desire to live life their own way, a dislike of authority for authority's sake, the need for solitude, peace, to be out in the wild and lead a more simple life, away from the constraints of modern society. I found myself smiling a lot, feeling much the same. 'I didn't like being told what to do by my parents, bosses, friends or my teachers, and I still struggle with it.'
Interspersed with the hike story are passages about the history of the trail, about the early hikers, the other great trails of the US—and a grisly murder or two. Mostly, though, it's a journal about the journey. Nothing much happens, but it's fascinating. It's all about whether or not you can tell a story, really, isn't it?
My favourite parts were the accounts of the author's time alone, about the weather and the beauty of the trail, his thoughts. 'I lived in the woods, respected them and in return they looked after me. They shaded me from the fierce sun and shielded me from strong winds ... occasionally a pool or creek would offer itself up so I could wash and every single night two stout trees held me aloft as I slept in my hammock. The woods provided firewood for the colder nights and during the warmer nights the smoke chased away the mosquitos. I was given logs to sit on or trunks to rest my back against.'
But it's not all ponderous and poetic - there is much about the jolly cameraderie, and also the problems faced on a daily basis ~ not only aches, pains, hunger and a slight depression once they neared the end, simply because it was ending. One thing that stuck in mind was the curious two-seater privy in Maine, with a cribbage board thoughtfully placed in between. Like Keith, I thought, who on earth decided anyone might want to a) do the business in company and b) play cribbage while doing so?
I loved some of the observations, like how 'apart' he felt from 'normal' life after just a week or so on the trail, when he would leave it for a day to go into a town to restock, do laundry, etc, and it felt all wrong. I was amused to read that the author has post apocalypse fantasies, as I do ~ for me, it's about all the 21st century way of life being over, and the challenge to survive. And about discovering what is really important. As Keith points out, in the world of the AT, just the knowledge that the next shelter actually had a door and a proper floor was something to get excited about.
This bit: There were virtually no buildings, no one in authority, no signs stating orders, no man-made noise, and there was no need to be in a certain place at a certain time... I believe making this connection with nature reminds our bodies and minds of a long time ago when we were truly free. We all came from the wilds. The history, although long gone and forgotten for all of us, still occupies a small space in the back of our minds. Somewhere, subconsciously, our minds remember the woods where we spent our infancy, and spending time there rekindles those distant times in our past. It was home.
There's so much I want to put in this review ~ the sad fox in the Trailside zoo who Keith wanted to free, so many quotes and examples of the beauty, the generosity of strangers; I highlighted so much, but it's far too long already. Anyway, I loved it. I shall now go and download his adventures on the Pacific Coast Trail, and I can't wait to read about the Continental Divide!
I loved reading this book, at the same time as it making me feel really fed up because I wasn't there, doing it, and now I (very probably) never will be. I was glad I've read Bill Bryson's A Walk In The Woods, because I recognised some landmarks, even the names of shelters, and was familiar with the basics of such an endeavour, not least of all the superiority of the 'thru-hiker' compared with the day hikers (I detected the hierarchy, even in such a goodwill-filled world!), the mechanics of daily living, and the reasons why people (like Bill Bryson) drop out.
At the beginning, before 'Fozzie's' adventure starts, there are short first-person pieces introducing some of the hikers with whom Keith walked his many miles. I particularly liked the story of 'PJ' (thru-hikers all have their 'trail names') ~ he got out of bed one morning, told his wife he was going to hike the AT, and would not be coming back. Just one slight criticism that isn't really a criticism ~ I think they would have been twice as effective if dropped in here and there, throughout the book, when we'd got to 'know' the person on the trail. Lazagne, Thirsty and co all appear at the end, too, to talk about their life post-AT.
Keith and his friends have much in common: a desire to live life their own way, a dislike of authority for authority's sake, the need for solitude, peace, to be out in the wild and lead a more simple life, away from the constraints of modern society. I found myself smiling a lot, feeling much the same. 'I didn't like being told what to do by my parents, bosses, friends or my teachers, and I still struggle with it.'
