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Into the Wild is a great book! It combines adventure, a trek across the U.S., and the Alaskan wilderness with a deeper story line about a young man who questions societal norms. As with many of Jon Krakauer’s books, the story is controversial. Was the protagonist, Christopher McCandless, irresponsible? Was he trying to prove something by living alone in the Alaskan wilderness? Perhaps he was the social misfit? What do you think? You can read my thoughts in my full review of Into the Wild. 
Into the Wild is a great movie based on Jon Krakauer’s bestselling book! It has become quite a controversial story – some people enjoy the protagonist’s independence, and his willingness to abandon social norms and live in the wild. Others say that Christopher McCandless was irresponsible. Was Christopher McCandless a reckless young man or was he on a greater journey? What do you think? You can read my thoughts in my full review of Into the Wild. If you haven’t seen the movie yet, check out the trailer here:
Have you ever thought about hiking the Appalachian Trail? I sure have! A close hiking friend of mine insisted that I borrow her copy, and I swear I couldn’t put this book down. Obviously I am a fan of most books about hiking, but this one is truly special – Bill Bryson weaves into his humorous story loads of history and science, all while sharing the details of his adventure. Read my full review of A Walk in the Woods here. Hiking is an activity enjoyed by people all over the world, but did you know that the activity of “hiking” is described differently in English speaking countries? I first heard the term bushwalking from a New Zealander friend of mine, who once told me that he did not grow up hiking, but rather “bushwalking”. Having never heard the word before, I was curious to know what it was, and he just laughed and told me it means hiking, or at least the “hiking” as defined in the American vocabulary. Because I have now met many people from around the world who all share my love of the outdoors, I decided to share this simple guide to hiking terms around the world.
America Hiking: In America, hiking refers to walking along a trail, typically something that is more intense than going for a walk. Day hike: A hike that is completed in one day. Backpacking: Multi-day hikes where the hiker carries her tent, food, and other provisions are considered backpacking trips. Cross-country hiking: A hike where a considerable portion is off-trail, so the hiker is “route-finding” and is not following an established trail. Thru-hiking: Used to describe hiking the entire length of a trail. A thru-hike is typically done in one continuous backpacking trip, but can also be done in sections, which is called “section-hiking”. Popular North American trails for thru-hikes are the Pacific Crest Trail, Appalachian Trail , and the Continental Divide Trail. United Kingdom Hillwalking/Walking: These are the terms used to describe “hiking” as it referred to in the U.S. Rambling: Another word to describe hillwalking and walking. Australia Bushwalking: In the land down under, bushwalking is used to describe hiking and cross-country hiking. I guess Australians are more adventurous and expect that most hikes will take them on both on-trail and off-trail routes! New Zealand Bushwalking: Same usage as in Australia. Tramping: Used primarily to describe backpacking trips. Walking: Another way of discussing bushwalking. Around the world Trekking: This term is used to describe multi-day backpacking trips. It is frequently used when talking about the Himalayas Happy trails! Time for me to take a hike, or hillwalk, trek, ramble, or bushwalk  Hiking, Hillwalking, Walking, Rambling, Tramping, Bushwalking or Trekking? You decide. A few weeks ago I posted the first Hiking Lady survey: The results are in! People sure love to hike Hiking: 50% |
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