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Trek: My Peace Pilgrimage in Search of a Kinder America
Early 2017. Rand Bishop's heart was breaking. With post-election America turning mean, the Grammy-nominated songwriter/author couldn't sit idly by. So, inspired by the woman called Peace Pilgrim, Rand — at 67, with chronic knee and foot issues, minimal camping experience, and zero knowledge about long-distance hiking — decided to TREK from Southern California to the Central Oregon Coast, a distance of 900 miles. Understandably, concerned friends and family members attempted to dissuade Rand from a venture fraught with such potential peril. Still, he remained undeterred, convinced that traveling by foot offered his best opportunity to meet folks one-on-one, listen to their concerns, engage in civil, constructive dialogue, and locate patches of common ground. Amid the dissonance of tribal rancor and blame, Rand needed to know there were still nice people out there. So, he went searching for a kinder America. With TREK, the author invites the reader along, as he pushes a jury-rigged cart christened "the Pilgrimmobile" over urban sidewalks into the hinterlands, along dedicated bike paths, aside interstate highways, through neighborhoods and massive industrial parks, on narrow, decaying blacktop and remote, rutted, mountain trails. The pilgrim treks past windswept corporate farms, then inhales fresh, salty breezes, dwarfed by the awesome, dramatic beauty of the Pacific coastline. Facing constant alienation from the common presumption that a grey-bearded, cart-pushing pilgrim must be homeless, he confronts seemingly insurmountable grades, spans precarious bridges, encounters wild animals, endures relentless wind, moisture, hunger, blisters, exhaustion, and loneliness. The pilgrim gets spat upon, spattered with gravel, nearly knocked down a cliff by a Goliath RV. One fateful afternoon, the earth literally swallows him whole, buries him in dirt and rocks, and straps him down with thorny blackberry vines. But, readers can take heart, because these difficulties are far outnumbered by spontaneous demonstrations of kindness and generosity from myriad Good Samaritans. Meanwhile, the pilgrim hangs with the homeless, convenes with fellow seasoned adventurers, lends an empathetic ear to the forlorn, the dispossessed, and the self-possessed, performs impromptu campground concerts, and withstands evangelical attempts to save his immortal soul. By TREK's end, after meeting a thousand fellow humans over the course of one life-changing spring and summer, Rand Bishop returns home nourished with the knowledge that, one-on-one, the vast majority of us are not only nice, but kind, caring, and often generous. And, despite our obvious differences, we have far more in common as individuals than we might have assumed.
376 pages, Paperback
Published August 20, 2019
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Displaying 1 - 9 of 9 reviews
October 29, 2019
“Well, I said to myself, I can walk. I can play the guitar. And, I can sing. So, that's what I'll do.”
A fascinating account of Oregon singer, Rand Bishop's walk up the West Coast of the United States and his quest for peace. After the 2016 election, Bishop found himself depressed and besieged by middle-of-the-night worries. He felt that America was backsliding into a culture of what he refers to as “meanness.” Bigotry, racism, homophobia and sexism were reigning supreme once again and the hopelessness that Bishop was experiencing threatened to overtake him. Until, one day, he had an idea.
He decided to walk the entire length of Highway 101 on the West Coast. The route goes for 1,500 miles and winds all the way from Southern California up through Oregon and Washington State. Bishop intended to walk the distance with his guitar and his nine-year-old beagle, Millie.
What started as a foolhardy dream became a pilgrimage, a journey to the center of what truly makes this country great and, for Bishop a long look at his own soul. Despite not being a seasoned writer (he is a song writer), Bishop did great work with the narrative of his journey and the lives of the people that he met along the way. Reading along, I felt almost like I was traveling right next to him, meeting people from all walks of life and hearing their stories.
Bishop's story was inspiring, compelling, funny and sometimes heartbreaking. I couldn't agree more with his decision for embarking on the trek in the first place. It's so nice to read a memoir about peace and loving one another in this day and age and I really appreciated the overall message of the book. Rand Bishop's book touched my heart in a way that I haven't experienced in a long time and I know that it will stay with me forever.
