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Walking Home: Common Sense and Other Misadventures On the Pacific Crest Trail
-A Heartwarming Adventure! - 2022 Best Book Award Winner in Travel Guides & Essays!
Can a comically straightforward American man learn patience and understanding in the wilderness? Laugh out loud, choke-on-your-coffee funny, with the most heart-touching, curveball characters since Bill Bryson’s A Walk In the Woods.The Pacific Crest Trail is a 2,600-mile footpath from Mexico to Canada through the mountains of the west, and Rick sets out with all the perseverance and determination he thought he’d need for the six-month trek. But once on the Trail, he learns that what’s brought to a challenge is less important than what’s found while doing it.His 10 year-old son joins him for two hundred of those miles, and what they learn about each other in the wilderness is unforgettably hilarious. Written by a former climbing instructor and guide, Walking Home celebrates the people and their adventures on the Trail with comic insight, rather than the usual Man vs Wilderness narrative. The book is also liberally sprinkled with real-life tips and hacks for the experienced and fledgling backpacker alike.The Trail is likely an adventure that you too can take on; and Walking Home will make you want to.
From the “We can’t camp here, Dad. The sign says ‘Absolutely No Overnight Camping Allowed’,” Matthew said.“Yeah, I saw that.”“Then we can’t camp here. That’s what the sign says.”“So, does it mean absolutely no overnight camping allowed ever? We’ve been camping overnight for the last week. Do you think that wasn’t allowed?” I asked.“That was way over on the other side of the lake, miles from here,” he said.“Ed Zachary,” I replied. “The sign doesn’t mean absolutely no camping allowed anywhere, then. Camping was okay over there.”“Yeah. The sign wasn’t over there.”“See? We weren’t disobeying the sign when we were over there because we were outside of its circle of influence. The sign’s authority is limited by distance.”Matthew was following my logic. “What?” he said.“That sign has a circle of influence, right? It doesn’t mean no camping allowed in the whole world, or no camping on the PCT, just no camping within its circle of influence. It only has authority within its circle of influence, see? So the question is, just how wide is its circle? We just need to camp outside of that.”“Well how wide is it?” asked Matthew.“I don’t know. Put your arms out and spin around like a helicopter. Everything you hit is inside your circle of influence. That’s where you have authority.”“So, we only need to camp farther than arm’s reach from the sign?”“That’s what I’m thinking. I’m setting up right here.”Matthew looked at me narrowly. “So just how wide is your circle of influence?” he asked.The dangerous thing about leading Matthew partway down a path of logic, is that he’ll continue to follow it on his own for far longer than what I believe is productive. I needed to set him straight.“My circle of influence is vast. In fact, my authority encompasses the entire Milky Way galaxy,” I said.Matthew paused a moment to check my assertions against prior observations.“I’m telling Mom,” he said.
Can a comically straightforward American man learn patience and understanding in the wilderness? Laugh out loud, choke-on-your-coffee funny, with the most heart-touching, curveball characters since Bill Bryson’s A Walk In the Woods.The Pacific Crest Trail is a 2,600-mile footpath from Mexico to Canada through the mountains of the west, and Rick sets out with all the perseverance and determination he thought he’d need for the six-month trek. But once on the Trail, he learns that what’s brought to a challenge is less important than what’s found while doing it.His 10 year-old son joins him for two hundred of those miles, and what they learn about each other in the wilderness is unforgettably hilarious. Written by a former climbing instructor and guide, Walking Home celebrates the people and their adventures on the Trail with comic insight, rather than the usual Man vs Wilderness narrative. The book is also liberally sprinkled with real-life tips and hacks for the experienced and fledgling backpacker alike.The Trail is likely an adventure that you too can take on; and Walking Home will make you want to.
