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The Trail Provides: A Boy's Memoir of Thru-Hiking the Pacific Crest Trail
If your life led to a dead-end, in which direction would you walk?
Disillusioned by the run-in-place corporate lifestyle, David finds himself unemployed and desperate to move the world under his feet.
Bradley, his older, more adventurous, and slightly reckless college fraternity brother, makes an enticing proposal: thru-hike the Pacific Crest Trail, a 2,650-mile Mexico-to-Canada footpath—barefoot.
Just a few weeks later, the two inexperienced hopefuls abandon society to soul-search in nature’s indifferent embrace. They face the trail's formidable challenges—with rising tensions and the risk of falling behind to the coming winter as their guides.
The Trail Provides is an inspiring thru-hiking memoir—a winding journey of companionship, lessons learned, dreams and reality, and leaving everything behind for transformation, insight, and self-discovery.
Now, let's start the journey.
Disillusioned by the run-in-place corporate lifestyle, David finds himself unemployed and desperate to move the world under his feet.
Bradley, his older, more adventurous, and slightly reckless college fraternity brother, makes an enticing proposal: thru-hike the Pacific Crest Trail, a 2,650-mile Mexico-to-Canada footpath—barefoot.
Just a few weeks later, the two inexperienced hopefuls abandon society to soul-search in nature’s indifferent embrace. They face the trail's formidable challenges—with rising tensions and the risk of falling behind to the coming winter as their guides.
The Trail Provides is an inspiring thru-hiking memoir—a winding journey of companionship, lessons learned, dreams and reality, and leaving everything behind for transformation, insight, and self-discovery.
Now, let's start the journey.
348 pages, Kindle Edition
Published October 17, 2018
136 people are currently reading
431 people want to read
About the author
David Smart
2 books20 followersHey there, my name’s David. I’ve written 100+ blog posts about meditation, minimalism, writing, & more.
My latest book is titled True Nature. It's the story of traveling to Nepal to live with a wise woman and searching the Himalayas for enlightenment.
My first book is a thru-hiking memoir titled The Trail Provides. It contains stories and lessons learned from hiking the Pacific Crest Trail.
You'll find more of my work by visiting and subscribing to my blog, https://thinkingwithdavid.com.
My latest book is titled True Nature. It's the story of traveling to Nepal to live with a wise woman and searching the Himalayas for enlightenment.
My first book is a thru-hiking memoir titled The Trail Provides. It contains stories and lessons learned from hiking the Pacific Crest Trail.
You'll find more of my work by visiting and subscribing to my blog, https://thinkingwithdavid.com.
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 87 reviews
October 17, 2018
Casually rating my own book.
July 11, 2023
An easy read, but a tough review. There were many things I enjoyed, and some things that I didn't- but these were only minor.
Overall, I did enjoy the book. There were amusing stories, and it kept me engaged. As someone who hopes to take a long distance hike someday (and is currently working on my physical fitness to do so), I approached this book as a sort of 'learning resource,' as it were- and I did learn a lot of things. I admire both David (Stayin' Alive) and Bradly (Shake) for having completed the hike. I liked how their friendship developed.
As for what I didn't like- hmmm, as a reader of several Thru-Hiker books, I like "meeting" other hikers at the same time as the author- as in, on the day they meet them. David had a habit of going "I meet X again after Y amount of time," but this phrase was usually the first introduction of X hiker. At first, I was riffling back through the book to see did I miss something, and it ruined the flow of the book for me.
There is more for me to add to this review, but I am figuring out how to word it properly- so keep your eyes posted for an edit.
*Edit 11th-July-2023*
I was doing a clear out of my book shelf and came across this book again and realized I had left the review with a statement that there would be more for me to add. It was something I didn't like- and having read some of the reviews, at least one other reviewer has noted it.
Like this other reviewer, I have developed a loathing for the 'advice' that 'experts' give out on the trail. To steal a line from this other review: "What seemed like sound hiking advice for someone planning to hike barefoot left the author and his hiking companion on the verge of hypothermia because they were advised to get rid of their tent." <- This is going into the High Sierras, where even my limited research indicated the possibility of late season snow. There were other examples of this-- reducing the amount of water carried to reduce the strain on bare feet, right before going into the hottest, driest part of the trail etc.
