Category: Post-Hike

Just Thanks

jpetesd1 Comment

Thank you so much to each and every one of you who has taken the time to explore It’s Just Walking: Just Pete on the Appalachian Trail.

Surpassing my initial expectations, over 400 copies have been purchased in the two months since its release – a milestone that fills me with gratitude.

The feedback received from those who have delved into the pages of the book has been truly heartwarming, leaving a smile on my face with each comment.

If you’re inclined to help me get my message to a larger audience, there are a couple of ways you can contribute:

  • Review It’s Just Walking. A special shoutout to those that have already shared their thoughts through reviews. If you haven’t had the chance yet, I’d greatly appreciate your review on platforms like Amazon or GoodReads.com. Your reviews play a crucial role in spreading the word.
  • Tell your friends, family, and coworkers. A simple post on Facebook goes a long way in reaching a broader audience.

Your ongoing support of my adventures and now, my book, means more to me than words can convey. Thank you, thank you, thank you for being a part of this journey with me.

Just Pete

https://read.amazon.com/kp/embed?linkCode=kpd&ref_=k4w_oembed_9Sevq7NcGIcDct&asin=B0CLFV65KS&tag=kpembed-20&amazonDeviceType=A2CLFWBIMVSE9N&from=Bookcard&preview=inline

Update – It’s Just Walking

jpetesd17 Comments

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

It’s Just Walking

jpetesd43 Comments

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

Adam and Blaze Update

bmpeterson252 Comments

March is Brain Injury Awareness Month and in this months K9 for Warriors spotlight we got a little update on Adam, who suffered a traumatic brain injury, and Blaze.

When the armored vehicle Adam was riding on hit an IED, the explosion threw him several yards, knocking him unconscious. It’s incredible he survived.
But the Traumatic Brain Injury he suffered nearly ruined his short-term memory, leading to severe frustration and anger. He also now suffers from Post-Traumatic Stress Disorder, causing him crippling anxiety.
Thanks to support from people like you, K9s For Warriors has a program to help veterans like Adam. Your gift of $50, $100 or even $200 today will help pair a warrior with a service dog — and save both their lives.
adam and blaze

“K9s is by far the best program I’ve been a part of that helps veterans.”

— Adam, Army veteran
Adam says the moment he stepped onto Camp K9 to meet Blaze, everything got better.
“He makes me stop and just be in the moment,” Adam says. “I can go places now that I would never go before.”
It’s because of people like you that warriors like Adam are able to reclaim their lives. It’s the least we can do to honor their service and sacrifice. In honor of National Brain Injury Awareness month, please give a gift to help improve — and even save — the life of a warrior like Adam. Thank you.
adam and blaze 2

Adam and Blaze Graduation

bmpeterson2518 Comments

Kris and I were thrilled and honored to attend the graduation ceremony for Blaze and Adam last evening.

Adam is a Veteran of the US Army and a super nice young man who was so very appreciative of the role we (everyone who donated to my AT hike and everyone who followed along) played in uniting him with Blaze.

Adam and Blaze

Blaze is a super cool hound dog/lab mix…they think!  For you older folks, he reminded me of the Clampett’s hound in Beverly Hillbillies and should be a perfect fit at home with Adam in KY.

fam

We, with friends Art and Janice Hayden, were able to meet with Adam and Blaze as well as Adam’s family before the ceremony.  Pretty emotional for all of us.

haydens

It is so rewarding to see the results of your donations and support up close and personal. We rescued Blaze from a shelter and your support will cover all vet bills, etc. forever.

adam and fam

We also provided a valuable tool to help Adam and his family move forward with his rehabilitation.

I have been waffling on whether to raise donations again next summer on the Camino. Last night decided it.

How about we sponsor another K9 and Warrior? I can do the walking and I’ll try to blog regularly…

I hope you are all proud of the good we did for K9’s For Warriors, Sun Dial Manor, and Down Syndrome. I know that I am very proud of you.