From the “We can’t camp here, Dad. The sign says ‘Absolutely No Overnight Camping Allowed’,” Matthew said.“Yeah, I saw that.”“Then we can’t camp here. That’s what the sign says.”“So, does it mean absolutely no overnight camping allowed ever? We’ve been camping overnight for the last week. Do you think that wasn’t allowed?” I asked.“That was way over on the other side of the lake, miles from here,” he said.“Ed Zachary,” I replied. “The sign doesn’t mean absolutely no camping allowed anywhere, then. Camping was okay over there.”“Yeah. The sign wasn’t over there.”“See? We weren’t disobeying the sign when we were over there because we were outside of its circle of influence. The sign’s authority is limited by distance.”Matthew was following my logic. “What?” he said.“That sign has a circle of influence, right? It doesn’t mean no camping allowed in the whole world, or no camping on the PCT, just no camping within its circle of influence. It only has authority within its circle of influence, see? So the question is, just how wide is its circle? We just need to camp outside of that.”“Well how wide is it?” asked Matthew.“I don’t know. Put your arms out and spin around like a helicopter. Everything you hit is inside your circle of influence. That’s where you have authority.”“So, we only need to camp farther than arm’s reach from the sign?”“That’s what I’m thinking. I’m setting up right here.”Matthew looked at me narrowly. “So just how wide is your circle of influence?” he asked.The dangerous thing about leading Matthew partway down a path of logic, is that he’ll continue to follow it on his own for far longer than what I believe is productive. I needed to set him straight.“My circle of influence is vast. In fact, my authority encompasses the entire Milky Way galaxy,” I said.Matthew paused a moment to check my assertions against prior observations.“I’m telling Mom,” he said.
441 pages, Kindle Edition
Published October 8, 2021
412 people are currently reading
342 people want to read
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 64 reviews
May 28, 2022
It’s not my favorite PCT memoir - some of Rick’s “leave no trace” principles are lacking and his personality grated on me. But like many of the trail characters in his book did with him, he grew on me and I ended up appreciating him despite our differences. If you enjoy books about walking long trails, it’s worth the read.
October 5, 2025
Finished at last! I will admit I skimmed over some of the descriptive passages in the last third of the book. The characters the author meets on the trail are interesting, but the author reminds me of someone I know well and don't always see eye-to-eye with. Kind of like the author's relationship with his hiking partner (for about half the trip), Robin. Their personalities were pretty much completely opposite, and although they did fine as long as their interactions were about the trail and how to navigate it, there was no meeting of the minds.
If you are a grounded, reality-oriented person who likes plenty of description of both the scenery along the trail as well as detailed descriptions of characters met along the way, this is the book for you. I am happy to say the author learned quite a bit from the people he met and situations he encountered, and he seemed a little more mellow by the end.
It was sad to hear how much of the PCT goes through former forests devastated by fire to the point where there is not nor is there ever likely to be regrowth. I have seen YouTube videos that show such areas. I used to live in Northern California and my favorite part was the ocean and the verdant forests.
If you are a grounded, reality-oriented person who likes plenty of description of both the scenery along the trail as well as detailed descriptions of characters met along the way, this is the book for you. I am happy to say the author learned quite a bit from the people he met and situations he encountered, and he seemed a little more mellow by the end.
It was sad to hear how much of the PCT goes through former forests devastated by fire to the point where there is not nor is there ever likely to be regrowth. I have seen YouTube videos that show such areas. I used to live in Northern California and my favorite part was the ocean and the verdant forests.
February 9, 2024
For those who enjoy hiking
I enjoyed the first third of the book, but then it got tedious and boring. It’s really for those who are into hiking and/or are curious about hiking the PCT. I’m not, so take my review in the spirit of that fact. Perhaps the author could’ve used more editing to cut down on the repetitious nature of the book.
I enjoyed the first third of the book, but then it got tedious and boring. It’s really for those who are into hiking and/or are curious about hiking the PCT. I’m not, so take my review in the spirit of that fact. Perhaps the author could’ve used more editing to cut down on the repetitious nature of the book.
February 17, 2024
Meh
This started off promising but became boring quickly. The author is very knowledgeable about hiking, but not a likeable character, evidenced by the fact his hiking companions abandoning him.
This started off promising but became boring quickly. The author is very knowledgeable about hiking, but not a likeable character, evidenced by the fact his hiking companions abandoning him.
