Highs and Lows on the John Muir Trail

By: Inga Aksamit

Narrated by: Allie Wagner

Length: 6 hrs and 7 mins

Publisher's summary

An honest account of a woman's trek on the John Muir Trail is captured in this lively trail journal. Celebrate her joy as the beauty of the High Sierra in California is slowly revealed, feel the comradery of trail friends she meets along the way, and sympathize with her when all she wants is for the trail to end. Along the way — hikers of all ages — but especially mature hikers, will see how she and her husband met challenges head-on, lightened their load, planned meals and managed daily logistics for more than three weeks on the trail. Written for those planning to hike the John Muir Trail, Sierra hiking veterans who want to relive the trail — and armchair adventurers, this is a story that brings the trail to life. A long hike has its ups and downs, both literally and figuratively, and the elevation changes on the John Muir Trail are legendary. With 84,000 feet of elevation gain and loss (more than twice the elevation of Mt. Everest) this popular trek shares a section of the Pacific Crest Trail widely considered to be the most picturesque and arduous.

©2015 Inga Aksamit (P)2017 Inga Aksamit

Brilliant

wonderful audio book that makes you want to pack up right away and do the jmt. a truly personal story with lots of advice if you are looking for it. describes the personal experience and challenges one faces on the trail.

Excellent. Add it to your JMT reading list!

I really enjoyed listening to this in the gym, on the stair climber when I couldn’t get out to hike. I learned a lot about what to expect on the JMT in format that was more fun than yet another guide book. I liked that the story wasn’t just about what was great about the experience but that it also revealed some of the hardships. That made it very real. Highly recommended! Thank you, Inga!

Pointed, Compelling, Great JMT Reality Check!

I trekked this very same route, plus Forester and Whitney, in late August. I loved reliving the trail, and expanding my own experience with Aksamit's geological, historical, and bird references. I've found her other writing clear and instructive. This book had the added bonus of weaving larger connections, both to the ways her personal physical challenges mirrored those of some other hikers she encountered, and to the place the JMT holds as a historical achievement. I'm inspired to write more about my own experience!

Liked it a lot

Listened to it again as it made me feel as if I was on the trail with them. Very well written & narrated.

Good account husband and wife hiking

Liked: This book kept a good pace and didn’t drag on with unnecessary hyperbole. I liked the accounts and stories of interactions with other hikers.
If you like a husband and wife hiking experience this book is for you.

Disliked: The descriptions of the passes and “dangers” on the trail were a little to dramatic for me, but They weren’t too bad. I realize that others probably do feel like the trail is a “life or death” situation. I always feel safe and tranquil in the mountains.
If you’re into speed and miles this book isn’t for you.

You feel like you’re there.

Outstanding memoir and guide by a dedicated, knowledgeable, and generous authority on the John Muir Trail.

enjoyable memoir

I enjoyed reliving some of my JMT experience through the author's stories. However, I did not like the narration at all. It, in fact, decreased my enjoyment. it almost sounded like it was read by AI. The reader was too young to depict a personal experience by the author. She has a clear, nice tone but was the wrong choice for this book.

Inspiring and Insightful

If you wonder if you can do the JMT or not, if you would like to walk along with a couple that has lots of real experience on this trail, join Inga. She’s not a one and done either. Her ongoing support of the JMT community is real and value added. Pure gold from her to you.

Great Book about the JMT and hiking!

I read the kindle version of the book when it first came out. I did the trail with my husband the year before Inga so when the book came out, I was very interested in reading it. It brought back so many memories that had become a blur. When you are hiking a trail over two weeks, the days start to blend together.

I am planning another long distance hike for 2018 and repeating the JMT is one of the options so I was going to re-read her book but then I saw the audio book was available. Allie does an great job at the narration.

This is a great book if you are planning a JMT hike, completed the JMT or just want to listen to a hiking adventure. It isn't a guidebook but a story about the hike and the day to day difficulties along with unexpected surprises.

Nice story if a JMT experience

I’m conflicted about this one. It’s basically a pleasant story of a couple’s journey on the JMT. There are nuggets of wisdom in there and it’s the perfect read for someone (like me) who is planning a JMT trek. I’m not sure if it’s the writer or the narrator, but it comes off as very judgemental….jumping to conclusions about hikers based on their age (late 70’s), what they wear (lululemon), etc. The writer seems self conscious about the speed/mileage that they take on each day, and relishes when 20-milers get sick and have to get off the trail. There’s countless other examples where I cringed listening to the snide judgements comments.

I don’t know? It could be the narrator like others have suggested. Would I recommend the book….maybe. It definitely has me looking forward to my JMT but honestly, the culture of hiking and trekking has really shifted to be welcoming and encouraging, and I think this book misses the mark on that.