4.49

1

Oct 23, 2010

Generally now I rate books now with 1 to 5 stars without any comment but felt I needed to take the time to write this review.

I appreciate what Jeff Alt was trying to accomplish, and I know giving a book that is based on a charitable act, less than a glowing review, is unpopular. But I feel taken in by this book (my own fault) by the out of this world reviews and touted “awards” garnered by it. I shelled out $9.99 for the book and I guess I’m a bit irked.

I have read most of the books on the AT Generally now I rate books now with 1 to 5 stars without any comment but felt I needed to take the time to write this review.

I appreciate what Jeff Alt was trying to accomplish, and I know giving a book that is based on a charitable act, less than a glowing review, is unpopular. But I feel taken in by this book (my own fault) by the out of this world reviews and touted “awards” garnered by it. I shelled out $9.99 for the book and I guess I’m a bit irked.

I have read most of the books on the AT and these books I feel are different than other books of similar genre because there have been so many of them based on the exact same experience in general. They recount sections of the trail, shelters, restaurants, hotels etc. that other books on through hiking the AT have been written. I’ve even read similar books that had the exact same hiker they met in the woods that year. So comparing them makes a reader that loves reading about the AT that more particular on what he or she likes.

I averaged my rating by giving:
3 stars---
For the comprehensive description on basic backpacking he has requirements/expectations for long distance hiking and general overview of the trail. This stuff is really for the beginning backpacker.
The author seems to have a good heart and often sees things through fresh eyes. Ex: camping in a thunderstorm for the first time. If you’ve done this hundreds of times you might not appreciate the chapter as much as someone that is unfamiliar with the experience.

2 stars ---
For the lack of depth and on everyday trail life. There are many Wikipedia like references for many of the places on the trail (civil war battles, suicide locations, murderers) where I would have preferred a more personal viewpoint. Awkward readability, poor grammar and misspellings that boggle you on how they could get by an editor/proofreader or spellchecker…especially in the 3rd edition! Readability is more than a problem.

0 stars ----
For the deceptive marketing. (I chose this book by the reviews and the awards it was given. On page 50 I realized it just didn’t gibe with the quality of the writing. It made me so curious that I did some research: The awards received were from private firms you pay to review your book. How objective the review is….don’t know, but you paid for it.
There is a big medal on the cover from Writersnotes.com “Book Award Winner.” “A Walk for Sunshine” is mentioned on their site after all the awards for Legacy books (over two years old) and was just listed as notable…after the runner ups. Is this an award?
I am glad this book and his adventures have made money for his charities. I take responsibility for not taking a closer look and will be more wary in the future.

All and all I still recommend it for those curious enough about the Appalachian Trail but there are many that are much better to read first.
...more

4

Jan 09, 2012

Did you overindulge like most of us during the holidays? I set a New Year Resolution to lose weight and get in shape? I know it is my all the time resolution. I have tried diet plans before only to find myself back to my old eating habits? How do you keep your waistline in check when you overeat? Take A Hike! So says outdoor enthusiast extraordinaire and author Jeff Alt. I just finished reading 'A Walk for Sunshine' and watched the DVD this weekend with Dear Hubby. I was hoping this would help Did you overindulge like most of us during the holidays? I set a New Year Resolution to lose weight and get in shape? I know it is my all the time resolution. I have tried diet plans before only to find myself back to my old eating habits? How do you keep your waistline in check when you overeat? Take A Hike! So says outdoor enthusiast extraordinaire and author Jeff Alt. I just finished reading 'A Walk for Sunshine' and watched the DVD this weekend with Dear Hubby. I was hoping this would help motivate both of us to get up and get out. We need to keep our bodies not only in shape (yes Dear Hubby says round is a shape...but not one I like) but keep our joints and muscles in good working order. That comes from use only!