July 10, 2022
Love this book
I’m addicted to accounts of true adventure and have read many books by people who hiked the world’s major trails. This book was one of the best! I appreciated the just right blend of hard information, humor, vulnerability, and speculation. I loved meeting others on the trail that Rick hiked with. I love that Rick values curiosity, and that his curiosity quickens my own curiosity. I hope Rick does indeed do the PCT once again and I look forward to a book about his new adventures.
I’m addicted to accounts of true adventure and have read many books by people who hiked the world’s major trails. This book was one of the best! I appreciated the just right blend of hard information, humor, vulnerability, and speculation. I loved meeting others on the trail that Rick hiked with. I love that Rick values curiosity, and that his curiosity quickens my own curiosity. I hope Rick does indeed do the PCT once again and I look forward to a book about his new adventures.
January 8, 2025
Hilarious account of Ricks through hike. Some interesting characters he met along the way and great insight into the through hikers trials and tribulations
May 6, 2022
I’ve read a lot of books by thru-hikers and this is one of the best and funniest I’ve read. Rather than writing a boring travelogue, Mr. Rogers focuses mainly on the people he meets hiking the PCT and this makes the book fascinating. Also, the author is pretty good at telling a funny story and this book is filled with them: The lady who woke up a sleeping bear only to discover that there was a second bear sleeping in the tree above her who promptly fell right into her head, the lady who has a rock throwing contest with Mr. Rogers while both are speaking with Shakespearean words who insults Mr. Rogers with such clever words that he can’t help but be impressed!
““Let it be said, good Sir Dingbat, that thou art truly a fine knight, and that thou art truly first amongeth all horse's asses.” And then she curtsied with a flourish of her hands and wrists.” 🤣🤣🤣
He and his son manage to founder their kayak in Lake Tahoe and then have it stolen when he decides the best place to store it for a couple of days is in plain sight.
Mr Rogers also has a way with words. Here he describes himself after he has gotten his trail legs and dropped 30 pounds: “Physically and metabolically, I was a machine, a heart-lung-legs machine, super-charged with oxygen soup, converting Snickers bars into forward motion.”
Another self-explanatory example:
“Apparently, the homeless people that lived in the thickets beside the bike path in the greenway took shopping carts from the mall’s parking lot and brought them back with them. It would have been rude to leave their shopping carts on the bike path in front of their camps in the thickets, so instead they thoughtfully threw them off the bridge and into the creek below.”
This is an enjoyable funny, at times serious and surprisingly insightful book. I absolutely loved it.
““Let it be said, good Sir Dingbat, that thou art truly a fine knight, and that thou art truly first amongeth all horse's asses.” And then she curtsied with a flourish of her hands and wrists.” 🤣🤣🤣
He and his son manage to founder their kayak in Lake Tahoe and then have it stolen when he decides the best place to store it for a couple of days is in plain sight.
Mr Rogers also has a way with words. Here he describes himself after he has gotten his trail legs and dropped 30 pounds: “Physically and metabolically, I was a machine, a heart-lung-legs machine, super-charged with oxygen soup, converting Snickers bars into forward motion.”
Another self-explanatory example:
“Apparently, the homeless people that lived in the thickets beside the bike path in the greenway took shopping carts from the mall’s parking lot and brought them back with them. It would have been rude to leave their shopping carts on the bike path in front of their camps in the thickets, so instead they thoughtfully threw them off the bridge and into the creek below.”
This is an enjoyable funny, at times serious and surprisingly insightful book. I absolutely loved it.
September 21, 2024
Lovely adventure on the Pacific Crest Trail! I didn't like it as much as some of the long trail travelogues I've read but that was only because he didn't spend as much time on nature stuff--plants, animals, geology, all that. But he did meet some wild and crazy people and have some fun (and cringe-worthy) stories.
Early on he starts off with new boots that he picked out himself, without any advice from a mountaineering/hiking store. The sort of boneheaded thing I would do myself. I know myself and I know my own feet, right?
Not under a 35-pound load, traversing rugged terrain!