On behalf of Blaze, Adam and his family, and Kris and myself….Thanks so much. You are amazing.

Happy Trails.

Just Pete

Blaze

jpetesd11 Comments

Hi!  Long time…no talk.

I’ve got some exciting news.  During last year’s AT hike we raised $28,000 for K9s For Warriors.  Because of your generous support, we were afforded the opportunity to sponsor a dog.

Meet Blaze!!

IMG_0824

Blaze (named for the white blazes which mark the AT…thanks Kerri Peterson) has just begun his training at the K9s For Warriors kennel.  They use rescue dogs which have been carefully selected by their trainers.

Blaze will eventually be paired with a veteran and provide companionship and support in assisting his Warrior to overcome the invisible wounds of war.

As for Just Pete, I’m getting ready for another long distance hike…really never thought that would come out of my mouth a year ago!  In May I will be hiking approximately 800 miles along the Camino de Santiago through Spain and Portugal.

There are 100’s of different routes to hike “the Camino”.  I will be taking the Northern Way across the coast of Northern Spain and down to Santiago de Compostela.  From there I plan to hike the Finisterre Way to “the end of the world” and then continue on the Camino of the Lighthouses, ending in Ponteceso on Spain’s western coast.  I will then return to Santiago de Compostela (hopefully not by foot) and head south to Porto, Portugal via the Portuguese Coastal Camino.

It will be very different than the AT.  Much of the hike will be along the coast so should be beautiful, but different, scenery.  I plan to carry a tent but the trails go through many seafront towns with hostels…and food…and beer.  Most importantly, I am hoping to not have any big falls due to this terrain being less severe than that of the AT.

I will work on getting the web site updated with more detailed information on this trail as we get closer.

I also owe you the final video from last summer’s hike.  There’s some mental part of me that hasn’t wanted to end it but it’s now time to get onto the next adventure.

Thanks once again to everyone for your support.  I hope you’ll follow along again next summer.

Go Blaze!!

 

 

Just Pete on the AT…Part 3

jpetesd11 Comments

The White Mountains of NH deserve their reputation as the most difficult section of the trail.  They kicked my butt!  I hope you enjoy that!

Today is Kris’ 60th birthday.  She is just as excited as a young kid at the age of 6.  She’s an 11.5 year breast cancer survivor and she appreciates it.  She obviously was a big part of this journey.  She never tried talking me out of starting and she never flat out told me I was stupid (even though she hinted at it a few times!).

Thanks and Happy Birthday, Kris.

Part 4 will be the end.  I promise!

October 12

jpetesd15 Comments

Day 32 post-hike!

Today Kris and I were able to deliver an envelope to K9’s For Warriors that was stuffed with $23,700 worth of checks.  Awesome enough that we’re going to be able to sponsor a K9.  Get to name him/her (“Blaze” after white blazes denoting trail…good one, Kerri), follow progress through training and attend graduation.  How cool is that!

Thanks to all of you who have sent in your pledges.  Friendly reminder to those who haven’t gotten around to it yet.  Checks are rolling in at all 3 of the charities I hiked for.  We should end up raising more than $63,000!  You should have heard from me regarding your contribution.  If you haven’t, please let me know.

Things are pretty much back to normal.  Been walking the golf course a couple times a week.  I tell myself it’s a 7-mile slack pack…that you can get beer in the middle of.  I loved days like that just a couple months ago!

Working to put back on some of the 25 lbs I lost.  Physically I feel pretty good.  Feet are still sore but getting better.  Pinky that I dislocated is swollen and a bit store.  I went out for a run for the first time post-hike on Tuesday.  Knees hurt so bad, I only made it a block.  That was a tad bit frustrating!  They feel fine other than when I tried to run.  Guessing they’re probably a tad bit worn out yet.

Thanks once again to all for your support on this trek and for your generous contributions to the charities I hiked for.  You are helping good charities do good things!

K9's For Warriors