As I said, I approached this book as a learning resource, and I did learn things from it- like be wary of advice that seems too good, and if you are walking with a companion, work on your communication skills.
Three and a half stars.
Overall, I did enjoy the book. There were amusing stories, and it kept me engaged. As someone who hopes to take a long distance hike someday (and is currently working on my physical fitness to do so), I approached this book as a sort of 'learning resource,' as it were- and I did learn a lot of things. I admire both David (Stayin' Alive) and Bradly (Shake) for having completed the hike. I liked how their friendship developed.
As for what I didn't like- hmmm, as a reader of several Thru-Hiker books, I like "meeting" other hikers at the same time as the author- as in, on the day they meet them. David had a habit of going "I meet X again after Y amount of time," but this phrase was usually the first introduction of X hiker. At first, I was riffling back through the book to see did I miss something, and it ruined the flow of the book for me.
There is more for me to add to this review, but I am figuring out how to word it properly- so keep your eyes posted for an edit.
*Edit 11th-July-2023*
I was doing a clear out of my book shelf and came across this book again and realized I had left the review with a statement that there would be more for me to add. It was something I didn't like- and having read some of the reviews, at least one other reviewer has noted it.
Like this other reviewer, I have developed a loathing for the 'advice' that 'experts' give out on the trail. To steal a line from this other review: "What seemed like sound hiking advice for someone planning to hike barefoot left the author and his hiking companion on the verge of hypothermia because they were advised to get rid of their tent." <- This is going into the High Sierras, where even my limited research indicated the possibility of late season snow. There were other examples of this-- reducing the amount of water carried to reduce the strain on bare feet, right before going into the hottest, driest part of the trail etc.
As I said, I approached this book as a learning resource, and I did learn things from it- like be wary of advice that seems too good, and if you are walking with a companion, work on your communication skills.
Three and a half stars.
February 18, 2021
What a fantastic book that resonated on so many different levels with me. David describes his Thru-Hike from the border of Mexico to Canada, which is known as the Pacific Crest Trail. There are already many books likes this out there (e.g. here, here or here) but what makes it special is the rawness of the experience and how it turns into some sort of coming-of-age story.
In the beginning I was surprised that David and Bradley wanted to hike barefoot. I have tried it myself and can tell you that if your feet are not prepared you will develop blisters in no time. It's fun and looks so natural but it also has some serious disadvantages. I felt the pain down to my feet and must adore their stubbornness, how stupid it may be.
Then there is the relationship between David and Bradley. Bradley has more experience but it looks like the PCT is different, which results in some bad decisions. This makes the book really interesting because David holds nothing back, neither the good moments nor the tension and struggles. Again and again there are fortunate turns of events that prove the old saying: the Trail provides.
After the suffering in the beginning the hike turns into a jolly adventure when more people join the gang. This was the part I couldn't relate much too, it had a different vibe and was driven by group dynamics. Climbing Mount Shasta (2200m elevation gain) as part of a thru-hike without any hill training is something that only a group of foolish boys will do that has to burn energy. The "race" with the wolfpack falls into the same category, it was fun to read though. What I enjoyed more was how David explored his feelings and what the trail meant to him on a personal level. Everyone has other needs...
The last part is very different. The tension between David and Bradley becomes hostile, they try an experiment and it works wonders. A spiritual angle arises that foreshadows what David will undergo in the next years. These experiences again strongly resonated with me, I visited his homepage after finishing the book and found many parallels to my own journey. I guess this is one of the reasons why I loved the book so much.
Richard, who has hiked a long part with the boys, has posted many pictures on his Blog. This gives a great impression how everyone looked like. :-)
5 of 5 stars - what a trip!
In the beginning I was surprised that David and Bradley wanted to hike barefoot. I have tried it myself and can tell you that if your feet are not prepared you will develop blisters in no time. It's fun and looks so natural but it also has some serious disadvantages. I felt the pain down to my feet and must adore their stubbornness, how stupid it may be.
Then there is the relationship between David and Bradley. Bradley has more experience but it looks like the PCT is different, which results in some bad decisions. This makes the book really interesting because David holds nothing back, neither the good moments nor the tension and struggles. Again and again there are fortunate turns of events that prove the old saying: the Trail provides.