A fascinating account of Oregon singer, Rand Bishop's walk up the West Coast of the United States and his quest for peace. After the 2016 election, Bishop found himself depressed and besieged by middle-of-the-night worries. He felt that America was backsliding into a culture of what he refers to as “meanness.” Bigotry, racism, homophobia and sexism were reigning supreme once again and the hopelessness that Bishop was experiencing threatened to overtake him. Until, one day, he had an idea.
He decided to walk the entire length of Highway 101 on the West Coast. The route goes for 1,500 miles and winds all the way from Southern California up through Oregon and Washington State. Bishop intended to walk the distance with his guitar and his nine-year-old beagle, Millie.
What started as a foolhardy dream became a pilgrimage, a journey to the center of what truly makes this country great and, for Bishop a long look at his own soul. Despite not being a seasoned writer (he is a song writer), Bishop did great work with the narrative of his journey and the lives of the people that he met along the way. Reading along, I felt almost like I was traveling right next to him, meeting people from all walks of life and hearing their stories.
Bishop's story was inspiring, compelling, funny and sometimes heartbreaking. I couldn't agree more with his decision for embarking on the trek in the first place. It's so nice to read a memoir about peace and loving one another in this day and age and I really appreciated the overall message of the book. Rand Bishop's book touched my heart in a way that I haven't experienced in a long time and I know that it will stay with me forever.
August 4, 2019
This is a beautiful book for many reasons. First and foremost: the spirit that animated the journey that is chronicled in these pages. In early 2017, alarmed by declining civility in this country, Rand Bishop decided to set off on a pilgrimage to see if he could witness, and encourage, more peaceful interactions among his fellow human beings.
He took a rented car to Los Angeles and from there launched a 900-mile trek up the coast, finishing in Lincoln City, Oregon, 90 days later. His journey drew inspiration from the Peace Pilgrim, a woman who spent twenty-eight years walking this land to promote peace.
What makes Bishop’s book such a joy to read is his ability to bring the reader alongside him on this journey. We enjoy the spectacular, rugged Pacific Coast landscape. We encounter small towns and big cities, cooling rains and relentless heat. And we’re introduced to an amazing cross-section of people along the way: the indifferent, the angry, the mentally disturbed, and fortunately, many, many good, decent kind and caring people who affirmed the mission of Rand’s journey and made him glad he took it on. After reading this book, I think you’ll be happy you came along too.
He took a rented car to Los Angeles and from there launched a 900-mile trek up the coast, finishing in Lincoln City, Oregon, 90 days later. His journey drew inspiration from the Peace Pilgrim, a woman who spent twenty-eight years walking this land to promote peace.
What makes Bishop’s book such a joy to read is his ability to bring the reader alongside him on this journey. We enjoy the spectacular, rugged Pacific Coast landscape. We encounter small towns and big cities, cooling rains and relentless heat. And we’re introduced to an amazing cross-section of people along the way: the indifferent, the angry, the mentally disturbed, and fortunately, many, many good, decent kind and caring people who affirmed the mission of Rand’s journey and made him glad he took it on. After reading this book, I think you’ll be happy you came along too.
August 24, 2019
Let me start of by saying that I just had to love the way the author approached me for a review. I could sense the good spirited man behind the email. I went though the quickly and experienced everything the author did. I realized how there’s no way not to be changed after undertaking such an endeavor. It seems to provide answers and fills his trek with purpose in unexpected ways. I couldn’t put this book down until I finished it wanting to know more.
As an Indian, I'm looking at America from another American's eye and not what Hollywood tries to portray and can see how similar and yet so different we all are. We are inconsiderate, arrogant and racists in our own ways and how a lot of us are making a conscious effort to address this gives me hopes about humanity. I resonated with the author when he said that "we’ve always managed to weather the turmoil, all the while evolving into a beautiful-but-messy, multi-cultural gumbo". He also goes on to tell that we seemed to be devolving into an unkind, cowardly nation of lazy-headed blamers, whiners, and name-callers- Although I believe that some part of is true only to an extent where this existed even before the millennial.
