Jeff Alt takes you along every step of his 2,160-mile Appalachian Trail adventure. This entertaining journey includes bears, bugs, blisters, captivating characters, skunk bedmates, and hilarious food cravings. Alt walked more than five million steps in tribute to his brother, who has cerebral palsy and lives in a home called Sunshine. This trail adventure has inspired an annual event that has raised more than $200,000 for Sunshine. It includes hiking tips for the whole family. Walk alongside Alt and experience the joy of turning dreams into goals and then achieving them. His lessons from the trail celebrate family, stewardship of the earth, good health, and the American spirit.
“ENGAGING.” —Newsday, NY
“LIVELY…HUMOROUS…UPBEAT.… It will make you feel good. Alt’s zest for life shines through on every page. Alt’s words amply convey the camaraderie among fellow hikers, the beauty of the eastern mountains, and the physical hardships that must be endured on a walk of over 5 million steps.…” —Outdoor Times
“Alt wrote a book about his 147-day hiatus from civilization. Give him an afternoon and he could write a book on the art of hiking as well.…” —ESPN
“ALT NAILS THE TRAIL EXPERIENCE.” —Chicago Sun-Times
“A humorous and inspirational account of a man who thru-hiked as a fundraiser, emphasizing the importance of pursuing dreams.” —Appalachian Trail Conservancy
“Alt reflects on how sleeping with a skunk, being chased by a bear, charged by a bull, blisters, insects, and weird food cravings changed him in profound and positive ways.” —The News-Press, FL
“There are numerous books on hiking the Appalachian Trail, but Alt tells the story best.…” —Maine Outdoor Journal
“ENLIGHTENING and INSPIRING.” —Blue Ridge Outdoors
“Alt’s conversational writing style makes one feel like a participant rather than an observer.…” —Library Journal
“THE AUTHOR’S SENSE OF HUMOR IS REFRESHING…An easy and enjoyable read strewn with laughter at nature’s antics and stark realities of life. As Jeff is faced with daily dilemmas in out-of-the-ordinary circumstances, he begins to reach deep within himself to discover what most of us may never take the time to find out—his true being. I thoroughly enjoyed this book.” —Nature Society News
“Jeff Alt hike[d] the entire 2,160-mile Appalachian Trail to raise money for the Sunshine Home (Inc.)…Alt’s brother Aaron, who has cerebral palsy, lives at Sunshine…Jeff tells how he made friends along the trail, tried to court his future wife and what happens when a hungry hiker comes to town and meets up with Krispy Kreme doughnuts.…” —Associated Press
“Inspiration for living your life the best you can.…” —Roanoke City Magazine, VA
Download and start listening now!
"I can remember when I was younger doing walk-a-thons to raise money for various things at our schools. The longest I had walked was 20 miles. I believed that was a lot until I read this book. Jeff alt walked 2,160 miles to fulfill a dream and raise money for a worthy cause. When I walk today I complain if I have to walk in a little bit of drizzle or if the weather is too hot. Jeff walked in downpours, snow, extremely cold weather or extremely hot weather and still kept on going. His dream was to walk the Appalachian Trail, a personal dream while raising money for the Sunshine Home where his brother Aaron was. This book is his inspirational story of how he accomplished this and the friends he made along the way. I had to ask myself when I finished this book, would I have the courage and stamina to do this? I laughed at the simple things, such as his realizing how bad he smelled when he hurt his ankle and had to get a ride to Gatlinburg. I would have been terrified to have crossed paths and then stood up to the group they called "The Vegetarians." Jeff tried to make hiking a pleasure in so many ways for so many people on the trail. I know I will never hike the trail long distance as he did. The next time I am on it I will remember him and bring some of his inspiration with me. I loved the maps at the beginning of each chapter and found the gear list and tips for taking children hiking especially helpful I have several friends who have been asking for an opportunity to read this and I will gladly share this inspirational book."
—
Sandra (4 out of 5 stars)