Jeff Alt’s “Overeat and Lose Weight Plan” is a combination of walking, eating and exerting more calories than you consume. His method will prepare you to enjoy those moments of overindulgence; guilt free. He doesn’t endorse overeating unhealthy foods but he knows from his own habits how hard it ease to resist eating the food you love the most. Most really good food seems to come with a price tag of high calories, fat, and sugar. Jeff is an avid hiker. In addition to walking the 2,160-mile Appalachian Trail, he also walked the 218-mile John Muir Trail with his wife, and trekked across a 50-mile path of Ireland with his wife, young daughter, and extended family. He and his wife emerged from the church doors on their wedding day wearing backpacks, and his son was taken on his first hike at 8 weeks. Now that is a serious hiker. I know that hiking is a great exercise but we also have to build up to those miles. So start off by going for a walk. Around the block, through the park, at the high school track, where ever you like. Just start by taking the time to put on foot in front of the other. ...more

1

Sep 30, 2008

I generally love books about hiking the Appalachian Trail. This one sucked. I'm sure that Jeff Alt is a spectacular human being, and he came across that way in the book, but he desperately needed an editor to keep him on the straight and narrow. In one chapter gnats was spelled knats, and in the next it had morphed to nats. And he 'nawed' his food in one place. His pronouns needed help, too. "My thoughts and prayers were with he and his nephew." Every paragraph had a dangling participial phrase. I generally love books about hiking the Appalachian Trail. This one sucked. I'm sure that Jeff Alt is a spectacular human being, and he came across that way in the book, but he desperately needed an editor to keep him on the straight and narrow. In one chapter gnats was spelled knats, and in the next it had morphed to nats. And he 'nawed' his food in one place. His pronouns needed help, too. "My thoughts and prayers were with he and his nephew." Every paragraph had a dangling participial phrase. "Shortly after hanging our thumbs out, a truck pulled over...." "Not long after passing the trigger-happy hunter, a turkey walked across the trail." Although he didn't exactly panhandle on the trail itself, he was doing the hike as a "cause": raising money for Sunshine, the home his handicapped brother lives in. He's done very well with his fund-raising, and he hiked 10 yrs. ago when it wasn't so common, but we hikers have gotten really tired of hiking for causes. Probably 25% of the hikers out there now have a cause. Blah! Anyway, he's a nice guy, he believes in the home that has meant so much to his brother, and he did finish the trail, something I haven't done. He just can't write. Had I not been an English major in college, I might have loved this book. You never know. ...more

5

Aug 18, 2008

This is a well written account of a man that walked the 2160-mile Appalachian Trail dedicated to his brother, born with cerebral palsy. A Walk for Sunshine is an award-winning finalist of three book award contests and has received high praise from top reviewers with positive comments such as: Highly Recommended, gripping, inspiring, entertaining, humorous, motivating, and hard to put down. This easy to read book is an incredible adventure full of refreshing anecdotes as the author navigates the This is a well written account of a man that walked the 2160-mile Appalachian Trail dedicated to his brother, born with cerebral palsy. A Walk for Sunshine is an award-winning finalist of three book award contests and has received high praise from top reviewers with positive comments such as: Highly Recommended, gripping, inspiring, entertaining, humorous, motivating, and hard to put down. This easy to read book is an incredible adventure full of refreshing anecdotes as the author navigates the rugged Appalachian Trail and the journey of Life. HIGHLY RECOMMENDED! ...more

5

May 15, 2008

Awesome book. A guy hikes the Appalacian Trail for charity. The charity is the home where his handicapped brother lives in Toledo, OH. The author is so real, he could be someone that you know. Sometimes funny, sometimes serious, but always honest. I really enjoyed this book and would recommend it to others.
*** I emailed the author to tell him I enjoyed his book. He wrote back within 2 days to say hello and he was glad I enjoyed his book. Very nice!

5

Jan 17, 2011

This books is one of the first accounts of an Appalachian thru-hike, and remains one of my favorite. The author made his hike as a way to raise money and awareness for the Sunshine Home, a place that cares for developmentally disabled residents. It is a thorough account that is interesting to read and addresses the many challenges that thru-hikers face.

