The Great Alone: Walking the Pacific Crest Trail

The massive increase in the number of people attempting to thru - hike the PCT is in part attributable to books and even movies ( Wild for instance) written by those attempting or finishing this epic adventure. While there are many to choose from each offers a perspective unique to the individuals experience on trail. Do we need to read another?In the recently published book “The Great Alone”, Tim Voors aka VanGo - adds another perspective on the PCT experience. As a hiker myself having walked a European long trail, I found the mirror experience of a Dutch walker come to the US a fascinating read. While not specifically a how too do it book or a mile by mile book, Voors instead captures the highlights of what made his trip a transformative experience. His open and introspective reflections cement the narrative and create perspective on how one may be impacted by this experience. His work reinforces a recurring theme collectively found PCT recollections. Specifically the the PCT ( and other long trails) creates the setting for an emergent subculture of walkers. Those who meet on the trail experience often a profound authenticity of human interaction lost in modern society. Tim Voors reflections capture this important dynamic of trail life.The book also has beautiful illustrations both photographic and watercolors by VanGo himself.So YES- this book is a wonderful addition to the PCT literature which the aspiring walker, armchair enthusiast or the PCT veteran would enjoy and learn from.

The media could not be loaded. Now in no way am I bagging on all the other books written about hiking the PCT. Hell, if I spent ~5+ months of my life on my feet walking through the wilderness, I'd likely want to write a book about it too.Where this book differs though, is it's 2/3 travelogue and 1/3 coffee table book. It's a bit larger in physical size, the pages are a thicker matte finish (which I'm personally fond of) and the overall assemblage of content and design - be it text, photo, graphic, or drawing - are very well done. It's professionally done and I'm so glad I made this purchase.The opening paragraph starts out like this:"Why did I walk the length of America for six months? You could also ask: why not? This is a question that would make more sense to me. Why do I spend more than 40 hours a week behind a computer screen? Why do I spend so little time in nature? Why I I never take time to be alone?"If you've picked up this book, you're likely apart of the group that finds themselves asking these very same questions. Maybe you will stay stuck behind a computer for the rest of your working life and you only live vicariously through others by reading books like Tim's. Or maybe you're planning on hiking the PCT next year and are trying to absorb as much content as you can in preparation. Either scenario is fine, as long as it fills your need and satisfies your life.Tim provides lists of supplies needed and used, an easy to follow table of contents to jump from section to section, and anecdotal stories or recollections at specific mile markers to help tell his story. You're not going to get every detail, every tripped-over root, every snake that crossed his path, nor every tweaked out encounter. Nor should you really. You get a framework - an outline - for your mind to wander and fill in the missing details or days on the journey.Regardless of where you draw the line in the sand, you're find enjoyment in this book. Maybe, just maybe, this work will inspire you to do more - to become more. I know it has for me. Whether I hike the PCT one day or I am simply inspired to backpack alone for a week in the wilderness, this book will have had some part in that experience. Thank you, Tim.

I have read countless books on hiking the PCT and this is by far my favorite. So well written, it captures the essence of long-distance hiking. Super interesting. Well done.

Tim Voors,’ The Great Alone, is simply one of the most beautiful trail books I’ve seen. The visual portrayal of the Pacific Crest Trail, both in Tim’s spectacular photography of America’s most beautiful long trail, and in his stunning watercolor works and hand painted maps, make it clear why he is known in the hiking community as “Van Go”. Everyone who has hiked behind him on a long trail, becomes a follower of his beautiful, often whimsical, watercolors, left in every trail register, painted on the walls of trail angels homes and businesses, or simply left with each of us who has met him, on cards, or bits of paper and cardboard, and they have become cherished memories of our own long walks. Add to this, the artist’s introspection of his writing - “The trail provides, but doesn’t magically solve all your problems, and it’s hard to avoid your bad habits even when you are out on the trail. For some, the endless hours of being totally alone are simply too much” - words that tell his story intimately, and you have what is one of the truly great trail journals available in print. It’s a must for anyone who loves our mountain wildernesses, or a look into the wilderness of one artist’s soul.Scott "Shroomer" Williams

A very enjoyable book about hiking the Pacific Crest Trail. The photographs are beautiful. The watercolor paintings made by Tim Voors, trail name Van Gogh, are rather amateurish. The narrative is interesting and reads well. However, while 162 pages are devoted to the first 1092 miles of the walk, the remaining 1558 miles get only 57 pages. In those later sections, Voors trends away from the PCT and addresses themes like “What If I Die” “Time Alone Is Good For Your Relationship” “Future Dreams” and “Where Do You Leave Your Trash” The impression is the first half of the book was easier to write; the later part more of an effort to get it finished. Van Gogh gets rather philosophical at the end; but, that’s understandable enough as he puts the experience and lessons learned into perspective.

Absolutely brilliant, couldn't put it down and have now lent it out to2 friends who say the same

Le récit suit les kilomètres du PCT. L'auteur ne raconte pas tous ses états d'âme dans le détail mais les préoccupations sont bien présentes, l'humour et la réflexion aussi. Ni trop, ni trop peu. Et puis, l'auteur étant européen, il est plus facile de s'identifier et se projeter que dans les nombreux récits écrits sur le sujet par de jeunes américains, question de repères.Mon regret : les photos sont belles mais l'impression donne un aspect entre le coloriage et la photo.“I learned that life is short, time is precious and one shouldn’t postpone your dreams. Going on a six-month walk never really comes at a handy moment in life. The trail taught me to slow down and be more flexible, and to spend more one-on-one time with people, in particular my three children. On returning home I decided to go on a monthly ‘micro-adventure’ with each one of them alone,” Tim said.

Not only does this book contain a wonderful story, it is beautifully presented with great graphics and art all created by the author, Tim Voors. The book not only includes a narrative of Tim's walk, but also some practical information for anyone contemplating the PCT.

ALONE is described as "Apart from other people; single; solitary" in Webster. "ALONE" means physical distance or separation of time including those of spiritual.What did the author think, keep asking, and feel what he thought by physical separation from people including his family while he faced harsh nature?It seems as though it is an essay that goes beyond the frame of the daily or writing that spelled out.There is no doubt that this work has triggered a rethinking of what a sense of distance in human relations should be.And he must still ask what "ALONE" is.

Mr Voors starts out really well with an exciting introduction to his long journey from Mexico to Canada (via the United States). His writing style is amiable and he is not afraid to tell us some of the personal things that occur during his long walk. He meets people along the way and like him they appear to be very good-natured but also rebellious (in their own ways). The only problem is that it is all a bit lightweight and does not really go anywhere - one is left wanting more detail.