"Hiking long trails isn't about ticking off boxes or meeting some arbitrary standard; it's about the journey, the moments that unfold along the way, and the personal growth that comes with each step."
I read Derick Lugo's The Unlikely Thru-Hiker, a book about his journey along the Appalachian Trail, two years ago. And it was wonderful. A 5-star read all the way through. So, when I saw this one about his trek up the Continental Divide Trail I immediately bought it. And I'm so glad I did.
Lugo's hiking memoir is full of adventure, honesty and humor. He is a talented storyteller, and the way he relates his long journey really makes it come to life, with all his struggles and triumphs, and all the friends he meets along the way. I haven't read about any other hiking adventures along the Continental Divide, so it was fun to get a glimpse of this long trail across the spine of America. I'd never want to hike all of it, but parts of it sound pretty fabulous. And I absolutely loved reading this book. ⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐
Here are a few of my favorite inspirational (and wise) quotes from Derick Lugo:
- It's remarkable to think that I now consider nineteen miles a short day, whereas just a month ago, it would have been a full day's hike. Like anything in life, repetition breeds improvement.
- An optimistic mindset will always go farther than a pessimistic one.
- This experience has taught me that the greatest rewards often lie just beyond the edge of my comfort zone.
Happy Reading!
I enjoyed reading about his Appalachian Trail adventure so maybe I need to read this one as well. He is a talented writer.
ReplyDeleteDefinitely read this one! It's just so fun.
DeleteAdding The Unlikely Thru-Hiker and this one to my TBR immediately. I have no interest in doing a major hike like that but I love reading about other people's adventures.
ReplyDeleteAnd his book is one of the really good ones about hiking the AT. Bill Bryson's is also really fun. :D
DeleteI've never read a hiking book, sounds interesting.
ReplyDeleteIt's armchair adventure at its best. :D
DeleteI did a stretch of the Appalachian trail for a week once, but I can't imagine doing the whole thing in one swoop. Better to read about it! Those quotes do make me want to read the book.
ReplyDeleteWhich part of the AT did you hike? I'd love to hike it someday, or at least some parts of it.
DeleteI planned short hikes each day while we were in Georgia last month, and I loved each one. I am a fan of walking experiences and road trips, and it's been a long time since I've read one. I'll look for this one.
ReplyDeleteI love hiking and road trips and walking, too. And also reading about other people's adventures. Lugo's are so fun.
DeleteI am not a hiker, but I wouldn't mind reading a story about one!
ReplyDeleteEither of Lugo's books are excellent! I love them both.
DeleteI've got a co-worker who just completed a 101 mile bike ride. He started small and worked his way up. When I asked why he did 101, he said after 100 he figured why not do one more!
ReplyDeletelol. That's awesome! Good for him.
DeleteI remember your review two years ago of An Unlikely Thru-Hiker. You descibed the book so well. And what also hooked me is that Derick before he decided to hike the Appalachian trail had been living in Brooklyn I believe having never hitchhiked or even taken up jogging. That's my kind of hiker!
ReplyDeleteThat's what hooked me, too. And now he's hiked all the long trails. So amazing.
DeleteI love those quotes you shared. This sounds like a really great read. Glad you enjoyed it! :D
ReplyDeleteAren't those quotes great? The whole book is wonderful.
DeleteI think this story would be inspirational! Every time I read about someone doing a long/thru hike it sounds so neat! The longest hike I've done was Half Dome in Yosemite (17 miles with the parking situation), but I'd love to plan a trip and maybe do parts of one of these long hikes.
ReplyDeleteI'd love to do parts of some of these long hikes, too. Especially the John Muir Trail and the AT. I wish I'd been braver when I was younger and tackled those trails then. Hindsight! ;D
DeleteIt sounds like an inspiration read! I regularly do 3-mile hikes, we did 4 yesterday, but much more than that and I start worrying about the bathroom situation, LOL! I need some inspiration to go further!
ReplyDeleteAnd, my library has it, so I have requested to read it.
ReplyDeleteI love great reading and travelogues! Thank you for sharing the quotes as well.
ReplyDeleteSomeone should teach my kid about not being a pessimist
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