4

Apr 18, 2013

I felt that A WALK FOR SUNSHINE was one of the more emotional books I have read about hikers on the Appalacian Trail. "Wrongfoot" went out there with a goal of raising money for a good cause and gained so much more. I enjoyed the fact that thiis book wasn't filled with pages ofhistory of the trail but more of his adventure. I definetely add this to one of my recommend books for anyone interested in hiking.

4

Jan 02, 2014

Audiobook was narrated very well.

I thoroughly enjoyed this book. I have a burning desire to hike the trail and think about it all the time.

This book isn't the most descriptive of he trail, but it provides an insight to what motivates a hiker and what is going on in a hiker's mind. I think doing this hike for charity would be a good way to ensure I don't quit. I know the charity that I would walk for. I cannot wait.

5

Jan 03, 2013

Unlike the book "Wild", this book concentrates more on Jeff Alt's experience thru hiking the full length of the Appalachian Trail, than his life up to the time he decides to hike the Appalachian Trail. His brother has cerebral palsy and he hikes the trail to raise money for the Sunshine Home, a facility in Ohio where his brother lives. It chronicles his hardships and the people he meets along the trail in a very detailed way that lets the read feel involved in the adventure.

5

Jun 19, 2012

I loved this book and devoured it in just a couple of days. I had the pleasure of meeting Jeff Alt in New York recently, and he was a very nice, engaging man. He told me about his hike on the 2,000+ mile Appalachian Trail as a fundraiser for the home that his disabled brother lives in. His story was so interesting, and I was fascinated by all of it. In fact, even though I can't be there for the 15th anniversary 5K walk in September, I'm looking forward to offering my donation. Kudos to Jeff for I loved this book and devoured it in just a couple of days. I had the pleasure of meeting Jeff Alt in New York recently, and he was a very nice, engaging man. He told me about his hike on the 2,000+ mile Appalachian Trail as a fundraiser for the home that his disabled brother lives in. His story was so interesting, and I was fascinated by all of it. In fact, even though I can't be there for the 15th anniversary 5K walk in September, I'm looking forward to offering my donation. Kudos to Jeff for his success! ...more

5

Oct 07, 2008

Jeff Alt is an outstanding author and did a tremendous job taking us along on his inspirational journey. There is humor sprinkled throughout from his trail name to his night out with a skunk. You truly feel as if you are on the trail beside him in the good and the tough times. This book makes you want to get out your backpack and hit the trails. With the stresses of every day life this book is truly motivational and walking for his brother is inspirational. What a great read, now I am off to buy Jeff Alt is an outstanding author and did a tremendous job taking us along on his inspirational journey. There is humor sprinkled throughout from his trail name to his night out with a skunk. You truly feel as if you are on the trail beside him in the good and the tough times. This book makes you want to get out your backpack and hit the trails. With the stresses of every day life this book is truly motivational and walking for his brother is inspirational. What a great read, now I am off to buy a Hike for Mike his other book that I hear is just as inspirational.
Lesley ...more

5

Oct 21, 2017

This book is a solid read about a personal Appalachian Trail experience. I like that the book chronicles Jeff’s personal thru-hike experience instead of acting as a “hiking guide”. I think readers are able to relate their personal experiences to Jeff’s. Specifically, his stories of the people he meets, the struggles he overcomes, and the wildlife he encounters. Jeff does share his gear list and recommendations for those who want a little more “trail guide” with their hiking story. // Full review This book is a solid read about a personal Appalachian Trail experience. I like that the book chronicles Jeff’s personal thru-hike experience instead of acting as a “hiking guide”. I think readers are able to relate their personal experiences to Jeff’s. Specifically, his stories of the people he meets, the struggles he overcomes, and the wildlife he encounters. Jeff does share his gear list and recommendations for those who want a little more “trail guide” with their hiking story. // Full review available at: https://innercompassblog.com/review-o... ...more

4

Jul 21, 2017

After finishing this awe inspiring book I am ready to take on a few hiking adventures of my own!! Possible even Everest if my bank account would ever permit me!

