Customer Reviews

A Thru-Hiker's Heart, Tales of the Pacific Crest Trail

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I was captivated by "A Thru-Hiker's Heart" from start to finish. It was one of those books that you don't want to end. As a long-distance hiker of the Pacific Crest Trail, I enjoyed revisiting the places I've been. And because I love the trail community -- the other hikers, the "trail angels" who help us, and the townspeople we meet when we step off the trail -- it was fun to read "No Way Ray's" experiences with those he met.

"A Thru-Hiker's Heart" is also intriguing because Ray has combined his stories of his PCT hikes with background information about the places through which the trail passes. For example, although I knew that hikers had been killed by lightning while inside the hut atop Mt. Whitney (although signs warn not to huddle there), I had no idea that the idea for the hut was conceived after someone was struck and killed by a lightning strike in 1904.

But most of all I loved the book because of Ray's openness and spirit. He tells it like it is -- some days are grueling, some people are annoying, but above all we know that he loves being on the trail. I highly recommend "A Thru-Hiker's Heart" and am thankful that his wife, Alice Tulloch, brought Ray's stories to us after his unfortunate death from a fall while hiking our beloved PCT.

From the Arrowhead Courier News Jan 4 2011

Hiker Killed On Pacific Crest Trail

By Michael P. Neufeld


At 6:09 a.m. last Monday, Ray Echols and his wife, Alice, began hiking along the Pacific Crest Trail behind Lake Arrowhead.

Three hours later, Wendell Ray Echols apparently slipped and fell to his death down a 200-foot embankment. His body had to be airlifted to the airfield at The Lost Ranch (formerly Squints Ranch) by the San Bernardino County Sheriff's Department helicopter.

The Mendocino couple were experienced hikers and were crossing sections of the San Bernardino National Forest on the scenic trail that runs from Mexico to Canada, zigzagging through California, Oregon and Washington.

Alice Echols told deputies Miguel Placencia and Gregg Carpenter she was hiking about 20 yards behind her husband when he went around a corner and disappeared.

"I called him on his cell phone," Mrs. Echols stated, "and I heard it ring about 15 feet down the steep mountainside. My husband was nowhere to be seen."

A few minutes after Echols disappeared, Terry Thompson from San Diego came down the trail with a hiker partner and heard Mrs. Echols' calls for assistance.

"She had left her backpack on the trail with a note, and she was attempting to go down the slope to try and locate her husband," Thompson explained. "She made motions of distress so I immediately summoned help on my satellite telephone and deputies were dispatched to the scene.

"A friend and I assisted her back to the trail and then took another route down the hillside and discovered Mr. Echols' lifeless body at the bottom of the canyon. We brought Mrs. Echols down to her husband and waited until the Sheriff's helicopter arrived with a physician, who certified the death.

"They were both excellent hikers and this accident is very surprising," Thompson added.

For anyone who has wanted to prepare for the rigors of long-distance trail life, or simply experience this vicariously from the comfort of home and hearth, the potential to be inspired is within these pages. Each page rings true with the experience, wit and wisdom of the writer as he negotiates and navigates the long thin line between wilderness and civilization that is the Pacific Crest Trail. An experience sometimes mysterious, sometimes heart-warming, while at others, how to survive the raw hardship of life on the trail is impressively fascinating, whether this be the need to locate safe shelter, water, or soothing libations. The tragic circumstances of this book's publication in no way diminishes, even amplifies its power.

This book was a good read, mostly because I enjoy reading hiking books. That being said there are much better book about the PCT. First of all there are only 3-4 pages on Oregon and Washington. I know that he died before he could finish writing the book, so it didn't affect my review; I knew that before I bought the book. However, upon reading the book I found that a large portion of it was about going into the towns on the PCT. I mean that's great, but I don't usually read hiking books to learn about which hotels someone stayed in and what time the post office opens. A little of this is fine, but I would have preferred a little more 'trail' story.
It also was not in chronological order, which didn't make sense to me; it certainly didn't add to the story and even was confusing in sections. There were also lots of historical bible references, which I just skipped over; I'm not really sure why they were in there.
I'm not really sure it's worth the high price it is now. Maybe wait for it to go on sale or borrow it. My husband and I both enjoyed "A Blistered Kind of Love" better.

I started reading this book and could not put it down - finished it in 2 days. I like to hike and really enjoyed the commentary about the "ups and downs" of long hikes. Ray Echols put his heart and soul and education into his musings. Thank you to Alice Echols for getting this published.

It's not often one finds and reads a book that can involve the reader on so many levels as "A Thru-Hiker's Heart". Author, "No Way" Ray Echols, has the ability to write descriptions of people and places with amazing clarity. "Coming down into the desert, all thoughts of cool mountain vistas and shaded, piney trails evaporate like rain drops into the incandescent air." His broad and descriptive vocabulary may force you to grab your dictionary but not often.

Echols' love of the outdoors and his passion for artistic photography (at one time he intended to be a professional photographer) is clearly evidenced by the many color pictures taken along the trail that are included. They complement the verbal descriptions and help you better visualize the scenery almost as if you were there..

The book includes a great mix of historical lore, botanical information, philosophy, poetry, spirituality and humor penned with honesty about himself: good and bad traits, mistakes made, regrets and life lessons learned.

It's a rare person who will share the psychological as well as the physical journey. Yes, this book is a journey of both.

"A Thru-Hiker's Heart" encourages the reader to vicariously hike alongside the author experiencing the beauty, wonder and power of nature while pondering myriad thoughts. Add to that his fear, frustrations, tiredness and pain, hunger and strange encounters with folks along the route; you have a book well worth reading for both the entertainment value and the educational aspects of long distance hiking.

In my imagination I've now been on the Pacific Crest Trail, but I feel I could walk (taking my time) long distances if needed. I've learned by reading "A Thru-Hiker's Heart" that hiking and life are a state of mind...one step, one hour, one day at a time. It all adds up.

Ray's excellent command of the English language really adds to the delightful experience you will sense as you enjoy each and every chapter. You can almost feel the tiredness in your own feet as Ray travels the length of the PCT. The photos of some of the areas he traveled are truly awe inspiring.

The anecdotes about No-way Ray's life on the trail are fascinating and his witty prose a delight to read. But I thought the brightest spot in this interesting memoir of backpacking the Pacific Crest Trail is the honesty and frankness with which the author relates his personal trail experiences and the story he weaves about the history of the trail. I relish a good book about a long walk and this book had me both turning pages to see what would happen next and reflecting on the authors musings and insights.

This book is a great read. Ray was a wonderful writer with a great soul. Loved the book and couldn't put it down. I read it slowly knowing the sad ending as Ray died doing what he loved best; hiking the PCT.

It's sad that Ray died, and it's sad that we didn't get to complete the hike with him, but this is a fabulous book with lots of insights.