Interspersed with the hike story are passages about the history of the trail, about the early hikers, the other great trails of the US—and a grisly murder or two. Mostly, though, it's a journal about the journey. Nothing much happens, but it's fascinating. It's all about whether or not you can tell a story, really, isn't it?
My favourite parts were the accounts of the author's time alone, about the weather and the beauty of the trail, his thoughts. 'I lived in the woods, respected them and in return they looked after me. They shaded me from the fierce sun and shielded me from strong winds ... occasionally a pool or creek would offer itself up so I could wash and every single night two stout trees held me aloft as I slept in my hammock. The woods provided firewood for the colder nights and during the warmer nights the smoke chased away the mosquitos. I was given logs to sit on or trunks to rest my back against.'
But it's not all ponderous and poetic - there is much about the jolly cameraderie, and also the problems faced on a daily basis ~ not only aches, pains, hunger and a slight depression once they neared the end, simply because it was ending. One thing that stuck in mind was the curious two-seater privy in Maine, with a cribbage board thoughtfully placed in between. Like Keith, I thought, who on earth decided anyone might want to a) do the business in company and b) play cribbage while doing so?
I loved some of the observations, like how 'apart' he felt from 'normal' life after just a week or so on the trail, when he would leave it for a day to go into a town to restock, do laundry, etc, and it felt all wrong. I was amused to read that the author has post apocalypse fantasies, as I do ~ for me, it's about all the 21st century way of life being over, and the challenge to survive. And about discovering what is really important. As Keith points out, in the world of the AT, just the knowledge that the next shelter actually had a door and a proper floor was something to get excited about.
This bit: There were virtually no buildings, no one in authority, no signs stating orders, no man-made noise, and there was no need to be in a certain place at a certain time... I believe making this connection with nature reminds our bodies and minds of a long time ago when we were truly free. We all came from the wilds. The history, although long gone and forgotten for all of us, still occupies a small space in the back of our minds. Somewhere, subconsciously, our minds remember the woods where we spent our infancy, and spending time there rekindles those distant times in our past. It was home.
There's so much I want to put in this review ~ the sad fox in the Trailside zoo who Keith wanted to free, so many quotes and examples of the beauty, the generosity of strangers; I highlighted so much, but it's far too long already. Anyway, I loved it. I shall now go and download his adventures on the Pacific Coast Trail, and I can't wait to read about the Continental Divide!
December 22, 2017
"Fozzie" (the author's trail name) allowed some of his fellow hikers to introduce themselves in the first chapter. This confused me, as the POV kept shifting and I couldn't get a fix on who were minor or major characters. Having recently read Hiking Through, I couldn't help but compare the two books.
Much of the material seemed familiar as far as descriptions of the trail itself. Fozzie's writing voice was less formal, sometimes even crass, which I suppose was an attempt at humor.
As proud as he is to be an Englishman (so much so he will correct people who call him British), he has little regard for the hometown affinity of those living in Daleville, VA, or Waynesboro, VA just to name a couple of the near-trail towns he besmirches.
My favorite part of the book would have to be the section from which the title is derived:
"At times the mountain tops narrowed to a rocky ridge a few feet wide, where I felt as though I were balancing, edging along with my arms out stretched as a counterbalance. Occasionally, I lost touch with my feet as I focused on the trail in front, becoming mesmerised and detached, almost in another world. I forgot the ground under me and floated, gliding without any sensation, just balancing on blue."
This describes the way I would descend the marble stairs of the ancient buildings when I was in college, timing the contact of the flat soles of my shoes to slide along the worn edges of the stairs, as if I were floating and gliding. Sometimes I still do that in my dreams.
Much of the material seemed familiar as far as descriptions of the trail itself. Fozzie's writing voice was less formal, sometimes even crass, which I suppose was an attempt at humor.
As proud as he is to be an Englishman (so much so he will correct people who call him British), he has little regard for the hometown affinity of those living in Daleville, VA, or Waynesboro, VA just to name a couple of the near-trail towns he besmirches.