In this book, Rand Bishop - a 67 year old man hiked from Southern California to the Central Oregon Coast with a beagle and a modified cart- Pilgrimmobile he calls it. He did it with a desire and hope that the trail would be his pathway to find a kinder America. He wasn’t a hiker or athlete. He had no youth but determination, and a sense of purpose on his side along with the beagle. This is a gripping story about the author’s experience hiking the Trail, over a 90 day period.This book is much more than a guide for hikers. Rand wanted to make an impact. He wanted to make a truly meaningful action. So he though - I can walk. I can play the guitar. And, I can sing. So, that’s what I’ll do.
The 67 year old talks about his prep work to develop the right positive mindset by a comprehensive daily practice of visualization and affirmation over a period of years and I truly appreciate the determination and commitment one must have to achieve this for I know this is something that doesn't come by easily. He mentions a quote that is very close to this outlook in his book, that goes -"If you realized how powerful your thoughts are, you would never think a negative thought.” — Peace Pilgrim. Over this course, he is faced by the emotional conflict to choose between family and his intentions and the psychological struggle is real.
Throughout his journey, the author describes several influences and events that is defining the 20th century in the United States including and not limited to the Trump elections. Apart from having strong opinions about these events and having experienced different array of human personality traits, beliefs and faith from Dede and Bob, Kimberly and Henry, Rand finds humor even while he is alone with his thoughts and doesn't let his spirits tarnish.
I was as happy as the author when he realized that the country might not be as mean as he thought. He goes through a series of obstacles that he over comes with himself and the dog, with lodging and food. It is wonderful to see how the author was open to new learnings, to the vulnerability and to even have an open mind such as his at his age. There were several entertaining parts to the story, but mostly a window to how humans think- how we are all conditioned in our own ways.
Another beautiful statement that the author made was -"The God I believe in doesn’t tell me what to think. The God I believe in is what I think, added to the sum total of every thought that has ever been conceived or ever will be conceived" and it truly helps you see a new perspective to life experiences.
Towards the end, the Epilogue is a perfect summary to the story and the message he wishes to deliver.
For some reason, I’m attracted to real life stories of adventure, especially those with a huge amount of personal struggle and hardship. Having life altering experience? Struggling with life choices? Having a chaotic life? 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.
As an Indian, I'm looking at America from another American's eye and not what Hollywood tries to portray and can see how similar and yet so different we all are. We are inconsiderate, arrogant and racists in our own ways and how a lot of us are making a conscious effort to address this gives me hopes about humanity. I resonated with the author when he said that "we’ve always managed to weather the turmoil, all the while evolving into a beautiful-but-messy, multi-cultural gumbo". He also goes on to tell that we seemed to be devolving into an unkind, cowardly nation of lazy-headed blamers, whiners, and name-callers- Although I believe that some part of is true only to an extent where this existed even before the millennial.
In this book, Rand Bishop - a 67 year old man hiked from Southern California to the Central Oregon Coast with a beagle and a modified cart- Pilgrimmobile he calls it. He did it with a desire and hope that the trail would be his pathway to find a kinder America. He wasn’t a hiker or athlete. He had no youth but determination, and a sense of purpose on his side along with the beagle. This is a gripping story about the author’s experience hiking the Trail, over a 90 day period.This book is much more than a guide for hikers. Rand wanted to make an impact. He wanted to make a truly meaningful action. So he though - I can walk. I can play the guitar. And, I can sing. So, that’s what I’ll do.
The 67 year old talks about his prep work to develop the right positive mindset by a comprehensive daily practice of visualization and affirmation over a period of years and I truly appreciate the determination and commitment one must have to achieve this for I know this is something that doesn't come by easily. He mentions a quote that is very close to this outlook in his book, that goes -"If you realized how powerful your thoughts are, you would never think a negative thought.” — Peace Pilgrim. Over this course, he is faced by the emotional conflict to choose between family and his intentions and the psychological struggle is real.
