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Just Passin' Thru: A Vintage Store, the Appalachian Trail, and a Cast of Unforgettable Characters
Read the stories of several amazing characters as they pass through a mountain store and hostel on the Appalachian Trail. Before he was an award-winning author, Winton Porter found success in the outdoor retail business. His family enjoyed living wherever his work took Atlanta, Chicago, Salt Lake City. But like so many others, he often stared out the window, wanting something different. Eventually, he cashed in his 401k and ransacked his bank account to become a backpack-purging, tent-selling, hostel-running, first-aid-dispensing, lost-kid-finding, argument-settling, romance-fixing, chili-making shopkeeper deep in the Georgia woods, smack on the Appalachian Trail. Nowadays, Winton opens the door to strangers at midnight, doesn’t wear clean clothes every day, and sometimes eats Snickers bars for breakfast. He also meets amazing people every day and hears some incredible stories! In Just Passin’ Thru , Winton captures the daily reality show of his family’s new life at the store, Mountain Crossings at Walasi-Yi. With humor and grace, he introduces an old man who liked to sleep on his roof, an man in his 80s who still hikes just to keep from getting bored, an ex-Navy SEAL who was sometimes mistaken for a homeless person, and so many others. Among the parade of people who are just passin’ thru, some show up once and others appear again and again. Either way, the author masterfully introduces them to you in the pages of this remarkable book. Inside you’ll
264 pages, Paperback
First published November 1, 2009
33 people are currently reading
1165 people want to read
About the author
Winton Porter
2 books6 followersEver since starting his lawn-mowing business at age 10, Winton Porter has found it hard to stay indoors. At 21 he opened B. Bumblefoot and Co., producing hiking sticks for retailers throughout the southeastern U.S. For years he tried the corporate routeselling gear and managing operations at banks and major retailers such as REI in Chicago, Salt Lake City, and Atlanta. In 2001, at age 35, he ransacked his 401k and bought the venerable Mountain Crossings store, a hikers mecca deep in the Georgia woods near the southern end of the Appalachian Trail, earning him the title of, "Appalachian Trail Guru" from Backpacker Magazine. In 2010 Winton was honored with the Georgia Author of the Year Award. "
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 142 reviews
April 16, 2014
My husband and I are enthusiastic hikers and have been to the Mountain Crossings store many times. As a matter of fact, we bought our copy of this book there. :-)
I enjoyed the tales of the colorful characters Winton Porter has encountered, both those that are regulars and those that are "just passin' thru."
However, there was one aspect of the book that bothered me as I read - and still bothers me all these many weeks later. Mr. Porter tells us that he is a "patient" man and based on the tales that he tells he is - but only with those that are a part of the hiker community/mindset. With those on the "outside" - not so much. The example that sticks with me best was the high-maintenance woman that picked a rare flower to show her children. Instead of explaining to her that that particular flower is extremely rare and that if she should see another one, she should take a picture rather than pick it, Mr. Porter merely snarls something at her to the effect of "it was prettier before you killed it." Really? Part of being in the position that Mr. Porter is fortunate enough to find himself in is teaching those with less experience to see the natural world through different eyes so that maybe they will learn to love it too - not to treat those individuals as though they are somehow less than they should be because they don't "get it."
I enjoyed the tales of the colorful characters Winton Porter has encountered, both those that are regulars and those that are "just passin' thru."
However, there was one aspect of the book that bothered me as I read - and still bothers me all these many weeks later. Mr. Porter tells us that he is a "patient" man and based on the tales that he tells he is - but only with those that are a part of the hiker community/mindset. With those on the "outside" - not so much. The example that sticks with me best was the high-maintenance woman that picked a rare flower to show her children. Instead of explaining to her that that particular flower is extremely rare and that if she should see another one, she should take a picture rather than pick it, Mr. Porter merely snarls something at her to the effect of "it was prettier before you killed it." Really? Part of being in the position that Mr. Porter is fortunate enough to find himself in is teaching those with less experience to see the natural world through different eyes so that maybe they will learn to love it too - not to treat those individuals as though they are somehow less than they should be because they don't "get it."