This book follows one man's journey across the Appalachian Trail in his quest to raise money for sunshine. The book fills readers with wanderlust so I would recommend to read it when conducting your own adventure. Overall I would highly advise any avid hikers to read this book as it definitely puts into perspective all the complications After finishing this awe inspiring book I am ready to take on a few hiking adventures of my own!! Possible even Everest if my bank account would ever permit me!

This book follows one man's journey across the Appalachian Trail in his quest to raise money for sunshine. The book fills readers with wanderlust so I would recommend to read it when conducting your own adventure. Overall I would highly advise any avid hikers to read this book as it definitely puts into perspective all the complications and achievements that come when following your dreams. ...more

5

Oct 07, 2008

Well written and inspiring: I thoroughly enjoyed reading "A Walk for Sunshine" from the first page to the last. This book makes you want to go out and pursue all your dreams. It is not only an excellent, funny and inspirational tale of the trail but applies to life in general. It is inspiring to dream a dream, plan to follow that dream and have the confidence to complete that dream; whether walking or attaining any other goal. It is especially meaningful that Jeff dedicated this journey to his Well written and inspiring: I thoroughly enjoyed reading "A Walk for Sunshine" from the first page to the last. This book makes you want to go out and pursue all your dreams. It is not only an excellent, funny and inspirational tale of the trail but applies to life in general. It is inspiring to dream a dream, plan to follow that dream and have the confidence to complete that dream; whether walking or attaining any other goal. It is especially meaningful that Jeff dedicated this journey to his brother, Aaron. ...more

5

Feb 19, 2012

Excellent read. Yes, the prose wasn't amazing, and there weren't exactly "plot twists", but this wasn't that kind of book. When it first started, I thought, "How on earth is an entire book about one (dog-less) hike going to be interesting?" But it was. All kinds of things happen on a 2,000+ mile trek. And most of all, it was an inspiring read. Doesn't quite make me want to hike the entire AT, but I'll likely be doing something similar (on a tinier scale) in the future. The best part is, he did Excellent read. Yes, the prose wasn't amazing, and there weren't exactly "plot twists", but this wasn't that kind of book. When it first started, I thought, "How on earth is an entire book about one (dog-less) hike going to be interesting?" But it was. All kinds of things happen on a 2,000+ mile trek. And most of all, it was an inspiring read. Doesn't quite make me want to hike the entire AT, but I'll likely be doing something similar (on a tinier scale) in the future. The best part is, he did it all - AND did it for a great cause. Books like this make me feel like I'm not living up to my possibilities. ...more

5

Jul 22, 2015

Well written, and uplifting this story takes the readers along the AT for the highs and lows and really helps to inspire you to want to get outdoors. There aren’t a ton of laugh out loud moments (like Bill Bryce’s “A Walk in the Woods”), but there are enough real movements to connect you to the author trail and other hikers you meet along the way. In addition I like that this is a story about doing the trail for a reason other the self-development. I personally find those types of stories (such Well written, and uplifting this story takes the readers along the AT for the highs and lows and really helps to inspire you to want to get outdoors. There aren’t a ton of laugh out loud moments (like Bill Bryce’s “A Walk in the Woods”), but there are enough real movements to connect you to the author trail and other hikers you meet along the way. In addition I like that this is a story about doing the trail for a reason other the self-development. I personally find those types of stories (such as “Wild”) hard to connect with because the author is either doing something stupid or is a bit self-centered. This was a refreshing breath of fresh air. ...more

5

Apr 19, 2011

Jeff Alt sets out on an amazing 2,160 mile adventure on the Appalachian trail. His goal: to raise money for the home his brother lives in, a home for the disabled, called The Sunshine Home.
He begins his quest at the beginning of course, Springer Mountain, Georgia and after going through 14 states, 147 days later he reaches his goal! Along the way he tells of his experience with the gear, the people he meets, the places that he stays. He also tells of his experience with critters and injuries. Jeff Alt sets out on an amazing 2,160 mile adventure on the Appalachian trail. His goal: to raise money for the home his brother lives in, a home for the disabled, called The Sunshine Home.
He begins his quest at the beginning of course, Springer Mountain, Georgia and after going through 14 states, 147 days later he reaches his goal! Along the way he tells of his experience with the gear, the people he meets, the places that he stays. He also tells of his experience with critters and injuries. He ends up raising more than $16,000. for The Sunshine Home. Also in the back of the book, he talks about what it takes to start a charity, he talks about his life lessons from his walk, his gear list, ideas for children on a hike and so much more. He also created a dvd about his expedition.
Its a wonderful, interesting story and I thoroughly enjoyed it. Highly recommend!!
Natalie ...more

