When I came across a  Cotopaxi  post about adventure literature and how the reader carries the lessons learned in the book with them, I was inspired. Then- I immediately figured out the book I wanted to write about.

What was the book?

THE MIDDLE OF SOMEWHERE by Sonja Yoerg!

I became even more convinced as I scoured Cotopaxi’s website- seeing all the things they offered. Liz would love their website.

But I wasn’t sure how I was going to write about this- what lessons I learned in reading The Middle of Somewhere.

Then…. inspiration.

I would become Liz.

Yep- that would work!

So, here goes:

 

When T Becomes Liz:

I’m not a hiker. I have short legs (although they are super muscular- so maybe I could be a hiker?) The outside also conspires against me. Wasps, bees, mosquitoes- all drive me back to the comfort of air conditioning.

But I like to walk outside. I like to smell fresh air. Watch birds. See butterflies. So, I can do this. I can.

I have no desire to walk the entire John Muir Trail (sorry Liz). It’s too darn long. But maybe a day hike? Or a 2 day hike? That could be doable.

Things I’ll need:

• Water Bottle
• Insulated Jacket
• Tent
• Food
• Good shoes (broken in!)
• Maybe a hiking stick
• Backpack
• A million other things that I can’t think of right now

Now, Liz had her boyfriend with her- and a host of emotional issues about her past and present (it’s why she needed to walk the entire JMT). Plus Liz encountered some unsavory characters on her trip. Here’s hoping if I ever do a day or a overnight hike- I don’t encounter any of the issues that Liz did.

 

What I learned from The Middle Of Somewhere:

One does not simply just decide they want to hike a trail like John Muir Trail. You need permits for a trail like this (and I assume the same would apply to many other trails)

You condition yourself for the hike. It’s hard terrain. It’s not easy on your body. Your mind.

You pack for things- but you can’t pack everything. (This is where I would fail miserably.)

You take time to notice the nature. To connect. To understand that you are a small part of the world (especially as you consider the trail, the mountains, etc)

You will come through the hike stronger. Determined.

So, do you want to hike the John Muir Trail? It’s supposed to be an amazing experience- but I don’t think I would ever want to do the entire hike!

***************

*Traveling With T was not compensated in any way for this post. The links you may click on will take you to some Cotopaxi products that I would consider for a hike- but I will not receive any compensation if you decide to purchase those products.*

Happy Reading and Bookishly Yours,

T @ Traveling With T