February 18, 2011
Absolutely incredible, like the perfect mix of funny and inspirational. It's not like a great book in history, but I'm interested in this kind of thing which is why I'm giving this the four stars. I would be VERY surprised if I didn't find myself reading through it again.
Lessons learned: Don't always judge people by what you see at first. Some normal people that seem like they are awesome have issues, and other people who seem like they have issues may be far more normal than people imagined.
Lessons learned: Don't always judge people by what you see at first. Some normal people that seem like they are awesome have issues, and other people who seem like they have issues may be far more normal than people imagined.
August 27, 2020
With humor and grace, William Porter captures the daily reality show of his family's life after taking over a little hiking/supply store on the Appalachian Trail in Georgia. Among the people who are Just Passin'Thru, some show up once and others appear again and again. This is a fun read for all who have ever hiked or considered hiking along the trail ... or have just hiked in the backcountry mountains.
May 20, 2016
I loved this book - could not put it down. Not only does he give a good look at what the first 30 miles of the AT can do for Hikers, he has excellent writing skills. Porter keeps you wanting to know more.
April 26, 2016
Interesting stories that quickly dwindle down into a venue for experienced hikers to make fun of newbies.
July 18, 2018
I absolutely loved this book and its author! Porter is a very strong storyteller with a fresh sense of humor. Its nice to read about the Appalachian Trail from the unique perspective of a business owner, one whose bread and butter rests comfortably atop the trail itself. Porter humanizes the employees of Mountain Crossings with delightful details about their personality strengths and flaws, characteristics he learns about his hiker customers, too. Above all, he is a people-lover who joys in laughing with and at customers and staff alike.
He is also, however, the life-saving anchor of Blood Mountain, as he assists stranded, hypothermic, and snake-rattled hikers who call the store in desperation. Positioned just 40ish miles from the southern terminus of the trail at Springer Mountain, GA, Mountain Crossings is the first sign of rest for the thousands of thru-hikers starting every spring. Without the expert, shake-down advice of the store's staff and owner, hundreds of hikers would end up on shaky ground with overweight packs and a heightened risk of injury.
Hopefully, the trail and this first haven are still there when I am ready to hike it in the near future.
He is also, however, the life-saving anchor of Blood Mountain, as he assists stranded, hypothermic, and snake-rattled hikers who call the store in desperation. Positioned just 40ish miles from the southern terminus of the trail at Springer Mountain, GA, Mountain Crossings is the first sign of rest for the thousands of thru-hikers starting every spring. Without the expert, shake-down advice of the store's staff and owner, hundreds of hikers would end up on shaky ground with overweight packs and a heightened risk of injury.
Hopefully, the trail and this first haven are still there when I am ready to hike it in the near future.
November 7, 2025
Interesting read about a hiking outfitter along the Appalachian Trail.
January 24, 2011
Another in a long list of good Appalachian Trail books...
Winton's Mountain Crossings store and Walasi-Yi hostel literally
sit across the A.T. 30 miles northbound from the southern trail
terminus at Springer Mtn Ga. This place is the 1st pit stop for
intrepid souls hiking north to Maine in the spring and the last
pit stop for southbounders ending their hike late in the year.
Winton's place gives great service to all the hikers passing
through and is a bit of a collection point for eccentricity.
The book is a great read. It provides a feel for the trail and
the people who hike it. I highly recommend this book.
Winton's Mountain Crossings store and Walasi-Yi hostel literally
sit across the A.T. 30 miles northbound from the southern trail
terminus at Springer Mtn Ga. This place is the 1st pit stop for
intrepid souls hiking north to Maine in the spring and the last
pit stop for southbounders ending their hike late in the year.
Winton's place gives great service to all the hikers passing
through and is a bit of a collection point for eccentricity.
The book is a great read. It provides a feel for the trail and
the people who hike it. I highly recommend this book.
February 15, 2011
Just Passin' Thru is a wonderful read. Porter runs the outfitter's store at Mountain Crossing GA, right on the Appalachian Trail. The book is filled with the people who make the store work, the hiker's passing through on the way to Maine, and those who just stop and stay while. It talks about the trail and what it means to backpackers as well as the diverese personalities of those backpackers. I so enjoyed this book that I will reread it and recommend it to anyone no matter where their trails take them.
