The Endless Trail

It's the spring of 2015 and three teenage friends set out to thru-hike the entire 2,189 miles of Appalachian Trail from Georgia to Maine. They are not alone in their quest as thousands attempt this each year with only one in four completing it. Eric loves the woods and adventure. He is a hiking purist who believes that to say you thru-hiked the A. T. means you hike the entire trail with your pack, no skipping or slack-packing. Being from the coast where he rarely wears shoes, he chooses to hike in unusual footwear. While most wear hiking boots or trail runner shoes, he hikes in sandals. They slog through rainy Georgia where an early injury threatens to unravel the group. Upon befriending a female Australian hiker, the sordid side of the hiking community reveals itself. Trail angels and parents provide support and motivation along the way to the trail weary travelers. Opportunities for a unique experience are not overlooked in this once in a lifetime adventure. The notorious White Mountains of New Hampshire present them with a level of danger any hiker should take heed of. Which of them will prevail over the trail is for the reader to discover. The story presents the human side of the struggle to conquer this beloved trail.