My New Happy: Just Read The Book

Tuesday, May 12, 2015

Just Read The Book


I finally got a chance to see Wild this weekend.  It was my birthday so my husband had to watch whatever I wanted.  I enjoy Reese Witherspoon and I LOVED the book, so I was really looking forward to the movie.

It was terrible.

I don't know when I'll learn my lesson, and stop expecting great books to translate into good movies.  Wild, the movie, was depressing and upsetting. Wild, the book by Cheryl Strayed, was uplifting, positive, and inspirational.  All of the same things happened, but the focus was on the trail experience instead of the tragic events that led her there. 

It made me want to hike the Pacific Crest Trail.  Will I ever do it? Probably not. I doubt I have the stamina and I definitely don't have the time.  It can be accessed from Stevens Pass, about an hour from where I live, and someday we'd like to do a weekend camping trip from there.

We've gone hike-in camping before, which requires a person to carry everything they need on their back - water, food, shelter.  It's always an adventure.

Our favorite hike is the Capa Alava/Sand Point Loop, a ten mile round trip that travels through coastal forests before reaching the Pacific Ocean.  We took our kids as soon as they were old enough to carry their own backpacks.



Food has to be kept in a bear can or hung high in a tree to keep the critters away.  On our first trip, as we were explaining this to the boys, a raccoon strolled up and took T's fruit snack.  He was not happy, but the lesson was illustrated and learned.



It's not an easy trek, but once you arrive and set up camp, there's an entire beach to explore.



And star fish to find.



And the most glorious sunsets, without another soul around.



It's peaceful and calming and grounding.  

Unlike the movie Wild.  If you haven't already, just read the book, and skip the cinematic version.  And then let me know if you'd like to hike the PCT with me. 

20 comments:

  1. I loved the book but have not yet seen the movie! So fun to see your camping photos! We used to camp when I was younger but it was in a pop-up!

    Jill
    Doused In Pink

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    1. We actually haven't been camping in a while - looking through these pictures makes me want to go this summer!

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  2. Lana... I wouldn't mind hiking with you if I don't have to camp overnight...lol... I don't camp ;-) .... My idea of camping is a 5 star hotel... I wouldn't make it on this hike unfortunately. ♡ xox

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    1. I actually prefer hotels too. I'm okay with camping as long as it's not more than a weekend!

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  3. I love hiking but make sure to get back to the hotel for sleeping! I almost pushed the button to watch Wild but had reservations and now I am glad I didn't watch it. Thanks for the heads up!

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    1. I agree, Carol. Hotels are much better! Or at least a nice, big motor home.

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  4. I prefer glamping...just sayin'
    Beautiful photos though. :-)
    Darlene
    http://whosaprettygirl.com

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  5. I don't think it a coincidence that even though our birthdays aren't anywhere near each other's that we both wanted to see that movie on them. I didn't like it either but I LOVE the book and have read it twice now. I also have a picture of that same beach when I was standing on it at sunset! It seems so weird that we have stood in some of the same spots but at different times! No if we could just choreograph it to were we are both in the same spot at the same time! I have hopes that it will happen one day!

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    1. I can't believe you've been on that same beach! We will definitely be in the same spot one of these days - count on it!

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  6. I will have to put that book on my read list. Hiking...meh. Although there is a trail that I want to hike in Scotland...

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    1. Hiking in Scotland would be fun. And the book is really good, even if you don't like hiking.

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  7. I might pick up the book. I haven't seen the movie, but I've heard of it. I generally always prefer the books.

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    1. Me too - I don't know why I don't listen to myself.

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  8. We were deciding between Wild and The Theory of Everything when choosing a movie this weekend - decided against Wild; sounds like we made the right choice!
    I LOVE this post - great photos and descriptions of an overnight hike I now want to take! That beach looks gorgeous!
    Your boy's packs look like they were heavy - but they were still smiling!

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    1. You definitely made the right choice. Our packs were heavy - and trust me, they complained most of the way!

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  9. Glad for the tip! My mom gave me the book and I haven't read it yet but I know the movie is out or coming out. I don't want to see a terrible and depressing movie! Especially if the book was anything but.

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    1. The book is a thousand times better, and you will definitely enjoy it!

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  10. Well said, my friend. I almost always prefer the book to the movie. I didn't read Wild but didn't care for Reese Witherspoon's character much. Your hiking/camping adventures are much more real! Love the boys with the starfish!

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  11. Well said, my friend. I almost always prefer the book to the movie. I didn't read Wild but didn't care for Reese Witherspoon's character much. Your hiking/camping adventures are much more real! Love the boys with the starfish!

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