My favorite part of the book would have to be the section from which the title is derived:
"At times the mountain tops narrowed to a rocky ridge a few feet wide, where I felt as though I were balancing, edging along with my arms out stretched as a counterbalance. Occasionally, I lost touch with my feet as I focused on the trail in front, becoming mesmerised and detached, almost in another world. I forgot the ground under me and floated, gliding without any sensation, just balancing on blue."
This describes the way I would descend the marble stairs of the ancient buildings when I was in college, timing the contact of the flat soles of my shoes to slide along the worn edges of the stairs, as if I were floating and gliding. Sometimes I still do that in my dreams.
March 1, 2017
Doing the AT is quite a bit of a pipe dream for me! Knowing that it is 99.9% accurate to state that I'll never actually do it, the best I can do is live it vicariously through Fozzie's narrative.
Fozzie, and his accompanying cast of dromomaniacs are good company throughout the book as it concentrates more on a 'hiking' perspective than did Bryson's 'A Walk in the Woods'. It's an easy style to read and never feels like 'Day nn and we walked from A to B; the weather was cold/wet/sunny/irrelevant'; there is a distinct feel of being on the trail and the camaraderie it engenders.
So it's almost certain I won't do the AT, or the PCT, or the CDT; but it has definitely re-kindled an interest in looking at a few multi-day walks (I hesitate to describe them as 'hikes'!) closer to home in the U.K.
So, who knows? Maybe 99.9% could drop to 99%.
Fozzie, and his accompanying cast of dromomaniacs are good company throughout the book as it concentrates more on a 'hiking' perspective than did Bryson's 'A Walk in the Woods'. It's an easy style to read and never feels like 'Day nn and we walked from A to B; the weather was cold/wet/sunny/irrelevant'; there is a distinct feel of being on the trail and the camaraderie it engenders.
So it's almost certain I won't do the AT, or the PCT, or the CDT; but it has definitely re-kindled an interest in looking at a few multi-day walks (I hesitate to describe them as 'hikes'!) closer to home in the U.K.
So, who knows? Maybe 99.9% could drop to 99%.
February 10, 2018
Inspiring to say the least!
This book, Fozzie’s 3rd, is an inspiring memoir about his very descriptive journey hiking the entire Appalachian Trail. His words are witty and addictive. He not only captures the difficulty of the trek but also the humorous episodes along the way. Relating to Fozzie for me was not hard. I, too, love the outdoors and prefer it most times over the drama of people and life stuff. As a section hiker of the AT, I concur with Fozzie about its divine beauty, how it makes me feel inside and the emotions that arise from it. The AT is a magical place with magical people. This book will not disappoint if you, too, enjoy all that nature offers. Thank you, Fozzie, for a great read!
This book, Fozzie’s 3rd, is an inspiring memoir about his very descriptive journey hiking the entire Appalachian Trail. His words are witty and addictive. He not only captures the difficulty of the trek but also the humorous episodes along the way. Relating to Fozzie for me was not hard. I, too, love the outdoors and prefer it most times over the drama of people and life stuff. As a section hiker of the AT, I concur with Fozzie about its divine beauty, how it makes me feel inside and the emotions that arise from it. The AT is a magical place with magical people. This book will not disappoint if you, too, enjoy all that nature offers. Thank you, Fozzie, for a great read!
October 28, 2017
Epic true account!
Loved this book. Being a hiker from Maine, I couldn't have better captured the state than him in the final chapters. An inspiring adventure! And the author's perspective was very unique. Starting 'The Last Englishman' tonight. Highly recommend 'Balancing on Blue' for the mountain enthusiasist who is locked to a deskjob, while traveling, etc. for the satisfaction of an outdoor experience.
Loved this book. Being a hiker from Maine, I couldn't have better captured the state than him in the final chapters. An inspiring adventure! And the author's perspective was very unique. Starting 'The Last Englishman' tonight. Highly recommend 'Balancing on Blue' for the mountain enthusiasist who is locked to a deskjob, while traveling, etc. for the satisfaction of an outdoor experience.