May 28, 2017
Really interesting stories and people, but the author can be an insensitive and condescending jerk at times.
July 20, 2020
This is a great book. Could have been longer.
March 30, 2025
I've been fascinated by the Appalachian Trail for decades. Wouldn't it be great to walk the Appalachian Trail, I thought when I first heard of it. Part of me would still like to give it a try.
Alas, life frequently gets in the way of our dreams, including (yup!) walking the trail.
Thank goodness for books about walking the Appalachian Trail. When I stumbled across Just Passin' Thru: A Vintage Store, the Appalachian Trail, and a Cast of Unforgettable Characters by Winton Porter, I had to read it.
Winton Porter had worked in outdoor retail businesses for much of his adult life. But somehow, his dream of something different kept drifting into his consciousness. So, in 2001, he and family moved to Mountain Crossings, a "little outfitter shop that sits astride the Appalachian Trail...in Blairsville, Georgia." In Just Passin' Thru:..., Winton tells of his family's new lifestyle, running the shop, supplying those "just passin' through" at the beginning of their north-bound trek on the Appalachian Trail. He introduces us to so many interesting characters who, for whatever reason, have decided to walk the A.T. Early on, he mentioned Grandma Gatewood (from Ben Montgomery's Grandma Gatewood's Walk: The Inspiring Story of the Woman Who Saved the Appalachian Trail), as well as recognizing a couple show up who was mentioned in A Walk in the Woods: Rediscovering America on the Appalachian Trail by Bill Bryson. Then, there are many other interesting characters: Billy Bumblefoot, Brain Storm, Lego, and so many others who keep life on the trail interesting.
While I had been hoping for another book about one person's trek on the A.T., this was every bit as engaging, as any Appalachian Trail book, maybe even better. If you're looking for a good book that will put a smile on your face, as well as the need to tell anyone nearby, "Wait, you have to hear this!" before reading them a passage, Winton Porter's Just Passin' Thru by Porter, Winton (2010) Paperback is a must read.
Alas, life frequently gets in the way of our dreams, including (yup!) walking the trail.
Thank goodness for books about walking the Appalachian Trail. When I stumbled across Just Passin' Thru: A Vintage Store, the Appalachian Trail, and a Cast of Unforgettable Characters by Winton Porter, I had to read it.
Winton Porter had worked in outdoor retail businesses for much of his adult life. But somehow, his dream of something different kept drifting into his consciousness. So, in 2001, he and family moved to Mountain Crossings, a "little outfitter shop that sits astride the Appalachian Trail...in Blairsville, Georgia." In Just Passin' Thru:..., Winton tells of his family's new lifestyle, running the shop, supplying those "just passin' through" at the beginning of their north-bound trek on the Appalachian Trail. He introduces us to so many interesting characters who, for whatever reason, have decided to walk the A.T. Early on, he mentioned Grandma Gatewood (from Ben Montgomery's Grandma Gatewood's Walk: The Inspiring Story of the Woman Who Saved the Appalachian Trail), as well as recognizing a couple show up who was mentioned in A Walk in the Woods: Rediscovering America on the Appalachian Trail by Bill Bryson. Then, there are many other interesting characters: Billy Bumblefoot, Brain Storm, Lego, and so many others who keep life on the trail interesting.
While I had been hoping for another book about one person's trek on the A.T., this was every bit as engaging, as any Appalachian Trail book, maybe even better. If you're looking for a good book that will put a smile on your face, as well as the need to tell anyone nearby, "Wait, you have to hear this!" before reading them a passage, Winton Porter's Just Passin' Thru by Porter, Winton (2010) Paperback is a must read.
October 21, 2021
This book was a good answer to my wishful thought after reading Wild and A Walk in the Woods that someone should make a Northern Exposure style TV show about a town on one of the big trails and all of the colorful hikers that pass through. This is close enough to satisfy.
The writing is a bit uneven. I feel like maybe the stories should have aged longer before being published, to make some of the narrative threads feel more conclusive and less episodic.
