Going It Alone: Ramblings and Reflections from the Trail

by Tim Hauserman

Join author Tim Hauserman on his solo journeys through the Sierra Nevada and the forests of Minnesota. Hauserman shares his experiences hiking by himself through some of the most spectacular landscapes in the United States. Along the way, he confronts his conflicting desires to be alone in the wilderness, then facing profound loneliness and fear once he is there. In a single instant, he goes from enjoying a shimmering mountain lake to being petrified by the sound of a bear crunching through sticks right next to his tent.

Hauserman hikes the John Muir Trail through rainstorms and challenging climbs, explores the Tahoe Rim Trail on a fourteen-day excursion, and travels to Minnesota to conquer the Superior Hiking Trail, where he is inundated with bugs, faces drought, and is eerily alone on the trail with not a single other hiker in sight for days. Going It Alone combines his self-deprecating humor, what he identifies as “Stupid Tim Tricks,” and delightful descriptions of the natural surroundings.

Some might describe the wilderness as the middle of nowhere or as nothingness, but for Hauserman, it is everything. While his love for nature remains undaunted through these experiences, he also discovers that he has overly high expectations for his capabilities and that he cannot just wish his loneliness away. He eventually discovers that his long walks in the woods are less about hiking and more about learning how he wants to live his life.

 

156 pages, Paperback

Published August 2, 2022

Reviews

[Kristen Lesperance · Rating 3 out of 5]

Something I love about outdoor nature books is the detailed descriptions of the land and all the beauty that surrounds the writer. Tim Hauserman does an expectational job at describing what he sees and provides me with the perfect picture and makes me want to pack up and race to a camp ground.

I felt like it was more ramblings then reflections at times, but I understand a reflection can turn into a rambling. Often the information though somewhat related to the theme of the book were not relevant to the solo trips that were the main theme.

My favourite chapter was chapter 6 and the John Muir trail it stayed true to theme ans was filled with alot of interesting tidbits.

A book written about one's thoughts, experiences and feelings is a hard to judge but I can honestly say I enjoyed it even if at times I felt like we were off course. I would recommend this book to hikers, solo trippers or anyone who has a general interest in reading about people's experiences while camping.

[Carla Beebe · Rating 5 out of 5]

Tim is a member of my book club, and I always enjoy His articles and columns published locally. And, of course I own his Tahoe Rim Trail guidebooks. However, I wasn’t sure whether I would like this book. Why? I knew in advance that Tim was challenging himself to write comedy, and I am not a fan of the comedy genre. Well, I thoroughly enjoyed it. I smiled often and laughed occasionally (which is meaningful for me to admit). Tim’s reflections on being alone and loneliness were both insightful and heartfelt. A worthy read.

[Lady · Rating 4 out of 5]

This was a great read. I actually rated it 3.5 but rounded it up as it is better than a 3 star book. I enjoyed the way this book covered a number of walks across America. I really liked the authors style of writing both relaxed and humorous. I thought it fun how the walks started as a family thing but quickly changed to lone adventures. It describes some wonderful places. For me I would of loved a little more descriptions of the land, trees, nature etc. I would of loved to learn more from this book. It would of helped me visual the areas more. Saying that I am still glad I found this book. It really relaxed me and I thoroughly enjoy the walk that was done further away from home that ended up getting cut short. I won't give anymore than that as I don't want to spoil the story. I also loved the cover and the photographs this book contains. It certainly added that extra dimension to the book.
Many thanks to the author and publishers for bringing us this great book to travel around unfamiliar places from the comfort of our armchair. I will be looking out for more books by this author.

[J Emmett · Rating 5 out of 5]

First time reader of this author. I thoroughly enjoyed the book and have recommended it to friends - especially those who enjoy hiking & backpacking. I related to his ongoing efforts to balance the deep connection with nature found in solitude with the overwhelming loneliness of that same solitude. I especially related to the way he wrapped up the book (can’t say more - no spoilers). I chuckled at various times, & bugged family members to share certain passages that were so relatable (ie; Dad move after leaving Showers Lake).
Lovely book to just sit back and enjoy being taken along on the adventures of the author.

[Alex Hoeft · Rating 5 out of 5]

I read this book for an article in Tahoe Quarterly, a magazine covering the Lake Tahoe area. It’s a quick read, but boy-howdy was it a blast. The subtitle speaks true to what the book is all about — ramblings and reflections from different trails. It’s so fun getting into the mind of Tim Hauserman, who is delightfully dorky and full of dad jokes. I loved the thoughts about loneliness versus solitude, and the balm that Mother Nature is to the craziness of the world.

[Cecilia Kingwill · Rating 5 out of 5]

Tim's book is engaging fun to read. His laconic humor and honesty about both the good and bad of his solo travels reflects an honest memoir of his adventures. I particularly enjoyed his trip around the lake in Minnesota. His writing style is funny, truthful and not sugar-coated. Even non-hikers will enjoy this book!

[Nova · Rating 5 out of 5]

Tim expounds upon the highs and lows of solitude on trail with relatable humor. Anyone who has spent any time in the backcountry will be able to relate and chuckle. Now if only this snow can melt so our backyard trails are once again accessible. Going It Alone will make you yearn for the trail.

[Kayla · Rating 5 out of 5]

This book had me laughing out loud practically every other sentence and the well-written way that Tim wrote this proves he is a true Tahoe local.