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Sauntering Thru: Lessons in Ambition, Minimalism, and Love on the Appalachian Trail
Sauntering Thru follows the true story of the author, Raiden, a scientist who escaped to the mountains and found humility, simple living, and a lifelong partner (Chilly Bin) whom he met, against all odds, while hiking through the woods covered in dirt. Together, they traveled from Georgia to Maine on foot – a 2192 mile thru-hike of the Appalachian Trail. That summer, they experienced the immersive natural beauty of one of North America’s great long trails – alongside the mental lows of walking endless miles over ankle-breaking rocks; being swarmed by biting insects; and narrowly escaping numerous adventure-ending pitfalls such as dangerous hitchhikes, nearly shattering kneecaps, and barely avoiding hypothermia, twice. These low points anchored this grand adventure, drew the couple together, and proved that together they could overcome any obstacle. It was the perfect experience, and it changed everything. This story aims to share both the euphoria and the harrowing difficulties of walking the Appalachian Trail while providing insights on minimalism and the other lessons taught by a summer living the simple life. Join Chilly Bin and Raiden on their journey to Katahdin!
201 pages, Kindle Edition
Published December 4, 2020
95 people are currently reading
63 people want to read
About the author
Cody James Howell
1 bookCody ("Raiden") is a successful Appalachian Trail thru-hiker and lifelong nature enthusiast. He has since been inducted into the “2000-miler club” for those who have walked the entire trail. Prior to hiking the AT, he completed a PhD in Neuroscience and published widely in academic journals. Now, he seeks to use these two distinct experiences to give back to the trail community. In 2021, Raiden will be traveling New Zealand with his wife Debra (Chilly Bin), a multi-trail thru-hiker he met on their second day hiking the Appalachian Trail.
You can contact Raiden, and keep up with his ongoing projects, by following him on his Facebook author’s page at Facebook.com/CodyJamesHowellAuthor or by emailing RaidenATnineteen@gmail.com.
You can contact Raiden, and keep up with his ongoing projects, by following him on his Facebook author’s page at Facebook.com/CodyJamesHowellAuthor or by emailing RaidenATnineteen@gmail.com.
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Displaying 1 - 15 of 15 reviews
December 9, 2020
Sauntering Thru follows Raiden on his journey through the Appalachian Trail with his partner Chilli Bin. The author, Cody James Howell (a.k.a. "Raiden"), perfectly portrays the pure bliss and relaxation that the trail has to offer but also the challenges he had to face along the way.
This book is inspirational to say the least. While reading Sauntering Thru, I've learned that the trail is more than just walking a path. It is months and months of hiking, challenge after challenge, but the sense of achievement and pure happiness acquired on the trail makes it all worth it in the end.
I loved following Raiden and Chilli through the trail as they developed their relationship, shared good days and bad days, and became one with nature.
Raiden portrays it as it is. There is no sugar coating in this book, and that's one thing I love about it! He was also able to find humour in every situation and had me laughing along the way. I got a true sense of Raiden's, and Chilli's, personalities.
This book also includes some amazing thru-hiking tips such as gear, money and even hiking partners! Raiden also touches on the very real statistics of post trail depression that can occur and gives advice on how to mentally prepare yourself before, during and after the trail.
Overall, I thoroughly enjoyed this book and I learned so much! I would recommend Sauntering Thru to anyone who has ever had an interest in thru-hiking and/or the Appalachian Trail.
This book is inspirational to say the least. While reading Sauntering Thru, I've learned that the trail is more than just walking a path. It is months and months of hiking, challenge after challenge, but the sense of achievement and pure happiness acquired on the trail makes it all worth it in the end.
I loved following Raiden and Chilli through the trail as they developed their relationship, shared good days and bad days, and became one with nature.
Raiden portrays it as it is. There is no sugar coating in this book, and that's one thing I love about it! He was also able to find humour in every situation and had me laughing along the way. I got a true sense of Raiden's, and Chilli's, personalities.
This book also includes some amazing thru-hiking tips such as gear, money and even hiking partners! Raiden also touches on the very real statistics of post trail depression that can occur and gives advice on how to mentally prepare yourself before, during and after the trail.