Another part that was kind of scary and sad was about his hiking partner that he joined up with. She was a shallow, self-centered, idiot, and it took him a long time to figure that out. I'm not sure if he ever did--but I'm scared to tell any more because I might be giving too much away.
Anyway, it's fun to read, hard to put down, and very much recommended. Fun stuff! And his personal growth during the adventure, while understated, was enviable. At the end he was a guy I'd really like to go hiking with. And that says it all.
Early on he starts off with new boots that he picked out himself, without any advice from a mountaineering/hiking store. The sort of boneheaded thing I would do myself. I know myself and I know my own feet, right?
Not under a 35-pound load, traversing rugged terrain!
Another part that was kind of scary and sad was about his hiking partner that he joined up with. She was a shallow, self-centered, idiot, and it took him a long time to figure that out. I'm not sure if he ever did--but I'm scared to tell any more because I might be giving too much away.
Anyway, it's fun to read, hard to put down, and very much recommended. Fun stuff! And his personal growth during the adventure, while understated, was enviable. At the end he was a guy I'd really like to go hiking with. And that says it all.
April 29, 2025
If you want to read about everything weird about walking the Pacific Crest Trail this might just be what you're looking for. Perhaps unfair, but 20% into the book you scratch your head and chuckle about what is this fellow thinking and why is he walking this trail. He confesses he read a National Geographic article about the PCT and was fascinated as a child and it carried on into adulthood. One day he decides to reach out to other people with the same interest and thus began the planning of his quest to walk the trail. So many people he meets along the way just appear to be going through the motions of life. And some people, the trail is their life. At this point in the book there has been no revelations, no heart to heart conversations, no explanations of the road he is walking in an attempt to bring the trail to life.
When I read I book like this I expect to get details . . . I want to smell the flowers, see the sunsets, enjoy the greenery, feel the rain, feel the dispair and be in the question. Its just not enough for me. The author needed to grip me by now.
In my opinion, this book is just going through the motions like so many people met on the PCT.
When I read I book like this I expect to get details . . . I want to smell the flowers, see the sunsets, enjoy the greenery, feel the rain, feel the dispair and be in the question. Its just not enough for me. The author needed to grip me by now.
In my opinion, this book is just going through the motions like so many people met on the PCT.
August 31, 2023
Walking Home: Common Sense and Other Misadventures on the Pacific Crest Trail is a memoir from a 6 month through hike, backpacking from Mexico to Canada. There are a number of books available (A review of The Trail is found on https://rambleon.ca), each with its own storyline about hiking 2650 miles over the mountains for months. This account is light, introspective, and full of observations, questions, and anecdotes. Each chapter reflects events, discussions, and conditions from selected points along the trail. It is not a book about how to hike the trail; it is instead a series of reflections from the the people he meets, their shared experiences, the decisions they make, and the connections to their lives. Rick finds that it is the journey itself and the spirit of enquiry along the way that is more important than the achievements of the hike.
The book is light, quite readable, and rewarding. Recommended. A rating of 4.3/5
[review posted on https://rambleon.ca]
The book is light, quite readable, and rewarding. Recommended. A rating of 4.3/5
[review posted on https://rambleon.ca]
January 7, 2024
Walking Home is a Wonderful Read!
One of my favorite books of the year. It’s down to earth real life story telling on an amazing venue that has breathtaking scenery.
Rodger’s does a great job of bringing in the reader to the trail itself. He has wonderful and humorous mishaps along the way. Rodger’s is also honest about the pain of a 2000 mile 6 month hike.
You can tell when Rodgers meets people along the trail he honestly wants to get to know them and hear their stories. Roger’s also is keen on seeing through the BS and calling it how it is, which I appreciate.
If you’ve been planning to commit to a major hike like Roger’s this is an excellent book to motivate you! His descriptions of the sights along the way are magnificent and they create a desire to see them yourself.
In the end of the book Rodger’s addresses some of the questions from his readers. Of course one of them is should I do it, or do you think I can do it? Rodger’s affirms everyone should try! I hope to tackle The John Muir Trail soon, thanks Rick for the encouragement.
