In April 1948, Earl Shaffer had cjust ome home from war in the Pacific. On page after page, readers are treated to rich descriptions of the valleys and mountains, the isolation and reverie, the inspiration that fueled his quest, and the life-changing moments that can only be experienced when dreams are pursued. AWOL on the Appalachian Trail is Miller’s account of this thru-hike along the entire 2,172 miles from Georgia to Maine. In 2003, David Miller left his job, family, and friends to fulfill a dream and hike the Appalachian Trail. AWOL on the Applachian Trail by David Miller As they journey northward, this rollicking band suffers through every hardship that America’s premiere hiking trail can throw at them. While braving the great Eastern woods, Walter meets an eclectic cast of hopeful thru-hikers. It’s that classic scenario: Hike or ELSE! Since the poor, morose Walter can’t figure an ‘ELSE’ he sets off on the longest walk of his life.

He is out-of-shape, out-of-sorts and, now that his wife has decided enough is enough, he’s out of the house too. Walter is the first person to thru-hike against his will. Already a classic, “ A Walk in the Woods ” will make you long for the great outdoors.) Stumbling Thru by Digger Stolz 2. He introduces us to the history and ecology of the trail and to some of the other hardy folks he meets along the way-and a couple of bears. And Bill Bryson is surely the most entertaing guide you’ll find. If you’re going to take a hike, it’s probably the place to go.

The Appalachian Trail trail stretches from Georgia to Maine and covers some of the most breathtaking terrain in America-majestic mountains, silent forests, sparking lakes.

Stumbling Thru by A. Digger Stolz