Overall, I thoroughly enjoyed this book and I learned so much! I would recommend Sauntering Thru to anyone who has ever had an interest in thru-hiking and/or the Appalachian Trail.
December 7, 2020
While I'm not a thru-hiker and have never had any interest in becoming one, I thoroughly enjoyed this book. It is so much more than a hiking guidebook. If you read it with an open mind and eyes, you will find some important and inspiring aspects threaded through Cody's work. It's a treasure!
Full disclosure, the author's mother is my cousin. However, I purchased this book with the same expectations that I do any other; to be entertained, informed or inspired. I found all three in full measure.
As the title so aptly puts it, this book was a lesson, not a textbook lesson, but the story of a childhood dream come true. It is also the story of what it takes to achieve those dreams, ambition being chief among them. Many people say they have dreamed of becoming this or doing that, however, the number who actually set their heart and mind to work attaining those goals I'm certain is much smaller. Cody did this through grit, guts, and goals. It was clear he had support, but on the trail it was clearer that he was his own best motivator and harshest critic. Take a lesson from him, listen to those voices.
The fact that he met his partner for life's journey on the trail, might raise some skeptical eyebrows, but the intensity of the over 2,000 mile day to day pleasures and struggles only seems to have cemented a strong foundation for a lifetime of love and adventure. I'm wishing them the best!
Full disclosure, the author's mother is my cousin. However, I purchased this book with the same expectations that I do any other; to be entertained, informed or inspired. I found all three in full measure.
As the title so aptly puts it, this book was a lesson, not a textbook lesson, but the story of a childhood dream come true. It is also the story of what it takes to achieve those dreams, ambition being chief among them. Many people say they have dreamed of becoming this or doing that, however, the number who actually set their heart and mind to work attaining those goals I'm certain is much smaller. Cody did this through grit, guts, and goals. It was clear he had support, but on the trail it was clearer that he was his own best motivator and harshest critic. Take a lesson from him, listen to those voices.
The fact that he met his partner for life's journey on the trail, might raise some skeptical eyebrows, but the intensity of the over 2,000 mile day to day pleasures and struggles only seems to have cemented a strong foundation for a lifetime of love and adventure. I'm wishing them the best!
December 8, 2020
A great story and even better resource book
Howell tells a great story of his AT adventures, complete with a great love story. But he also offers some excellent advice on every aspect of planning a thru hike. A great book.
Howell tells a great story of his AT adventures, complete with a great love story. But he also offers some excellent advice on every aspect of planning a thru hike. A great book.
February 5, 2024
The topic and main character of this book, which is thru hiking the AT, is of supreme interest to me. It was tough to put it down once I started it.
I do question the title word choice, as a “saunter” by definition is a leisurely walk. This was anything but as the author and partner(eventual wife), slugged out 20+ mile days with consistency. I understand that is not at all unusual for a long trail trek, but one does not “saunter” to accomplish this. I would highly suggest subscribing to, and watching his partner’s (trail name: Chilly Bin), YouTube reports and DAILY documentation— it gives a very clear picture of their feat; you’ll find it under “Chilly Bin Hikes”. She’s a New Zealander and a “chilly bin” is a cooler in NZ.
Decently written but I stumbled over some of the misspelled words and typos. As I said, the topic is of supreme interest to me and I loved be submerged in his description of this beautiful part of our country and the evolution of his relationship with Chilly Bin.
I do question the title word choice, as a “saunter” by definition is a leisurely walk. This was anything but as the author and partner(eventual wife), slugged out 20+ mile days with consistency. I understand that is not at all unusual for a long trail trek, but one does not “saunter” to accomplish this. I would highly suggest subscribing to, and watching his partner’s (trail name: Chilly Bin), YouTube reports and DAILY documentation— it gives a very clear picture of their feat; you’ll find it under “Chilly Bin Hikes”. She’s a New Zealander and a “chilly bin” is a cooler in NZ.
Decently written but I stumbled over some of the misspelled words and typos. As I said, the topic is of supreme interest to me and I loved be submerged in his description of this beautiful part of our country and the evolution of his relationship with Chilly Bin.
June 18, 2022
Great read and romance too!
