Walking To Vermont by Christopher A. Wren
Reviewed by Vicki Carver

Every once in a while a new book will appear on one of the shelves in 
the library which looks interesting simply because of its cover and/or
title.  The new book Walking To Vermont, by Christopher A. Wren tells of
his five-week walk which covered over 400 miles from the heart of New
York City to his retirement home in Fairlee, Vermont.

Sixty-five year-old Wren retired from the “New York Times” after serving
for 28 years as a foreign correspondent.  He had worked in many
countries around the world including Vietnam, Kosovo and Russia.  When
he faced retirement he decided to travel to his retirement home on foot
and experience some new adventures.

Wren began his trip in midtown Manhattan and traveled through Harlem,
the Bronx and on to the wealthy outlying suburbs of Westchester and
Putnam Counties.  He then moved north covering much of his walking on
the famous Appalachian Trail.  His strenuous trip took him through
beautiful valleys, picturesque towns and up and down a few mountains.

There are two issues which influence the success of Wren’s story.  The
first issue is Wren’s ability to face the problems he confronts on the
trail.  An overweight back pack, nagging blisters, soggy weather and
fear of bears are a few of the ongoing problems Wren must deal with.  As
he becomes involved in the day-to-day routine of walking Wren gradually
forgets worldly problems.  The rhythm of walking blended with an
increasing awareness of his natural environment help Wren redefine his
priorities.  References to past experiences in his professional life
enhance his interpretation of his experiences on the trail.

The second issue Wren writes about involve his experiences with other
people he meets along the way.  They do not reveal their actual names.
Instead nick-names such as Flash, Stray Dog and Buzzard are used.  Wren
learns that every hiker has a story and reason for walking.  Wren
believes that walking helps a person to clarity what is important in
life and also defines what priorities should be valued in day-to-day
experiences.  He realizes that having too many possessions is a
hindrance to someone carrying everything in a back pack.  As Wren
travels north he sends possessions home to his wife in order to lighten
his load.  He learns to appreciate random acts of kindness such as a
cold soft drink or homemade chocolate chip cookies given by people he
encounters along the trail.

Walking To Vermont is an enjoyable but introspective reading
experience.  It is gratifying to read about a 65-year-old person who is
willing and able to tackle a serious adventure and be open to new
challenges.

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