A captivating new book by a Carolina local, has hit the shelves! “Follow The White Blazes” is a narrative of Eagle Trail Dancer, who embarked on a transformative journey of self-discovery (both physically and symbolically), spanning over three decades.
More About The Book & Author
This unique chronicle is a tale of two worlds: the subculture of long-distance hiking the Appalachian Trail (AT), and the struggle and triumphs of overcoming the destruction caused by alcoholism and PTSD. Over the course of 35 years, Eagle Trail Dancer (the author’s Indian Pen Trail Name) has trekked the AT to its completion of 2198 miles, and certainly has experienced many degrees of recovery throughout that time.
In the fall of 1988, Eagle Trail Dancer took the first step on the AT, not knowing that the trail would be his companion in the journey towards sobriety. The tale unfolds over 35 years of hiking the AT, not in one continuous stretch, but in sections, a feat often overlooked in traditional narratives about the AT.
Book Content & Writing Style
The author skillfully interweaves his experiences from the trail and his road to recovery from Post-Traumatic Stress Disorder (PTSD) and alcoholism. Eagle Trail Dancer shares his unique training system that allowed him to keep pace with thru-hikers despite hiking in sections.
Follow The White Blazes is not just about the physical journey but delves into the mental and emotional transformation that accompanies such an endeavor. The author shares his experiences with the twelve-step recovery process of Alcoholics Anonymous (AA), portraying his struggle and ultimate victory over addiction. He illustrates the power of the wilderness in
healing and self-discovery, highlighting the parallels between the ups and downs on the trail and life’s challenges.
Lessons On Life
He provides practical advice on how to prepare for sectional hiking and how to integrate the discipline, goal-setting, and motivation required on the trail into everyday life. The white blazes on the trail become more than just trail markers; they transform into life lessons, guiding the reader on their own personal journey.
This book is not only for those grappling with addiction or interested in hiking but also for anyone seeking inspiration and a deeper understanding of themselves. It’s a tale of resilience and hope, perseverance, the value of community, and a testament to the human spirit’s ability to overcome the most formidable obstacles. The transformative power of nature is also important.
Meet Eagle Trail Dancer
A Book Talk & Signing will take place at Jesse Brown’s Outdoors on Friday, March 7th, 2025 at 6PM. More information will be available on our EVENTS page.
Follow The White Blazes embarks on a journey of self-discovery, resilience, and redemption. Be inspired, educated, and enlightened by this unique intersection of hiking and recovery from alcoholism. So, lace up your hiking boots, open your heart, and join the author on his remarkable journey of sobriety and adventure on the Appalachian Trail.
So read this captivating new book and go take a hike!