I enjoyed this book, finished it in a matter of days. It was well written, the author was articulate, and it was never boring like some other hiking books I've read. No going on and on about a certain part of the trail, it was concise yet enjoyable. Although I would have liked to hear more about the VA triple crown and the rollercoaster, they were mentioned briefly and there are plenty of books that go into excruciating detail about them. Overall, I'd recommend this book to anyone considering a thru hike. And the fact that the author is willing to discuss hiking and gives his email I'd a testament to the hiking community. Thanks for writing it, Raiden.
I enjoyed this book, finished it in a matter of days. It was well written, the author was articulate, and it was never boring like some other hiking books I've read. No going on and on about a certain part of the trail, it was concise yet enjoyable. Although I would have liked to hear more about the VA triple crown and the rollercoaster, they were mentioned briefly and there are plenty of books that go into excruciating detail about them. Overall, I'd recommend this book to anyone considering a thru hike. And the fact that the author is willing to discuss hiking and gives his email I'd a testament to the hiking community. Thanks for writing it, Raiden.
October 16, 2021
Very Inspired & Educated in Hiking the AT
I thoroughly enjoyed this book. I have set my sights on section hiking segments of the trail to complete it entirely over several years, just because of current work and family constraints. I picked up much advice and tips I was seeking. Stories of the camaraderie on the trail and finding people to share this adventure are something I look forward to, as with connecting spiritually with the created world around us. A must read for anyone who has hiked or has interest in hiking the AT.
I thoroughly enjoyed this book. I have set my sights on section hiking segments of the trail to complete it entirely over several years, just because of current work and family constraints. I picked up much advice and tips I was seeking. Stories of the camaraderie on the trail and finding people to share this adventure are something I look forward to, as with connecting spiritually with the created world around us. A must read for anyone who has hiked or has interest in hiking the AT.
January 13, 2021
This nonfiction book was written by a friend. That said, I completely enjoyed the adventures of Raiden and Chilly Bin in their through-hike of the Appalachian Trail. The book needs a proper edit, but the story is concise and intriguing, and I had a hard time putting it down. Even the appendices are of great interest. I admire these two for their ambition and grit. Recommended.
September 25, 2021
Fun, inspiring, beautifully written.
I have read more then a dozen accounts of thruhiking the AT and this is among my favorites. Relevant, honest, and down to earth the writer painted a picture of trail life and his blooming romance that kept me engaged throughout. Thanks for sharing your story. Your pragmatic realism is inspiring and felt totally authentic.
I have read more then a dozen accounts of thruhiking the AT and this is among my favorites. Relevant, honest, and down to earth the writer painted a picture of trail life and his blooming romance that kept me engaged throughout. Thanks for sharing your story. Your pragmatic realism is inspiring and felt totally authentic.
June 21, 2022
Great Book
I really enjoyed this book and the fact that it presented a perspective from a relationship that evolved early on the trail, and how they managed to stay as a couple while still maintaining their own identities. I found the information in the appendices for prospective thru hikers very insightful.
I really enjoyed this book and the fact that it presented a perspective from a relationship that evolved early on the trail, and how they managed to stay as a couple while still maintaining their own identities. I found the information in the appendices for prospective thru hikers very insightful.
October 2, 2022
This book was awesome! I really enjoyed reading about the author's adventures. It made me feel like I was out on the trail myself. It was also fun to watch the YouTube videos that his wife posted, comparing the videos with the book.
May 7, 2021
I did not read Appendix A or B.
August 17, 2021
Thru hike inspiration
Enjoyed the entire adventure, made me feel as though I joined the ride for the entire adventure. Fun with you and Chilli
Enjoyed the entire adventure, made me feel as though I joined the ride for the entire adventure. Fun with you and Chilli
Read
March 15, 2022Great Read
To all who love an adventure this is a Great read. Life is just one big adventure enjoy it. On to the next one.
To all who love an adventure this is a Great read. Life is just one big adventure enjoy it. On to the next one.
Read
April 5, 2022Did not read.
July 31, 2022
There’s a ton of trail memoirs out there, this one is a pretty straightforward telling of hiking the AT.
Displaying 1 - 15 of 15 reviews