Throughout his journey, the author describes several influences and events that is defining the 20th century in the United States including and not limited to the Trump elections. Apart from having strong opinions about these events and having experienced different array of human personality traits, beliefs and faith from Dede and Bob, Kimberly and Henry, Rand finds humor even while he is alone with his thoughts and doesn't let his spirits tarnish.
I was as happy as the author when he realized that the country might not be as mean as he thought. He goes through a series of obstacles that he over comes with himself and the dog, with lodging and food. It is wonderful to see how the author was open to new learnings, to the vulnerability and to even have an open mind such as his at his age. There were several entertaining parts to the story, but mostly a window to how humans think- how we are all conditioned in our own ways.
Another beautiful statement that the author made was -"The God I believe in doesn’t tell me what to think. The God I believe in is what I think, added to the sum total of every thought that has ever been conceived or ever will be conceived" and it truly helps you see a new perspective to life experiences.
Towards the end, the Epilogue is a perfect summary to the story and the message he wishes to deliver.
For some reason, I’m attracted to real life stories of adventure, especially those with a huge amount of personal struggle and hardship. Having life altering experience? Struggling with life choices? Having a chaotic life? 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.
October 23, 2019
I expected to love this book, and I did, but not in the way I anticipated.
As a fan of trekking and pilgrimage books, I quite happily agreed to give this one an honest review when Rand Bishop’s book publicist, Teddy Rose of Virtual Author Book Tours, contacted me. My expectations were as unrealistic as Bishop’s. Though I had not heard about his 90-day, 900-mile trek, through California and Oregon, I figured the very idea must have garnered all kinds of attention from many quarters.
Bishop and I were both wrong on all counts. Media did not flock to interview and televise the hard travels of a 67-year-old musician. Churches along the route (Unitarian, in particular) did not jump at the chance to put him front and center in services. House concert hosts did not line up to feature him. Some of that did happen, but the reality was more modest and, ultimately, more meaningful.
Bishop was a grandfather with aging (and painful) knees and feet, pushing a retrofitted baby stroller laden with camping gear for himself and his dog. A sign on the stroller announced the purpose of his trek. Post cards gave curious passersby more information.
It all sounded tailor made for publicity, particularly in a country as deeply divided as America. Rand Bishop was a child of the sixties, committed to social justice and puzzled by his country’s swing into meaner territory. He set out to discover the America he hoped still lived beyond the edges of uncivil discourse.
He was inspired by Peace Pilgrim, who walked more than 25,000 miles between 1953 and 1981. She traveled with no money and few possessions, relying on the kindness of strangers.
Rand funded his own journey, appreciating the occasional meal or hotel room funded by friends. He was touched by cash offers that came from ordinary people who needed it more than he did, including a homeless man.
Yes, he experienced some hostility and sarcasm. But for the most part, the people he met were just decent folk doing their best, wherever they fell on the political spectrum.
In the end, what might have been a disappointing outcome was just the opposite. Most of the trek was solo, as his dog was not up to the battering her paws took. On the long, lonely stretches of highway, he had plenty of time for reflection, on himself, his trek, and his country. Those passages are some of the most interesting in a book well worth reading.
So, no, the trek did not turn out as he anticipated, and, yes, it was a deep, personal success. He wouldn’t do it again (as you’ll read tomorrow in his guest post), but he is happy with the outcome. So am I.
As a fan of trekking and pilgrimage books, I quite happily agreed to give this one an honest review when Rand Bishop’s book publicist, Teddy Rose of Virtual Author Book Tours, contacted me. My expectations were as unrealistic as Bishop’s. Though I had not heard about his 90-day, 900-mile trek, through California and Oregon, I figured the very idea must have garnered all kinds of attention from many quarters.
