Then the Hail Came: A Humorous and Truthful Account of a 1983 Appalachian Trail Thru-hike

by George Steffanos

“Then the Hail Came” is the true story of George Steffanos on his quest to become more than just a two pack a day loser by finally completing something significant in his life - The Appalachian Trail. It is true that everyone who hikes the A.T. has their share of misfortune, but for George, it seems like a daily occurrence, yet he continues to put his best foot forward. All the ups and downs are described poignantly with humor as he manages to provide wonderful descriptions of the characters he meets, and the surrounding landscape encountered through all 2138 miles from Georgia to Maine. Inspired by the events of his journey, he weaves fanciful dream interludes throughout, while beginning to change and grow as a person while hiking "The Trail." Along the way he realizes the people he encounters on the Appalachian Trail are as crazy as the ones he hung around with at home - He just wishes that he had “come prepared for that with more food.”

379 pages, Paperback

Published January 15, 2022

Reviews

["Cyril' (David · Rating 5 out of 5]

Very detailed description of the trail as it existed 40 years ago. Author has a good sense of humor, and is very introspective. He has a website that has many of his pictures on it... really cool to see how the AT has stayed the same and how it has changed.

[Ashley Cobb · Rating 4 out of 5]

This is a trail memoir of a hiker's thru-hike on the Appalachian Trail. In many ways, it is like so many other trail memoirs, the hiker describes his travails and how he overcomes them. A reader who has hiked part or all of the trail enjoys hearing about those sections they have trod and remembering their own hike with fondness. What makes this different from so many other books, and so worth the read is the chance, to those who love the trail, to view a hike from 40 years ago. So much has changed with respect to trail towns, available resources, gear, and technology. Reading the experience of the author was a blast. The trail was seemingly more remote in some ways. Less "trailey" in others as there were for more road walks back then. I am grateful for the efforts of the ATC to curate and maintain the trail. Also thankful for the gear that makes our packs lighter and our hikes more enjoyable. Lovers of the AT or hiking in general will find this a worthwhile read.

[Rachel · Rating 4 out of 5]

I had sworn off reading trail memoirs, but even though this one was published in 2022, the thru hike occurred in 1983. I am glad I made an exception to my rule. This is a trail journal with some humorous antidotes. The trail wasn’t as busy and the route was a bit different in 1983 making this a refreshing version to read. Gear has changed a bit: wool sweaters, chamois shirts, running shoes as extra shoes, 50 pound packs, and no Far Out app. Kudos to completing this 2100 mile walk!

While reading I wished the photos he described were included but apparently including photos in books isn’t simple. He does have a website Georgesteffanos.com where you can see many of his photos.

[Audrey · Rating 5 out of 5]

Very detailed and comical look at hiking the trail 40+ years ago. The good, bad and ugly have been included.