A Winning Book

I was lucky enough to be one of the winners of Sharkbyte's competition before Christmas, and she sent me the book in which she chronicled her treks along the North Country National Scenic Trail from 1991 to 2005. It was waiting for me inside my letter box when I got back from two weeks away at my daughter's over the holidays.

Over the last few years, I have been really impressed by Joan's meticulous and creative way of expressing herself in her books and her blogs. This is the only book of hers I haven't read. and it makes more dense reading than the others, but broken up in chapters that could almost stand alone. I've already made a start on it, and not been disappointed, but will take my time to savour the pages and  the scenery and episodes she describes so well.

Since this trail is in another country on another continent, and I am well into my dotage, I don't expect to be able to experience it for myself, but perhaps I'll be inspired to walk further afield around here.

I did once do a three day hike on The Ridgeway, dropping down to a couple of interesting B&Bs on the way, but that 30 or so miles can hardly compare with the 2300+ covered in the book. I just remember how good it felt to be walking on the high ground and viewing the wonderful panorama of countryside spread out below.

You can see more info about this book and others by Joan Young here.