Wild by Cheryl Strayed is definitely compelling. I first read about it in a magazine excerpt and found myself completely moved by her struggle and her process. The book is a memoir that recounts the author's downward spiral after the sudden death of her mother. One terrible decision followed another and another until she decided to become herself again and reset her life by hiking the Pacific Crest trail alone. The PCT is a trail that wends from Mexico all the way to Canada via California, Oregon, and Washington. (I didn't know that.) Cheryl planned to hike practically the entire length of California. She read the guidebook on it multiple times and bought herself excellent gear with the help of sound advice from the experts at REI. However, what blows my mind completely is that before this trip, she had never been backpacking in her life! In fact, she hadn't even packed her backpack until the morning of her trip! There were several other moments where I found myself shaking my head in disbelief at her decision making process, but I'll leave those for you to discover! The good news is that she's a tough cookie. The good news is that she did find the journey healing. The good news is that this book definitely inspired me to spend more time outdoors! (But I'm still not ready for a real backpacking experience.)
Have you ever been backpacking?
Daily Details:
- weather: warm days, cold mornings
- tunic, thrifted at Frenzi, cost $4, worn twice = approximate current cost per wear (accpw) $2
- cardigan, old, accpw $5
- sandals, old, accpw $2
- yellow bag, accpw $18
- jeans, thrifted, accpw $1
- arm party: watch, old, Gap, mostly gifts
Your yellow bag's accpw should be less than $18 by now, no? It is worth it weight in gold, right?
ReplyDeleteThanks for the review of another interesting read I must get. I have more time to read now days. Backpacking? - nope. I went on many hikes in my high school years. I'm too girly girl now to hike. But I have found I am wanting my house more orderly for some strange reason... Hmmm.
What a cute outfit and I love (LOVE) the starfish charm!
ReplyDeleteIt sounds like a good book but Yikes! Taking off cross country backpacking with no idea of what she's in for? She's much braver than I!
wow, sounds pretty amazing! and I must say it's wonderful that you manage to read so many books. I would love to do that but when my working day is over I feel like I can't because I'm too tired to read. anyway, reading your reviews inspires me to try more!
ReplyDeleteMaiken,
Maikeni blogi - part of me
I'm not a backpacking kind of girl either, I like creature comforts too much!
ReplyDeleteSounds like an inspirational book.
Love those colours on you & what a great print xo
isn't it so crazy how people come up with this stuff? i am sure it's healing and cathartic to do what she did, but i wonder what made her do it (maybe i should read the book). either way, it sounds really interesting! i love all the bracelets you have on...what a cute combo!
ReplyDeleteThat sounds like a great book! I have never been backpacking. And probably never will....it's totally one of those things for me that sound like it would be a great idea but I would not enjoy it all. I'm not much of a camper haha...
ReplyDeleteThanks for your lovely comment! I was just going to dinner. Beautiful printed top. Thanks for the book review...its sounds like an exciting read! Yes, I would go backpacking (through europe) and sleep in a tent, its been a dream of mine which I want to accomplish :)
ReplyDeleteI have been backpacking, but not like this... ;-) And I love your outfit, the pattern top is very cute! I should really try to find some more bangles, I hardly ever wear some jewellery on my wrists...
ReplyDeletexxx Anita
Sounds like a good read! I have been getting quite a good list of books to find thanks to you, so keep the reviews coming!
ReplyDeleteI have never been backpacking, but I know my hubby would love to go on a camping trip where we pretty much just took a backpack and went. Maybe someday this wimpy girl will be willing to try it!
Love the colorful top!!
Love the pop of yellow with the cute crossbody bag! I've never been hiking or camping or pretty much anything that involves the outdoors much :) Have a great weekend!
ReplyDelete-Sharon
The Tiny Heart
Win a Mint Green Statement Necklace!
your book recommendations are always my favorite - i can read your paragraph and get a good idea of the book. i've picked up one or two you put up here :D i love that yellow bag - still - but with this tunic it's even better! i love the fun print on the tunic.
ReplyDelete<3 katherine
of corgis and cocktails
I grew up in Montana & used to go backpacking & camping a lot. Then I married a city boy. Not much of an outdoorsy type. My life has changed but I have had the opportunity to experience extreme country and extreme city.Lucky me. And lucky you cuz you have an awesome yellow purse! Thanks for the book suggestion!
ReplyDeleteConnie*
I want to read Wild since so much of it takes place here in the PNW. Perhaps I'll be inspired to check out nature more often.
ReplyDeleteI've never been backpacking.. mostly because I'm not one to be with nature. I always get attacked by bugs and it's never a pretty sight, haha.
ReplyDeleteYou look so cute, love that top!
xo, Yi-chia
Always Maylee
Lovin' all the cool bracelets you've been stacking up. Your collection must be growing!
ReplyDeleteI did go backpacking once back in about 1980 up toward Mt Rainier and then we camped. I was wearing stupid crepe soled boots which had absolutely no traction and there was many places on the trail that had caved in. Scary! After that I bought some expensive hiking boots but never actually went hiking again...not like that anyway. I ended up giving the boots away.
Have a fun and sunny weekend!
Never...used to want to go...maybe did not really want to go..didn't. I can imagine what I have missed, but this girl is brave.
ReplyDeleteThis book sounds interesting, maybe it would inspire me to be more outdoorsy :) I'm not a backpacker or a hiker (or even a camper). It's just not something my family ever did growing up, so it's still outside of my comfort zone.
ReplyDeleteAnyway, I love this look--the print on your top is gorgeous!
I have been wanting to read this book. I cut out a review of it to take to our local librarian to see if she would order it if she already hasn't. Even though I spend a lot of time outdoors, I haven't been backpacking. The idea of carrying at least 30 or so pounds on my back and hiking doesn't appeal to me. We bought a camper a couple of years ago, but haven't taken it out yet. We haven't had time yet and it was such a good deal we thought we'd at least have for after retirement.
ReplyDeleteI've always wanted to go backpacking in a foreign country but never did. Now I'm too old with too many responsibilities to do it. Your top is so pretty, love the yellow you paired with it.
ReplyDeletexx Jenee C.
http://camomeetscouture.blogspot.com
Wow, this book sounds sooo interesting. And scary. I'll have to check it out I think :)
ReplyDeleteSara, Road to the Heart
cute outfit!
ReplyDeletexo
MOSAMUSE
www.MOSAMUSE.com
I love your arm candy :) Such a cute look!
ReplyDeletexo, Megan
indie flower
I have never backpacked like Cheryl did, although I have taken weekend backpacking trips. I know when we kick off our retirement, our plan is to walk the Katy Trail from KC to St. Louis--roughly 250 miles.
ReplyDeleteI have never really been backpacking, at least if short weekend trips don't count. But the books sounds interesting, it's on my wishlist now. Still, I can't imagine taking a trip like that alone...
ReplyDeleteYour outfit is adorable, I love the tunic and your bangles!
pretty colors bright outfit delight! i like reading memoirs. me backpacking? a ga ha ha ha! that means no. i'd much rather read about someone else's nature adventures. ;)
ReplyDelete