Friday, July 18, 2025

Review: Northbound With Theo

Northbound With Theo: A Man and his Dog Thru-Hike the Appalachian Trail at Ages 75 and 8

By Soren West


This is strictly a trip report, not a memoir. I learned little about the author, his history and family, other than the report of the sons and daughters of his current life that helped him survive the journey. And in a way, that makes sense—he’s not a young person “coming of age” on the trail and he’s not a middle-aged person who makes a life-changing discovery. There is little introspection in this report, period. A good bit of present-time detail, but not much meanderings of the mind. 

That made me like it less than I have other such trail adventures, but I still liked it. It was just a little too matter of fact for my tastes. 

I was also disappointed that he didn’t find time to make many notes of the trail and the places he went. He has a lot—certainly more than I ever find the time to write down—but I wanted more. So just a little wishful, finishing up.

Still worth the reading.

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