Walking Home

The Barefoot Sisters #2

by Lucy Letcher, Susan Letcher

Rarely will you find books that explore the human emotions of a long-distance trek so honestly and clearly. --Roger Williamson, Campmor, Inc. "Highly recommended." --trailsbib.blogspot.com After hiking the AT from Maine to Georgia, Lucy and Susan Letcher decided that the best way to get home would be to turn around and hike it again. So they did--barefoot, of course--but this time, they encountered hardships and joys they didn't expect at all. This second half of the Barefoot Sisters' account has become an AT classic.

Genres: Nonfiction, Travel, Memoir, Adventure, Womens, Biography Memoir, Sports

496 pages, Paperback

First published September 7, 2006

Reviews

[Jess the Shelf-Declared Bibliophile · Rating 5 out of 5]

The hike home was just as wonderfully written as the first SoBo hike. They write so vividly, whether they’re describing the terrain and views or talking through the roller coaster of emotions. Absolutely stunning.

[Max · Rating 5 out of 5]

The second book was just as lovely as the first. It's again quite long, and there's not much practical information for hiking the AT, but that's not the goal of this book. It inspires to go out and walk. What I like most about the two books is that they show the power of connecting with fellow people! I am a bit of a loner, and it's no different during a hike. I avoid talking to people. But the Barefoot Sisters' journey really showed me it can be great to connect to others that have the same interest. Even after 500 pages I was said their adventure had come to an end!

[Marcia · Rating 5 out of 5]

Despite the reviews that I read - this was as good as the Southbound book. A seamless continuation of their journey. Makes me want to load my backpack and go for a hike. And I am a cycle chic... Loved both books - would have been incomplete leaving them in GA!

[Jeanene Arrington Fisher · Rating 5 out of 5]

A tale like no others. What an adventure, and Lucy takes you along every step of the way!

[MsChris · Rating 5 out of 5]

Such a good book! I felt like I was hiking along with them and I'm sad the journey is over.

[Wendi J. Chatham · Rating 5 out of 5]

Did not want this book to end.

I am a hiker, a maintainer, trail angel and most of all a dreamer. I really enjoyed this book and for me it helped me to understand did I really want to thru-hike the trail as I had always fantasized and dreamed about. I laughed throughout the book and I cried at the end with the Sisters and Porkchop when they reached the end of the trail at Mt. Katahdin. A great read and the descriptions through out were amazing. I googled all along the read the various plants and locations, feeling like I was right there along with them the whole way. I have not read any other books on the accounts of walking the AT and I don’t think I want to at this point. These two books Northbound and Walking Home are enough for now. I guess I’ll go back to dreaming and figuring out which section hike I will take next. Thank you Barefoot Sisters!

[Michael Faulkner · Rating 4 out of 5]

The books I’ve so far read by through-hikers of the Appalachian Trail (AT) have been little more than a list of places passed through and associated dates or times punctuated by comments on each day’s hike. Inevitably, these become repetitive catalogues and have little of interest for anyone unfamiliar with the trail.

Sisters Lucy and Susan Letcher, on the other hand, have written two hefty volumes (one each for their southbound then northbound ‘flip-flop’ hike of the AT) that reflect the special friendships and camaraderies that develop over the course of 2200 miles and the 6 months plus or minus 2 months it takes to hike it in either direction, for much of that time sequestered away in a community largely cut off from everything surrounding it.

To be uncharitable first, I felt the sisters had gone too far in the other direction and the trail becomes a little lost in the background of friendships made, lost and re-formed, of etymologies of trail names, and of songs sung, poems recited and tunes played in their long, barefoot journey.

But that’s too uncharitable. No one reads 957 pages in two volumes unless the story takes root and beguiles them and I was.

Despite occasional frustrations with the inevitable broad brushing of detail, these two books present by far the best description I have read of hiking the AT as the extraordinary and often life-changing experience it becomes for so many of those who attempt it.

