Skywalker-Close Encounters on the Appalachian trail

I really enjoyed the authors self deprecating humor and open writing style. The book is especially interesting to me as I live in Madison County, NC near Hot Springs and love hiking in these mountains.

I regularly hike the Appalachian Trail and I still found Bill Walker's book helpful and inspiring. For example, I recently hiked the Kinsman mountains and Franconia Ridge in New Hampshire. Walker's comments gave a perspective that made me realize that, yes, it's one of the harder sections on the AT! Lots of inspiration to be found here. Highly recommended.

Better (which hurts me to say) than Bill Bryson's "A Walk in the Woods", which is one of my favorite Appalachian Trail books. I really felt connected to "Skywalker" as he spent his 171 days on the trail. I actually read the book in an entire day because I enjoyed it so much. I highly recommend it to anyone wanting to hike the trail. Great description of the Whites. I truly felt like I was hiking in my home state!

I read this book after reading Bill Walker's other book; "Highs and Lows on the Pacific Crest Trail". I loved both books. Bill's passion for walking seems to be matched with a passion for producing great narratives. I'm looking forward to his next book. And no, I'm not related to Bill, though I am 6' 8".

Interesting because of getting another perspective or experience on something one has read other books on. But the story on anything other than a daily journal falls short. There is more to a story than words on paper.

An entertaining take on the author's AT hike with insights on what it means to be VERY tall. Recommended for anyone thinking of hiking the AT, but more for the flavor. This is not a "how to" book, by any means.

An entertaining take on the author's AT hike with insights on what it means to be VERY tall. Recommended for anyone thinking of hiking the AT, but more for the flavor. This is not a "how to" book, by any means.

I have never had an interest in walking the Appalachian Trail myself, but I really enjoyed this book. Skywalker is authentic and self-deprecating but demonstrates what one can do when their mind is set on an end task. I live in the area of the AT and enjoyed reading about places that I have visited as well as places I would like to visit after reading this book. I would definitely recommend this book.

Skywalker is uniquely able to describe what it is like to take on the challenge of hiking The Appalachian Trail and at the same time make it incredibly interesting as he describes his daily struggles and interactions with all of the other thru-hikers. I strongly recommend this book and his PCT hike book to anyone that enjoys books about hiking. I have read many books on both of these trails and so far, they are my 2 favorites. Looking forward to reading about his future adventures.

This is certainly a story of an accomplishment not many can claim! It was very interesting and informative. I probably would not recommend it for anyone under 14 or so, due to language and sexual discussion. This book kept me reading along into the night to see what would happen to Skywalker next.

Skywalker, what a wonderful person! He has a cynicism and humor about life that is delightful. The first book ( I have now ordered the second) is a wonderful balance of description of the environment, the hazards, the human failings and the intermix of people he encounters on the Trail.
I could not put the book down.

I found his candor about his lack of expertise in hiking to be refreshing and still he made it to the end. Hooray for him and for giving us the book so that we could hike along with him...without the sore feet and bugs.

Fantastic, fun and exciting read! I have been to most of these places so it made the book thoroughly enjoyable. The way the book is written makes if feel like you are actually hiking with the hiker. The trials and joys of hiking with nature. If you enjoy nature or hiking, this is a must read!

An excellent read for anyone interested in hiking the AT or perhaps only dream of it like I do. The book is well written and the story came to life as I turned the pages. Can't wait to read Bill Walker's books detailing his subsequent hiking adventures.

Hiking is not the easiest subject to write about. Bill Walker has an easy style, great sense of humor, and good insight. He keeps the story moving and brings you along the interesting journey. Good travels to every one.

A must read for anyone planning to, or wishing they could, thru hike the AT. Everyone has struggles on this journey, but the fact this writer is so tall compounds his difficulties. But instead of whining about it, he deals with it and writes an excellent journal about this journey. Another great book telling a story about thru hiking the AT.

One of the best books about hiking The Appalachian Trail I have read. He not only relates his journey and experiences but, also gives some history of the trail. The only mistake made was stating that in women fat turns to muscle. Women lose fat and build muscle.

well written, informative, above all entertaining. i read it in non-stop and have downloaded his other books also. must read for travel fanatics. not many among lay public would go on AT hike. This book makes you experience it first hand.

A great read for aspiring hikers that desire to hike the Appalachian trail. Snippets of dialogue between hikers both verbal and interacting with trail logs leave you with a sense of camaraderie that is not matched in the other world.