Reviews

Aren’t You Afraid?

Aren’t You Afraid? Provides an inside look at the essence of long-distance hiking. Written with clarity and humor, Davison describes the practical challenges and lessons learned, as well as the abundant rewards of her section hikes on the American Discovery Trail. Beyond being a book about her hike, she conveys the joy of meeting a variety of people along the way and a philosophy of how to live life to the fullest.

Laurel Foot – ADT thru-biker/hiker, ADT Newsletter Editor and member of ADTS Board of Directors

Inspiring, thought-provoking, and very timely. With a heart for sharing lessons learned on the American Discovery Trail, “Medicare Pastor’s” account made us laugh, made us think, and pushed us to leave fear behind and LIVE.  This adventurous woman brought us alongside, to meet wonderful people, greeting every person and every challenge with confidence and a positive attitude, a statement of her faith.

Randy and LuAnne Anderson (Chuck Norris and Tigger) – long distance hikers and trail angels on the Appalachian Trail and the Pacific Crest Trail

Old Lady on the Trail

Impressive is an understatement for Mary’s achievements.
Completing any of the National Scenic Trails in the U.S. is remarkable, completing the Pacific Crest Trail (2,650 miles, the Appalachian Trail (2,181), and the Continental Divide Trail (3,100) is over-the-top amazing. Mary Davison started hiking the Pacific Crest Trail in 2003 and the Appalachian Trail in 2004. Year after year, she returned to hike new sections of these trails. In 2011 she finished the Appalachian Trail and in 2012 the Pacific Crest Trail. In 2012, she began section-hiking the Continental Divide. In 2017, at the age of 76, she hiked the miles remaining to complete all three.

Susan ‘backpack45’ Alcorn, author of Healing Miles: Gifts from the Caminos Norte and Primitivo and We’re in the Mountains Not over the Hill: Tales and Tips from Seasoned Women Backpackers.

If you want to know how a woman finds the courage and strength to move out of her comfort zone at a time when society might call her ‘old’, this book is for you. If you want an in-depth ‘hike-a-log’ of the three Triple Crown Trails, this book is for you. if you want inspiration, no matter if you aspire to become a thru-hiker or follow a different passion, this book is for you.

Thank you, Mary, for sharing your spirit with us.