Not trying to be bossy, but judging by the hostility and political strife going on in the world right now SOME PEOPLE DESPERATELY NEED A WALK IN THE WOODS.

Don’t you think so?

And even if you don’t pay any attention to the news or social media, our human tendency toward busyness and noise and the quest to consume is exhausting.

A long walk/hike would probably be a good attitude-and-perspective-changer.

Last month, I stumbled across a paperback copy of A Walk in the Woods at The Coffee Shelf and it’s been a wonderful reminder of how the simplicity of nature and physical exertion really is good for your body and soul.

And also, I’ve wanted to hike part of the Appalachian Trail as long as I can remember.

Years ago I read AWOL on the Appalachian Trail by David Miller and that’s what hooked me. The idea of hiking in the wilderness, camping in a tent, and witnessing nature is so attractive to me, but alas, I married a man who was forced to “tent-camp” at the beach. . . in the summer . . . in 100-degree weather.

Even though he’s fine with the “hiking through the forest” part – he is NOT interested in actual camping in a tent.

Yes, I realize it’s 2020 and women can do hard things, but let’s face it: camping in the wilderness is intimidating if you have no idea what you’re doing.

That’s where reading comes in.

Originally published in 1998, A Walk In the Woods documents Bryson’s experience hiking the AT and he does such a good job, it’s easy to imagine you’re walking along with him – without carrying a 40-pound backpack.

One day I’m going to hike part of the AT, with an experienced group like Mountain Blazers. (FYI: Jerry Caldwell, owner of The Coffee Shelf is an avid hiker and regularly leads trips through the wilderness.)

In the meantime, I hope you are able to take your own walk in the woods. And if you can’t do that, reading about it is the next best thing.

Happy Reading!