San Diego author and hiker-extraordinaire Barney “Scout” Mann’s novel “Journeys North, The Pacific Crest Trial“ takes us from the Mexican border to Canada on a trek that is as much an inner journey as an outer journey. “Scout” — Mann's trail name — and his wife, — whose trail name is “Frodo,” — are part of the 2007 cohort of “thru-hikers” who made it all the way, 2,650 miles, in just five months.
Because of extreme weather conditions, only a third of the thru-hikers who started the Pacific Crest Trail in San Diego County that year, made it to the Canadian border.
Over many miles, we meet characters like Blazer and Dalton, Tony and Nadine with her dog Pacha, who leapfrog with each other, crossing paths and telling stories that unfold slowly over time.
It’s a wonderful glimpse of a strenuous but inspiring journey made by ordinary people: hikers who face the many trials and challenges, pain and uncertainty, with courage and companionship.
You can get the satisfaction of reaching the Canadian border without all the effort simply by reading this book. But it may make you want to put on your boots and take a long hike with friends.
Mann will talk about his book with Martha Barnette, the co-host of "A Way with Words", in a Facebook Live event hosted by Warwick's Bookstore on Wednesday, November 11th at 4:00pm.