The only possible improvement would be the addition of two more volumes of day by day detail of distances, topology, gear, food etc. that would turn the series into a ritual winter read, to be parsed and analysed in much the same way that their own vade mecum, the Harry Potter series, now is.

I thoroughly enjoyed these books and recommend them unreservedly.

[Cindy Dyson Eitelman · Rating 5 out of 5]

This is the sequel to Southbound. The Barefoot Sisters reach the southern end of the Appalachian Trail, turn around and start back north. I enjoyed the first on so much that I turned around and got a copy of the sequel immediately. (I'd have done this even if it hadn't been free from the public library's Kindle downloads.)

At first there seemed to be too little walking and too much socializing. Instead of a travel memoir, it was simply a diary. They kept jumping off the trail to travel hither and yon, visit friend's houses, go to festivals, vacation in the Caribbean.... The trail was just a thread that held the story together.

But when they finally returned to their business--walking north to their home in Maine--their way was strewn with flowers. Less of the injuries, foul weather, and unceasingly knobby knobs blocked their way. The mountains in springtime are a lovely place to be, and the sisters deserved it after putting up with the dark and dead winter.

There was still an occasional creepy person, a place or two where the food was less than adequate, and way too many rainy days. But they got along. Their chief obstacle this time seemed to be the crowds--summer is a busy season on the trail, especially for northbound travelers. The shelters especially were crowded at night, and the day hikers abounded.

And everyone--nearly--had to obsess over the bare feet. As anyone who's ever had to put up with unwanted attention from strangers knows, people can be real jerks.

[Jo · Rating 2 out of 5]

I'm guessing that this one is probably the second book in a series at it was the return trip these two sisters made of the Appalachian trail. In this book, there were certainly some challenges described with segments written by each sister, but very little story to the story. They must have kept a journal in order to provide the level of detail they did. In fact, it reads more like a series of diary entries from the trail. It was mostly about the people they met along the way. I was surprised by the amount of community found on this trail, including the hostels available throughout the neighboring towns. There is a whole industry around supporting these through-hikers. While generally I do like these challenging trail hike/backpacking kinds of books, this one was sadly lacking in description of the place(s). To the point, there was only one off-trail trail description that made me want to go hike it. I want more description of place and environment in a book like this. Maybe it would be more meaningful to others that have hiked the Appalachian.

[flyfishinglady · Rating 5 out of 5]

I enjoyed this book, as well as, their first book, Southbound. This book makes me wish that I had found hiking earlier in my life. Only picking up hiking a few years back, and just day hiking. Being in my 60s, I will probably remain a day hiker. The book was entertaining, it gave me a taste of what it would be like to live life on the trail. You have to be tough! The book covers the time period of September 11, 2001. Being on the trail when this took place. It had to be a scary time. As is the time right now of the Covid-19 virus. Which I understand the trail is closed for thru hikers this year. I enjoyed hearing their personal experiences on the trail and the friendships they made. I would recommend this book to others, even if you do not hike. For me right now, it was a great escape. I have been hiking in Colorado while reading this book. I think about their story as I hike. How they hiked barefoot, I don’t know?

[Shelly♥ · Rating 4 out of 5]

After hiking Southbound from Maine to Georgia, the Barefoot sisters figure they have the time and money to turnaround and hike back to Maine. As seasoned hikers, the sisters have an easier time, but still face their fair share of challenges. The story is about both their inner struggles and the relationships and friendships forged along the trail. Due to the high volume of northbound hikers and previous established friendships, they end up with more off trail time. They are also hiking on 9/11/2011 and share their reactions.

Their memoirs have been a most enjoyable read, longer and more detailed than many of the previous trail memoirs that I've read. Also, the perspective of their individual voices telling this joint story gives the tale a unique twist not apparent in other books on the hike. If you're into these style memoirs, add them to the list.

[Hillsullivan · Rating 4 out of 5]

ARGH -- today one of my former collegues started a flip flip from Harper's Ferry, then backpacker magazine featured a 20 year old and his mom. He has heart defects. I hear someplace calling me, just gotta figure it out.