One of my favorite books of the year. It’s down to earth real life story telling on an amazing venue that has breathtaking scenery.
Rodger’s does a great job of bringing in the reader to the trail itself. He has wonderful and humorous mishaps along the way. Rodger’s is also honest about the pain of a 2000 mile 6 month hike.
You can tell when Rodgers meets people along the trail he honestly wants to get to know them and hear their stories. Roger’s also is keen on seeing through the BS and calling it how it is, which I appreciate.
If you’ve been planning to commit to a major hike like Roger’s this is an excellent book to motivate you! His descriptions of the sights along the way are magnificent and they create a desire to see them yourself.
In the end of the book Rodger’s addresses some of the questions from his readers. Of course one of them is should I do it, or do you think I can do it? Rodger’s affirms everyone should try! I hope to tackle The John Muir Trail soon, thanks Rick for the encouragement.
January 18, 2023
During his journey along the Pacific Coast Trail, the author the encounters a long list of fascinating characters: Solitary Wanderers, Everyday Heroes, and more than one person whose screws need some tightening. The author has a keen eye for detail and uses it to bring these diverse characters to life. As a casual hiker, the Hiking Geek sections were of lesser interest to me; however the character profiles and travelogue vignettes combine for a fascinating read. His writing navigates and narrates through numerous awkward encounters, without resorting to superficial judgements. And finally, for a writer who seems generally nonintrospective, the PCT provides some long overdue therapy for former Willapa Valley Middle schooler.
February 3, 2024
This is not your typical thru-hiker story. Sure, it has about "zero days", the steep climbs with "one switchback after another" and the "trail magic" everyone talks about. What made this read special and completely different from other books was what he DID focus on...the people. The author delves into the individuals he hikes with and who choose to attempt such a unique and difficult experience. You meet the people who take care of the hikers and the trail. The random encounters, lasting for the briefest of periods, that truly moved me. If you are looking for an author who paints the most dramatic views, read John Muir. However, if you are looking for something with alittle different take and inspiring, I strongly encourage you to read "Walking Home...".
July 15, 2022
one of the best backpacking memoirs out there
I’ve read an insane amount of adventure memoirs, more specifically, hiking and backpacking memoirs…and this was one of my all time favorites. Well written and great storytelling that’s full of humor. Focuses more on social and human interactions while on the trail rather than a mile by mile account of the trail itself, but I found this refreshing after reading so many memoirs that provide little more than a guidebook-like account of the trail or a quick daily summary of the trail in journal format. Excellent book and I highly recommend it.
I’ve read an insane amount of adventure memoirs, more specifically, hiking and backpacking memoirs…and this was one of my all time favorites. Well written and great storytelling that’s full of humor. Focuses more on social and human interactions while on the trail rather than a mile by mile account of the trail itself, but I found this refreshing after reading so many memoirs that provide little more than a guidebook-like account of the trail or a quick daily summary of the trail in journal format. Excellent book and I highly recommend it.
March 9, 2024
good read
The author is unexpectedly funny…as in, funny at unexpected times. I simultaneously liked and hated Robin…she really disappointed me. Political grandstanding could have been left out of this book…the ode to the vaccine in the epilogue didn’t age well. Everything else in this book is really enjoyable because the author describes his interactions with the people on the trail very well. And the people are always the most interesting thing. I’d love for him to hike another long trail and write a book, leaving out his political beliefs. We hike the trail to get away from the things that divide us…and that divides us more than anything.
The author is unexpectedly funny…as in, funny at unexpected times. I simultaneously liked and hated Robin…she really disappointed me. Political grandstanding could have been left out of this book…the ode to the vaccine in the epilogue didn’t age well. Everything else in this book is really enjoyable because the author describes his interactions with the people on the trail very well. And the people are always the most interesting thing. I’d love for him to hike another long trail and write a book, leaving out his political beliefs. We hike the trail to get away from the things that divide us…and that divides us more than anything.