After the suffering in the beginning the hike turns into a jolly adventure when more people join the gang. This was the part I couldn't relate much too, it had a different vibe and was driven by group dynamics. Climbing Mount Shasta (2200m elevation gain) as part of a thru-hike without any hill training is something that only a group of foolish boys will do that has to burn energy. The "race" with the wolfpack falls into the same category, it was fun to read though. What I enjoyed more was how David explored his feelings and what the trail meant to him on a personal level. Everyone has other needs...
The last part is very different. The tension between David and Bradley becomes hostile, they try an experiment and it works wonders. A spiritual angle arises that foreshadows what David will undergo in the next years. These experiences again strongly resonated with me, I visited his homepage after finishing the book and found many parallels to my own journey. I guess this is one of the reasons why I loved the book so much.
Richard, who has hiked a long part with the boys, has posted many pictures on his Blog. This gives a great impression how everyone looked like. :-)
5 of 5 stars - what a trip!
November 8, 2018
There’s a saying used by hikers when extraordinary, serendipitous things happen on the trail—the trail provides. David Smart discovered his own first-hand lessons from the trail. Disillusioned by life after college, David resigned from his corporate marketing job and hiked the Pacific Crest Trail with a somewhat reckless college buddy. He did it almost on a whim, hopeful the trail would be his pathway to deeper meaning in life.
Smart wasn’t prepared. He wasn’t a hiker or athlete. He had youth, determination, and curiosity on his side, and not much else.
I bet his parents were less than pleased.
I met David a few years ago when he was fresh off the trail. Instantly, I knew an old soul lived behind his brilliant blue eyes. He was contemplative and reflective, and as we chatted about writing and publishing, I knew he had a compelling story to tell. Several years later, his quiet spirit comes through in the words of his debut memoir.
For whatever reason, I’m drawn to true stories of adventure, especially those with a heavy dose of personal struggle and hardship. Lost at sea? Climbing Everest? Living alone in the Alaskan wilderness? Count me in. No, I won’t go with you, not literally, but I’ll be there to cheer you on after you write about it.
Did I mention Smart hiked a portion of the trail barefoot?
Yeah.
I imagine there’s no way not to be changed after undertaking such an endeavor. Yes, the trail does provides. It seems to fill in the gaps in unexpected ways. I couldn’t put this book down and read it cover-to-cover in one day.
This book made me: want to do a serious hike rather than simply take my dogs around the block.
Favorite Line: If someone had told me California was expanding or Oregon was a myth, I just might have believed it.
Smart wasn’t prepared. He wasn’t a hiker or athlete. He had youth, determination, and curiosity on his side, and not much else.
I bet his parents were less than pleased.
I met David a few years ago when he was fresh off the trail. Instantly, I knew an old soul lived behind his brilliant blue eyes. He was contemplative and reflective, and as we chatted about writing and publishing, I knew he had a compelling story to tell. Several years later, his quiet spirit comes through in the words of his debut memoir.
For whatever reason, I’m drawn to true stories of adventure, especially those with a heavy dose of personal struggle and hardship. Lost at sea? Climbing Everest? Living alone in the Alaskan wilderness? Count me in. No, I won’t go with you, not literally, but I’ll be there to cheer you on after you write about it.
Did I mention Smart hiked a portion of the trail barefoot?
Yeah.
I imagine there’s no way not to be changed after undertaking such an endeavor. Yes, the trail does provides. It seems to fill in the gaps in unexpected ways. I couldn’t put this book down and read it cover-to-cover in one day.
This book made me: want to do a serious hike rather than simply take my dogs around the block.
Favorite Line: If someone had told me California was expanding or Oregon was a myth, I just might have believed it.
September 27, 2024
Loved every second of David’s journey through the Pacific Crest Trail! Very well done and truly felt like I was right there next to him on this life changing journey.
July 15, 2023
David Smart writes a compelling trail journal, sharing his experiences on the PCT in colorfully descriptive and entertaining language. He paints a picture of the places and the people, both integral parts of the trail experience.
May 5, 2025
Wow, what soulful and profound read. All of the trail magic, life lessons, relationship with self and others, growth, renewal and differences resolved–I didn’t want this journey to end.
David, thank you for sharing your deepest thoughts and experiences throughout this memoir. I felt as if I were growing right beside you. The trail provides!!
