Appalachian Odyssey: A 28-year Hike on the Appalachian Trail
Author
Jeffrey H Ryan
Author Bio
Jeff Ryan grew up in Maine, where a lifelong appreciation for the outdoors is practically assured.
His first hike of consequence was a summer camp counselor led 16-mile day hike when he was 11 years old. During his college years in Wisconsin, he began following a yen to explore with trips to Denver, the Smokey Mountains and Pictured Rocks National Seashore. Most important, the friendships made there led to his first long distance hike in 1983 — 6+ months hiking the Pacific Crest Trail from Mexico to Canada.
Upon his return to Maine from the PCT, Jeff kept right on hiking. He began “section hiking” the Appalachian Trail in 1985 (a journey that would take 28 years to complete). The first seven years of that adventure are chronicled in his first published book, Appalachian Odyssey (Vol 1).
In between trips, Jeff is a dedicated writer and voracious reader. When he’s not in a tent, he sleeps in a real bed in the Portland, Maine area.
Description
When two friends went for a one-day hike in Maine in 1985, they had no idea they were actually starting a 2,100 mile, 28-year adventure. Inspired by the author’s trail journals, Appalachian Odyssey is not a “how to” guide, but an enduring story told through a refreshing blend of history, photography and humor. This book is an uplifting reminder that the most meaningful accomplishments in life rarely happen overnight, but are achieved by making steady progress toward our goals. This 188-page book (Volume 1 of what will be a 4 volume set) covers the first seven years of the journey.
Book excerpt
The Panorama Restaurant had another restorative amenity—air conditioning. After our plates of cheeseburgers, fries and blackberry ice cream pie disappeared, we stayed inside for an extra hour to digest our food and two newspaper’s worth of world events.
An hour and a half diversion was all I could take. I needed to get back on the trail. Wayne was on the same wavelength and said he’d be right out.
When I pushed open door to walk outside, I was hit by a wall of 95°F heat and humidity. I grabbed my water bottles and went back inside to top them off.
As I climbed out of the gap, I was powered by something more powerful than food and water—my resolve. Yes, it was hot and humid, but I wasn’t going to let it ruin my trip. I looked at the positives. It wasn’t raining for one.
I’ve hiked through 17 days of rain (most of them with snow beneath my feet). Believe me, it sucked. My gear and clothes were always wet, the footing was treacherous and the summits I reached didn’t even offer any views. This Shenandoah stretch was uncomfortable, but all it took for me to make it less so was thinking of that two-plus week slog through central and northern Oregon.
Excerpt From: Ryan, Jeff. “Appalachian Odyssey.” v1.0. iBooks.
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This book is a fascinating exploration of friendship, human endurance, and the value of staying in contact with nature. The interactive format is particularly engaging and allows the reader a small glimpse of the rugged beauty of the Appalachian Trail. A fun worthwhile read for outdoor types and book worms alike.