Four Boots One Journey: A Story of Survival, Awareness, and Rejuvenation on the John Muir Trail

Hiker and speaker Alt (A Walk for Sunshine) and wife Beth, hiked the John Muir Trail%E2%80%94218 miles in all%E2%80%94as an effort to heal themselves and spread awareness about depression following a suicide in the family. While his outdoors experiences included the Appalachian Trail, she was a hiking novice who enjoyed the comforts of home. More than just a memoir, Alt's book serves as as a guide to the trail as well as a reference for backpacking preparations. Alt describes terrain, wildlife, and fellow hikers as he narrates their experiences. Food is a frequent theme due to the difficulties of limiting weight and carrying many days' meals in a bear proof capsule. Alt balances the safety concerns and difficulties of long hiking journeys with humorous and spiritual observations about life on the trail and in nature. Throughout, Alt shares memories of Beth's brother along with symptoms of depression. The story holds great sincerity and is recommended for hikers. (July)