March 23, 2022
Good writing
Love this fresh take on writing a memoir on the PCT. Rogers is entertaining, has interesting interpretations, seeks curiosity, and loves human interaction. He describes the people he meets on the trail, and not just fellow hikers, with wit and clever descriptions. Lots of nature scenery but also who he encounters along the way (their stories and lives). I've read several PCT books and this is one of my top ten due to the feeling of "being there" with him as I read it. There were several "laugh out loud" moments!
Love this fresh take on writing a memoir on the PCT. Rogers is entertaining, has interesting interpretations, seeks curiosity, and loves human interaction. He describes the people he meets on the trail, and not just fellow hikers, with wit and clever descriptions. Lots of nature scenery but also who he encounters along the way (their stories and lives). I've read several PCT books and this is one of my top ten due to the feeling of "being there" with him as I read it. There were several "laugh out loud" moments!
July 4, 2022
original take on a well traveled trail
I read a lot of trail books, some of them are like diaries with miles walked and food eaten. Some have less than believable spiritual awakenings.
Rick’s is laugh out loud funny, a tiny bit spiritual in that people are, at least partially, spirit; and some real life shit. Literally, he describes his poo habits in great detail and yet I’m still a bit confused. I enjoyed it immensely, even though I am definitely a section hiker, not a through hiker!
I read a lot of trail books, some of them are like diaries with miles walked and food eaten. Some have less than believable spiritual awakenings.
Rick’s is laugh out loud funny, a tiny bit spiritual in that people are, at least partially, spirit; and some real life shit. Literally, he describes his poo habits in great detail and yet I’m still a bit confused. I enjoyed it immensely, even though I am definitely a section hiker, not a through hiker!
August 16, 2022
I really enjoyed Finn's memoir of hiking the PCT. It's one of many I've read in the last few years, and certainly one of the best, if not the best. There is a nice blend of nature observations, stories about his experience, thoughts and ideas that occurred to him along the way, and his encounters with other people along the trail. Some of the best parts describe his experiences on a couple of sections of the trail when his young son hikes with him. For anyone interested in long distance hiking, it's an interesting and entertaining read. Well done!
February 10, 2024
3.5 stars. Rogers does a good job of balancing narrative of the trail, personal impact, and the tales of the people he meets along the way, so the account of his thru-hike is a worthwhile addition to the genre. A couple of things kept this from being a great PCT memoir for me. His outdoor ethics aren't always in line with Leave No Trace principles and he doesn't seem terribly sensitive to others on the trail. In general, I like his eye for detail. My favorite passages were the good-natured father/son banter when his son Matthew joined him on the trail.
February 19, 2022
A different look at hiking the PCT
This book is quite different from the many PCT books I've read. I did like the personal stories of people and situations encountered on this authors adventure. Well. written with some new insights never mentioned before in the books I've read. A genuine understanding and sense of the people he comes accross , the journey well told and interesting. The history of the trail , descriptions of flora ,and animals is the best.
This book is quite different from the many PCT books I've read. I did like the personal stories of people and situations encountered on this authors adventure. Well. written with some new insights never mentioned before in the books I've read. A genuine understanding and sense of the people he comes accross , the journey well told and interesting. The history of the trail , descriptions of flora ,and animals is the best.
May 21, 2023
Down to earth
Several years ago I read a couple other PCT books. I didn't remember that the trail was complete. I thought sections were unmarked and difficult to follow. Rick 's book seemed easier to read as he had a positive attitude about hiking and was willing to change plans if needed. Thank you Rick for an enjoyable read. Just wish there were more pictures in it of people and scenery. Are you ever planning on doing the first and last sections to be a true thru PCT hiker?
Several years ago I read a couple other PCT books. I didn't remember that the trail was complete. I thought sections were unmarked and difficult to follow. Rick 's book seemed easier to read as he had a positive attitude about hiking and was willing to change plans if needed. Thank you Rick for an enjoyable read. Just wish there were more pictures in it of people and scenery. Are you ever planning on doing the first and last sections to be a true thru PCT hiker?