This book compared to the previous which I read several years ago talked about sandals, more blue blazing, lots of zeros off the trail, even a trip to FLorida. I just cannot believe how many people they met on the trail. Yet any time I section hike it seems so quiet.

Surprising too how they learn about 9/11 and how it effected them or at least Jackrabbit.

I typically only read in the morning, but I did read a little of this at night

[Jordan Hunnicut · Rating 5 out of 5]

A literary masterpiece as a slice of life. A true account that I never wanted to put down. Every tiny detail from the emotion to the descriptions of landscape made for a truly heart string tugging ride along a trail that beckons the mind and heart from 400 pages to the peak of Katahdin. Just as spectacular as the first book- a tale of sisterhood, friendship, and overcoming obstacles has forever earned its place on my bookshelf. I felt as if I was on the trail, just as hungry or cold or warm, or appreciative. Isis and jackrabbit are master storytellers. I am forever changed by these novels and I hope I can see the places described in this book someday. Fantastic a 5 star book hands down.

[Deborah L. Foltz · Rating 5 out of 5]

Wow, what an amazing book

So you have to start with the first book. Then read this. I feel like I just said goodbye to 2 of my family member when the book ended. If I was younger I would be on the AT! I loved googling all the stops along the way. It was like being on the trail. Congratulations on your hike! I know it was years ago but it feels like yesterday for me reading about it!

[Kay Schrock · Rating 5 out of 5]

The second book about the Barefoot Sisters who hiked the AT. Another very detailed journaling of the return trip. This one followed the traditional schedule for hiking the trail - NOBO. It is still interesting, but not quite as riveting as the first, since the first covered hiking the trail in winter. I did like the sense of closure this one offered, but I would have liked a bit more of an ending... at the end they just summit and bam, done. No word about post-hike plans, etc.

[Angie Brisse · Rating 5 out of 5]

Really a lot of hiking.

Books like this really give you a lot to think about. Would I do this if I could? What would be the point? Does it have to have a point? What would that look like?

I read both books as one, no pause between them. I’m pretty tired of it now, so maybe don’t do that.

[Anna · Rating 4 out of 5]

Although this volume seems to concentrate more on people they meet and time spent off trail than the experience of the trail itself, I actually liked this better than the first volume. Perhaps it is because I know the sisters better now and could see their personalities more clearly.

[Linda Castrine · Rating 5 out of 5]

Sad it's over

I thoroughly enjoyed reading the return installment of the barefoot sisters trek and highly recommend it to anyone who loves a good adventure. I'm sad it's finished.

[Nina · Rating 4 out of 5]

I liked jackrabbit even less in this book, so sorry :( but it was very interesting nonetheless.

[john a allison · Rating 4 out of 5]

The journey continues

I have this 4 stars only because of its length, but still a great read. Will be interested to see if they head back out.

[Kathy · Rating 5 out of 5]

The sequel is just as good as the first book! This time, the sisters hike home, from Springer Mountain GA to Mt. Katahdin in Maine.

[Susan Bisbing · Rating 5 out of 5]

Wonderful book

This was so much better than other books about hiking the Appalachian Trail. Felt like I was there and felt all the emotions of these hikers.

[Charity · Rating 3 out of 5]

This is the sequel to Southbound, The Barefoot Sisters' account of their southbound Appalachian Trail thru-hike. I didn't like this one quite as much as I liked the first book, but this one was still enjoyable.

