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Book Cover for: Walk, Hike, Saunter: Seasoned Women Share Tales and Trails, Susan Alcorn

Walk, Hike, Saunter: Seasoned Women Share Tales and Trails

Susan Alcorn

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.

The women, all 45 or older and in the prime of their lives, are superstars-shining examples of the richness that hiking can bring to our lives.


Some, but not all, were introduced to the outdoors as children. One hated those early camping trips, others reveled in them. A few, when teenagers, found hiking to be a great way to socialize with friends. Most, however, developed their zest for adventurous travel as as adults. All told, they have hiked tens of thousands of miles.


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.

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 a 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.


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 much of the world on foot. Walking - as we immerse ourselves in nature, enjoy new vistas, and explore interesting cultures - can be life-changing.

Book Details

  • Publisher: Shepherd Canyon Books
  • Publish Date: Nov 1st, 2020
  • Pages: 328
  • Language: English
  • Edition: undefined - undefined
  • Dimensions: 8.50in - 5.50in - 0.73in - 0.92lb
  • EAN: 9780936034072
  • Categories: HikingSpecial Interest - Hikes & WalksWomen

About the Author

Alcorn, Susan: - "Susan Alcorn has always enjoyed the outdoors, but it was not until her mid-40s that she became a serious hiker and backpacker. When she retired from teaching (at age 60), she and her husband were able to finish hiking the 2,650-mile Pacific Crest Trail. Other highlights have been walking multiple routes of the Camino de Santiago - covering more than 3,000 miles of trails in Spain, France, and Portugal. They climbed Tanzania's Mount Kilimanjaro in 2007, and backpacked Patagonia's Circuit Route in Torres del Paine National Park, Chile (Patagonia) in 2010. Susan believes that hiking is an excellent activity for people of all ages. In her writing, she seeks to inspire others, particularly older women, to start or continue this rewarding way of life. She adds, Hiking has both physical and mental health benefits. It certainly has been very good for us and it has been an excellent way to see the world. We intend to continue as long as we can! Susan lives in the San Francisco Bay Area near family and many long-term friends. The region's moderate weather generally allows hiking year round, and the large number of regional, state, and federal parks provide hundreds of trails where she can enjoy nature and keep in shape."

More books by Susan Alcorn

Book Cover for: We're in the Mountains, Not Over the Hill: Tales and Tips from Seasoned Woman Backpackers, Susan Alcorn
Book Cover for: Camino Chronicle: Walking to Santiago, Susan Alcorn
Book Cover for: Patagonia Chronicle: On Foot in Torres del Paine, Susan Alcorn
Book Cover for: Healing Miles: Gifts from the Caminos Norte and Primitivo, Susan Alcorn

Praise for this book

"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!"

- 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."

- Karen Berger, author, America's National Historic Trails and 18 other books.


"Both inspirational and reassuring, Susan Alcorn's Walk, Hike, Saunter provides a wealth of encouragement for any woman.... "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."

- 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...."

- Karen Herzog, President Adco Marketing. Post-50, hiking and meditation enthusiast.