May 29, 2023
A well written book and everything you want in a long distance hiking book. I loved the humour which came at unexpected times and left me giggling to myself the next day. I loved the people Rick met on the trail and his experience with his hiking part of the trail with his son. What a great way to bond.
I thought the book was worth every cent I paid for it and will without a doubt read it again in the future.
I thought the book was worth every cent I paid for it and will without a doubt read it again in the future.
June 24, 2025
fun and informative
I’ve read many books on the PCT and the Appalachian Trail. Rick’s book had me smiling the most. Throughly enjoyed the info he provided about the result of fires in California on the lay of the land and the plants and animals. His observations of people he met and the sharing some of those conversations was a part of his book I always enjoyed reading. So glad he wrote the epilogue as I had some of the questions he took time to answer.
I’ve read many books on the PCT and the Appalachian Trail. Rick’s book had me smiling the most. Throughly enjoyed the info he provided about the result of fires in California on the lay of the land and the plants and animals. His observations of people he met and the sharing some of those conversations was a part of his book I always enjoyed reading. So glad he wrote the epilogue as I had some of the questions he took time to answer.
May 2, 2022
it takes all kinds
A lot in this book about the different people the author met on the trail. That’s an aspect that may not be brought forth in others trek tales. But the people we met in life and our relationships with them influence us and can lead to some introspection if we don’t get stuck being judgmental.
A lot in this book about the different people the author met on the trail. That’s an aspect that may not be brought forth in others trek tales. But the people we met in life and our relationships with them influence us and can lead to some introspection if we don’t get stuck being judgmental.
May 16, 2022
I loved this book.
As a midnight reader this book sometimes kept me reading til dawns early light. It inspired me to take a broader look at the world and to slow down and look around. Loved the wisdom and kind perspectives offered as well as so interesting things I never knew about the natural world. Thanks!
As a midnight reader this book sometimes kept me reading til dawns early light. It inspired me to take a broader look at the world and to slow down and look around. Loved the wisdom and kind perspectives offered as well as so interesting things I never knew about the natural world. Thanks!
January 1, 2023
I love reading books about thru-hiking. I’ve always wanted to do it myself, but the more time passes, the more it seems I’ll end up just being content reading about other people who do it! :D This one was fun. The author has a terrific sense of humor and it made me laugh out loud more than once. Definitely worth the read!
January 16, 2023
A very honest story of walking the PCT
Rick takes a few months off from his life to walk the PCT. There are good and bad days. He tries to keep an open mind while meeting people on and off the trail. Sometimes he succeeds, and sometimes he doesn’t, but he acknowledges when he has not and tries to reflect on his experiences.
Rick takes a few months off from his life to walk the PCT. There are good and bad days. He tries to keep an open mind while meeting people on and off the trail. Sometimes he succeeds, and sometimes he doesn’t, but he acknowledges when he has not and tries to reflect on his experiences.
June 9, 2023
I really enjoyed this book and the author’s writing style. There’s lots of stories of other hikers, the author’s own life and perspectives peppered with tips and know hows on the PCT trail. A really good well rounded book about hiking the PCT and I also love that he hiked it because he just wanted to - no big horrible life event that set him off - just someone who enjoys hiking 👏👏
July 4, 2025
Lede: informative, humorous book.
Subtext: readers should listen to the lessons of the book. Don’t be judgmental. Be open to new people with all their foibles and short comings.
For parents the discussion about raising a child is particularly thoughtful.
The book was an engaging and spirited read. But helpful if you have an interest in backpacking.
Subtext: readers should listen to the lessons of the book. Don’t be judgmental. Be open to new people with all their foibles and short comings.
For parents the discussion about raising a child is particularly thoughtful.
The book was an engaging and spirited read. But helpful if you have an interest in backpacking.
April 21, 2022
great read
I loved this book because the author writes intelligently and with a lot of great humor. It’s a great first person account and what I’ll take away from it is his ability to really think about simple things.
I loved this book because the author writes intelligently and with a lot of great humor. It’s a great first person account and what I’ll take away from it is his ability to really think about simple things.
Displaying 1 - 30 of 64 reviews