A couple of things I really enjoyed about this book:

1) This thru-hike took place in 2001. I know about more 2001 thru-hikes than any other. My friend's mom and her husband thru-hiked the AT in 2001, and TREK - A Journey on the Appalachian Trail, a documentary I watched and quite enjoyed this past year, follows a group of friends on a 2001 thru-hike. Making the trip seem in a way even more familiar, I also discovered that Isis graduated high school the same year as I did, so I was able to draw parallels between what her 2001 was like and what mine was. While they were hiking through Virginia, I was starting an editing job at a major corporation one state away. While they were walking through the mountains, I was training for a marathon I never ran. It's possible that I might have been in Asheville, North Carolina, at the same time they were visiting there. And then of course there was the way they learned about the attacks on the World Trade Center and the Pentagon on September 11th, which is a story that each of us alive at that time shares. Hearing their shock, fear, and confusion reawakened the shock, fear, and confusion that I felt that morning. In a lot of ways, this thru-hike felt closer to me than the southbound hike, which was both enjoyable and a bit uncomfortable since there still is a huge amount of doubt about whether I will ever actually thru-hike the AT. But then, I like a bit of discomfort. It keeps me from becoming complacent.

2) A few times they touched upon the privilege that allows people to take six months off to take a long walk. The clearest example I found was on page 125 when jackrabbit talks about what she considers the rather obnoxious attitude of a business owner nearby the trail who seemed to assume that hikers would steal from his business just because they were hkers. Another hiker, Fiddler, recognizes the demographics of the majority of thru-hikers and suggests that maybe this is a good experience for hikers. "Look at us," he says. "How many white, middle-class Americans knows what discrimination feels like? Maybe if we realize what it's like to be followed by stares and whispers, we'll be less likely to do it to somebody else." This is something I've been having some trouble with when thinking about planning a thru-hike: while I'm trying to be aware of privilege and ways that I can let go of my unearned privilege, here I am planning an activity that depends very much on the privilege that allows me to save up the money for a long-distance hike and feel reasonably confident that I will be greeted along the trail with the same goodwill that the Letcher sisters describe. The idea that I might learn something valuable along the way is a comfort, I suppose, but not much of one, but I do appreciate that they at least touched upon the issue of privilege.

It was nice that the sisters got their easy (compared to their southbound hike), fun thru-hike, but it felt like there was a little something---perhaps tension?---missing from this one. This easier hike up the better-traveled northbound route seemed less significant in a way. There was little doubt the sisters would make it to Katahdin, there was less detail about their travels and it was more difficult for me to follow where they were on the trail, and there were more spring-break-like side trips. It just seemed more like a party this time around and less like a pilgrimage. I don't know that there's necessarily anything wrong with this, it just wasn't as satisfying to me as their account of their first trip was.

[Robyn Obermeyer · Rating 5 out of 5]

I love this kind of story, being out in nature and dealing with the elements and the amount of sheer determination these sisters had for hiking was a pleasure to read!IT HAS INSPIRED ME TO WALK MORE , GRANTED i may never be this extreme, to know that it has and can be done is amazing! The people they meet on the trail the songs they sing the food they ate was all a great escape from the winter blues. The whole barefoot experience of feeling the earth is incredible, What a great book!I doubt I could ever take on a journey like this, but it is very inspiring!

[Diane · Rating 5 out of 5]

Barefoot Sisters: Southbound Co-Authors Susan Letcher & Lucy Letcher
and Barefoot Sisters Walking Home
I was surprised to find how much I enjoyed reading of the Appalachian Trail hiking adventures of “Jackrabbit” and “Isis”. Once I started reading, I was hooked and did not want to stop!
I am one of four sisters and I enjoy to read books which feature the interaction of sisters. I must admit I downloaded this book when it was offered as a free Kindle book through one of the free books of the day. The chapters in the book are arranged as the sisters share their experiences along the trail, almost as a relay team. There is not a lot of repetition, but a smooth continuation of the hike.
I also appreciate that the accounting of the actions and reactions of the sisters were not sugar-coated. There were times when they did not want to be sisters together along this trail.
The hardships of hiking the trail were so believable, until I got chill bumps as I read about the ice and snow they endured during a blizzard. I could almost feel the exhaustion and thirst of a hard day of hiking. The book is a story which tells their endurance of pain, discomfort, hunger, and also of the kindness offered by strangers and friends met along the trail. I could hardly wait to buy the follow-up book, Barefoot Sisters Walking Home (Adventures on the Appalachian Trail) [Kindle Edition]. I thoroughly enjoyed both books. Great job, Sisters, Thank you for sharing the hike with us all!

