There are now many books on backpackimg. Some of those books concentrate on trail guides and routes. Some concentrate on attempting to explain why backpackers enjoy such a physical endevoir. Some books are really personal memoirs of portion of the author's life, usually of an interim period, or a difficult period in their lives.

This book spans those and other subjects with authority. A second factor that sets the book apart is that the author was a trail route planner for future trails, as well as a trail builder and long-trip hiker. He also shares his encounters with all kinds of people, both interesting, and influential. Very enlightening.

There are some very wise statements throughout the book about both backpacking, and passing on an interest in the outdoors through hiking.

Of the hundred or so notable backpacking books, this book is one of the ten I would choose to read and keep if I could only read just ten.

The author is very good at involving the reader in the joys and excitement of the many episodes within the chapters.

There is even a chapter on a last hike planned with detail for his wife whose eyesight was failing.
One chapter illustrates how rewarding it can be to help severely handicapped children by sharing the love of the outdoors and encouraging exploration and self reliance.

On page 79 is a story of the impact a writer can have on the future. Find it and read it. But read the whole book for equally worthwhile information and entertaining stories of being on the trails and building trails. ( )