This Land Was Saved for You and Me

My new Hardcover traces the 100-year arc from the realization that the protection of public lands was vital to the signage of the 1964 Wilderness Act.
The mysterious ‘Hermit of Monson’ may have smuggled opium out of Maine in the 1920s

Today’s Bangor Daily News ran a marvelous article about the mysterious Jim Whyte and his lurid career.
To be sure, the man lived a swashbuckling life from beginning to end.
Goodreads Giveaway for “Hermit” Ends 8/28 — enter now!

The first print run of Hermit: The Mysterious Life of Jim Whyte sold out quickly. The good news for you is that I saved eight copies to create a Goodreads Giveaway.
But you don’t have long to enter, so do it now!
Special Announcement — Three days in and second printing is already underway

“Hermit” is off to an incredible start and the bookstores haven’t even received their shipments yet! I am thankful for the great reception and positive comments. They mean so much.
There’s still time to place an order from the first printing, but they’re going quickly. You can order signed or unsigned copies …
New Trail Alert

On August 3, 2019, the state of Oregon will open a new stretch of trail from Wyeth State Park to Lindsey Creek, marking a significant milestone in their effort to create a hiking and cycling trail connecting Troutdale to The Dalles. The trail retraces the original scenic highway that was partially destroyed in the construction of Interstate 84 to provide safe hiking and biking through the gorge while allowing spectacular views along the way.
Reader’s Favorite Ranks “Hermit” a 5-Star Read

The author’s holy grail is the story that readers can’t stop reading. I was grateful to receive that kind of feedback when I was drafting and editing my manuscript from a hand-selected audience of publishing professionals and friends.
A few weeks ago, I sent a review copy of my manuscript for Hermit: The Mysterious Life of Jim Whyte to the folks at Reader’s Favorite. Here’s what they had to say:
Round Hill, VA becomes latest Appalachian Trail Community

This Saturday, June 15, Round Hill, Virginia will become the 47th town designated as part of the Appalachian Trail Community™ program of the Appalachian Trail Conservancy. The program acknowledges towns that enjoy a symbiotic relationship with the trail by supporting the hiking community in spirit and in deed.
Sign up for first dibs

The first printing of “Hermit” will sell out quickly. Sign up now for a one-time notification when the book is available.
Who was Jim Whyte?

In 1895, a mysterious man arrived in the rural Maine town of Monson by rail. With him was a woman he introduced as his wife. The couple bought 30 acres of land high on a ridge overlooking the rail line through Bodfish Valley. One year later, Dora Whyte left town for good, leaving her
Yup, this happened …

A funny thing happened when I sat down to “write a book about the Appalachian Trail” (the one that became my first book, Appalachian Odyssey).
From the start, I thought that the path would lead me to other discoveries (like a trail always does)