Gregory Luckert’s Reviews > Leave Only Footprints: My Acadia-to-Zion Journey Through Every National Park > Status Update

Through the end. The last two chapters are very good. He watched the sunset from point Reyes at the end of his year disappointed that we didn’t get any update on his love life. Feeling like I want to read John Muir and Teddy Roosevelt.

Ch 21-22. This is really a collection of essays loosely related to National Parks. Ch 21 is about diversity (human) in the parks. Surprised to hear how white the visitors are and pained to hear POC may feel unsafe in the wild. Ch. 22 is about disconnecting. He got so close to describing Isle Royale but instead veered into cell service in the NP's.

Ch 21. Can't help but want more about the parks and less about the author. Surprised to hear about the number of deaths on Long's Peak. Also, "peak bagging" or "park bagging" as a structure that encourages getting outdoors, so even though some peaks or parks might be missed, one still gets out and does what they love."

Ch. 18 & 19. Interesting viewpoint from perspective of love and food. This is mostly a memoire after his breakup with his fiancé. There is just the briefest glimpse of each park.

Ch. 15-17. Sometimes it’s a bit schmaltzy, his infotainment correspondent comes out frequently, but it also feels authentically his voice. There is also a story that weaves through the chapters. That description of Great Basin NP really makes me want to see the night sky there.

Ch. 13 (Canyons) & Ch. 14 (Forgiveness). Former maybe about passage of time. Later’s name says it all. The pattern seems to be a few anecdotes about the parks, maybe a brief description of his experience at them, then the life lesson each park imparts. I like the memoir aspect, and how true he tries to be; but I wish there was more about his experiences at the parks.

Chapter 12: “Home”. Mesa Verde and Appalachian. Interesting perspective on how the NP’s are or were homes that people had to leave.

Chapter 10 “ice“. National parks featuring glaciers. I knew climate change would figure prominently and it does. I remember visiting glacier national Park and being shocked at the extent of loss. I feel like I need to do better at reducing carbon emissions.

Ch 7-9: liking the commentary & personal viewpoints.

Ch 4-6: