Tag backpacking

New Year Brings Reward From a Reader

Reg Spittle Leave a comment


One of the most rewarding experiences that comes with writing is hearing from readers. The new year began with a note from one reader, with a subject line, “Australian in Texas.”

“I just finished Camino Sunrise: Walking With My Shadows, after getting it for Christmas. I’d previously read Trippin’ Through My 60s and thoroughly enjoyed it, so my partner got me your earlier book. I really related to many aspects of your book, and have always found a lot of comfort in the unique type of friendship that comes from long hikes and camping trips…I look forward to reading about your next adventure.”

Last year was another good year for both books as far as new readers go. From 10 countries! I am so thankful to know that people choose to read my stories about five European backpacking treks.

I credit my wife and walking partner Sue for getting me out on the trails and for her work on both books. The titles, covers, artwork, and photographs are hers. Most importantly, her editing has improved them beyond measure.

You may be wondering what the photo has to do with this post. The other day, as I sat at my desk while writing about our latest trek, I looked out the window and this guy was looking over my shoulder. Just five feet away.

No, I did not bring the buck back from California’s John Muir Trail.

You can find Camino Sunrise and Trippin’ Through My 60s on Amazon or click on the titles.

The John Muir Trail Calls Me Daily

Reg Spittle 2 Comments
  • On my way up To Mount Whitney.
  • Atop the highest point in the continental USA.
  • I am a speck on the way up Forester Pass.
  • Our mule train nears the top of Forester Pass.
  • The descent from the passes required concentration.
  • These trail angels carried food and beer to the top of Selden Pass.
  • Thousand Island Lake.
  • Cathedral Peak is behind us.




It has been a bit more than a year since Sue and I set out on our greatest adventure, the John Muir Trail, which slices through the most spectacular sections of California’s Sierra Nevada. Over 243 miles, we climbed and descended 100,000 feet, mostly in wilderness. The hardest physical challenge of my life, it pushed me to my limit. I miss it and our trekking family every day.

Can you spot Guitar Lake in the first photo? I left our camp there at 4 in the morning to climb Mount Whitney, the highest point in the continental United States. Going northbound means the highest points and the tests of altitude acclimation come early in the trek, so Forester Pass (13,150 feet) was the first of a string of passes.

A highlight of our JMT was a hamburger, Sierra Nevada beer, and cake, served by four young trail angels—at the top of Selden Pass. They were there for just one day and surprise barely begins to measure our feelings.

The mules carried most of our stuff, including our home, a Nemo tent that is pictured near the trail’s end, at Upper Cathedral Lake, in Yosemite. We walked every mile, but tip our hats to trekkers who carry everything and detour to collect their resupplies.