interesting perspective on hiking the AT
350761
This was a pleasant read and i admire bluebird for her accomplishement, but I am surprised at the many grammatical and spelling errors in this book. For example, a baby horse is a foal, not a foul. There were also factual  errors, such as those re the AMC and the MATC and their roles on the AT.
1760201
I had never heard of peakbagging so I wasn't quite sure what I was going to be reading about when I chose this book. It turns out that peakbagging basically means collecting mountain climbs. I think the title of this book might turn some people off.

This was a very quick read for me though the book was about 230 pages long. Mostly because it is written the way a story should be told: details, but not too many and following a story.

It was interesting to read about this adventurous mother who did serious hiking (like, with a pack and everything) but added the extra little challenge by bringing her 5 year old daughter as her willing and energetic hiking buddy. The little girl seemed to be wise beyond her age, a quick learner and very enthusiastic about hiking if we are to believe what the author says. I would imagine it to be true because anyone who has parented a 5 year old knows that when they don't want to do something, they make it miserable for everyone else too :)

The authors voice did come across a bit complacent at times. She's crunchy, if you know what I'm saying, but crunchy with a lot of disposable income. Some of the comments that she made about parents needing to really encourage their children to pursue their dreams and not to assume that they're too young, too poor, too (insert word) were a bit off-putting. The reason I say that is, while it's true that we should encourage our children, not everyone is able to to afford such expensive experiences, we just make do with what we have. It would have been nicer if the author had approached it from that point of view instead. It just felt a little judgmental and that sort of stuck with me as I read the book.

I didn't understand the "freak outs" the author claimed to encounter when she would tell people that she went mountain hiking with her young children because it didn't seem strange to me at all. Kids are able to do a lot more than many people think and I do applaud the author for recognizing it and allowing her children to at least try. I'd be much more concerned over the health and well-being of pageant girls than mountain climbing girls :)

That said, it is an interesting memoir of a families fun travel adventures. I hope when her girls are older, they read the book and love the stories told about them when they were children. It probably wouldn't be a book that I'd remember to recommend to friends (unless they happened to mention going mountain climbing), but it's not a bad book either. It's well edited, flows easily and is nice if you're into nature hikes and such.
4215341
I would recommend  this book to anyone who wants to thru - hike the AT....
and for those who may want to but can't for various  reasons....
I'm one of those people who have dreamed of doing so, but will likely  not get to experience  the challenges ,  the joys, the beautiful  wilderness that is still there...for now .
David's story is inspirational. It was very detailed so that I felt like I was right there with him through all the difficulties and periods of solitude and companionship during his hike.
Thanks, AWOL!
3107367
It provides a glimpse of the Appalachian Trail history and hiking experience
and might be useful as an introduction for a prospective trail hiker.
4119003
A wonderful accounting of the hardships both mental and physical of a man who hikes the AT. I particularly enjoyed the writers self examination of why and for whom he was walking.
1205013
This was a very interesting and thought provoking book that gives a very good picture of what it is like to through hike the Appalachian Trail. For a fellow outdoorsman, this was a fantastically smooth read. I read it almost straight through. The detail of encounters, the amazing scenery and sense of fellowship the author found along the trail are translated in a way that makes the reader feel a part of the experience. I found myself recalling cherished memories of hikes that I had done as a youth in similar situations, albeit in not nearly as grueling of circumstances. I also found the book to be uplifting in the way that it shows the kindness of those who seem to dedicate their lives to helping those along their journey. Something that is severely lacking in our strictly negativity oriented news media. Entries like the father who was arguing with his son about fixing an old jalopy, but quickly halting the argument in favor of helping a needy backpacker with a ride back to the trail without asking, as if it was his job, really make you believe that there is in fact hope for humankind. The tales of "Trail Magic" and "Trail Angels" are ones of true selflessness and after living in a big city for far too long conjure feelings of longing for the small town life I was raised in. The humor mixes well with the seriousness and often underscores the need to truly keep a positive attitude when on such a fantastic adventure. His adventures tell a story, but also provide valuable guidance for any hiker planning such an adventure without feeling like I was reading a guide book. Overall an A+ book, that is certainly worth taking the time to read, whether you are planning a small hike, large hike or are simply looking for a light hearted adventure through the wilderness.
1514840
I met Carrot on my 2015 CDT thru-hike

Some parts of her PCT hike were nothing like my CDT hike, but I can identify with a lot of the experience she puts in this entertaining book. I think every thru-hiker-reader will be virtually transported back to the trail.

For non-hikers, the book will give a good idea of what can go through the mind of someone who takes on the challenges and adventures of a thru-hike.

I admire Carrot's excellent writing and brave exposure of her emotions.
2149344
Another great book about the AT. Perfect mix of detail and daily journal stuff...with a good amount of thought and introspection. Top 3 in my list of AT Thru-hiking books!
4502330
I feel as a hiker I have a better understanding of what a thru-hike will be like on the AT.  I enjoyed AWOLs' take on what he learned and how he dealt with some things while he was on his journey.  I highly recommend this book to any hiker, there is a lot to glean from this book!
1318519
The book gave a pretty good idea of what it is like to hike the CDT.  The author is torn between wanting to be out there and questioning why she is out there.  She and her husband were always in such a hurry I don't see how they could have really enjoyed the experience.
2129368
I really enjoyed reading Phill Grounds 'Stepping Wild' about his thru-hike of the Appalachian Trail....so much so I completed it in 2 days!  His honesty about his own trials and tribulations during the hike made it an interesting read.  I didn't always agree with some of his reactive behaviors  but certainly appreciated his 'acts of kindness' ..even on some of his worst hiking days.  I liked the entertaining and informative way he wrote each chapter and sure 'felt his pain!' with his descriptive writing style.  I came away with a much better appreciation of the weight of the challenges to successfully complete this hike. I've already been recommending this book to both my hiking buddies and those who just enjoy a good read.
4820188
I've been pondering hiking the AT for a while and the Green Tunnel is really illustrative of both the joys and travails you'll find along the way. It's good for dreaming and for planning your trek!
3705357
The book does a good job holding your interest and describing the challenges associated with a thru hike.  The book is not a guide you could use to make an equipment list or route plan from, rather a story abut the trail and the things that happen on the journey.  I looked forward to reading the book and didn't want to stop.  I have an interest in hiking little pieces of the trail so I found the material interesting.
1037769
Really nice narrative of one man's journey up the A.T.  I related particularly well to the book, because I have hiked most of the A.T. in New Hampshire.
4112968
An AT thru hiker's story; the good, the bad, the great, the greater. Detailed, with a wealth of first person perspective and insight. People, places, emotions. It ain't Pulitzer material, but I sure enjoyed the author's adventure more so than most of the other dozen or more AT books I've read.
2952211
I finally started to research hiking the AT and a family friend recommended this book to me. This is the first book I have read on hiking the AT and it was super helpful. It gave me insight on things that I hadn't even thought about. This was by far a great way to start my research.
944967
Why is it that most of the criticism of this book is because the author didn't finish the AT or that the author did not show the proper fealty when talking about it(the AT)  I especially enjoy the negative reviews by  readers who were disappointed because the book did not teach them about the  trail, Open your eyes, look at the cover. Does it look like an  instructional manual? Does it profess to be one?  I have to laugh at the  righteous indignity of the "Real Hikers" who were upset by the  authors "Failure" How many of those morons have ever hiked 800  plus miles?  The book was a very well written, very humourous look at  the adventures of two middle aged out of shape men on the AT.  In  addition to that the author provides a great deal of information regarding  geology, botany and history and does so without beating the topics to  death.