David, thank you for sharing your deepest thoughts and experiences throughout this memoir. I felt as if I were growing right beside you. The trail provides!!
August 11, 2021
I really enjoyed this guy's story of thru hiking the PCT, well done
February 19, 2019
I LOVE reading books about these crazy thru-hikes. The Appalachian Trail, Pacific Crest Trail, and the Continental Divide trail are all hikes that blow my mind. I can't imagine doing such a thing myself, though I would love to, and these people who manage it just fascinate me.
I really enjoy finding out each individuals reason for doing the hike, and what they find out about themselves along the way. It's something I have seen in my own self while traveling the country to hit up all the national parks and to see what else is out there. I live very near the AT, and someday I would love to take a couple of weeks to at least do a section of it. I am also living to eventually get to Mount Katahdin to do the summit hike.
Someday!
I really enjoy finding out each individuals reason for doing the hike, and what they find out about themselves along the way. It's something I have seen in my own self while traveling the country to hit up all the national parks and to see what else is out there. I live very near the AT, and someday I would love to take a couple of weeks to at least do a section of it. I am also living to eventually get to Mount Katahdin to do the summit hike.
Someday!
May 10, 2021
I listened to the audiobook. When I started out, I thought his surfer-esque accent would be distracting, but he is a great storyteller and brought some real emotion to the stories. The book itself contains insight, rawness, and openness between the reader and Stayinalive. Also, it will really make you want to hike the PCT. Thanks for the read dude!
October 3, 2020
Disappointing.
Not particularly well written and I felt no connection with any of the characters. Even worse, I got no sense of what the trail was actually like. Also, he sounds like a very nice chap but his narration was quite annoying at times.
Not particularly well written and I felt no connection with any of the characters. Even worse, I got no sense of what the trail was actually like. Also, he sounds like a very nice chap but his narration was quite annoying at times.
July 19, 2023
2.5/3 stars.
There was a lot to learn from this book- but not in a good way sometimes.
David (Stayin' Alive) seems like a cool guy, and the type of guy I would hang around with- but the relationship between him and Bradly (Shake) for most of the book was a downer for me, and very nearly ruined the book. In essence, it boils down to this- David came into the hike expecting his Fraternity Brother- the hard parting, hard drinking guy he knew in college, but Bradly had grown beyond that. Bradly expected David to follow his lead on everything, not realizing that David was his own person. While it is true that Bradly bore a lot of the expense at the start of the book, he seemed to use it as a stick to shut David up whenever he brought up valid concerns. For a lot of the book, the relationship seemed like a confrontational, toxic one, and while they did reconcile in the end, and seemed to develop a healthy relationship- the first lesson I learned from this book was that: If you are going on a long distance hike with someone, it should be with someone with whom you have functional, well developed communication with.
The second thing I learned was that you should do your own research and not rely on experts (using that term lightly) on the trail. From near collapse from dehydration and then near hypothermia in the High Sierras and then shortage of food, David and Bradly got themselves into some tight corners by taking advise from strangers and not fully thinking out the situation themselves.
There was a lot to learn from this book- but not in a good way sometimes.
David (Stayin' Alive) seems like a cool guy, and the type of guy I would hang around with- but the relationship between him and Bradly (Shake) for most of the book was a downer for me, and very nearly ruined the book. In essence, it boils down to this- David came into the hike expecting his Fraternity Brother- the hard parting, hard drinking guy he knew in college, but Bradly had grown beyond that. Bradly expected David to follow his lead on everything, not realizing that David was his own person. While it is true that Bradly bore a lot of the expense at the start of the book, he seemed to use it as a stick to shut David up whenever he brought up valid concerns. For a lot of the book, the relationship seemed like a confrontational, toxic one, and while they did reconcile in the end, and seemed to develop a healthy relationship- the first lesson I learned from this book was that: If you are going on a long distance hike with someone, it should be with someone with whom you have functional, well developed communication with.
The second thing I learned was that you should do your own research and not rely on experts (using that term lightly) on the trail. From near collapse from dehydration and then near hypothermia in the High Sierras and then shortage of food, David and Bradly got themselves into some tight corners by taking advise from strangers and not fully thinking out the situation themselves.
