I enjoyed your book about the Bruce Trail.  My best friend and I hiked the Bruce, end-to-end, back in '89. He's fortunate in that, today, he lives in Boston, and still travels that area on a semi-regular basis, while I'm in Dallas-Fort Worth, having to plan my vacation days wisely if I'm going to get anywhere near the old trail.  I bought two copies of your book, and my pal will be getting a copy for Christmas, with a couple bottles of good Texas beer to while away the afternoon as he reads.

There were quite a few déjà vu moments from your book (including nasty weather and going somewhere to dry out and regroup), but one in particular really had me smiling:  The damnable Southern Cairn IS tough to find.  We had a hard time finding it back in '89, and when I was up there a few weeks ago, I must have spent 30 minutes, walking around the park, eventually spotting a white blaze and then following its path back to the cairn.  I think the BTA's guidebooks are written in such a way that it's easy to equate "General Brock Monument" with "the start of the trail."  For grins, I even went out to Wikipedia's site today and mentioned "it's in a parking lot," if that saves the bacon of even ONE hiker.
     Thanks! Steve Quarrella, Argyle TX  12/07

"A well-written and much needed addition to long-distance hiking literature. This book will inspire and help others to experience the beauty of the Bruce Trail."
    Warren Doyle, Ph.D., Founder: Appalachian Long Distance Hikers Association, Director:     Appalachian Trail Institute


This book is a good introduction to long distance hiking.
This is a essentially a journal of the daily events in the authors' end-to-end hike of the Bruce Trail presented by Sue Freeman. Long distance hikers will recognize elements of their own hikes and perhaps be inspired to hike the Bruce.
    A reader @AOL.com from Baltimore, MD , December 1, 1998 4 out of 5 stars (Amazon.com rating 1-5 stars)


This book is a good introduction to long distance hiking. It is essentially a journal of the daily events in the authors' end-to-end hike of the Bruce Trail presented by Sue Freeman. Long distance hikers will recognize elements of their own hikes and perhaps be inspired to hike the Bruce. While novices are well advised of the reality of poison ivy, rain, cold and blisters, they also will vicariously enjoy the thrill and independence of being a thru-hiker. The book provides realistic, sound advice about daily routines, equipment, mail drops and, most important, mental outlook and expectations of backpacking. Having hiked most of the Appalachian Trail myself, I can attest to the common sense contained herein. This is a natural "next trail" for AT thru-hikers.
      A reader from Baltimore, MD

While novices are well advised of the reality of poison ivy, rain, cold and blisters, they also will vicariously enjoy the thrill and independence of being a thru hiker. The book provides realistic, sound advice about daily routines, equipment, mail drops and, most important, mental outlook and expectations of backpacking. Having hiked most of the Appalachian Trail myself, I can attest to the common sense contained herein. This is a natural "next trail" for AT thru hikers.


A fun book to read - even for non-hikers. I found that this book helped me get the feel of what hiking the Bruce Trail would be like. I'm not able to do it myself but I enjoy reading about other people's adventures. If I was able to, this book would help me pick the right equipment and supplies. I liked the banter between the two authors and the way they helped each other reach their goals. I'd recommend this book to other armchair travelers like me.
     Joyce Connor, March 23, 1999,   (Amazon.com rating 1-5 stars)

REVIEWS:

I liked this book a lot. Perhaps it is the detailed, black and white photographs or the well-written prose. By the end of the book I felt I'd known the Freemans, the land and all that lives upon it, all my life. Now I'm not going to go off on a trip along the Bruce Trail. Though the Freemans do share more than a wee bit of hiking wisdom. I will explore from my comfy couch or loveseat as I dream of escaping my children for awhile. Whether you are an athletic wonder, an armchair wannabe or never was, then you will enjoy this book. I liked it.
     Leann Arndt, Buzz Review News

These veteran backpackers intersperse valuable trail tips. The epilogue on trail routine and equipment is a step above many of the sound-alike hiking primers that litter bookstore backpacking shelves.
    W. E. Reinka, Independent Publisher

The Freemans don't hesitate to mention the challenges and annoyances that test their resolve. Their observations aren't meant t discourage through hikers. It's an honest appraisal meant to remind readers this isn't a walk through a manicured park. And, there's no shortage of enthusiastic descriptions of the many beautiful and interesting natural, cultural, and historical attractions along the Bruce Trail.
     Robert Preidt, Bruce Trail News

With the number of people hiking the Bruce Trail end-to-end every year, it is amazing it took a book like this so long to appear. But here it is now and it was worth the wait.
     Bushwacker, Ontario's Outdoor Adventure Magazine