Book Discussion

Join us for Book Discussion on Thursday, April 10th at 6:30pm.  We'll be discussing Wild by Cheryl Strayed.  After the death of her mother, Strayed finds herself falling deeper and deeper into a self-destructive, downward spiral.  Inspired by a book about the Pacific Crest Trail, she impulsively decides to hike from California to Washington in order to combat her demons.  HM

Keep on Walkin'

The Mid-life crisis is a funny thing. For Brits David and Rob it begins as an idea about undertaking something out of their comfort zones. They are struck with the urge to hike the GR10, a trail that runs along the Pyrenees from the Atlantic Ocean to the Mediterranean Sea. This was no light undertaking. The trail is about 850km (530miles) and would take about 7 weeks. They would be stopping in hiker’s camps or gites along the way. Armed with guides and maps (somewhat useless) walking boots, sleeping bags and backpacks our duo sets out. They decide to shave only after their journey is done. David Le Vay’s journal, The Hairy Hikers: A Coast-to-Coast Trek Along the French Pyrenees is funny, realistic, introspective and informative. DB

Peak to Peak

Up: A Mother and Daughter's Peakbagging Adventure by Patricia Ellis Herr is the story of a mother and her determination to make sure her daughters know they can do what they set their mind to.  Patricia and her husband Hugh, a nationally acclaimed hiker in his own right, also want to make sure their children develop a healthy love of nature and all things outdoors.  Combine these two things and you have the story of a very young girl determined to summit all of the 4000-footer mountains in New Hampshire (48 in all!).  This book is the true story of this journey.  It makes me want to go for a hike and as I read the book I felt some pangs of jealousy but also found myself rooting for this spunky young girl who started out when she was only five years old.  Does she make it?  You'll have to read the book to find out.  SG