Asking an adventurous person to be still and stay put can be a very tall order however due to the current state of the world these orders of quarantine, social distancing, and shelter in place are for the health and well being of us all. Both the adventurer and the loafer are affected this time and everyone in between; we are in this together.

As we all try to adjust to our new reality, we find ourselves striving for activity both physically and mentally and so I thought I’d perhaps try to assist with the mental part. Below are links to several book reviews I have done in the past. The books I review typically have some connection to the outdoors, hiking, adventure, wildlife, etc.

I present to you this list in hopes that you may leave your four walls via an escape with a good book. Be forewarned there are a lot of my personal opinions in the reviews!

Take a look at the reviews and pick a book. Links are provided to find the book on Amazon (some books can be found in various forms) but don’t forget to check out your local library via apps like Libby or support your local bookstores via apps like Libro.fm (especially now when lots of local business are closed).

READ ON!

 or Listen On if you’re into audiobooks!

Thirst: 2600 Miles to Home – REVIEW

The Hidden Life of Trees – REVIEW

The Last Season – Review

Learning To See – Review

Sharp Top, A Historical Novel – REVIEW

When You Find My Body- REVIEW

The Long-Shadowed Forest – Review

Wild Animals I Have Known – Review

Girl In The Woods – REVIEW

The Dirtbag’s Guide to Life – Review

The Blue Ridge Parkway By Foot – Review

Engineering Eden: REVIEW

Thru-Hiking The Appalachian Trail: 100 Tips, Tricks, Traps, and Facts- REVIEW

The Long Walk – Review

Painted Blazes: Hiking the Appalachian Trail with Loner – Review

Since it seems we are all inside looking at the outside world, this journal entry seemed to strike a chord with me when looking over old journals…

Weed, CA   6/28/2018

I haven’t written for a while; not sure why. I’m still lingering in Weed, CA and I can’t exactly remember how long I’ve been here now.

I found a place to park, a place to work, places to hike and a few places to just be. For a place not being on my radar, it seems to have worked out Bowie and I coming here.

We had a great hike around part of Siskiyou Lake. It was hot out today, but a four-mile hike did us both good. I felt exhausted in a way I haven’t for a long time; my body being challenged and used.

We returned from our hike to a local park in Weed we like a lot. I am confident in saying it’s my favorite park I have stumbled upon so far in this journey. The town is preparing for their July 4th Carnival and I’ve been watching the rides arrive all week as the park seems to be the center of it.

As we relax in the grass, I watch the carnival workers start unloading supplies and observe local families sitting on picnic tables watching the action too. I feel I’m an unnoticed observer. I wonder if anyone has picked up on our routine, this big van and all can stand out.

I’ll be gone when it all happens the carnival and all its buzz of activity,  but it’s somehow pleasant to know that things will continue without me. I wonder if the carnival workers feel the same when they leave a town?

It’s nice to be in a place longer than just a few days; to observe the going on’s of a community. I often feel lonely, but it makes the human interactions I do have that much sweeter. I feel more present in everything I do now.

Bowie seems to like this easy pace we are in, our routine, this place. I’m hesitant to break out of this pattern and leave but within the same thought, I find myself longing for the change.

(Bowie Observing The Local Happenings) 

Other Stuff I’m Doing, Done, or Did:

My Book: Mini Misadventures

Instagram: The_snuggle_diaries  

Other Blogs I’ve Posted:

Formulated On A Day Hike…

Negligence In A National Forest

The following was formulated while out on a day hike most recently with a friend. Coffee was not involved however it was discussed. Miles were also discussed but more were hiked due to good conversation and amazing surroundings provided by Mother Nature. 

The Problem:

Catching Up With A Friend Over Coffee But Ending That Time Early Due To Discomfort Of The Body (Sitting Too Long)

Situation Break Down:

Some people prefer to have coffee with a friend; to sit and sip and chat it up a few hours. The whole while the body is being cooped up, bent into a seated position; no real physical activity is happening.

After an hour or so, the body starts sending signals that movement is needed and Friend One starts shifting in their seat. Then, when the uncomfortableness reaches max toleration, Friend One starts the process of ending the conversation with Friend Two in order to get moving physically.

Likely, Friend Two is also ready to move literally on, again not necessarily away from Friend One, but too simply activate their stagnate body; their legs are numb.

The Cure:

Hike Or Walk With A Friend And Drink Coffee 

Situation Break Down:

People can enjoy a coffee while on the move, literally. Friend One and Friend Two can plan on meeting up at a local park and while strolling around enjoying the scenery, each can enjoy a nice cup of joe they brewed themselves, brought in a disposable cup from home or picked up along the way.

Said friends could also venture out on a dirt trail with day packs. Friends One and Two hike a few miles up to a scenic overlook while chit-chatting. Friend One sets up the stove and fuel. Friend Two provides instant coffee and water. Each friend provides their own mug. Friends together chat it up while making coffee on the trail and taking in the wonders of nature. After mugs are emptied, items are dismantled and repacked as needed and friends continue their good time down the trail. Each friend is physically moving and mentally stimulated. Thanks to a surge of caffeine from coffee, Friend One and Friend Two are likely to feel energized and continue hiking even longer while enjoying each other’s company and Mother Nature.

(These scenarios can be played out by just an individual or more than two friends…maybe three friends, or more! The choice beverage can also be hot tea or any other desired beverage.)

Special thanks to Sarah for the help in identifying this issue and formulating this cure and to Mother Nature for the rad scenery that inspired us.

(Provided By: Mother Nature)

Other Stuff I’m Doing, Done, or Did:

My Book: Mini Misadventures

Instagram: The_snuggle_diaries  

Other Blogs I’ve Posted:

9/5/2013: Breathing In

The Last Visit To Joshua Tree

After my ride this morning my senses are awakened. Running is a full-body experience and I feel riding is a smelly one.

The morning air has a sweet coolness that wasn’t there before and as I start my morning ride, I breathe in the coming autumn; the rich smell of wood-burning, the crisp freshly fallen leaves on the street.

Then it rushes over me, that feeling that comes over you once you breathe in the season. The excitement of unknown adventures and the memories that flood back of autumns past; a buzz sends ripples through my body.

Although I’m even lower than a novice when it comes to riding, I enjoy what it allows me to smell (as silly as that is). I have come to really appreciate the small things and the smells that nature provides is one that is missed while in a car.

Later after my ride, I took Bowie (our dog) for a walk and found myself a little emotional. Bowie seems to find enjoyment in every small thing as well. She takes the time to investigate every blade of grass and rock. I let her stop as much as she wants and I enjoy the crickets and the beauty of the dew on the grass as it sparkles in the rising sun.

I breathe in deep the coming season and the approaching day.

(Leaves) 

Other Stuff I’m Doing, Done, or Did:

My Book: Mini Misadventures

Instagram: The_snuggle_diaries  

Other Blogs I’ve Posted:

The 34th Year To Explore

The Lizard King