Category Hoofin’ It book

Hoofin’ It is No. 1! Thank You, Readers!

Reg Spittle 2 Comments

My third adventure trekking book is a number-one best seller! I am so grateful to readers.

Hoofin’ It on the John Muir Trail has hovered in the top ten in several categories, but today it made the leap to the top in the Kindle walking category.

The actual sales remain modest, but Hoofin’ It has continued to find new readers since its launch in January.

I also want to send my deepest appreciation to readers who took the time to write reviews:

“This is a great read and fun story…It does exactly what a book of this type should…Makes you want to go hike it as well!”

“Hoofin’ It on the John Muir Trail lets the author do the walking while you do the gawking, imagining the splendid scenery and unmatched beauty of this special wilderness so thoroughly described. You don’t have to be a long-distance hiker or wilderness adventurer to enjoy this book.”

“Hoofin’ It is just as delightful as Reg Spittle’s first two books with a slightly different spin. I had no idea that the John Muir Trail was a difficult as it is, and if Sue and Reg found it arduous, there aren’t many of us who could accomplish it. Seeing the map day by day made each climb clear. I felt like I knew his hiking mates and especially the packers. All long-distance backpackers of a certain age should read all three of these books for confidence and inspiration. I’m looking forward to next year’s trip. Go Reg and Sue!”

“Fun read from an author in his 60’s. This was a sweet book with great characters and a different perspective.”

“Reg’s vivid prose takes the reader through strenuous climbs and risky descents, and the descriptions of the magnificent Sierra vistas will fill you with awe. Their fellow hikers and the packers that guide them become like family on the trail, and Reg details their bonding with warmth and humor. Although the book isn’t intended as a guide, there are plenty of helpful tips for prospective hikers on clothing, packing, eating and trail etiquette (including the fine art of “poop maintenance”). All in all, it’s a joyful read.”

“Loved this book, it tells the amazing story of their hike without being long and drawn out. Very inspiring story.”

The ten distance treks and three books have brought challenges and joys beyond any I imagined. And none would have been possible without Sue, my walking partner, chief editor, and artistic designer. Here’s to many more journeys together!

Age, Race, and Altitude on a High Sierra Trail

Reg Spittle 3 Comments
Benje Williams and his dad on their High Sierra journey. Photo: Backpacker, Outside+

Writing for Backpacker, Benje Williams chronicles a Sierra Nevada adventure, describing how he and his dad battled high-altitude fatigue and haunting memories of his parents’ miserable trek decades before. The son poses questions: Why don’t more blacks take up backpacking? Is fear of discrimination holding them back? Is age a barrier for people considering a challenging trek?

During our 10 distance treks, most in Europe, Sue and I have seen very few black hikers. It has been a subject we have discussed with hopes that all are welcomed on the trails. For Benje Williams and his 65-year-old dad, racism surfaces on their adventure, even finding its way through silence.

As for age being a blockade, we were in our 60s when we tackled the John Muir Trail, also in California’s Sierra Nevada. I was among three in our group who were 69 and I may have been out of breath more than the “youngsters” we met on our 30-day experience, but I made it to Mount Whitney’s peak and finished all 246 miles, albeit aided by mules who carried most of our group’s gear.

Although it is not unusual to walk with people in their 60s–or occasionally even older–in Europe, there were few senior citizens in the High Sierra when we were there. But at every place we have trekked, age has never prevented bonding around the campfire, at trail stops, or during shared meals. However, language has affected our sense of camaraderie several times.

Earlier in 2025, Sue and I walked nearly 400 miles on Italy’s Via Francigena and England’s Cotswold Way. Both were hard, but being 73 was not an overriding factor for me and Sue’s 68 years did not keep her from conquering steep climbs with gusto.

I hope Benje and his dad will continue to make adventure a part of their lives. Click on the link above to read Benje’s article.