4

Dec 29, 2015

I read the 2009 version of this book.

I thoroughly enjoyed this book. It was a really quick and engaging read about his fund raising hike on the Appalachian Trail. Well I should say fundraising was the reason he hiked the trail and the reason this book was written. He is not a professional writer, and perhaps a professional editor wasn't used but that is really not the point of the book.

Perhaps it was a little too upbeat but I like the fact he includes little stories about various things that I read the 2009 version of this book.

I thoroughly enjoyed this book. It was a really quick and engaging read about his fund raising hike on the Appalachian Trail. Well I should say fundraising was the reason he hiked the trail and the reason this book was written. He is not a professional writer, and perhaps a professional editor wasn't used but that is really not the point of the book.

Perhaps it was a little too upbeat but I like the fact he includes little stories about various things that happened to him on the trail. If you are searching for a deeply personal memoir about how hiking the Appalachian trail changed his life, this isn't the book for you. But if you are curious about the trail or maybe a hiking newbie wanting some inspiration to hike your own trail you will enjoy this read. ...more

5

Aug 13, 2011

Jeff Alt is on a mission. He decides to walk the Appalachian Trail as a fundraiser for the group home that his handicapped brother lives in. Alt has just gotten has Master's degree and has worked in marketing for a few years, so his experience makes for a very prepared AT hiker and charity fundraiser. Alt shares his journey in small pieces - showing detailed maps of his progress and giving his final destination for the end of each chapter. He's an early season hiker - and on a mission, so he Jeff Alt is on a mission. He decides to walk the Appalachian Trail as a fundraiser for the group home that his handicapped brother lives in. Alt has just gotten has Master's degree and has worked in marketing for a few years, so his experience makes for a very prepared AT hiker and charity fundraiser. Alt shares his journey in small pieces - showing detailed maps of his progress and giving his final destination for the end of each chapter. He's an early season hiker - and on a mission, so he misses much of the social interaction in the early trail stages. He is very positive on the majority of his trip - despite some woes along the way. His writing is very strait forward and to the point. His journey is not about him so much, so there's no emotional angst, just wonderful stories of the trail. His newly released third edition also gives tips on how to prepare to be a backpaper - and how to do it with your kids.

Of course, I'm now an official AT groupie, wannabe, junkie of sorts. I loved this story, and the story behind the story. Truly motivational and inspirational!

...more

2

Apr 25, 2013

I don't want to trash this too much because the guy did something amazing (thru-hike the AT) and raised a lot of money for charity and it just seems mean to critique this honestly in light of that. Basically I give this 2 stars for his drive and intentions but he is not a writer and stretches of this were painful to read. There are definitely some seeds of good stories in here, but he does not cultivate them properly. It's like reading a middle school essay. He includes every detail regardless I don't want to trash this too much because the guy did something amazing (thru-hike the AT) and raised a lot of money for charity and it just seems mean to critique this honestly in light of that. Basically I give this 2 stars for his drive and intentions but he is not a writer and stretches of this were painful to read. There are definitely some seeds of good stories in here, but he does not cultivate them properly. It's like reading a middle school essay. He includes every detail regardless of relevance or interest to the reader and delivers it all in short choppy sentences. For an entire chapter he spells gnats as "knats" and then switches to the correct spelling in the next chapter. I was surprised to learn his age was 31 at the time of this hike because the tone of the book is much more juvenile and his comments on the attractiveness of the women hikers were frankly, a bit creepy. I suspect in those instances, he was trying to convey a sense of loneliness/need for connection but it was so unskillfully done I found it distasteful. I stuck with it, because, reading about a thru-hiker's experience on the AT is interesting to me at its root and it did not take long to read. ...more

4

Feb 03, 2018

This book is a memoir and recollection of the author's experiences thru-hiking the Appalachian Trail (AT) in order to raise awareness and funds for Sunshine. Sunshine is the home that takes care of his brother Aaron, who has cerebral palsy.

