Five Million Steps

Hiking the Pacific Crest Trail After Three Decades of Service to Our Nation

De: Jason France

Narrado por: Jason France

From a rough childhood to a distinguished United States Air Force career, Jason France’s life has been a whirlwind of sacrifice, service, and personal struggle. But it has also been filled with amazing opportunities and incredible experiences. After retiring from serving over three decades in uniform—and holding one of the highest enlisted leadership positions in the military—Jason embarks on a solo trek to hike the 2,650-mile Pacific Crest Trail. His five-month journey to rediscover himself and fulfill a childhood dream turns out to be far more than he imagined. As he traverses mountains, forests, and deserts, Jason rediscovers the joy of living in the present moment, connects with people from around the world, and builds a deeper sense of gratitude for his life experiences and the people around him.

But his journey doesn’t come without challenges. Jason faces forest fires and record temperatures. Amplified by the solitude of the trail, the demons of his past revisit him, forcing him to confront the haunting memories of war, struggles with mental health, and the sacrifices of military service. Each step forward is a battle against his limitations and a test of his physical and psychological resilience. But growth and opportunity come with each step.

Jason’s story is more than just a memoir about a hike. It’s a testament to the power of the human spirit, the healing power of nature, and the courage to face our deepest fears. It’s a must-listen for anyone seeking adventure, self-discovery, and the strength to overcome their own challenges.

©2024 Jason France (P)2024 Jason France

Great book on the PCT journey by a 30 year AF Vet!

Jay my friend! My fellow PCT hiker! My fellow serviceman! My hero. My family man!

You wrote a great book my friend! You took us back to so many things in our own personal life, marine experience, my upbringing, my own PCT hike, my reason for a hike was 32 years in corporate america where i was burnt out completely. Thank you so much for writing the book and for hanging in there terminus to terminus! My hike was combined over 2 years, thank you for allowing the rest of us to hike our own hike!

Once again, enjoyed the book, learned alot about you and appreciated all of it.

You demonstrate in your book that your upbringing, your parents or lack there of, or any other excuses that many people make do not define us and do not determine what we go on to do in our adult life and in the rest of our life. Thank you for demonstrating that for us and achieving so much success in the Air Force with your family and in life in general.

I highly recommend this book to previous long distance hikers, future hikers and those dealing with mental health issues, dealing with obstacles in life and the power that comes from getting outside, taking the bull by the horns and not allowing circumstances to dictate your results.

A journey worth hearing

5 Million Steps is a fantastic listen. Jay’s own voice makes his Appalachian Trail journey feel like you’re right there with him. His childhood stories, like hiding his home life (something I related to), add real heart. The trail details are vivid and pull you in, whether you’re a hiker or not. This book about grit and growth is a must for anyone. Great work, Jay!

The best

Jay, thank you, for everything! This book is more than a “trail” review! It is an honor to know you, share the battlefield with you, and more importantly, the lessons you taught us!

Real, Vulnerable, Exciting!

The audible version exceeded the realism of the written book. You could clearly hear Jay's emotion as he recounted his experiences on the trail, in the Air Force, and in life. Hearing from his sons was a bonus. So emotional I found my own eyes starting to water! The book hits from all angles and made my long rucks and runs fly by. Well done!

Great story!

Inspiring story! Really enjoyed this book. Lots of great life lessons and he makes the PCT come to life!

Related to my current situation

An amazing book for anyone making significant life changes. Having retired from the AF myself I really related.

Great story wonderfully told!!!

Really enjoyed the story. Wonderfully told. Smooth and impactful. A story worth listening to again. Highly recommend!

Not much about hiking the PCT

This is a personal memoir, with a PCT hike as a background to help carry the story along. I found myself astonished to find the author completely skipping mention of some of the more remarkable trail features. You might like it better than I did, especially if you are more interested in a personal memoir that recounting a thru hike.