Painted Blazes: Hiking the Appalachian Trail with Loner

by Jeffrey "Loner" Gray

We needed some adventure - in our adventure! Only vaguely aware long distance hiking trails crisscrossed the country, a chance meeting led to Jeff's discovery of the Appalachian Trail. Who could have ever guessed that during his journey, “Loner,” as he’s become known in hiker circles, would be bitten by a dog (and a lobster), happen upon a plane crash, chat with a wanted fugitive, come face-to-face with a black bear, see a ghost, be in a car accident, run completely out of money (twice), spend the night under a jail, lose 80 pounds, and find the girl of his dreams? And all to have the time of his life, feel the kindness of others and ultimately learn, he’s not a loner after all. Documenting, for friends and family, his trip on YouTube, thousands more also followed along, vicariously. This story captures the excitement, fun, sadness and danger of a thru-hike with many added details, photos, funny characters and dozens of incidents never before revealed. More than just a memoir, Hiker Tips will inspire future hikers to begin their own ultralight backpacking adventure! (Loner’s total pack weight was 13 pounds.) Also, Fun Facts will help readers gain rare insight into a subculture with its own ethics, trail names, history, hostel system, language and folklore. Happy hiking! And don’t forget…
Find some adventure - in your adventure!

Genres: Nonfiction

346 pages, Paperback

Published April 7, 2017

Reviews

[Dioscita · Rating 3 out of 5]

I liked the story and the author’s obvious and genuine wish to support future AT thru hikers. My god, though; someone get this guy a proofreader (e.g.: fury, furry = two different words). While you’re at it, find him a contemporary copy editor, too (hint: grown women should not be called “girls” throughout any book written in the 21st Century).

[barbara a. woodruff · Rating 5 out of 5]

Hiking the Appalachian Trail. A dream I have always wanted. Never going to happen, sadly. However, "Loner" describes his hike. Important part of this hike is the very detailed historical facts of the various parts of the trail. I can visualize the trail and the buildings and historical information he describes. I lived near parts of the trail and Loner's description is very accurate. He also gives "Hiker facts" which are suggestions of what to bring, what to use such as equipment to treat water before drinking etc. Will compare various pieces of equipment. Meets many people on the trail and during the epilogue tells what happened to them after the hike. Very informative. This is a hike with a mentor who has hiking experience. Recommend to anyone thinking about hiking the trail. Gives detailed information of restaurants in various places, hotels, huts, shelters and prices (at least when book was written). Well written.

[Nina · Rating 2 out of 5]

This is one of the worst books about the AT I've ever read. Juvenile writing, poor grasp of the English language, and there's not much going on. Just a lot of "I met this guy and then another, and we camped together". It does have some lesser-known facts about the trail, like tiny gems hidden in a pile of manure.

[Amy Garcia · Rating 4 out of 5]

Pretty good read

I enjoy thru-hiker stories. Loner didn't disappoint. He's a bit strange, but he's s good guy with an interesting story to tell. I admire the challenges he faced and overcame for the duration of his hike.

[Gladys wintill · Rating 5 out of 5]

Very Informative

Having read many hiking books this book had a hold on me, lots of information about the trail and towns as well as history. I almost choked laughing about the hitchhiking car crash.I was rooting for this guy all the way! Great read

[Michelle Dion · Rating 5 out of 5]

Great read

Likeable character, this Loner! I've read several books about the AT and this is one of the best! I had fun vicariously doing the trail through Loners eyes. Happy trails!

[Dan Forret · Rating 5 out of 5]

I love Loner's book. It has an overwhelming amount of information and I felt like I was there with him on his journey.

[James Downes · Rating 4 out of 5]

Informative

I found the book to be full of interesting things about the trail. Hope to get on the trail or a section of it some time. Loner did a good job of describing his hike.

[William G Russell · Rating 5 out of 5]

Great Read

I love reading about the Trail. The description of hikers was very special,
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