[Jeremy · Rating 3 out of 5]

The Barefoot Sisters have an awesome story, and the thought of hiking the AT barefoot simultaneously intrigues and terrifies me. Either way, I have a tremendous amount of respect for their accomplishment...not only did they complete a North-South AT through-hike, they turned around and made a complete South-North trip to get home. Hiking the trail one way is something a lot of folks attempt, but very few finish. Unfortunately, I just couldn't emotionally connect with their story. I wanted to, I really wanted to, and there are bits of great stuff that happened on their journey. But the story drags, it's repetitive, and downright boring in some places. The fact that it's sooooo very long doesn't help. Their story did, however, fill me with a desire to try a barefoot hike in north Georgia when the weather worms. Maybe after that, or after me and my wife complete a through hike, I'll feel a little more connected to their story.

I do recommend this book to anyone who is really, really into AT through-hiking stories, to women interested in long-distance backpacking trips, or folks who may just want to skim parts of the book to read about sections of the AT that interest them. Also, I would recommend getting the first book (Southbound) first, so you maybe some of the inside jokes and stories won't be lost on you like they were on me.

[Scott Foshee · Rating 5 out of 5]

Helps Renew Faith in the Basic Goodness of People

"Walking Home" covers the Barefoot Sisters' yo-yo hike of the Appalachian Trail, this time from Georgia in March to Maine in October. Where their first book covers their hike north to south, done largely in the winter months, this one is done mostly during the more conventional spring and summer seasons.

The Barefoot Sisters write well, and relate their experiences with an openness and truthfulness that some other hiking books seem to lack. They convey effectively the spirituality and simplicity of the trail throughout. During their walk home back to Maine they encounter Lyme disease, the 9/11 attacks and how some hikers seemed to use their trip as an escape, as well as Barefoot Sister jackrabbit's depression. They also encounter the amazing generosity and trust in the hiking community, make new friends, and run into some old friends they made on their first journey including Tuba Man.

I read and enjoyed their first book, "Southbound," and "Walking Home" is a very worthy companion. If you are interested in hiking or the outdoors, you will probably want to read both. They will help renew your faith in the basic goodness of people.

[Sue · Rating 5 out of 5]

Having read Barefoot Sisters Southbound and finding it so entralling that I read the 400+ pages in less than a week, I was so happy that I had ordered the second book so I could immediately start the next chapter in their hike. Having reached Spring Mt GA, they decided to hike the trail back home to Maine. Somewhat thinking that, having hiked the trail for 8 months, the trail couldn't bring too many surprises, they turn around and head north. Different seasons, different hikers to meet, the emotions of having been on the trail for several months allready - make the trail a very different experience. They are about 2 weeks from finishing when the 9/11 attacks on New York happen and that adds a new emotion to the hiking experience. This book also held my attention where I found myself reading late at night, picking it up whenever a few minutes allowed and when I finished, I felt bereft, lost, looking for another book that would grab me the way these did.

[Carol · Rating 2 out of 5]

This was the second offering about two sisters walking the Appalachian Trail barefoot. I don't think it had the same punch as the first book. One was of their travels from Maine to Georgia; then this book was of the trip back to Maine. In my opinion, Lucy should have stopped after the first book. In some ways, by writing the second book, and also by retrekking the trail barefoot, it made the whole first experience of less importance.
However, it is still an amazing story of two very strong and different women making a monumental journey along America's scenic, and sometimes dangerous, back yard.

[Stephanie · Rating 3 out of 5]

I really enjoy reading about adventures on the AT trail or other such places. This book, as well as the prequel, is filled with lots of great stories of interacting with nature and other hikers. There seems to be a real sense of community among the hikers. I enjoyed getting a good feel for what it takes to make such a journey, as well as the complications and issues that can arise. The book did start to get pretty long after awhile. I think 2 books worth of such stories seemed to become drawn out after awhile.