When You Find My Body

The Disappearance of Geraldine Largay on the Appalachian Trail

De: D. Dauphinee

Narrado por: Traci Odom

When Geraldine "Gerry" Largay first went missing on the Appalachian Trail in remote western Maine in 2013, the people of Maine were wrought with concern. When she was not found, the family, the wardens, and the Navy personnel who searched for her were devastated. The Maine Warden Service continued to follow leads for more than a year. They never completely gave up the search. Two years after her disappearance, her bones and scattered possessions were found by chance by two surveyors. She was on the US Navy's SERE (Survival, Evasion, Resistance, and Escape) School land, about 2,100 feet from the Appalachian Trail.

This book tells the story of events preceding Geraldine Largay's vanishing in July 2013, while hiking the Appalachian Trail in Maine, what caused her to go astray, and the massive search and rescue operation that followed. Her disappearance sparked the largest lost-person search in Maine history, which culminated in her being presumed dead. She was never again seen alive. The author was one of the hundreds of volunteers who searched for her. Gerry's story is one of heartbreak, most assuredly, but is also one of perseverance, determination, and faith. For her family and the searchers, especially the Maine Warden Service, it is also a story of grave sorrow.

©2019 Denis Dauphinee (P)2019 Tantor

R. I. P. Inchworm

I’m 62 and hope to hike the AT at retirement. I vow to take a course in how to read a compass and some type of survival class. She didn’t die in vain.

Sad, but true, story

Sometimes, a seemingly simple action/decision has great consequences. In this case, it didn't end well. She sounds like a lovely person with a loving family. My heart goes out to them all.

planning to hiking the AT?

this book drives home the importance of survival skills and land navigation. take this book to heart, and prepare for the worse scenario.

educate before hiking

I liked the comprehensive approach it took to tell all the details of the loss of Jerry. I also liked the educational value of the book for the readers.

Could Have Been A Tad Shorter

Overall, this was a fast, easy listen. It has a lot of history of the AT and not much of Geraldine Largay's personal story I was listening for. There really is not much to say about the Geraldine Largay story, as there weren't that many details. In summary, she was an extremely friendly, memorable lady, who enjoyed life to its fullest but was not prepared for the prospect of getting lost on the AT. I am not meaning to make light of her or her demise--it was a real tragedy. I only wish learning of her experience helps to save others from experiencing a similar plight--and it will for some. But too many others have their own stories already written their heads before starting out and will not care to take the precautions because it certainly won't happen to them on such a widely traveled and popular trail. Or maybe it just will?

Narration very business-like but totally adequate.

RIP Gerry Largay

I'm from Maine and this story hit close to home when it happened. I've hiked sections of the AT and adore that trail. Gerry's story is a tragic one and was captured so we'll in this book. Highly recommend! Learn from Gerry and remember her legacy.

An exceptional story

A very well written book, the story is heartbreaking. You feel like you are right there, hiking the AT along with Jerry, and then fell her panic and despair at becoming lost. A must read for any lover of the trails.

A sad tale

What a heartbreaking tale of endurance and courage that ultimately didn’t work out for this poor hiker

Sensitive treatment of tough topic

Provides easy more background information than if seen before, filled in a lot of gaps. Well explained and sensitive treatment of a myriad of difficult issues involved with this tragedy.

Sad But Very Informative

As a backpacker, I had heard of Inchworm and her tragic outcome but had never heard the entire story. This book is beautifully written and narrated. I'm about to embark on a multi-year section hike of the Appalachian Trail and am also currently section hiking other trails. Because of Inchworm's tragic story, I am definitely making some changes to my hiking, most importantly using my compass when I have to water a tree. There are other changes that I'm making as well. Inchworm's legacy will live on. This book is a must-read for anyone who spends time in the outdoors. I can't reccomend it enough. ~Beagle ~