The Appalachian Trail

the long version

"Fifty years separate Earl Shaffer's historic thru-hikes of the Appalachian Trail, the celebrated 2,160-mile footpath that winds its way from Georgie to Maine through spectacular wilderness. When Earl completed his initial trek in 1948, he became the first person to have hiked the entire Trail end-to-end in one season. A half-century later, at 79 years old, Earl Shaffer followed the path he had blazed so many years before. A legend in hiking circles, Earl tells the story of his 1998 Anniversary Trip --a story of determination, inspiration, and a lifelong love of nature. Accompanying Earl's words, Bart Smith's stunning photography captures the Trail's unparalleled visual splendor"--Page 4 of cover.