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My Appalachian Trial I: Three Weddings and a Sabbatical
Steve Adams, a retired, overweight, 61-year-old Brit, who had never hiked in his life, decided one day that he wanted an adventure. Not willing to settle for just any old adventure, he decided to hike the entire length of America’s Appalachian Trail, a beguiling attraction for many hikers, both home-grown and from all corners of the globe.Stretching from Georgia to Maine, taking its travelers on a whimsical journey through national forests and parks, along ridges and over mountains, the A.T. is the longest hiking-only trail in the world. The Appalachian Trail is physically strenuous and emotionally taxing, involving a commitment of about six months to complete the entire 2,200 only one in four of the people who start in Georgia will actually complete the hike. Steve was completely unprepared for the myriad challenges that the trail offered him, but took them on with gusto.My Appalachian Trial Three Weddings and a Sabbatical tells Steve’s story of the hike from its origins, details his careful preparation and tentative first steps, and follows his faltering progress and eventual growth as a hiker. Often intimate, sometimes profound, and occasionally profane, My Appalachian Trial I explains why Steve was drawn to such an iconic trail, how he embraced it, and what happened when things went wrong.
264 pages, Kindle Edition
Published May 1, 2016
53 people are currently reading
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Displaying 1 - 20 of 20 reviews
October 1, 2020
I feel almost guilty rating this book as two stars as it was well-written and enjoyable - particularly the dry British humor - but allow me to explain myself.
When someone writes a memoir of their AT experience, I'm expecting to get the whole AT experience. When I realized that he ended the book halfway through and expected me to buy a whole other book to find out what happened at the end, I was SO annoyed.
I actually felt manipulated. This isn't the Hunger Games; this is a memoir of the Appalachian Trail. I think I could forgive him if the second installment was something along the lines of "The Appalachian Trail: 20 Years Later or What I Learned the Second Time Around" but no, he's trying to squeeze 2 books out of one experience.
So I'm calling foul. Two stars and not a twinkle more.
When someone writes a memoir of their AT experience, I'm expecting to get the whole AT experience. When I realized that he ended the book halfway through and expected me to buy a whole other book to find out what happened at the end, I was SO annoyed.
I actually felt manipulated. This isn't the Hunger Games; this is a memoir of the Appalachian Trail. I think I could forgive him if the second installment was something along the lines of "The Appalachian Trail: 20 Years Later or What I Learned the Second Time Around" but no, he's trying to squeeze 2 books out of one experience.
So I'm calling foul. Two stars and not a twinkle more.
February 3, 2021
A well written book by Steve Adams about his trip on the Appalachian Trail. I liked the dry British humor and the naivety with which he tackled the project. He is totally inexperienced and hasn't hiked much before, especially not in the mountains, and I was curious how he can cope with the challenge.
Unfortunately this is more a memoir than a trip report. I was longing for details about his adventure - and learnt too much about his life as a womanizer and his regrets. Cheryl Strayd in Wild found a far better balance and I had the feeling to be part of her journey. This never happened here.
2 out of 5 stars, well written and polished but I missed the adventure part.
Unfortunately this is more a memoir than a trip report. I was longing for details about his adventure - and learnt too much about his life as a womanizer and his regrets. Cheryl Strayd in Wild found a far better balance and I had the feeling to be part of her journey. This never happened here.
2 out of 5 stars, well written and polished but I missed the adventure part.
May 27, 2016
I may be a bit biased because a) I met and hiked a bit with the author toward the end of my thru-hike b) I lived in England for 4 years and love almost all things British c) I'm in the book, briefly but still...fun have the mention!
Mighty Blue is a great writer and I enjoyed every "step" of this book. I was laughing out loud, giggling, sniggling, nodding my head and shaking my head as I read. Even if you aren't a hiker, this is a fun read!
Mighty Blue is a great writer and I enjoyed every "step" of this book. I was laughing out loud, giggling, sniggling, nodding my head and shaking my head as I read. Even if you aren't a hiker, this is a fun read!
September 11, 2017
Great start to a two part series
I've totally enjoyed reading Steve's adventures and mishaps along and off the AT . I do believe that herring that a man who has never truly hiked was able to conquer the AT then someone like myself who has been a casual hiker most of my life should be able to make a good effort at it. Thank you Steve for the great read I look forward to volume II.
I've totally enjoyed reading Steve's adventures and mishaps along and off the AT . I do believe that herring that a man who has never truly hiked was able to conquer the AT then someone like myself who has been a casual hiker most of my life should be able to make a good effort at it. Thank you Steve for the great read I look forward to volume II.
June 13, 2017
Great read
Steve writes a funny story. I liked his breezy style. Some Appalachian Trail writers get too caught up in themselves and become......beyond boring. I admire his get up an go. I thought that Brits were stuffy, not Steve. He makes me want to keep turning the page. Can't wait to begin his next book.
Steve writes a funny story. I liked his breezy style. Some Appalachian Trail writers get too caught up in themselves and become......beyond boring. I admire his get up an go. I thought that Brits were stuffy, not Steve. He makes me want to keep turning the page. Can't wait to begin his next book.
February 27, 2018
Inspiring and fun!
As an aspiring AT hiker, Steve’s story is great! The trials and tribulations he faced, and overcame, have fanned the flames of my dream of attempting a thru hiking the AT. The relationship between Steve and Diane, is relatable. This book hits close to home for me, I look forward the reading the next book.
As an aspiring AT hiker, Steve’s story is great! The trials and tribulations he faced, and overcame, have fanned the flames of my dream of attempting a thru hiking the AT. The relationship between Steve and Diane, is relatable. This book hits close to home for me, I look forward the reading the next book.
