Colin Fletcher

S

S. Sibert

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Sep 21, 2003
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I just finished reading 2 classic books by Colin Fletcher. "The Thousand mile Summer" and "The Man Who Walked Through Time" In the mid and late sixties, he did a 5 month hike from California to Oregon. Then a few years later he was the first to hike the entire length of the Grand Canyon.

Very good discriptions of his travels and his adventures...I could almost feel that I was on the hike with him! He gives neat gear lists (He had a knife made by Marbles) and a fantastic sense of what it feels to be on a epic solo hiking journey. It was inspirational. Reminds you that you can do without alot of high tech gear and get back to basics!

:thumbup:
 
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Classic books! His Complete Walker was THE book for backpackers in the 80's. A very enjoyable read even today. He passed away in 2007.
 
I read both books during a spell when I was laid up with back problems (2-level spinal fusion gone wrong). Thoroughly enjoyed both books; they helped keep me going until I could get back outdoors again. TMWWTT helped motivate me to take a 3 day trek in the GC myself. Great book. :thumbup:
 
His style of writing about his adventures is vivid. I admire his ability to break free from civilization for so long and get back to what stirs the soul deep in most of us if we could be in tune to nature without all of the daily bombardment of city life and concerns. Not always looking towards the future as we do in city life, but being alive in the present and enjoying the immediate grandure of nature around us.
 
He was one of my favorites. I still follow his suggestion in the Complete Walker that after each pack trip you divide your gear into three piles*: (1) Used frequently (2) used rarely and (3) not used. Leave the last two behind next time.

DancesWithKnives

*After removing emergency gear.
 
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