For some folks, Winter means adventures through freshly fallen snow. For others, it means a short hiatus from the trail. Whether you plan to spend the coming months curled up on the couch or in a sleeping bag, these books are sure to entertain and inspire during those long Winter nights.
This was originally published as a part of the Winter 2022 issue of Bear Necessity. Since discontinuing the online magazine, I've decided to share some my favorite content from it with those of you who follow the blog.
Walking with Spring
By Earl V. Shaffer
Walking with Spring is a time capsule; capturing the early days of the Appalachian Trail through the eyes of the first known person to thru-hike it. After serving in WWII and losing his hiking partner in combat, Earl set out alone on a four month journey with nothing but a worn-out rucksack and a dream. Although Shaffer faced many struggles and obstacles along the way, in August of 1948 he reached the Northern terminus. His legacy inspired thousands of other thru-hikers over the years to do what, at that time, was thought could not be done. In this memoir, the author recounts his experience along with brief histories of the mountains he travels through. The hospitality and generosity from the local people he meets is truly touching. On one occasion, he meets a lonely fire tower lookout and accepts an invitation to stay on the extra cot that night. Little did Earl know, that small gesture of keeping the man company lead to him passing the word on about "the lone hiker." From Hot Springs to Shenandoah, the other rangers and forest servicemen anticipate his arrival and do whatever they can to support his expedition.
Psalms In My Backpack
By Linda Jane Niedfeldt
In the Summer of 1990, the Niedfeldts embarked on a journey through Pennsylvania they would never forget. Told from the perspective of a devoted mother, Psalms in my Backpack is the story of a family learning and growing together during their section hike on the Appalachian Trail. The author has a way of making the reader feel as if they are on the journey with them. Along the way Tom, Linda, and their four children find humor in the ridiculous situations they encounter. With each obstacle on the trail, they become more resilient and capable backpackers. Linda especially learns many valuable lessons from the experience like: not to judge other hikers based on their appearance and relying on God to protect her family rather than trying to control every circumstance herself. With each day she gives her children a little more freedom and independence; and they prove to be up to the task of hiking 260 miles. Wholesome, heartwarming, and amusing this is a book all ages can enjoy.
Mountain Days
By Paul M. Fink
Originally published under the title "Backpacking Was The Only Way" this book is a collection of the author's trail journals from 1914 to 1938. It was long out of print before being republished under the manuscript title of Mountain Days. Paul Fink documents his many adventures through the mountains of North Carolina and Tennessee in a time when they were far wilder than any hiker today can imagine. One such location is Mt LeConte. Which is now known for the luxurious lodge at its peak and 6 different trail routes to get there. Paul describes making a multiday journey up the mountain when there was nothing more than an overgrown cliff waiting at the top. Although Paul's adventures are separated by over 100 years from those of backpackers reading in present day, his experiences are still very relevant and relatable. Gear has advanced and trails have been established since then, but Mountain Days captures parts of the backpacking experience that remain unchanged throughout the ages. Like persisting through unforeseen obstacles and learning from past decisions and mishaps on the trail. It's a joy to watch the author grow into a skilled outdoorsman with each challenging experience throughout the pages of Mountain Days.
Roan Mountain: A Passage of Time
By Jennifer Bauer Wilson
Written by a state park ranger, Roan Mountain A Passage of Time brings the history of the area to life. Jennifer Bauer Wilson tells the whole story of Roan. The chapters cover a wide range of topics such as: geology, botany, local history, and conservation. The chapters surrounding the short-lived Cloudland Hotel are very memorable. Full of entertaining stories about the structure's creator, the tourists, and the local community. Due to the remote nature of the hotel, guests had to be transported by horse drawn carts. One brutal Summer day, the guests in the cart were so hot and uncomfortable that the driver decided to cut a small hole in a cask he was entrusted with delivering to the hotel to alleviate their thirst. After distributing the whiskey to all aboard, he made a plug for the barrel and the hotel barkeeper was never the wiser. In addition to recounting the local history, the author seeks to answer the long asked question "How did Roan's iconic balds come to be?" She compares various theories and analyzes the merits and pitfalls of each. The photos documenting the many changes the balds have undergone over the last 100 plus years are especially intriguing. This book does an outstanding job of painting the whole picture of Roan Mountain.
Thank you for stopping by! I hope you enjoyed these book recommendations and consider picking up a few of them up this Winter. Stayed tuned for another installment of "Armchair Adventures" in the near future. Do you have a favorite outdoor adventure book? Tell me about it in the comments!