Reginald Spittle's Blog: See my book blog, page 25

Bernie Takes on the Tour du Mont Blanc

Look who I met on the Tour du Mont Blanc! Where’s your backpack, Bernie?

The Buachaille: Queen of Scotland’s Mountains

If you consider yourself a mountain aficionado, then the Buachaille Etive Mor might make you forget your other loves. Poised at the entrance to Scotland’s Glen Coe, The Buachaille, as Munro-baggers refer to it, is a highlight of the West Highland Way, should the weather permit it to show off. This photo of Sue on one of our favorite treks holds a special place in my memories of 1,100 miles of backpacking in six countries. The Buachaille and the West Highland Way are among the featured characters in my second book, coming soon.

The West Highland Way: A Scottish Treasure

Scotland’s West Highland Way has become one of the world’s most popular long-distance treks. Sue and I used Charlie Loram’s guidebook to plan our 96-mile walk from Milngavie (Mul-guy) to Fort William. We started in Glasgow, adding 10 miles to the official path.

Loram’s 53 hand-drawn maps were our favorite feature and the guide goes well beyond the usual narrative with many pages of information about accommodation (including camping), food, weather, and much more.

Paul Bissett’s journal of his Highlands walk, From Milngavie to Midges, would work well as a companion to Loram’s guidebook. Bissett completed the walk in just six days and admits he should have taken longer. He offers alternative itineraries and websites that would help hikers plan their walk. His narrative is an easy and quick read.

If you are as fortunate as we were with Scotland’s unpredictable weather, the Highlands walk will unveil spectacular scenery unlike any other. And, if you want to keep going, the Great Glen Way extends the trek to Inverness along the Caledonian Canal and Loch Ness.

Van Life: Book Answers “Why?” and “How To?”

I congratulate Bob Wells for his practical, approachable book, How to Live in a Car, Van or RV.

At a time when van life is sweeping America as well as other parts of the world, the author presents how-to advice for those who want to live on the road. From where to park to how to install electrical power, Bob Wells’ narrative is straightforward. He covers philosophical and financial issues and van lovers will especially be drawn to the book for its practical information. He discusses life in cars and RVs, but the focus is on van life.

I prefer the comforts of my small travel trailer, but I enjoyed Wells’ story and could relate to many of the issues he covers, except, thankfully, weathering two divorces. He has gained fame through his popular YouTube channel, CheapRVLiving. Wells admits making many mistakes and taking risks he doesn’t recommend during his years living in vans.

In the past year or so, I have read three other books with the living-in-a-vehicle theme. Here are links to two of my reviews:

Walden on Wheels, by Ken Ilgunas; and Nomadland, by Jessica Bruder. I did not review Living in an RV, by Alyssa Padgett, but I recommend all three books as well as Bob Wells’ offering, which was published in 2012.

A 100-Year-Old Man Does the Unthinkable(s)

On his 100th birthday, Allan Karlsson climbs out of the window of his Swedish nursing home and makes a run for it. Actually, as most people his age would do, he shuffles off to an adventure that leaves readers to decide if he is a hero or a bumbling fool.

Take a deep breath for the title: The 100-Year-Old Man Who Climbed Out the Window and Disappeared, by Jonas Jonasson. Karlsson’s daring escape from his caretakers quickly becomes the least surprising of his actions in this ridiculous, but charming story. His life becomes linked with an unlikely collection of co-conspirators, shady criminals, and law enforcement officers. Millions of crowns, several killings, explosions and an elephant named Sonya all play roles.

If you are a history buff, you may be intrigued by his connections to Harry Truman, Mao Tse-tung, General Franco and Joseph Stalin. And explosives. Then there is his role in the development of nuclear weaponry.

At the beginning of the story, I turned pages as fast as I could. I got bogged down a few times in the flashbacks to his earlier exploits, told in perhaps too much detail. But if I live to be 100, I know I will share Allan Karlsson’s desire to do the unexpected, to defy those who think they have me figured out. I just hope those who follow me are as curious about my fate as I was about Allan Karlsson’s.

3 Adventurers Who Defied Human Limits

Are you impressed by those who thru-hike thousands of miles? Then, what do you think about these adventurers? Click on each name to see a brief review of their books, which are so much more than inspiring.

J. Robert Harris backpacked–often solo–on treks many would consider impossible.



Kate Harris rode a bicycle on a most incredible journey.



Julie Bradley sailed to places few would even consider–or survive.

The Trail Provides: My Favorite Book

As 2020 is ushered out the door, author David Smart wins my applause for writing the best book out of the 50 or so I read this year.

As a distance trekker, I am in awe that he walked more than 2,600 miles on the Pacific Crest Trail from the Mexican border to Canada. He earns his trail name, Stayin’ Alive, many times over. As a fellow writer, I admire his honesty and entertaining narrative. He earns my hope that this is not his last book (nor distance trek).

If circumstances again keep me from a distance trail in 2021, I will pick up The Trail Provides: A Boy’s Memoir of Thru-Hiking the Pacific Crest Trail, for an adventure that will not feel as vicarious as it is.

Check out my review here.

Thank you, Automattic

Thanks to Automattic, we worked off a little of 2020 today with a grueling wwwp5k. It was also a chance to remember the Ashland Food Bank, which does great work for our community here in Southern Oregon. There is still time to join the wwwp5k fun! (Automattic is the parent company of Word Press.)

—Sue and Reg Spittle

Ashland, Oregon

Special Camino Delivery from a U.K. Reader

A fantastic gift arrived just before Christmas in the form of a review from a reader in the United Kingdom: “I absolutely loved this book. I’ve read many Camino books and this is by far the best. So endearing and sweet and I felt like I picked up loads of tips for my upcoming Camino in 2021.”

When I sat on a bench for my first Camino lunch, I wondered if I would be able to walk across Spain to Santiago. I had no idea I would publish a book about Sue’s and my adventure. I am grateful to readers in 10 countries who have chosen to read Camino Sunrise: Walking With My Shadows.

Free Country: What a Ride!

Wearing just underwear emblazoned with the British flag, George Mahood and his buddy left Land’s End in southwest England without a penny, determined to bicycle to the northern tip of Great Britain. They would rely on the generosity and good hearts of the people, from pub owners and accommodation hosts to the police.

They would not solicit cash, but would accept meals, rooms, clothes, old bicycles and whatever else they needed. They would offer to wash dishes and do other work. They were out to prove that people are good.

If you have not read a book by George Mahood, you are in for a treat. His writing in Free Country is even more entertaining than his story’s premise and is powered by humor and down-to-earth human touches.

I doubt it will be the last George Mahood book you read.