February 13, 2023
great writing
I really enjoyed that this book was so well written, the introspection and the growing self awareness of the author. I wish he had thrown in a little more about the trail, and honestly I thought he had skipped a lot of it, but I found out in the epilogue that he actually hiked almost all of the trail. I loved the stories of the people that he met along the way. The last few books I borrowed that were written about various thru hiking were very disappointing and boring, so I was very pleased with this book.
I really enjoyed that this book was so well written, the introspection and the growing self awareness of the author. I wish he had thrown in a little more about the trail, and honestly I thought he had skipped a lot of it, but I found out in the epilogue that he actually hiked almost all of the trail. I loved the stories of the people that he met along the way. The last few books I borrowed that were written about various thru hiking were very disappointing and boring, so I was very pleased with this book.
February 7, 2024
bad writing, uncreative slop, rich kid garbage.
February 5, 2023
I’m reading this as part of a book club for the next four weeks but I couldn’t put it down and read it over a day’s time. David’s story was magical and even inspired me to look at the PCT as a future adventure. The kind hearted folks (trail angels) and the solidarity of trail brothers and sisters were amazing to read. His trail luck was truly magical. My only lingering question was, who won the final challenge- David’s group or the Wolfpack?
October 30, 2018
I have the privilege of being friends with the author, so naturally I was stoked about the opportunity to read about David's experiences on the PCT. Let me begin by saying that I am a voracious reader, and tend to focus on memoirs and autobiographies, particularly those involving ultrarunning, climbing, FKTs, or other athletic / outdoor oriented endeavors. Long story short, I absolutely loved this book. There is only so much about an experience that someone can relay to you through general day to day conversation, so being able to dive into David's perspective firsthand provided invaluable insight into his experiences.
I think that many people who are David and I's age are filled with questions - questions about whether we are really pursuing our dreams. Whether we are truly passionate about our jobs and resulting lifestyles or if they are just a means to an end. Few of us are willing to actually do something about it. It must have taken a lot of bravery for David to take the first step of quitting his well paying job and subsequently choosing to tag along with a friend on a thru hike that he knew nothing about. But as David progresses along the well-known Pacific Crest Trail, you can really see his growth as a person, and revelations about life and how each person ultimately chooses their own path. While some may view hiking the PCT as a selfish endeavor, this book will show you that it is anything but - as many wouldn't finish without the selflessness of trail angels and other hikers who do everything to support one another in their journeys.
If you ever have the desire to hike the PCT, then this book will give you a perspective of all the unique characters you may meet, and all of the unique vortex's you can get lost in. If you're tired of eating Filet Mignon and want to learn how to dumpster dive, this book will give you the tips and tricks to switch up your lifestyle. If you want to know the next revolution in Jesus sandal technology, this book is for you. The list goes on in on. Ultimately, I'd highly recommend this book for anyone. I know that David is a better person for his experiences along the trail, and if anyone can encourage someone to take that leap, there is no better place to start.
I think that many people who are David and I's age are filled with questions - questions about whether we are really pursuing our dreams. Whether we are truly passionate about our jobs and resulting lifestyles or if they are just a means to an end. Few of us are willing to actually do something about it. It must have taken a lot of bravery for David to take the first step of quitting his well paying job and subsequently choosing to tag along with a friend on a thru hike that he knew nothing about. But as David progresses along the well-known Pacific Crest Trail, you can really see his growth as a person, and revelations about life and how each person ultimately chooses their own path. While some may view hiking the PCT as a selfish endeavor, this book will show you that it is anything but - as many wouldn't finish without the selflessness of trail angels and other hikers who do everything to support one another in their journeys.
If you ever have the desire to hike the PCT, then this book will give you a perspective of all the unique characters you may meet, and all of the unique vortex's you can get lost in. If you're tired of eating Filet Mignon and want to learn how to dumpster dive, this book will give you the tips and tricks to switch up your lifestyle. If you want to know the next revolution in Jesus sandal technology, this book is for you. The list goes on in on. Ultimately, I'd highly recommend this book for anyone. I know that David is a better person for his experiences along the trail, and if anyone can encourage someone to take that leap, there is no better place to start.
March 14, 2023
I normally don't like to rate memoirs (I've explained before that I don't agree with rating someone's experience as I believe all experiences are 100% valid and valuable!), but as an overall read, I rate this one 4.5-stars! (y'all know how seriously I take rating something 5-stars so this says a lot).
