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Getting a book published can feel like a more challenging endeavor than hiking 2,190 miles. However, after months of relentless editing and design work, I’m happy to announce that It’s Just Walking: Just Pete on the Appalachian Trail is set to be released on November 14th!

The book is currently available for pre-sale on various platforms including Amazon and Barnes & Noble. Links to both sites are at the bottom of this post. Unlike a Taylor Swift concert, there’s no rush to pre-order. While I’d be thrilled with an abundance of pre-orders, rest assured, we won’t run out of stock! For those who prefer digital copies, the book will also eventually be available as an eBook on platforms such as Kindle.

Currently, I don’t plan to sell directly through my website. I realize that many friends want signed copies. For my friend in the Bristol, SD area, we will be home this summer and I will arrange some type of “signing party” to make that happen.

Ponte Vedra Beach friends, I’ve got you covered too. Some books will be shipped directly to me, and they will be available on November 9. If you’ve already expressed your interest in a copy, I’ll be reaching out to you for confirmation including your preference for hardcover or paperback and the quantity you’d like.

For the rest of you, please know that I’ll do my best to eventually sign a copy for you. Unfortunately, shipping books around can get to be costly, unless of course, you’re Amazon.

I want to express my heartfelt gratitude to each of you for you unwavering support throughout my adventures. I hope you thoroughly enjoy the book. I wouldn’t be releasing it if I didn’t think you would.

Happy Trails.

Just Pete

https://www.amazon.com/s?k=%22it%27s+just+walking%22+%22Jeff+Peterson%22&i=stripbooks&crid=GI2BXZ6K14X6&sprefix=it%27s+just+walking+jeff+peterson+%2Cstripbooks%2C119&ref=nb_sb_noss

https://www.barnesandnoble.com/s/It’s%20just%20walking%20jeff%20peterson

Six years ago I was nearing the finish of my Appalachian Trail hike. Today I’m nearing the completion of my book, It’s Just Walking: Just Pete on the Appalachian Trail.

Yeah, I’ve been working on this off and on for more than five years! I got really serious about finishing it after we lost Mom in September and Dad in April. I figured I owed it to the memory of two of my biggest supporters.

The book is with the publisher now for some final editing, cover design, etc. My goal is to have it available the first week of October.

Here’s the initial description.

Uncharted trails. Unyielding spirit. A rookie hiker’s journey on the Appalachian Trail—where each step is a lesson in goals, grit, and humor. For lovers of adventure, the allure of the great outdoors is irresistible. Whether it’s the silent beauty of a sunlit forest or the thrill of conquering a rugged trail, the wilderness speaks to the soul. But what if you’re an untrained dreamer, drawn to the trail with a heart full of aspiration but boots lacking miles?   It’s Just Walking: Just Pete on the Appalachian Trail unveils the mesmerizing tale of an ordinary individual, stepping out of his comfort zone to confront the Appalachian’s grandeur. This isn’t about an expert mountaineer. Instead, it chronicles a rookie’s adventures, where every rock, river, and rut holds a lesson—and frequently, a dose of humor.   Experience the euphoria of witnessing the world from a mountaintop, the camaraderie forged with fellow hikers, the mental battles fought with each challenging mile, and the comedic misadventures that inevitably befall a newbie. While this may not be a “how-to” guide, it’s undoubtedly a “why-to” revelation, shedding light on the transformative power of setting a goal, pursuing it with unwavering determination, and sharing that dream with others.   This book is more than just an account of a hike; it’s a testament to human spirit and resilience. It serves as a mirror, reflecting the challenges we face in our lives, and the determination and humor we need to overcome them.   So, if you’ve ever felt the urge to challenge yourself, to step into the unknown, or simply to enjoy a tale of adventure sprinkled with laughter, It’s Just Walking is your next must-read. Dive into a narrative that promises to inspire, entertain, and resonate with adventurers and dreamers alike. Embrace the call of the wild, and remember: every journey begins with a single step.

I’m hoping we’re able to use this photo for book cover.

I have a pretty simple goal with the publication of the book. I want a grandchild to do a book report in school on Grandpa Pete’s adventure. It just so happens that Brooke and Ben are expecting a baby girl in about five weeks!

I’m also self-publishing, which basically means I’m paying someone to publish it instead of them paying me. I don’t want to lose any money on this, so I need to sell at least 500 copies. I’m counting on you for one (or more).

Happy trails!

Just Pete

Our hearts are heavy but we know that Mom is in a better place. Thanks for all of your kind words of support.

https://www.fiksdalfuneral.com/obituaries/alice-jean-peterson-1

If you have followed any of my adventures and read any of the comments, you know my mom.

She’s my biggest fan and she could really use your thoughts and prayers right now.

http://Caringbridge.org/visit/alicejeanpeterson/journal

Week 3 Fontana Dam, NC to Hot Springs, NC 109 Miles (273 total miles)

That was a pretty good week. 100+ miles and finished Great Smokey Mountain National Park.

Happy Trails

Just Pete

Week 2 Dicks Creek Gap, GA to Fontana Dam, NC 95 Miles (164 total miles)

Happy Trails!

