Skywalker: Close Encounters on the Appalachian Trail cover art

Skywalker: Close Encounters on the Appalachian Trail

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Skywalker: Close Encounters on the Appalachian Trail

By: Bill Walker
Narrated by: Bill Walker
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About this listen

Why would a middle-aged businessman who had never even spent the night outdoors, attempt to hike the entire Appalachian Trail? Bill Walker, a former commodities trader in Chicago and London, and an avid walker, had developed a virtual obsession to hike this historic 2,175 mile footpath in one hiking season. In the spring of 2005 he set off from his home state of Georgia, hoping to make it to Mount Katahdin in northern Maine before the arrival of winter. Immediately, he realized he had plunged into a whole new world. For starters, the Appalachian Trail has some ferociously difficult terrain, winding through dramatically diverse geography and covering the East's highest peaks. Walker's 6'11" height earned him the trail name, "Skywalker", and drew envious attention from his fellow hikers. However, the height made him more susceptible to weight loss, cold weather, and crushing fatigue. An elemental fear of bears and snakes, as well as getting lost, also loomed large. Skywalker was especially struck by the rich culture this jewel of a trail has developed over the years.

Included is a history of how the Appalachian Trail has become such a stunning American success story over the decades. It is a model public-private partnership. As many as 4,000,000 people hike some part of it each year. Mortals are compelled - or perhaps cursed - to relive their lifetime adventure. This is Bill Walker's unforgettable version, leavened with ruthlessly self-deprecating humor. Some have joked that the book is as much about what not to do, as what to do. Skywalker couldn't agree more!

©2008 Indigo Publishing Group (P)2014 Audible Inc.
Hiking Outdoors & Nature Travel Writing & Commentary Witty

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All stars
Most relevant  
Whilst I really enjoyed the story, and I still think that it's best to get the author to read the story themselves, there were plenty of occasions when I had to question that in this book. Walker's enthusiasm is great, but the speed he reads at fluctuates a lot, and many parts aren't clear to hear. Surely the producer should be listening carefully and redo sections that are mumbled and rushed. It did spoil the story quite a bit, but the actual content was very enjoyable and is the second of Walker's I've listened to.

Should the author always read?

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I’ve read/ listened to a number of AT books. This is the worst. Story overly focused on some of the other hikers (often the women) and not enough on the trail and landscape. The narration is awful. Really fast then suddenly slows and little intonation. Avoid.

Disappointing

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Very bad narration. To fast.
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The narration is bad. It is to fast.

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