As an avid hiker, I enjoyed the book, learning about what life is like spending 5 months on the AT, as well as all of the planning and support that is involved with making it happen. It is an adventure that taxes the mind and body, as one hikes day in and day This book is a memoir and recollection of the author's experiences thru-hiking the Appalachian Trail (AT) in order to raise awareness and funds for Sunshine. Sunshine is the home that takes care of his brother Aaron, who has cerebral palsy.

As an avid hiker, I enjoyed the book, learning about what life is like spending 5 months on the AT, as well as all of the planning and support that is involved with making it happen. It is an adventure that taxes the mind and body, as one hikes day in and day out through rain, cold, and heat. For the author it was an adventure made possible by the support of his friends & family as well as the numerous encounters with trail magic, which is the above and beyond help given to hikers.

While interesting, the author lacked the story telling abilities to make this as engaging as A Walk in the Woods. And the book was a bit slow after he completed the hike. If you can only read one book on hiking the AT, I would recommend A Walk in the Woods , but if you have read that this is worth checking out. ...more

5

Oct 16, 2008

This is a very engaging and uplifting account of an amazing accomplishment. What most struck me about this particular story is the way it illustrates how we can each use our own talents and interests to make the world a better place for others. I was really disappointed in Leslie's criticism of "hiking for causes" - "we hikers are really tired of hiking for causes--blah!" How anyone could find something negative in Jeff taking on a great personal, physical and financial challenge in order to This is a very engaging and uplifting account of an amazing accomplishment. What most struck me about this particular story is the way it illustrates how we can each use our own talents and interests to make the world a better place for others. I was really disappointed in Leslie's criticism of "hiking for causes" - "we hikers are really tired of hiking for causes--blah!" How anyone could find something negative in Jeff taking on a great personal, physical and financial challenge in order to benefit someone else, (not once but twice - this hike to benefit cerebral palsy and the later "Hike for Mike" to raise awareness for depression and suicide) is beyond me. I hope that this type of cynicism doesn't discourage others from supporting causes close to their heart, whether through hiking or any other means.

I have heard Jeff speak at a book signing and his enthusiasm for the outdoors is wonderful. He really wants people to understand how good it is for the soul to spend some time surrounded by nature, which is evident in the story of this particular hike. The descriptions of the trail are wonderful and really give you a sense of what he went through, good and bad, on this adventure. He has definitely motivated me to make sure my family takes advantage of opportunities to get outside and take a hike whenever we can! ...more

5

Apr 17, 2013

Totally engaging -- all the way through. Did not read like a journal. I have read, and thoroughly enjoyed, numerous other books by though-hikers of the Appalachian Trail. Some, tho' interesting, felt more like a published journal -- so they kind of dragged along in some places. Jeff Alt did a fabulous job of putting his story together for us in a way that totally engaged and informed -- all the way through. An account like this can be boring for the reader, if too many of the day-to-day Totally engaging -- all the way through. Did not read like a journal. I have read, and thoroughly enjoyed, numerous other books by though-hikers of the Appalachian Trail. Some, tho' interesting, felt more like a published journal -- so they kind of dragged along in some places. Jeff Alt did a fabulous job of putting his story together for us in a way that totally engaged and informed -- all the way through. An account like this can be boring for the reader, if too many of the day-to-day (repetitive) details are included. While keeping the continuity well intact, Jeff did a great job of offering a fascinating account of his thru-hiking experience. It was very well written, moved along at a good pace, and did not repeat information. Sometimes, he cleverly withheld specifics until just the right time to insert them with a particular event -- which greatly enhanced the story. Yet, I was never confused about the time line. Yes, great continuity!! I enjoyed his stories and accountings, and thought he did a super job of describing the fellow hikers he encountered -- some of them very colorful characters, as are found on the AT. Very well done! He never offered judgment about others who didn't complete the entire distance, or invited criticism. He also gave credit to others where due. // Jeff hiked the AT to raise money for a charity close to his heart. He gave well-deserved credit to his "team," who supported him in various ways in his endeavor. Congrats to Jeff for the great contribution he made to his family and a wonderful charity! I would like to know this guy! ...more