March 31-April 6, 2017.

I decided to just send you a few photos of each week. You’ll have to get the stories from the book. Maybe. Someday.

Happy Trails!

Today is the 5 year anniversary of my first steps on the Appalachian Trail. Packed 3,010 miles of hiking and 4,535 miles of pedaling into those 5 years.

I’ve also been working on a book on the AT trek. Just finished getting first (extremely rough) draft finished. Quite a bit of work left to do. Not sure if I’ll ever really publish it. Only have 2 goals with it: don’t lose any $’s and have something that a future grandchild could give a book report on.

I’ll keep you posted on that but I also plan to republish some of the “exciting” days on the AT. Hope you enjoy!!

March 31 Springer Mt to Justus Creek (14.3 miles).

Hiked first mile with Kris, Brooke and Kerri.
Lower elevations (below 3000 ft) was like walking thru a forest of rhododendrons. Not flowering yet but sure spectacular when they do.

Had a snack and break at Long Creek Falls. Very cool.

6.2 miles in I ran into my first “Trail magic”. A group of local people had table with drinks and snacks. As I had just eaten something 1/2 hr before I just enjoyed a Coke and a chair (which felt great).

There are a lot of places to stealth camp (not in designated spots). Some look to me like high odds of sharing with bears!

Arrived at Justus Creek about 5:15. This was my optimistic ending point for day. Didn’t know if I was going to make it there as supposed to cross dirt road 1 mile from Creek/campsite. Didn’t see that road but saw a place by a Creek that looked campable. Just set my pack down and a hiker came down from campsite to get water. This was Justus Creek thankfully.

Got tent set up, had some deer jerky and in bed by 6:30. Physically feeling good. No blisters yet.

Gerty had no issues on this final stretch. Thank goodness because I was extremely focused on Key West.

If you’ve not been to the Keys, it’s basically pieces of land (islands) connected by bridges.

One of those bridges is 7 miles long. I was nervous about getting a flat somewhere along there as I would be walking Gerty a ways. No place for cars to stop so Kris wouldn’t be able to get to me there.

Mile markers are a big thing through the Keys. Locations are referred to by the mile marker they are at. Kind of like exits on the NJ Turnpike.

I was heading to mile marker 0…the end of the road.

Once I got to mile marker 10, it was a sprint to the finish.

Now it was time to celebrate with my pit crew.

We’re going to spend a couple days in Key West and plan to be home on Saturday. Excited for that. I’ve got to get some golf in because I’m playing in a Member/Guest tournament at Maryland Golf & CC in 2 weeks. There’s a possibility that I will suck. Sorry, Snappy!!

I’ve got lots of specific people to thank. That will be a separate blog. Right now, I’ll just thank all of you for your continuous support and encouragement. You helped me keep going through some frustrating days the past few weeks.

I’m pretty tired…I think I’ll go home now.

Ride no more.

Just Pete

I really wish I could say that Gerty and I had a good day today but that would not be true.

Gerty had been kept by front desk at hotel. When I picked her up this morning, flat rear tire. I kid you not.

Kris had left hotel earlier. Told her not to worry, I’d be good. Had to wheel Gerty a half mile to bike shop. Fortunately it was close and opened at 9AM.

Explain my tire saga to guy in shop. He immediately tries to sell me a new tire. Told him I just did that 160 miles ago. “These are too thin for long distance rides”. I’m only going 150 miles. In my mind that’s a short distance.

He finally took a look and told me tape inside rim was not good. He had a “special” tape that would fix problem.

I wish I could explain how difficult it is to pedal a bike when you are certain you will be getting a flat any second. Add to that the fact that the first 25 miles were very urban and it was extremely stressful.

Stopped for lunch in Homestead. Last stop before 20 miles of nothing and then Key Largo. Kris had been washing my stinky clothes near there. Told her to go ahead to Keys. “I’ll be good”.

Guess what happened just before Key Largo. Yup. Flat rear tire. Heard the air coming out and pulled a small piece of metal from tire. At least I knew why this one happened. This would really be kind of funny if it was happening to someone else. Feel free to chuckle.

Called Kris and we hauled Gerty to shop in Key Largo. Told my saga…again. This guy said tape wasn’t wide enough and “special” tape last guy used was electrical tape!

I think the Keys are beautiful. At least that’s what people tell me. I was so focused on waiting for the next flat that I didn’t really notice.

Spent a couple hours drowning my sorrows at a little pub at end of day. Dorie heard my story and donated $40 to K9’s For Warriors. That was pretty special.

I also met a young man, Max, who had pedaled his bike from Key West to Anchorage, Alaska. We had a good, long talk. He’s got some really crazy adventures planned. Aah, to be 28 and fearless.

I have no clue what to expect tomorrow. Theoretically, with no flats, I’ll make Key West. I really just hope I can get close enough that if I have another flat I can bungee cord Gerty to my back and walk the rest of the way.

Instead of counting sheep, I’ll be counting flats tonight.

Ride on.

Just Pete