Over the Hill: Grandpa Hikes the Pacific Crest Trail

by Jim Rea, Zhita Rea

After retirement, Jim Rea became determined to take on and complete a major challenge. He set out to hike the Pacific Crest Trail from Mexico to Canada, his first try at a long hike. He hiked several weeks each summer for seven years, mostly solo. He was rescued only once. He needed to resupply each week, so Zhita, his wife, decided to be his support team. Driving to locate remote meeting places brought her adventures of her own.

218 pages, Kindle Edition

Published May 5, 2017

Reviews

[Chery Gallant · Rating 2 out of 5]

Underwhelming

Very disappointed. Often redundant with " beloved" Zs follow up musings. Don't care about the relatives or what she ate or read or watched on tv ( see what I mean, if you were planning to read about his hike)
Some interesting bits from Jim but more of a memento for the grandkids than for a wider audience who deserved a more concise story about the hike.
A map or graphic and some photos would have been interesting and instructive.

[Michael Brennan · Rating 3 out of 5]

This was more a story of a an older hiker sectional hiking the PCT over several years. Material is good, but lots of information outside of hiking that is a distraction. Section where Jim (author) has to be airlifted off the trail, is very exciting. Really enjoyed how entire family came together and a close call with death was averted. Also enjoyed hearing Zhita's (author's wife) story. Jim started in 2004 and completed in 2009. Read also "The Last Englishman" (Keith Foskett) and "Thru Hiking will Break Your Heart" (Carrot Quinn) for 2 other more recent (2012 and 2014) really enjoyable books on hiking the Pacific Crest Trail (both authors completed in same year).

[Gail · Rating 5 out of 5]

Interesting.

This book is about hiking T he Pacific Coast Trail after a man's retirement with his wife's support.His wife is his supply system. Heells of his adventures and misadventures of his hikesShe meets him about weekly. He relaxes and then goes on his way. She describes the sights of the area she sees while she waits. Both parts are equally enjoyable. The hike takes place over several years as he completes the trail in sections.

[Patricia · Rating 3 out of 5]

I only gave it 3 stars because I didn't feel he made a real thru hike and their were no pictures. I do give him credit for attempting the hike at his age but others have done it at his age without all the luxuries he had.

[Carol Olivie · Rating 2 out of 5]

Boring. It was like reading someone's diary and had no information about hiking the PCT. It took me a long time to read because it wasn't interesting

[Lori bartkowski · Rating 5 out of 5]

Great reading

I loved reading this book, I couldn’t put it down until I finished read it all. I would recommend this book to anyone to read.