Escapees March-April 2024

from the bookshelf

Books for RVers By MARCELLA GAUTHIER #12371

as they are, they have written several hiking books for various world-famous trails. Robert is an expert on the US National Park Service, and they are Hiking Ambassadors of the American Hiking Society. This latest book provides information about more than 40 hikes, some in foreign countries, but many in the United States. The 288 pages of this book include even if you only take advan tage of a few of the hikes. “The Mannings include details on breaking the hikes down into walkable sections. This is a lovely information- fi lled book,

Walks of a Lifetime from Around the World: Extraordinary Hikes

409 illustrations, 369 photos and 40 maps. Also, there is additional information about each hike, including accommodations and the dif fi culty of each hike, from world-famous hikes like Camino de Santiago in France and Spain, which is a week-long hike, to other hikes around the world in such varied places in Europe, Asia, Australia and New Zealand. One of the longest is Via Francigena, which begins in England, continues through France and Switzerland and ends in Italy at the Vatican, an impressive 1,180 miles (about half the width of the United States). Many hikes are easily accessible in the United States, including those in the US National Park Service locations. One signi fi cant chapter of the book, “National Scenic Trails Samplers,” lists shorter hikes. Although each of these hikes in this chapter needs to be more detailed, there is a list of websites with additional information. Many of the hikes in this book may be extended in length. The Mannings include details on breaking the hikes down into walkable sections. This is a lovely information- fi lled book, even if you only take advantage of a few of the hikes. Simply reading about some of the most amazing hikes and looking at the beautiful photos and maps allows you to experience parts of the world you might not be able to visit easily. You will come away with a renewed appreciation of our wonderful world. And all from a cup of coffee or tea and an easy chair.

in Exceptional Places ROBERT AND MARTHA MANNING • FALCON GUIDES 2023RE ISBN: 978 1493039258 • PAPERBACK: $25.86 • KINDLE: $24.99

It is well known that walking is a simple, yet excellent, recreational practice that keeps us focused on our physical and emotional states. I t requires minimal equipment, besides a good supportive pair of shoes, perhaps a walking stick and adequate hydration and trail snacks, all of which are easily obtained. In addition, there might be a desire to escape from the busy, frantic, complex world that appears to be a large part of our daily lives. You will return from a long or short hike with a renewed appreciation of life from breathing the fresh air, viewing beautiful sights and the soothing use of your muscles and endocrine system. Your body and mind might be somewhat tired from the walk, but it will feel good to be alive. And your spirits will be lifted. Robert and Martha Manning are accomplished hikers, having walked hundreds of trails worldwide. They have hiked all the trails in this book. Experienced

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ESCAPEES Magazine March/April 2024