This book was just what I needed, a realistic snapshot of a person who had attempted to hike the PCT. The best part was that the author isn’t old but she is closer to me in age than the average thru-hiker. It is refreshing to read an account of the trail as seen by someone whose slightly senior body gives her some of the same troubles mine does when I hit the dirt. Her writing style is pleasant and easy, making it a great read to relax and dream about my next backpacking trip with. The author offers gear tips and hiker’s strategies that helped her on her journey. I enjoyed this book and think anyone with a thru-hike in mind will also. -Amazon Review
A 100 Mile Journey Plus a Few Extra:
A Pacific Crest Trail Adventure
Forced to face physical shortcomings, A 100 Mile Journey is the story of the struggle of a middle-aged woman hiking Section A of the Pacific Crest Trail and a few extra miles beyond.
The full mileage of the trail hovers around 2,650 miles and stretches from the Mexican border to Canada. Section A meanders through arid valleys, scorching deserts and occasional mountain pine forests in southern California. Doubters said she wouldn’t last a day. Even though her ultimate goal was a complete thru-hike, she did finish section A, fighting aches and pains of small, niggling injuries and arthritis flare-ups.
This was Michele’s gift to herself for turning 50 years of age – the attempt of a thru-hike and a way to take a break from the Monday through Friday grind in life and experience the trail and people. Every year thousands of hikers attempt the trail and roughly 25% finish in its entirety. Extremes of hot and cold assail backpackers and scary animal encounters either break them emotionally and physically or forge them into stronger hikers.
As told through Michele’s journal and vlog entries, this is a story of life on trail – the people you meet, the sweat, the tears, the things you see and hear, and above all, how the trail will change you.
About the Author
L. Michele Scott was born in California in 1968. After her careers in radio and a guidance counselor, Scott found her way back to her roots in creative writing. She holds two degrees from California State University at San Bernardino; a B.A. in History (2000) and a M.S. in Educational Counseling and Guidance (2006). She also has written and published articles in FTF Geocacher; The Magazine For Geocachers. Currently, she lives in Southern California with her partner and a few crazy cats.
Leave a Reply