Everything You Ever Taught Me: If you've a lot on your mind, go for a walk...

by Person Irresponsible

In 2020 the world went to hell in a handbag. This isn’t exactly headline news - although it was then. I went from perfectly locatable in the Cotswolds to utterly baffled in the American wilderness when I embarked on a quest to walk from Mexico to Canada for reasons that escape me. It was most probably nothing more dramatic than a mid-life crisis. Perhaps I should have come ‘home’ but I lived in the deluded optimism the pandemic would all be over by the summer. Besides, I’d given up my shoving my belongings into storage, persuaded someone to look after my cat and someone else to look after my car. I did think about returning but each time I popped into civilisation to top up my supplies, I discovered a new reason to run for the hills. So 'home' became a a mere flimsy bit of fabric to protect me from every conceivable terror that exists in the wilderness - bears, rattlesnakes, deserts, avalanches and other human beings. Most dangerous of all was the racket inside my head.
Everything you ever taught me is my journey, relying on nothing other than the twelve steps of recovery, teaching me to take it one day at a time, one step at a time, and one bloody ginormous mountain at a time as I staggered my way along the Pacific Crest Trail. As mid-life crises go, I remain utterly clueless why mine took me from my sofa to the Canadian border via the fridge, powered only by two chubby legs and a fat arse.

297 pages, Paperback

Published June 2, 2021

Reviews

[Tracey Agnew · Rating 5 out of 5]

I'm a bit of a PCT obsessive and this is my third book about those lucky (crazy?!) people who have walked at least part of this iconic hiking route. Person Irresponsible is my kind of hiker, overweight, undertrained and in the second half of life. As well as all this to recommend her, she is also a recovering alcoholic. I loved the way she wove in the twelve steps and as someone with experience of the fellowship (Al Anon) I found the insight into her drinking life and behaviour really helpful in my own journey. This book has much to recommend it although a bit of more careful editing could have made it perfect.

[John Brew · Rating 5 out of 5]

The best of hikes, the worst of hikes

"Everything You Ever Taught Me" is a life journey seen through the lens of a long hike. There are three interwoven strands of the book.

First, the author describes hiking the desert and mountains of the US for six months on the Pacific Crest Trail. A long hike of 2650 miles (4270 km) covers many wonderful sights. It's also a journey that requires physical, mental and emotional stamina. She provided readers with a realistic picture of what it's like to complete her journey. It wasn't easy and she didn't sugar coat her experience.

Next, she portrays what it was like for an English woman to journey through the USA. She gives a portrait of her clan of fellow hikers, a global group. In addition, she sketches what life was like in the USA during the time of COVID.

Finally, her insights into her journey as a recovering alcoholic are illuminating. Completing the PCT was hard but her journey to recovery seems even more challenging.

I found this book informative, entertaining, and inspiring. I highly recommend it.

[Cari Dunbar Philpott · Rating 5 out of 5]

A beautifully written & funny account of a sober woman on the trail. I don’t think one need be in recovery to enjoy this but should be read by those who like to hear wisdom in the writing no matter how funny it may also be. Thank you IR for writing this beautiful account on combining my 2 fave things, recovery & hiking from this fellow AA sister!!

[Maria Jansson · Rating 5 out of 5]

I have personally hiked, and experienced several sections of the trail in California and Oregon on horseback. I have never hiked the entire length of the trail from Mexico to Canada (although there once was a plan to do so…) No-one hiking this trail could do so without being deeply touched by the landscape. I really enjoyed the witty descriptions of how this 45-50 year old anonymous British woman experienced the PCT. The book is well written, and I loved revisiting some of my favourite places, maybe especially the small towns where she restocked her supplies. The only thing I did not appreciate was the layout, with very cramped, crowded pages. I'd still give the book 5 stars, since the story is definitely worth that, but the layout is not reader friendly.

[Sara · Rating 5 out of 5]

Refreshingly honest journal of one woman's journey on the PCT, and her continuing journey through recovery.
No candy coating on the discomforts of either, but told with humor and optimism, even on the toughest parts.

[Miriam S · Rating 5 out of 5]

Totally enjoyable and hilarious. She doesn’t hold back. I laughed out loud a lot while reading this. A comfort read for anyone in recovery! Great insight if you’re interested in backpacking or thru hiking but haven’t done it yet (like me) and want to hear what it’s really like for a beginner !

[Adriana · Rating 5 out of 5]

I enjoyed PI's view of the PCT. I like to read hikers stories because their own personal interpretation of the hike gives each trail such a diverse personality. With her quirky, sarcastic storytelling, PI kept me there, hiking with her the entire 2653+ miles. Beautifully written from her own personal life experiences.

[Raewyn · Rating 5 out of 5]

PI is a very good writer

Not just a comprehensive record of a PCT through hike. PU shares her journey from drunk to sober and from dysfunction to acceptance, growth and the continuing struggle to become a good human.
I loved this book and am grateful that PI has the talent to share her story.