Meika Hashimoto, is the author of The Trail (Ages 8–12, a thrilling novel about adventure—and survival—on the Appalachian Trail. She stopped by OOM to share her love of hiking in celebration of National Take a Hike Day on November 17.
When I was young, hiking taught me to slow down and really see a place. To see each autumn leaf, each drifting snowflake, each drop of rain and petal in bloom. Hiking not only shows you these things, it fills you with amazement that these things exist. As an adult, even though I venture farther than the local woods of my childhood, I am still always searching for that same feeling of wonder that gripped me so completely as a child. In some ways, The Trail is my love letter to the outdoors. It is my way of showing readers how immediate and real—and life changing—the mountains can be.
Here I am taking a bog bridge break! Time for a chug of water and a Snickers.
Peering over the foggy cliffs with my beagle mutt, Piper. She’s just as loyal as Toby’s dog, Moose.
Sunset in the White Mountains. A world set afire. Toby’s journey along the Appalachian Trail would have brought him to this very spot.
Fading into the mist. Not all hiking happens on flawless blue-sky days.
Roys Peak, New Zealand. The country is just as beautiful as The Lord of the Rings makes it out to be. But their Snickers bars are way too small.