There's a section where the author takes pains to include breast size in a lot of descriptions, and a scene where he fondles breasts (consensually) which feels obnoxiously out of place in a narrative that is otherwise about the intersections of adventurers with a safe haven and the people who work there. I feel like this interlude of boorish male gaze takes away from the rest of the memoir's more thoughtful descriptions of hikers, their activities, the unpredictable effects of the weather, the hikers' competence or unpreparedness on the trail, and the intersections of regulars with one-time visitors. News flash to aspiring authors: breast size (or even height or body size) tells me nothing about a character's personality, abilities, or activities, its just a flat reflection of what was on your mind. Describing expressions, clothing choices, hair or facial hair choices or even smells tells me something about the character's mental state and personality. This author remembered to do some of that too, and that helped paint a useful picture of the characters throughout the book outside of that one breast-centric section.
Despite that awkward interlude, I'd like to see a second volume some day, or a sophomore work. It feels like the author has potential, and some great experiences to draw from. Most of the stories were well-drawn encounters, embracing the hiking community and all their quirkiness with affection. Maybe just needs an editorial push on the descriptions to describe what counts.
The writing is a bit uneven. I feel like maybe the stories should have aged longer before being published, to make some of the narrative threads feel more conclusive and less episodic.
There's a section where the author takes pains to include breast size in a lot of descriptions, and a scene where he fondles breasts (consensually) which feels obnoxiously out of place in a narrative that is otherwise about the intersections of adventurers with a safe haven and the people who work there. I feel like this interlude of boorish male gaze takes away from the rest of the memoir's more thoughtful descriptions of hikers, their activities, the unpredictable effects of the weather, the hikers' competence or unpreparedness on the trail, and the intersections of regulars with one-time visitors. News flash to aspiring authors: breast size (or even height or body size) tells me nothing about a character's personality, abilities, or activities, its just a flat reflection of what was on your mind. Describing expressions, clothing choices, hair or facial hair choices or even smells tells me something about the character's mental state and personality. This author remembered to do some of that too, and that helped paint a useful picture of the characters throughout the book outside of that one breast-centric section.
Despite that awkward interlude, I'd like to see a second volume some day, or a sophomore work. It feels like the author has potential, and some great experiences to draw from. Most of the stories were well-drawn encounters, embracing the hiking community and all their quirkiness with affection. Maybe just needs an editorial push on the descriptions to describe what counts.
February 28, 2017
Just Passin' Thru instantly became one of my favorite books about the trail. This book is quite a bit different from every other book about the AT that I've read in the past, and that's a good thing. Other's accounts that you'll read of peoples trip up and down the trail while enjoyable, get somewhat repetitive after a half dozen books.
Winton tells stories of friends and experiences with hikers that he has had as the owner of Mountain Crossings, an outfitter along the Appalachian trail. The people in his stories aren't fiction and are definitely real life characters. I don't know any of them personally, but have read about a handful of them from the whiteblaze forums. His stories of these experiences make me wish I could spend 6 months at a spot on the trail to meet and greet hikers that pass by. Those met in the woods on trail tend to be much more interesting than those encountered in everyday suburban life.
It is easy for a reader to see that Winton loved what he was doing and why he dreamed of doing it. As I read his stories I hoped that I would someday be able to meet him as I passed through his store on a hike, but I came to find out that he sold Mountain Crossings in 2014. My only complaint is a selfish one. I wanted more stories. I enjoyed them them so much and had to decide whether to read it through in one sitting or prolong the fun over the course of a few days. Hopefully he will one day get around to writing another book from all those journals that he has laying around.
Winton tells stories of friends and experiences with hikers that he has had as the owner of Mountain Crossings, an outfitter along the Appalachian trail. The people in his stories aren't fiction and are definitely real life characters. I don't know any of them personally, but have read about a handful of them from the whiteblaze forums. His stories of these experiences make me wish I could spend 6 months at a spot on the trail to meet and greet hikers that pass by. Those met in the woods on trail tend to be much more interesting than those encountered in everyday suburban life.
It is easy for a reader to see that Winton loved what he was doing and why he dreamed of doing it. As I read his stories I hoped that I would someday be able to meet him as I passed through his store on a hike, but I came to find out that he sold Mountain Crossings in 2014. My only complaint is a selfish one. I wanted more stories. I enjoyed them them so much and had to decide whether to read it through in one sitting or prolong the fun over the course of a few days. Hopefully he will one day get around to writing another book from all those journals that he has laying around.
