Before I knew of Montgomery’s book, I knew of Emma Gatewood and her amazing walk. In 1955 at the age of 67 this great-grandmother walked The Appalachian Trail, 2050 miles of blazed footpaths from Georgia to Maine. Freed from an extremely abusive marriage and the care of eleven children, Emma simply told her family that she was going for a walk. What ensued was three complete hikes on the Appalachian Trail and a 2000 mile hike along the Oregon Trail at the age of 71. All are faithfully recorded in Ben Montgomery’s book. Whenever, I seem to tire after a few extra kilometres, I think of Emma Gatewood and pick up my feet. This is a must read for any walker.