January 27, 2018
Be inspired to hike the Appalachian trail
Previously read hiking PCT. very engaging writing style. Really identify with the characters, and enjoyed the side adventures that happened. These travel style books would really help if added chronology and a few maps. Then in addition to good read would help if ever decide to embark on the AT thru-hike. Nothing detailed but mainly to determine where you are.
Previously read hiking PCT. very engaging writing style. Really identify with the characters, and enjoyed the side adventures that happened. These travel style books would really help if added chronology and a few maps. Then in addition to good read would help if ever decide to embark on the AT thru-hike. Nothing detailed but mainly to determine where you are.
April 29, 2018
Allowing us to vicariously enjoy the Great Outdoors
Full marks for this excellent book. I've now read all of "Fossie's" books and they are all full of beautifuly written descriptions and lively characters.
Obviously they're factual so don't expect drama, suspense or action but do expect an extremely enjoyable and entertaining escape from reality.
Can't wait for the next trail book!
Keep walking Fossie!
Full marks for this excellent book. I've now read all of "Fossie's" books and they are all full of beautifuly written descriptions and lively characters.
Obviously they're factual so don't expect drama, suspense or action but do expect an extremely enjoyable and entertaining escape from reality.
Can't wait for the next trail book!
Keep walking Fossie!
May 22, 2018
Never a Boring Moment
All three books are so different and yet similar. It takes so much dedication to put one foot in front of the other day after day no matter how you feel. I love to walk but have no desire to even consider a walk thru. These books were so descriptive you felt you were with them.
This is a fast paced book, always waiting to find out what the next day will bring. Hope to read another adventure where ever it might take the author.
All three books are so different and yet similar. It takes so much dedication to put one foot in front of the other day after day no matter how you feel. I love to walk but have no desire to even consider a walk thru. These books were so descriptive you felt you were with them.
This is a fast paced book, always waiting to find out what the next day will bring. Hope to read another adventure where ever it might take the author.
July 10, 2019
I couldn't finish this book. I make it a habit to finish a book that I start but I couldn't take Keith's personality. Just a few chapters in and he comes across as condescending and grating, I just couldn't take anymore. I know many love his books and I'm in the minority but I couldn't make it through.
February 20, 2018
One of the better accounts of hiking the Appalachian Trail I've read.
February 15, 2023
There are few things I hate more than giving an independently published book a negative rating so I’ll clarify a few important details:
-The opening ( and concluding) chapters are very good.
-The author seems very likeable.
I didn’t connect with the writing style and, more importantly, this just isn’t the type of Appalachian Trail book I enjoy.
At this point, I’ve gained a high degree of familiarity with this sub-genre and I’ve got to admit that Bryson’s “ A Walk in the Woods” outclasses everything due to its fusion of history, nature and humour.
Now, I recognise that Bryson’s book is somewhat controversial within the hiking community, but as a pure reading experience it’s outstanding.
Other Appalachian Trail books ( like this one) focus on the more mundane aspects of embarking on a 2000 mile hike and - while there is certainly some appeal in that approach, it can leave the reader well informed yet underwhelmed.
Accordingly, this was always going to be a doomed encounter, yet I wish the author good luck on his travels.
PS -
I believe the author has written about his experiences on other trails such as the PCT and the Camino - I may well give those books a try in the hope that they can prosper without the Bryson baggage that I’ve focused on this volume.
-The opening ( and concluding) chapters are very good.
-The author seems very likeable.
I didn’t connect with the writing style and, more importantly, this just isn’t the type of Appalachian Trail book I enjoy.
At this point, I’ve gained a high degree of familiarity with this sub-genre and I’ve got to admit that Bryson’s “ A Walk in the Woods” outclasses everything due to its fusion of history, nature and humour.
Now, I recognise that Bryson’s book is somewhat controversial within the hiking community, but as a pure reading experience it’s outstanding.