July 2, 2018
Absolutely fantastic -- and I didn't want to see it end. Although this is nonfiction, it reads like my favorite novels because it incorporates (1) a setting that grows on you and becomes a character you love and (2) a cast of strong characters, each of them standing out and being easily distinguishable.
At first, the book reminded me of the TV show "Newhart," with a deadpan narrator (I listened to the audiobook and loved the reader, Jones Allen) who runs a business and encounters travelers and their quirks or oddball behaviors. As the book progresses, however, I was impressed with how it skillfully interweaves philosophical insights about nature, how humans connect to it, and how humans connect to each other. These insights elevate the book into something special.
Lately I've been doing a deep dive on hiking memoirs, and I tried out this book as a side journey on that adventure. I'm sure glad I did. It bursts with humanity, warmth, and humor.
At first, the book reminded me of the TV show "Newhart," with a deadpan narrator (I listened to the audiobook and loved the reader, Jones Allen) who runs a business and encounters travelers and their quirks or oddball behaviors. As the book progresses, however, I was impressed with how it skillfully interweaves philosophical insights about nature, how humans connect to it, and how humans connect to each other. These insights elevate the book into something special.
Lately I've been doing a deep dive on hiking memoirs, and I tried out this book as a side journey on that adventure. I'm sure glad I did. It bursts with humanity, warmth, and humor.
August 8, 2025
The book starts off great: A slow build of background characters, the history of buying the store and great visuals.
But then it gets weird.
The author comes across as a creepy judgemental loser with a God complex. The way he talks about women is borderline stalkerish, and at one point during a party he talks about fondelling someone's breasts. He also seems to relish people getting in trouble or being unprepared for the hike. 90% of the stories are about him helping people fix their supplies. Also he goes off on a tangent about how impressive he is that he can run uphill 2.2 miles in under 50 mins....dude this is the Appalachian Trail, people are going 2000+ miles. Came across as him being too scared to actually take a risk and actually do the hike or to try and make himself feel special too.
Also Im not sure if this was just the ebook, but it was annoying that he would have photos of someone on a random page....but then not talk about them until like 10 pages later.
But then it gets weird.
The author comes across as a creepy judgemental loser with a God complex. The way he talks about women is borderline stalkerish, and at one point during a party he talks about fondelling someone's breasts. He also seems to relish people getting in trouble or being unprepared for the hike. 90% of the stories are about him helping people fix their supplies. Also he goes off on a tangent about how impressive he is that he can run uphill 2.2 miles in under 50 mins....dude this is the Appalachian Trail, people are going 2000+ miles. Came across as him being too scared to actually take a risk and actually do the hike or to try and make himself feel special too.
Also Im not sure if this was just the ebook, but it was annoying that he would have photos of someone on a random page....but then not talk about them until like 10 pages later.
January 16, 2023
After hearing this book mentioned from Cindy Rollins, it piqued my curiosity, so I downloaded the audible from Amazon Prime. Winton owns a grocery store and a hostel along the Appalachian Trail. He tells of the hikers who pass through his area. They are known by their "trail name" not their real name.
Hiking can be many things to many people, running from something, wanting to be outdoors and enjoy creation, sorting through things in your mind, even enjoying the beauty while knowing you have a terminal illness.
Hiking can be many things to many people, running from something, wanting to be outdoors and enjoy creation, sorting through things in your mind, even enjoying the beauty while knowing you have a terminal illness.
February 16, 2023
This was a really interesting read! I've always been fascinated by hiking stories, and I enjoyed this specific peek into life "on" the trail. Porter has a wisened, somewhat jaded view of the trail life and the (wacky; wonderful; sometimes idiotic) people on it. The dialogue is witty, and funnier than I expected. The author/narrator is straight up mean sometimes and it's both refreshing and a turnoff. Lots of anecdotes: sometimes I got a little lost in the revolving door of people coming through and ideas being rehashed.
June 23, 2017
Unexpectedly bittersweet story of Mountain Crossings at Walasi-Yi. I didn't want this book to end. I have been up to the store many times, and while I will never (ever!) be an AT through hiker or even much of a hiker at all, I recognize the sense of place and history that comes through Porter's book. It's the people, their stories, fact and fiction, that make the trail come alive. The author captures these beautifully.