Bishop and I were both wrong on all counts. Media did not flock to interview and televise the hard travels of a 67-year-old musician. Churches along the route (Unitarian, in particular) did not jump at the chance to put him front and center in services. House concert hosts did not line up to feature him. Some of that did happen, but the reality was more modest and, ultimately, more meaningful.
Bishop was a grandfather with aging (and painful) knees and feet, pushing a retrofitted baby stroller laden with camping gear for himself and his dog. A sign on the stroller announced the purpose of his trek. Post cards gave curious passersby more information.
It all sounded tailor made for publicity, particularly in a country as deeply divided as America. Rand Bishop was a child of the sixties, committed to social justice and puzzled by his country’s swing into meaner territory. He set out to discover the America he hoped still lived beyond the edges of uncivil discourse.
He was inspired by Peace Pilgrim, who walked more than 25,000 miles between 1953 and 1981. She traveled with no money and few possessions, relying on the kindness of strangers.
Rand funded his own journey, appreciating the occasional meal or hotel room funded by friends. He was touched by cash offers that came from ordinary people who needed it more than he did, including a homeless man.
Yes, he experienced some hostility and sarcasm. But for the most part, the people he met were just decent folk doing their best, wherever they fell on the political spectrum.
In the end, what might have been a disappointing outcome was just the opposite. Most of the trek was solo, as his dog was not up to the battering her paws took. On the long, lonely stretches of highway, he had plenty of time for reflection, on himself, his trek, and his country. Those passages are some of the most interesting in a book well worth reading.
So, no, the trek did not turn out as he anticipated, and, yes, it was a deep, personal success. He wouldn’t do it again (as you’ll read tomorrow in his guest post), but he is happy with the outcome. So am I.
November 15, 2019
I was sent a copy of this book in exchange for my honest review. I was not financially compensated and all opinions are 100 percent mine.
First of all, this is a true story. It is written very much like a travel diary. While the book is more inspirational and even pedagogical, there are some direct quotes that contain profanity. It's not a major dealbreaker, but it does make a few portions of the book seem more shocking than they should be.
I believe I can state with almost absolute certainty that there is no other book quite like this one. This book covers practically every point of discussion quite appropriately. But I applaud the author truly going out of his way and attempting to do something about the evils of this world. I doubt the author and I would see eye to eye on much of everything, but I appreciate the fact that Rand is bold in speaking his mind. The topic of religion makes for such an intriguing conversation throughout his account. This is a book I may want to revisit from time-to-time. The writing is impeccable, but sometimes the writing gets just a little long in certain places. But when you realize the reason he did all this, it becomes even more amazing. His inspiration, his journeys, his adventures...just the break from political claptrap and all the negative garbage out there!
First of all, this is a true story. It is written very much like a travel diary. While the book is more inspirational and even pedagogical, there are some direct quotes that contain profanity. It's not a major dealbreaker, but it does make a few portions of the book seem more shocking than they should be.
I believe I can state with almost absolute certainty that there is no other book quite like this one. This book covers practically every point of discussion quite appropriately. But I applaud the author truly going out of his way and attempting to do something about the evils of this world. I doubt the author and I would see eye to eye on much of everything, but I appreciate the fact that Rand is bold in speaking his mind. The topic of religion makes for such an intriguing conversation throughout his account. This is a book I may want to revisit from time-to-time. The writing is impeccable, but sometimes the writing gets just a little long in certain places. But when you realize the reason he did all this, it becomes even more amazing. His inspiration, his journeys, his adventures...just the break from political claptrap and all the negative garbage out there!
November 8, 2019
Rand Bishop is quite the story teller. He tells the tale of his journey on foot in diary form. The way he writes is brilliant as he allows me, the reader, to walk alongside him as he meets people and travels along the scenic highways.
It was interesting to me that he was often deemed as homeless which makes sense considering he was pushing a cart along our American highways with his trusty dog. I could understand why some people he met thought he was crazy, including his own family.
