• The Trail Provides

  • A Boy's Memoir of Thru-Hiking the Pacific Crest Trail
  • By: David Smart
  • Narrated by: David Smart
  • Length: 9 hrs and 28 mins
  • 4.5 out of 5 stars (265 ratings)

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The Trail Provides  By  cover art

The Trail Provides

By: David Smart
Narrated by: David Smart
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Publisher's summary

Disillusioned by the corporate lifestyle, David finds himself unemployed and desperate for change. Bradley, his older, more adventurous, and slightly-wreckless college fraternity brother presents an enticing offer. Just a few weeks later, the two inexperienced hopefuls abandon society and plunge into a soul-searching sojourn to thru-hike the Pacific Crest trail, a 2,650-mile Mexico-to-Canada footpath - barefoot. At the trail’s mercy from day one, the two hikers face the endless pains of walking, rising tensions, and falling behind to the coming winter.

The Trail Provides is a thru-hiking memoir filled with stories about companionship, lessons learned, dreams and reality, and leaving everything behind for the desire of transformation, insight, and self-discovery. Now, let’s begin the journey....

©2018 David Smart (P)2019 David Smart

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What listeners say about The Trail Provides

Average customer ratings
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  • Overall
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Fresh and open

Enjoyed how open he was about his own self-discovery, revelation and gratitude of the experience. Well written and honest. Oregon and Washington felt a bit rushed and many PCT writers give more description of the landmarks they pass in these areas. But it was true to the story. Trail fatigue set in and the pressing need to finish before the snow comes in the north. It was more about the relationships with fellow hikers and his own self discovery. The trail is still the trail and that part really does not change.

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    5 out of 5 stars

Best trail book yet!!!

I’ve listened to a lot of trail books (both AT and PCT) and thjs was the best. The first “non-self serving” perspective out there. The author does a great job of telling the good, bad and the ugly and even his own flaws. I feel it makes him a lot more relatable and makes it easier to become enthralled with the story. GREAT LISTEN!!! Give it a go!!!!

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Good book

The book was very enjoyable. I appreciated and loved listening to the story. Good work staying alive!

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    5 out of 5 stars
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Inspiring journey

A unique telling of the journey from Mexico to Canada. It’s absolutely worth a listen.

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  • Overall
    5 out of 5 stars
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STELLAR JOURNEY

Totally superb book. No one could have done it better than David trail name STAYING ALIVE,😃!. The Seeker. Wonderful story. highly recommend - you will enjoy it to the max. PS : I want to go next time and be included in your group of thru-hikers. PS I Love the trail magic.

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Honest and captivating

This is the 4th PCT “memoir” I have read and I just loved it (and hated for it to end)! I do believe it is my favorite.

David’s honest recollection of the highs and lows of his time on the trail was truly captivating. Hearing him describe the evolution of his own thinking, handling of trail life and relationships along the miles was excellent.

From a literary perspective, there was just enough “conversation” included without too much “he said, she said” to detract from the story. This was much appreciated and allowed each vignette to flow.

I personally found I needed to listen at 1.25 speed, but tested first... I am happy to say that didn’t change the sound or character of David’s voice much at all. Sometimes that isn’t the case.

I feel like a personal friend of David’s now! Well done!

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Absolutely Loved This Book

The book was amazing. I loved David’s point of view and the way the book was narrated. It really put a cool perspective on all aspects of the trail and experiences he had on the trail. It makes me want to pursue doing the trial myself. It’s been a goal for me. And after enjoying this book, I am definitely starting my planning. Thank you David for sharing your journey!! I Highly recommended this book !

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Enjoyable

Honestly wasn’t sure about the narration at first, but ended up appreciating the personal contribution it lends. It was well written, and thoughtfully written. I was sad it was over so that’s a good sign!

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Great growth

Wonderful story of growth and perseverance. Allowing other humans to restore a bit of faith in humanity.

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excellent book !!

several times I listened to the sample of this book , and didnt buy it. Because I was unsure of the narrator's voice. But recently decided to take a chance , and so glad I did !!! I loved this book and the adventure !! and got teary eyed along with them as they finished. ❤

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5 people found this helpful