The author, David, writes in a way that allows the reader to truly feel as if they are walking the PCT themselves. As David and his friend, Bradley, take on this challenging trail, they learn more about the world, their purpose in it, and overall, themselves. In a similar manner, I found that through following along with David's experiences, and him describing his various encounters and tribulations, I too was able to apply what he learned and experienced with my own life.
When starting this book, I simply was excited to follow along David's adventures, but in the end, I was left with so much more. This book really captivates its reader and allows them to question their purpose in life and question their day-to-day internal battles. The book makes us look at our lives from an outward perspective and allows us to question why we do certain things, why we surround ourselves with certain people, and how our life's choices really add up to our overall happiness and fulfillment.
This book truly surprised me and, to me, felt like more than just a memoir. This book made me laugh, this book made me excited, and this book found a way to make me emotional. There were so many amazing quotes in this book and I ended up highlighting/annotating a ton of it! David's writing is beautiful, the chapters are short and quick to read, and overall I truly loved this book! I'd recommend it to all my friends and family. It doesn't matter if you're super into outdoorsy things either. In fact, that is another great thing to highlight. David does a tremendous job of teaching the reader various outdoor terminology. In the end, I ended up learning a ton about backpacking and camping on top of everything else.
Long story short, this is a phenomenal read and his book would be a riveting read for all.
Side note: this would also make for a great buddy read with a friend or friend group!
The author, David, writes in a way that allows the reader to truly feel as if they are walking the PCT themselves. As David and his friend, Bradley, take on this challenging trail, they learn more about the world, their purpose in it, and overall, themselves. In a similar manner, I found that through following along with David's experiences, and him describing his various encounters and tribulations, I too was able to apply what he learned and experienced with my own life.
When starting this book, I simply was excited to follow along David's adventures, but in the end, I was left with so much more. This book really captivates its reader and allows them to question their purpose in life and question their day-to-day internal battles. The book makes us look at our lives from an outward perspective and allows us to question why we do certain things, why we surround ourselves with certain people, and how our life's choices really add up to our overall happiness and fulfillment.
This book truly surprised me and, to me, felt like more than just a memoir. This book made me laugh, this book made me excited, and this book found a way to make me emotional. There were so many amazing quotes in this book and I ended up highlighting/annotating a ton of it! David's writing is beautiful, the chapters are short and quick to read, and overall I truly loved this book! I'd recommend it to all my friends and family. It doesn't matter if you're super into outdoorsy things either. In fact, that is another great thing to highlight. David does a tremendous job of teaching the reader various outdoor terminology. In the end, I ended up learning a ton about backpacking and camping on top of everything else.
Long story short, this is a phenomenal read and his book would be a riveting read for all.
Side note: this would also make for a great buddy read with a friend or friend group!
April 25, 2022
One point five stars, rounded up to two.
There were some things to learn from this book- and I'm willing to bet some of them were not what the author intended.
For one thing, I am beginning to develop an aversion to the advise 'experts' give on the trail. What seemed like sound hiking advise for someone planning to hike barefoot left the author and his hiking companion on the verge of hypothermia because they were advised to get rid of their tent... Dude, you were about to hike in the High Sierras. Even with my limited experience, even I know about the possibility of snow storms even late in the season.
Another thing I learned was the importance of communication between hiking companions. To be blunt, there seemed to be very little to none between the author and his hiking companion, and when there was, it was tinged with self deprecation, guilt tripping, incrimination and one up-man ship until near the end of the book when they FINALLY sorted out their differences.
I could go on and on, but it would only descend into a list of complaints.
1.5 stars
There were some things to learn from this book- and I'm willing to bet some of them were not what the author intended.
For one thing, I am beginning to develop an aversion to the advise 'experts' give on the trail. What seemed like sound hiking advise for someone planning to hike barefoot left the author and his hiking companion on the verge of hypothermia because they were advised to get rid of their tent... Dude, you were about to hike in the High Sierras. Even with my limited experience, even I know about the possibility of snow storms even late in the season.
Another thing I learned was the importance of communication between hiking companions. To be blunt, there seemed to be very little to none between the author and his hiking companion, and when there was, it was tinged with self deprecation, guilt tripping, incrimination and one up-man ship until near the end of the book when they FINALLY sorted out their differences.
