ISBN 9780936934072

In Walk Hike Saunter, long-distance hiker Susan Alcorn introduces you to 32 experienced outdoors women who consider hiking to be an essential part of their lives. Their stories are told with honesty, insight and humor. They share their wisdom and proven tips to inspire women and men of all ages.

Some, but not all, were introduced to the outdoors as children. A few hated those early camping trips, others reveled in them. Several found their passion for adventurous travel later in life and went on to hike thousands of wilderness miles.

The common theme of Walk, Hike, Saunter is that there are many paths to incorporating hiking into your life. Whether hiking is one of many things that you enjoy doing, or whether you find hiking such an passion that you don’t mind living out of your car in order to pursue it–you can reap the rewards of exploring the world on foot.

The women, all 45 and older and in the prime of their lives, are all superstars–shining examples of the richness that hiking can bring to our lives. There’s no doubt about it–walking and hiking are excellent ways to improve or maintain physical and mental health; in general they increase longevity. They are great ways to enjoy the camaraderie of the trail, or to go solo and foster greater independence. We are lucky to live in these times with an unprecedented number of women on our trails. We are living in an age where we have golden opportunities to explore trails throughout the world.

Simply begin with walking because as we immerse ourselves in nature, enjoy new vistas, and explore interesting cultures our lives will be enriched.

Order online or ask your favorite local bookseller to order it from Ingram ISBN 9780936934072.or Mountain N’ Air Books. Available on Kindle as well as hardcopy. Contact us if you want a signed copy backpack45 at yahoo.com

Editorial Reviews

“I love reading about women who continue to challenge themselves on trails. In Walk, Hike, Saunter, 32 women, all over 45, openly share their stories of the rewards and challenges of hiking. This is one book you will want to sit down and savor for the inspiration and wisdom.”
  — Jennifer Pharr Davis, Appalachian Trail record holder, motivational speaker, National Geographic Adventurer of the Year, critically acclaimed author of The Pursuit of Endurance.

“Thank you very much for the opportunity to read Walk, Hike, Saunter. I’m only a few years away from the 45 and up age group, and it was personally encouraging to read so many stories from women who are hiking strong well into their seventies!

“Walk, Hike, Saunter will take ‘I’m too old to hike’ out of your vocabulary! These profiles of women who are hiking and backpacking from 45 into their seventies will leave you inspired to get off the couch at any age.”
  — Heather ‘Anish’ Anderson, 30,000 miles hiked including the Appalachian, Continental Divide and Pacific Crest Trails three times. National Geographic Adventurer of the Year. Author of Thirst:2600 Miles to Home.

“Long-distance hiking is one of the world’s great challenges. More people have successfully climbed Mt. Everest than have completed the ‘Triple Crown’ of hiking –thru-hikes of the Appalachian, Pacific Crest, and Continental Divide National Scenic Trails. But at the same time, long-distance hiking can be enjoyed by anyone, regardless of age or gender.

“Women, especially older women, will find inspiration and advice in these pages as their peers share their experiences on everything from attitude to equipment, challenges to triumphs. So pull up a comfy chair, light a fire, open these pages and let these remarkable women spin their tales of their adventures — and inspire yours.”
— Karen Berger,author, America’s National Historic Trails and18 other books.

“Both inspirational and reassuring, Susan Alcorn’s Walk, Hike, Saunter provides a wealth of encouragement for any woman. These thoughtful interviews, made up of tales from real women, in their own voices, will find a home on your bookshelf and in your heart.

“Whether you aspire to long distance wilderness hiking, prefer the historic byways of Europe or enjoy a gentle stroll around the neighborhood, you will respond to the diverse personalities and likeable personas of the author’s many female protagonists.

“Walk, Hike, Saunter is full of pearls of wisdom from women who actually walk the walk. It will remind you that each walk has its own reasons for being special, and it may just inspire you to take your own next step.”
—  Amy Racina,hiker, speaker, adventurer, author of Angels in the Wilderness: The True Story of One Woman’s Survival Against All Odds.

“A uniquely entertaining look into the lives of 32 dynamic women hikers—their vulnerabilities, harrowing escapes, and funny experiences. In addition, their practical tips on how to plan ahead—from what to eat to how to face your fears—are all quite valuable, so get your highlighter out.

‘The mere act of hiking can guide us to living in the present. Readers will no doubt be inspired to take to the trail with an eye to the horizon, the mind set on the now, and feet lightly on the ground ready for that next step!”
— Karen Herzog, President Adco Marketing. Post-50, hiking and meditation enthusiast.

Table of Contents (aka Those Amazing Women, all over 45 and hiking)

• Preface
• Acknowledgments
• Introduction: It’s Your Time!
• The Women Adventurers
• Inga Aksamit
• Barbara Anderson
• Beebe ‘Jack from Ireland’ Bahrami
• Jan ‘Pooh Bear’ Barlow
• Jane Blanchard
• Carolyn ‘Ravensong’ Burkhart
• Judy Chovan
• Emilie ‘Dirty Emilie’ Cortes
• Lynne ‘Sparkly Manaña’ Davidson
• Marion ‘llamalady’ Davison
• Mary E. ‘Pastor Mary’ Davison
• Laurie Ferris
• Lorie ‘Veggie’ Florence
• Laurel (Ibbotson) ‘Happy Feet’ Foot
• Nancy ‘Why Not?’ Huber
• Naomi ‘The Punisher’ Hudetz
• Sandy ‘Frodo’ Mann
• Jan ‘Jaunting Jan’ McEwen
• Karen ‘Butterscotch’ Najarian
• Sylvia ‘amaWalker’ Nilsen
• Marcia ‘GottaWalk’ Powers
• Nancy Reynolds
• Lisa Robinson
• Dami Roelse
• Donna ‘L-Rod’ Saufley
• Patricia Schaffarczyk
• Diane ‘Piper’ Soini
• Diane Spicer
• Jane Toro
• Elsye ‘Wandering Chardonnay’ Walker
• Katie Williams
• Sue ‘Leapfrog’ Williams
• About the Author
• Glossary
• Resources
• The Cover Letter and Questions
• Susan’s Ten Essentials for Hikers
• Safety Measures for Solo Hiking
• Fitness and Training
• Contributors’ Books
• Recommended Reading
• Additional Resources