However, I admire his tenacity and willingness to take up this "trek". I too have felt bogged down by what seemingly seems like a country that has gone mad but in the end, finding out that most people are generally good, honest, and caring people.
His walk is not new but it does urge us to find peace of heart. The book lends itself to give with compassion, to take care of each other, and to walk a walk where love is the answer.
Great book and gets 4 stars from me.
~Michelle
Disclosure: I received a copy of this book from the author. The review written here is 100% my own opinions and may differ from yours.
It was interesting to me that he was often deemed as homeless which makes sense considering he was pushing a cart along our American highways with his trusty dog. I could understand why some people he met thought he was crazy, including his own family.
However, I admire his tenacity and willingness to take up this "trek". I too have felt bogged down by what seemingly seems like a country that has gone mad but in the end, finding out that most people are generally good, honest, and caring people.
His walk is not new but it does urge us to find peace of heart. The book lends itself to give with compassion, to take care of each other, and to walk a walk where love is the answer.
Great book and gets 4 stars from me.
~Michelle
Disclosure: I received a copy of this book from the author. The review written here is 100% my own opinions and may differ from yours.
October 13, 2019
I was totally glued to the book right from page 1. It kept me hooked not just with its brilliant unique premise but also with its gently moving and awesome narration. When Bishop, at 67, decides to undertake the seemingly impossible task of trekking and hiking all the way from Southern California to Central Oregon Coast, he is riddled not only with physical implications of his knee issues, but also with objections and reprimands from near and dear ones. He is aware that there is no turning back, but he is bent upon pursuing this for one mission: to do something about the meanness he has observed in the nation that he loves with all his heart. Once he starts on his journey with his cart, the PilgrimMobile, as he calls it, it actually dawns that the world isn't as mean as he presumed it was, and there is still warmth and love in humans. I totally loved Bishop's take and portrayal, and the underlying message in the book that all hope is not lost yet. It's a massive feel-good book, and reading about the numerous encounters that Bishop has, and his varied experiences only adds to the loveliness of the narration.
I am so glad for having read this book. I'm really thankful to Teddy Rose from Virtual Author Book Tours, the publishers Weightless Cargo Press, and the author Rand Bishop, for gifting me a copy of this book for an honest review.
I am so glad for having read this book. I'm really thankful to Teddy Rose from Virtual Author Book Tours, the publishers Weightless Cargo Press, and the author Rand Bishop, for gifting me a copy of this book for an honest review.
December 26, 2019
Imagine Cheryl Strayed’s Wild with a much older, male traveler, a singer-songwriter who walks the highways and freeways of California and Oregon instead of the Pacific Crest Trail, and you get a little of the flavor of this book. At age 67, Bishop, frustrated by the results of the 2016 election and the general meanness that seemed to permeate the country, set out to walk 900 miles in 90 days. Along the way, he would talk to people, working to initiate dialogue between all kinds of folks with all kinds of different viewpoints. He brought his beagle Millie and pushed a jerry-rigged baby stroller holding a giant fiberglass box containing his supplies and his guitar. Through sore feet, rough roads with inches between him and speeding vehicles, and people who might or might not do him harm, he trudged on. Occasionally “angels” provided food and lodging, but he was often on his own, sleeping in a tent, eating gas-station sandwiches on the side of the road. He was out to make a difference and feels he did. His book is a beautiful adventure, as well as a gentle sermon. A Grammy-nominated songwriter, magazine columnist and author of several books about the music business, Bishop uses his skills well here, taking us all the way, step by painful step. Highly recommended. Visit his website, randbishop.com, to hear more about his trek and enjoy some of his music.
January 30, 2020
Wow, what a trip for Rand! This was a fantastic peek inside a journey of a lifetime. Rand's quest to find a kinder America is certainly on many of our minds these days and his results are quite enlightening. Like all of life's adventures there are high and low points. Seeking gratitude from the highs and lessons learned from the lows. Talk less and listen more. Thanks to Rand I'm still listening!
Displaying 1 - 9 of 9 reviews