Other Appalachian Trail books ( like this one) focus on the more mundane aspects of embarking on a 2000 mile hike and - while there is certainly some appeal in that approach, it can leave the reader well informed yet underwhelmed.
Accordingly, this was always going to be a doomed encounter, yet I wish the author good luck on his travels.
PS -
I believe the author has written about his experiences on other trails such as the PCT and the Camino - I may well give those books a try in the hope that they can prosper without the Bryson baggage that I’ve focused on this volume.
August 30, 2025
I don't often write reviews and I don't mean to take this out on the author, but this is just another Appalachian Trail through hike book that gives the day to day events but does little to delve into the why.
Many of these books (and this is no exception) wax rhapsodic about life on the trail, despite all its trials and tribulations, and denigrate everyday life as mind numbing and monotonous, yet fail to acknowledge two things: first their freedom and adventure are made possible by the many people who grow and prepare their food, design and manufacture their gear, and provide the glorious trail magic and second many people live heroic, meaningful lives within the structure and limitations of life in society.
The hidden theme of these hikes is they reflect a very selfish view of life. If I can't live my life on my terms, I am unhappy.
I salute the author's accomplishment, but we all are hiking the trail of life and perseverance is demonstrated in many different ways.
Rant over...
Many of these books (and this is no exception) wax rhapsodic about life on the trail, despite all its trials and tribulations, and denigrate everyday life as mind numbing and monotonous, yet fail to acknowledge two things: first their freedom and adventure are made possible by the many people who grow and prepare their food, design and manufacture their gear, and provide the glorious trail magic and second many people live heroic, meaningful lives within the structure and limitations of life in society.
The hidden theme of these hikes is they reflect a very selfish view of life. If I can't live my life on my terms, I am unhappy.
I salute the author's accomplishment, but we all are hiking the trail of life and perseverance is demonstrated in many different ways.
Rant over...
July 14, 2025
The AT is the least appealing to me of the Triple Crown hikes but it’s still fun to learn what it’s like to hike it. Foskett’s kind of an ass but he’s more mellow in this book than his PCT one
November 30, 2020
I wanted to love this book, as I’ve been reading many accounts of AT thru hikes in preparation for my own. But I had to put this one aside three chapters in. The account is told in such an arrogant manner, with the author seeming to find fault with everyone that even slightly crosses him, and jumping to self-defence at the merest hint that he himself might actually be in the wrong. In addition, as a British person myself, his almost pathological insistence on being referred to as English was soon incredibly wearing - he condescendingly corrects three different people who call him British within the first three chapters alone, and I could already see that this would be a weary and pointless theme through the whole book.
As an excellent alternative may I recommend ‘Where’s the Next Shelter’ by Gary Sizer, for an account of the AT told with humour, humility, openness to what the trail experience may bring and a constant sense of wonder and glee at having the opportunity to complete such a life-changing journey.
As an excellent alternative may I recommend ‘Where’s the Next Shelter’ by Gary Sizer, for an account of the AT told with humour, humility, openness to what the trail experience may bring and a constant sense of wonder and glee at having the opportunity to complete such a life-changing journey.
June 2, 2017
I expected more out of this book, although I admit to not having read anything else from Foskett. If you're looking for outright humor and an author sharing more in the way of stories than facts than I suggest you look elsewhere. However, I admit to learning a bit about the sections I have yet to visit. Fozzie gives a great amount of info on the trail and does talk about hiking with a few others that were constants on the trail with him. I suppose part of me is biased because I am currently the Trail Angel for two amazing thru hikers, Engine and Caboose, and I'm laughing so hard with them on a daily basis as I hear what they're up to. I think Fozzie had the opportunity to share just a little more of his experience on a personal level and that would have added so much to the book itself. I do relate to the author. I too am a dromomaniac and do not get to indulge in travel nearly enough.
November 13, 2017
Balancing on the Blue : Thru-hiking the Appalachian Trail (2015) by Keith Foskett is the story of Foskett's tale of doing one of the great American trails. The Appalachian Trail (AT) is amazing trail from Georgia to Maine along the Appalachians.