I could go on and on, but it would only descend into a list of complaints.
1.5 stars
July 1, 2019
I was pleasantly surprised at how much I truly enjoyed this book! I felt like I could connect with the author and went through some of the self reflection and growth he did on his journey - I could really relate to the story. This book takes you on a journey that is funny, sad, exciting, and thoughtful. I had fun reading this, and know I'm a more thoughtful, considerate person for having read it. I definitely recommend it!
If you like traveling, you are probably familiar with Tolkien's quote, "not all those who wander are lost". I feel like that quote applies well to us travelers because we are not lost, but we find so much when we travel - insight, empathy, confidence, and much more. The author might have started out the journey thinking he was lost and would find himself on this journey, but, well, I guess you'll have to read it to find out. I highly recommend this book especially to those of you who like to travel or adventure.
If you like traveling, you are probably familiar with Tolkien's quote, "not all those who wander are lost". I feel like that quote applies well to us travelers because we are not lost, but we find so much when we travel - insight, empathy, confidence, and much more. The author might have started out the journey thinking he was lost and would find himself on this journey, but, well, I guess you'll have to read it to find out. I highly recommend this book especially to those of you who like to travel or adventure.
February 9, 2021
I turned 50 on Christmas Eve 2020 and realised that my life dream of walking the PCT would remain a dream if I didn’t set the wheels in motion soon. A date was set (April 1st 2023). Let the planning commence. I first read PCT TRIALS, which was all about the mindset and emotional journey, then the next book was this one by David Smart.
Wow! His writing flows and I just couldn’t put this book down! At times I wanted to throttle Bradley, especially at the beginning with the barefoot days! I loved the way her portrays the inner journey as well as the outer journey. I shed a few tears at the end.
I’ll read this book again before I venture on my own thruhike to remind me that the PCT is not just about the views, scenery and people!
Highly recommended. Well done David!
Wow! His writing flows and I just couldn’t put this book down! At times I wanted to throttle Bradley, especially at the beginning with the barefoot days! I loved the way her portrays the inner journey as well as the outer journey. I shed a few tears at the end.
I’ll read this book again before I venture on my own thruhike to remind me that the PCT is not just about the views, scenery and people!
Highly recommended. Well done David!
March 17, 2021
Excellent book about David's journey along the PCT. It is always sad that each book I read about thru-hiking the PCT, there isn't much about Oregon and Washington. Not only are the people exhausted, but there isn't a lot of trail magic or trail angels and there are mosquitoes and rain for a good portion of the hikes. They are brave to continue on as I would likely give up about multiple days of walking in soaked gear and sleeping in a soaked sleeping bag. I'm glad that Bradley and David had it out on the trail in a very peaceful manner and were great friends from that point forward. They both realized that the enemy they sought was inside themselves.
September 3, 2019
First of all, I have to say kudos to the author for accomplishing so much. Completing the PCT, writing a book about it, and creating an audiobook.
His story of life on the trail is just as good as anyone else's out there. I enjoyed it, it just took a lot of effort on my part to get through it. And I would have to say it was due to the amount of the upspeak the narrator used, which was basically every sentence.
As an author myself, I know how much money one can save by narrating an audiobook yourself. The downfall of it is your narrator might not be that good.
His story of life on the trail is just as good as anyone else's out there. I enjoyed it, it just took a lot of effort on my part to get through it. And I would have to say it was due to the amount of the upspeak the narrator used, which was basically every sentence.
As an author myself, I know how much money one can save by narrating an audiobook yourself. The downfall of it is your narrator might not be that good.
December 10, 2019
Great read!
Finally, a memoir of thru-hiking by a hiker who can not only write, but also invested in an editor and actually read through the book before publishing. It’s sooo annoying to read a book that’s full of typos, and this was a refreshing experience! I loved the way he told his story, and I particularly enjoyed the photos that he included. The oft-repeated word ‘sojourn’ began to grate, but if that’s my only complaint, then I’ll take it! (It was probably a personal peeve, anyway).
Finally, a memoir of thru-hiking by a hiker who can not only write, but also invested in an editor and actually read through the book before publishing. It’s sooo annoying to read a book that’s full of typos, and this was a refreshing experience! I loved the way he told his story, and I particularly enjoyed the photos that he included. The oft-repeated word ‘sojourn’ began to grate, but if that’s my only complaint, then I’ll take it! (It was probably a personal peeve, anyway).