4

Oct 28, 2009

I can remember when I was younger doing walk-a-thons to raise money for various things at our schools. The longest I had walked was 20 miles. I believed that was a lot until I read this book. Jeff alt walked 2,160 miles to fulfill a dream and raise money for a worthy cause. When I walk today I complain if I have to walk in a little bit of drizzle or if the weather is too hot. Jeff walked in downpours, snow, extremely cold weather or extremely hot weather and still kept on going. His dream was to I can remember when I was younger doing walk-a-thons to raise money for various things at our schools. The longest I had walked was 20 miles. I believed that was a lot until I read this book. Jeff alt walked 2,160 miles to fulfill a dream and raise money for a worthy cause. When I walk today I complain if I have to walk in a little bit of drizzle or if the weather is too hot. Jeff walked in downpours, snow, extremely cold weather or extremely hot weather and still kept on going. His dream was to walk the Appalachian Trail, a personal dream while raising money for the Sunshine Home where his brother Aaron was. This book is his inspirational story of how he accomplished this and the friends he made along the way. I had to ask myself when I finished this book, would I have the courage and stamina to do this? I laughed at the simple things, such as his realizing how bad he smelled when he hurt his ankle and had to get a ride to Gatlinburg. I would have been terrified to have crossed paths and then stood up to the group they called "The Vegetarians." Jeff tried to make hiking a pleasure in so many ways for so many people on the trail. I know I will never hike the trail long distance as he did. The next time I am on it I will remember him and bring some of his inspiration with me. I loved the maps at the beginning of each chapter and found the gear list and tips for taking children hiking especially helpful I have several friends who have been asking for an opportunity to read this and I will gladly share this inspirational book. ...more

4

Jan 19, 2014

A friend recommended this to me and I'm glad he did. I thoroughly enjoyed Jeff Alt's story of his hike on the Appalachian Trail in 1998, for a few reasons. First, I enjoy hiking, so I love hearing others's stories. But in this case, the author tells us of the myriad challenges he faced which includes a broken pair of boots! It was awesome to see his endurance and fortitude.

Going beyond the simple mechanics of the hike, it was awesome to see the motivation behind both the book and event. Sunshine A friend recommended this to me and I'm glad he did. I thoroughly enjoyed Jeff Alt's story of his hike on the Appalachian Trail in 1998, for a few reasons. First, I enjoy hiking, so I love hearing others's stories. But in this case, the author tells us of the myriad challenges he faced which includes a broken pair of boots! It was awesome to see his endurance and fortitude.

Going beyond the simple mechanics of the hike, it was awesome to see the motivation behind both the book and event. Sunshine is a home for physically and developmentally challenged people. The author's brother has cerebral palsy and lives at Sunshine, in NW Ohio. The brother was the inspiration for the original hike - it was wonderful to hear about that motivation and bond that the author shares with his family.

I've read other information on the AT and even have maps to begin section hikes. This book really got me excited again, perhaps enough to get into gear and start planning my journey. I was hesitant before, but the courage this author starting alone was inspiring. He didn't end alone, and there were so many behind him, but many times it was only his own footsteps that kept him company on the trail. He's very inspiring.

I also loved hearing about all the trail magic and little towns along the way. My impression of the AT was always an occasional stop at a post office, then back to the woods. But now I see that the AT is an entire community consisting of trail angels, towns and so many hikers. It's such a busy trail!

If you like hiking or have an interest in the AT at all, I highly recommend this book. ...more