August 13, 2017
Very well written book about the cast of characters that pass through Mt. Crossings on the Appalachian Trail. Funny, sad and even curious....there are many life lessons that are woven into to the stories.
One of this biggest ironies that is woven throughout this book is how much the author adores, boarding on worships, his wife. As I understand, he and his wife divorced right around the time the book was finally published. I don't know the situation, but life can blindside you sometimes.
One of this biggest ironies that is woven throughout this book is how much the author adores, boarding on worships, his wife. As I understand, he and his wife divorced right around the time the book was finally published. I don't know the situation, but life can blindside you sometimes.
February 21, 2020
I've read a lot of books about the AT but this one was different from the rest, and in a good way. Instead of the challenges of the trail, Porter gives us insight into someone who is staying put on the trail. He runs an outfitters/hostel/store/shipping center for hikers. He's met lots of characters, several of which show up in other books about the AT, and other that are, well, like the title says, Just Passin' Thru.
April 16, 2023
Even if your furthest hike is determined by your luck at parking lot roulette, read this book.
I loved every funny, heartfelt word and hope Mr Porter is generous enough to keep writing and publishing his observations about life, inspiring friends, crazy hikers, beloved family members and pets, music to run by, and the wild and beautiful world around him. It was a privilege to join his world for 248 pages.
I loved every funny, heartfelt word and hope Mr Porter is generous enough to keep writing and publishing his observations about life, inspiring friends, crazy hikers, beloved family members and pets, music to run by, and the wild and beautiful world around him. It was a privilege to join his world for 248 pages.
June 15, 2025
This is such a heartwarming book. what a cast of characters, most heartwarming, some downright scary, but all entertaining. I almost want to leave my "safe" life to run a store like Mountain Crossings (I said, almost). what friends, a store keeper such as Winton Porter could make! And, a store like this is definitely needed on a long trail. He has saved many a greenhorn's decision to pack everything but the kitchen sink! I laughed and cried over many a story. These are delightful!
July 7, 2019
Basically a small collection of anecdotal stories about life running a small shop at the start of the Appalachian Trail, where they help hikers after a few days of walking to downsize and upgrade their packs. My parents were both AT hikers, my father finished, Mom didn't. But they loved the trail. I am amazed by how many people attempt the trip so unprepared.
July 11, 2019
I am a hiker and have hiked part of the AT so there was a bit of familiarty with the subject. I really liked this book and its blend of colorful characters, life moments and crises, humor, inspiration and introspection. It doesn't rise to the level of a classic but is a very comfortable and enjoyable read if you have any interest in the topic.
December 19, 2019
Really liked this-almost more like a fiction novel what with the characters "passing thru" and the events that happened. I read "a walk in the woods" by Bill Bryson, which I loved. So I wanted to read another story about the AT. This was very enjoyable to read and I feel I got to know Mr Winton Porter; such a great guy.
June 5, 2020
Very entertaining and thought provoking at the same time. Well written. The characters hiking the AT are drawn with love for who they are. The author is almost entirely non-judgmental, although a few people are clearly not his favorites. Overwhelmingly, he enjoys the people he encounters and grows close to. It was a much better book than I expected.
July 12, 2020
Entertaining tales from a place where "wanderers become friends, and friends become wanderers again", and is now on a list of places that I want to visit. If I knew how to add a picture, I would include one of my husband, brothers, sister, brother in law and friend standing in front of this store on one of their AT section hikes several years ago.
January 11, 2023
The author left corporate American and bought the Mountain Crossings store on the Appalachian Trail in 2001. He moved there, with his wife and 2 young daughters, to run the store. The book is a collection of the interesting people and events that happen in a season at the store. Lots of humor, strange characters, and good spirit. A throroughly enjoyable read.
March 2, 2023
I have enjoyed reading some books on people who have hiked the Appalachian trail or other such long distance trails. This book provides a nice addition, a perspective of what owning and working at one of the stops on the trail is like. It also gives some insight on some of the travelers you might see on the trail.
Displaying 1 - 30 of 142 reviews