February 14, 2021
First person adventure and self discovery diary
Great read. David was totally inexperienced in terms of long hikes and living outdoors when he took on the Pacific Crest Trail from the Mexican border to the Canadian border. With the help of one close friend and many, many hikers and trail “angels” he confronted some remarkable challenges. I liked learning about the culture of trail hikers, the beauty and nature of the trail, and the personal growth along the way. Overall a very enjoyable read!
Great read. David was totally inexperienced in terms of long hikes and living outdoors when he took on the Pacific Crest Trail from the Mexican border to the Canadian border. With the help of one close friend and many, many hikers and trail “angels” he confronted some remarkable challenges. I liked learning about the culture of trail hikers, the beauty and nature of the trail, and the personal growth along the way. Overall a very enjoyable read!
November 26, 2018
Great first book by this young indie author. A quick and entertaining read, with a fair dose of philosophizing as the author learns much about life and himself from a seemingly endless series of dangerous adventures and near disasters. The book contains inspiration for both hikers and non-hikers who are considering moving outside their comfort zones. Read it and then buy copies for all of your friends.
December 9, 2018
It isn't often that I give a book 5 stars, but this one deserves it.
I am a huge fan of books about hiking trails, and have read many of them over the years. I think this one ties for my favorite one! It was very insightful, but not in an overly mind-therapy kind of way. I love the way the author talked about his experiences, without delving into unnecessary and meaningless back story.
Well done, sir!
I am a huge fan of books about hiking trails, and have read many of them over the years. I think this one ties for my favorite one! It was very insightful, but not in an overly mind-therapy kind of way. I love the way the author talked about his experiences, without delving into unnecessary and meaningless back story.
Well done, sir!
March 18, 2019
Excellent book
This is an excellent book based on the Pacific Crest trail, as advertised. An avid hiker, and Appalachian Trail thru hiker myself, I can say he has accurately portrayed the thoughts and feelings of a thru hiker. It's an excellent book that captures the physical and mental side of hiking, and his relationship with his best friend and Mr Walker make this a memorable tale. Finally he shares some of his insights hiking gave him, making this a five star read.
This is an excellent book based on the Pacific Crest trail, as advertised. An avid hiker, and Appalachian Trail thru hiker myself, I can say he has accurately portrayed the thoughts and feelings of a thru hiker. It's an excellent book that captures the physical and mental side of hiking, and his relationship with his best friend and Mr Walker make this a memorable tale. Finally he shares some of his insights hiking gave him, making this a five star read.
November 4, 2020
David, also known as, "Stayin' Alive" is looking for something more from life than going to work Monday to Friday. A college friend contacted him about hiking the Pacific Crest Trail. This book is an honest look at life on the trail. He speaks of the
difficulties and pleasures of traveling on foot through deserts, mountains, valleys in all types of weather. Searching for meaning and purpose, David meets many people who help make his journey pleasurable and memorable.
difficulties and pleasures of traveling on foot through deserts, mountains, valleys in all types of weather. Searching for meaning and purpose, David meets many people who help make his journey pleasurable and memorable.
January 23, 2019
Just a fantastic read.
David begins his journey unsure of where his life is headed and at an impasse about what direction his life should take. He acknowledges all of his missteps and errors along the way and you can experience his growth both as a novice hiker to seasoned thru-hiker, but also his personal explorations into his goals and desires for himself.
David begins his journey unsure of where his life is headed and at an impasse about what direction his life should take. He acknowledges all of his missteps and errors along the way and you can experience his growth both as a novice hiker to seasoned thru-hiker, but also his personal explorations into his goals and desires for himself.
April 29, 2019
Honest and Reflective
Well written book, and definitely on my top 10 of PCT books. David and Bradley's unorthodox ways of tackling the trail had me shaking my head at times, but it was their hike, not mine. David 's honesty and self reflection makes him seem wise beyond his young age. A great read!
Well written book, and definitely on my top 10 of PCT books. David and Bradley's unorthodox ways of tackling the trail had me shaking my head at times, but it was their hike, not mine. David 's honesty and self reflection makes him seem wise beyond his young age. A great read!
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