September 13, 2018
Awesome book. It seems at times I can put myself on the trail while I'm reading the book
It certainly is full of information and trail descriptions. Certainly a must read for anyone wanting to hike the AT. Steve even puts in own failures in life and on the trail and gives us a look at the true Mighty Blue.
It certainly is full of information and trail descriptions. Certainly a must read for anyone wanting to hike the AT. Steve even puts in own failures in life and on the trail and gives us a look at the true Mighty Blue.
July 31, 2017
Liked it, but...
I liked the book. It was well written and I admire Mr. Adams' honesty when reflecting on his behavior earlier in his life. I could have done without the snarky liberal political comments, however.
I liked the book. It was well written and I admire Mr. Adams' honesty when reflecting on his behavior earlier in his life. I could have done without the snarky liberal political comments, however.
May 29, 2018
Great read!
Can't wait to read the next 2. I have read Where is the Next Shelter, and truly enjoyed it as well. I am also looking forward to hiking the A.T. I would love to say that I would consider a thru hike but I don't see that happening anytime in the near future.
Can't wait to read the next 2. I have read Where is the Next Shelter, and truly enjoyed it as well. I am also looking forward to hiking the A.T. I would love to say that I would consider a thru hike but I don't see that happening anytime in the near future.
June 5, 2020
A great adventure
Mighty Blue spins a great tale of his hike on the AT. With refreshing honesty and a great writing voice, he tells a remarkable story of living your dream. It is truly inspiring. Can't wait for Volume 2.
Mighty Blue spins a great tale of his hike on the AT. With refreshing honesty and a great writing voice, he tells a remarkable story of living your dream. It is truly inspiring. Can't wait for Volume 2.
May 10, 2017
Along for the ride!
Good story-telling. Fast, enjoyable read. Ready for book #2! Steve has a flair for making you feel as if you've known him forever.
Good story-telling. Fast, enjoyable read. Ready for book #2! Steve has a flair for making you feel as if you've known him forever.
November 26, 2017
Excellent read.
Great description of the challenges and rewards of a long distance hike. I recommend it for anyone contemplating a long distance hike.
Great description of the challenges and rewards of a long distance hike. I recommend it for anyone contemplating a long distance hike.
May 8, 2018
Enjoyed this book.
Written very well. Makes you feel as if you are on the trail with him. I'm going to start the next book real soon.
Written very well. Makes you feel as if you are on the trail with him. I'm going to start the next book real soon.
July 18, 2018
Great read
Steve does an amazing job bringing the reader along vicariously thru his journey of ups and downs. Can’t wait to read the next volume.
Steve does an amazing job bringing the reader along vicariously thru his journey of ups and downs. Can’t wait to read the next volume.
March 9, 2019
Great read .
Well written story of highs and lows encountered along trail. Looking forward to reading the second half of the story.
Well written story of highs and lows encountered along trail. Looking forward to reading the second half of the story.
August 4, 2019
Love the story and the way it's told. Steve is honest and engaging and I look forward to book #2.
July 6, 2024
Well written book!
Very well written and easy to get wrapped up in! It makes me want to get out there and hike the AT!
Very well written and easy to get wrapped up in! It makes me want to get out there and hike the AT!
July 30, 2016
Couldn't put it down until I finished
I enjoyed this book so much because the author was so honest and sincere in his descriptions. He self-confesses his past life that caused me to respect him & how he related his adventures - by telling EXACTLY how he felt, both prior to & during his trip. The subject matter (hiking the AT and all it means - the inexperience then on to the learning processes) is the essence of human life . I felt his eagerness, his pain & joys, his anxieties. I was also thrilled by his descriptions and found myself wishing I had the courage to attempt an endeavour of this magnitude, but alas! at 74 years old it's just too late in my life. My childhood vacations w/my family were spent in Maine; Mt Katahdin could be seen regularly during our visits but I had no idea of it's significance to thru-hikers like Mr. Adams until reading their stories. I've read many; his is one of the best. I plan to read the next volume as soon as possible.
I enjoyed this book so much because the author was so honest and sincere in his descriptions. He self-confesses his past life that caused me to respect him & how he related his adventures - by telling EXACTLY how he felt, both prior to & during his trip. The subject matter (hiking the AT and all it means - the inexperience then on to the learning processes) is the essence of human life . I felt his eagerness, his pain & joys, his anxieties. I was also thrilled by his descriptions and found myself wishing I had the courage to attempt an endeavour of this magnitude, but alas! at 74 years old it's just too late in my life. My childhood vacations w/my family were spent in Maine; Mt Katahdin could be seen regularly during our visits but I had no idea of it's significance to thru-hikers like Mr. Adams until reading their stories. I've read many; his is one of the best. I plan to read the next volume as soon as possible.
November 15, 2024
Mighty Blue tells a great tale
Steve Adams, aka Mighty Blue, tells an honest and engaging story of the first half of his Appalachian Trail thru hike. Starting as a complete novice, he truly learned by doing. He gives an accurate and honest telling. He also pulls no punches regarding his life before the AT. I look forward to reading the second half of his story in his next book.
Steve Adams, aka Mighty Blue, tells an honest and engaging story of the first half of his Appalachian Trail thru hike. Starting as a complete novice, he truly learned by doing. He gives an accurate and honest telling. He also pulls no punches regarding his life before the AT. I look forward to reading the second half of his story in his next book.
July 23, 2016
Non-hiker takes on the Appalachian Trail
Amazing to read of a non-hiker taking on the Appalachian Trail! Easy to read and very humorous with self-deprecating style!
Amazing to read of a non-hiker taking on the Appalachian Trail! Easy to read and very humorous with self-deprecating style!
Displaying 1 - 20 of 20 reviews