Foskett had already done the Pacific Crest Trail (PCT) so the AT was arguably a bit easier for him. He'd also already written books about hiking the Camino and the PCT so he's also more experienced author.
If you like reading these sorts of memoirs this book is definitely worth a read. If you haven't tried any of them it's still possibly a good read. It certainly gives some of the feeling of what a long distance hike must be like. Foskett writes good portraits of his fellow hikers and also provides quite a bit of detail about the trail itself and the hardships he had to endure.
Foskett had already done the Pacific Crest Trail (PCT) so the AT was arguably a bit easier for him. He'd also already written books about hiking the Camino and the PCT so he's also more experienced author.
If you like reading these sorts of memoirs this book is definitely worth a read. If you haven't tried any of them it's still possibly a good read. It certainly gives some of the feeling of what a long distance hike must be like. Foskett writes good portraits of his fellow hikers and also provides quite a bit of detail about the trail itself and the hardships he had to endure.
March 21, 2019
Struggled eating this book. If you've never read an Appalachian Trail thru hiker account, there's probably a lot to learn. However, there are many accounts available now (some referenced in this story) with what I feel are more tantalizing tales (maybe because I read them first). Reading one more story of a person who didn't want to work, doesn't like authority, and is using a thru hike as an escape just didn't do much for me. Also, the continued purposeful use of an offensive trail name for a female hiker who clearly informed the author of her distaste for his nickname for her got old and sounded very much like harassment. Recommend David Miller's AWOL on the Appalachian Trail instead.
November 27, 2017
If this had been one of the first accounts of an AT thru-hike, I think I would have loved this book. Unfortunately, it isn't one of the first and the book kind of fell flat with me. I am ambivalent about the book through no fault of the author. I think I have simply grown weary of NOBO hiking diaries: this is who I met, this who I traveled with, these are the names of the shelters I passed, these are the towns I stopped in...Fozzie does throw in some beautiful descriptions of nature and those represent the solitary uniqueness of this book.
In fairness to Fozzie, I will look up his other books and give them a go since I have not read as many books about those trails as I have for the AT.
In fairness to Fozzie, I will look up his other books and give them a go since I have not read as many books about those trails as I have for the AT.
November 22, 2016
Experience the AT from your reading chair
jolefarm@yahoo.com. I live about 2miles from the AT and while stopping for lunches at Millers Market in Danielsville PA my husband and I shared some time with some of the hikers while we ate. We talked about our farming and enjoyed some of their stories and took some to the top of the Blue Mtn. When I saw the book was about the AT I wanted to read it . what a great read it turned out to be. Enjoyable humerous informative and easy to read.Loved it. Thank You Keith (Fozzie) Foskett.
jolefarm@yahoo.com. I live about 2miles from the AT and while stopping for lunches at Millers Market in Danielsville PA my husband and I shared some time with some of the hikers while we ate. We talked about our farming and enjoyed some of their stories and took some to the top of the Blue Mtn. When I saw the book was about the AT I wanted to read it . what a great read it turned out to be. Enjoyable humerous informative and easy to read.Loved it. Thank You Keith (Fozzie) Foskett.
January 23, 2020
A Vicarious Pleasure
This is a real and honest insight into thru-hiker mentality and grit, love if the trail and nature, and the desire to find joy outside the confines of societal expectation. Whereas Leaving Los Vegas made me never want to drink again, Balancing on Blue has created an itch I can hardly wait to scratch someday. I am jealous of those who have the freedom to exit the real world for five months, but this was a pleasant vicarious trip of the mind, very much appreciated.
This is a real and honest insight into thru-hiker mentality and grit, love if the trail and nature, and the desire to find joy outside the confines of societal expectation. Whereas Leaving Los Vegas made me never want to drink again, Balancing on Blue has created an itch I can hardly wait to scratch someday. I am jealous of those who have the freedom to exit the real world for five months, but this was a pleasant vicarious trip of the mind, very much appreciated.
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