Customer Reviews

Ten Million Steps: Nimblewill Nomad's Epic 10-Month Trek from the Florida Keys to Quebec

5 star:		(8)
4 star:		(2)
3 star:		(0)
2 star:		(0)
1 star:		(1)

 

 

I have a whole bookcase filled with hiking books. Most of them are about the Appalachian Trail as I am a thru hiker myself. This book is really a terrific read and certainly spells out the reality of life on the trail. I have to be honest, as I read about "Nomads'" first couple of days on the trail in Florida I was amazed at the perseverance of this man. Quite frankly, I would have quit when I found myself in the dark up to my waste in swamp water - water containing who knows what critters! He also took time during his hike to stop and meet people. Rarely did he give anyone the impression that he just had to get going and didn't have time to talk. I'd like to have met him in my travels. His age at the time (59) reminded me of my hiking at that age. I think anyone who would like to share the travails of long distance hiking from their comfortable arm chair will enjoy this book!

This is the journal of M.J. Eberhart, a retired optometrist, who walked from Key West, Florida to Cap Gaspe, Quebec, not necessarily in that order. Each entry contains his mileage, where he slept that night, a short poem or quote and his thoughts and descriptions of his travails and the people he met on the way. Mr. Eberhart is a kind, decent man who never has a bad word to say about anyone. Everyone he meets is a friend, and I mean that in an admiring way. Despite having done something few others have ever done before he is not the least bit boastful.

I enjoyed meeting fellow hikers and seeing the Florida, Appalachain, and International Appalachain Trail through his eyes. This is not a "how to" book. There are no real maps and the paperback edition has only a few black and white pictures.

Mr. Eberhart does describe his motivation for making this hike. I only wish he went a little deeper. He shies away from his Christianity to an extent which may have been at the insistence of his publisher, which publishes hiking and adventure books. We also don't hear much about what led to this journey. I'd imagine working in a windowless eye examining room for many years would give someone the impetus to get outside.

Those minor criticisms aside, it was a fun read and I'd recommend it to anyone with even a mild case of wanderlust.

I purchased this book for my husband whom ran into Mr. Eberhard while hiking in MI. on the north country trail. I want to say how much he enjoyed reading this book. It carried him on the trail beside Nimblewill. I know he was sorry the book came to a close. But he will remember meeting Nimblewill on the North Country Trail for a very long time. We also hope your knee is recovering, We have read how this trek came to a close. Best wish'es to You,

Let me get one thing out of the way, Nimblewill is an amazing hiker with a long list of extraordinary hikes. I met him on the AT (very briefly) and he seemed like a terrific guy. However, this book is agonizing. Cobbled together of daily journal entries, after the first couple weeks the structure is as choppy as driving a washboard road. His reaffirmations of faith and thanks show impressive resilience at first, but they continue as a near daily redundancy, and become exhausting. The book is quite long, yet avoids going deeply into the author's thoughts. Instead he only gives a near-surface glimpse of himself, sometimes giving an interesting comment that appears will lead to deeper discussion, though never does, the narrative returning to the rote play by play of trail life. The book is a dusted over journal and not a thoughtfully constructed narrative. Maybe for hardcore trail life buffs it will work, but even as a two time thru hiker, my enjoyment regretfully ended after the first few pages.

Wonderful travel tale of hiking over 5,000 miles from Florida to beyond Maine. Really tells it like it is, and what can go well and what can go very wrong. Brings a whole new meaning up pass your hips in alligators, not to mention setting your camp gear on fire.

As well as a resource-full account of Eb's travels, this is also a very entertaining book. Full of daily quotations, poetic descriptions of the landscape and people, and, more than anything, uplifting. Congratulations on a job well-done, Eb. Not just the trip, but its recording for the rest of us.

I received my copy today and I'm up to page 100. It is a blend of humor, a man's journey, and numerous inspiring quotes...that makes me want to hit Eastern Mountain Sports and start the hike. Someday I plan to hike the Triple Crown, etc. Cheers to this man who has had the desire, dream and drive to complete an epic journey and share it with the world. Thanks for a great read and giving me another glimpse into long-distance hiking.

I purchased this book for my wife for Christmas. She enjoyed "Nomad's" writing very much. I just finished the book myself and I too was very pleased with way Eb took you along on his trip. I highly recommend this book.

Well written account of hiking trip for such a long distance. Sometimes too wordy on spirtual themes.

What a wonderful and inspiring book!! If you are a backpacker, outdoorsman, or a couch AT hiker, this book is very enjoyable. Eb makes you feel like you are walking every step with him. The book also helps one to realize the "kindness" and generosity of the American and Canadian people. It was uplifting to read a 500+ page book without one bit of negativity toward anyone by the author. Thank you Nimblewill!