Only When I Step on It

One Man's Inspiring Journey to Hike the Appalachian Trail Alone

By: Peter E. Conti

Narrated by: Peter E. Conti

Length: 10 hrs and 52 mins

Publisher's summary

What if you could experience the thrill of an epic voyage through insurmountable obstacles without leaving the comfort of your own home?

It was 23 months after his accident, and Peter was still dealing with constant excruciating pain. He'd seen dozens of doctors and tried a myriad of medications, but nothing seemed to work. Faced with the impossible choice of suffering through the rest of his life, he had an unlikely epiphany, "If I could somehow hike 2,000 miles on the Appalachian Trail, then my leg will have to be better."

He set a starting date three weeks out, cobbled together a novice's pack, and set off on a journey destined to change his life forever—though not exactly how he had envisioned it. From the bleakest breakdowns to hilarious adventures, Peter's story is equal parts entertaining, enthralling, and enlightening. Join him on the trail, one step in front of the other, as he searches for some way to heal his body and soul while struggling with chronic pain, anxiety, and depression.

Can listening to this audiobook really change your life?

• Discover how to overcome insurmountable obstacles one step at a time.
• Experience the joy and freedom of hiking the Appalachian Trail (while wrapped up in a blanket at home).
• Get a boost for your body and soul as you laugh your way through his hilarious antics and adventures.
• Enjoy the relief you experience as you walk with the author while escaping from your day to day concerns.

If you've enjoyed best-selling memoirs and biographies by authors like Cheryl Strayed, Bill Bryson, and Grandma Gatewood, then you'll enjoy this inspiring memoir about hiking the Appalachian Trail. If you're struggling to find hope and healing after trauma, you'll find encouragement to get back up. You might even find the courage to give solo travel a try yourself. Scroll up to buy this audiobook now!

©2021 Peter E. Conti (P)2022 Peter E. Conti

Inspiring Story

This book needed much more editing and the author should have done more research on pronunciation, wildlife, and other things. The way he pronounced words and names of cities made me cringe. I have friends from Dahlonega, Georgia and he butchered that name along with many others. It made him sound a bit simple minded. Also, if he knew the wolf was extinct why did he keep calling it a wolf? A bit of research into modern day coyotes would have helped. I thought editors helped with these types of errors. A professional narrator would have made this so much better.

Overall, it’s an inspiring story, but I was relieved when I came to the end of this book! It didn’t leave me wanting more.

Acceptance... the journey

Really enjoyed listening to Peters book. While I, like him, really longed for the fairytale ending of complete healing, the conclusion did not disappoint. Life is what we get, just got to figure out to deal with what comes our way! Peter does that in a way that is relatable and real, he does inspire. In the last year I've been diagnosed with an arthritic spine pulling up a life so packed full of adventure; ocean sailing, ocean and river paddling, hiking, building, cycling and just endless physical activity that its been incredibly hard to deal with. In my quest to overcome I am 3 weeks off starting an 800km walk on the Camino Frances, hoping to manage my issues and get to Santiago and a new place in my head. I came across Peters book quite happenstance and love that it has been so totally on point! I am sure when I am dealing with difficulties along the way of my journey, your determination and attitude will whisper in my head - great story Peter, enjoy keeping on!!

Very inspiring. Thoroughly enjoyed listening to this excellent book.

If Peter can walk 2,189 miles of the Appalachian Trail, you can too. We can do more than we think we can. Break complex scenarios into smaller parts, then complete the small objectives in sequence. You can accomplish more than you may now think feasible. This book edified me and I think it can edify you as well.

Perseverance

I appreciated Peter’s story of his injury and how hiking the AT helped improve his physical, mental and emotional health. His story provides inspiration and hope for those of us who would also like to thru-hike the AT but face assorted challenges.

Honest and real

I liked how it was easy to relate and see myself taking on an adventure like Peter did. Thank you for the inspiration! I to am in my 50s, suffer from depression, and just life in general. I plan on hiking the AT in hopes I can walk off 40 plus years of pain and anger. This book puts me a step closer and keeps me motivated for such a journey. Thanks again!!

Excellent, Inspiring, Meaningful True Story

I love this book and being part of Peter's journey through it. My copy is audible. I did need to slow down the speed on the narration but that was my only issue. The book is full of inspiring moments, and a true picture of difficulties on the AT. I appreciate the author's transparency and humility when acknowledging poor decision. I have a 18 year old friend trying to overcome injuries in a traumatic car accident. Will definitely share. Thank Peter, for sharing your life, struggles and victories. You have a remarkable outlook on life.

Alright, but not relatable for some

I've listened to several thru-hiking stories about both the AT and PCT, so it's not like I don't have anything to compare this story to. It's not bad, but in my opinion it's not particularly good either. I'm sure the story works for some others based on the positive reviews, but I found the author unrelatable. His description of his struggles and how he was working to overcome them is about the only relatable part for me. The on and off trail experiences however, seem a bit... bland. The author didn't quite seem to appreciate the general culture of thru-hiking and the quirkiness of some of the people he met. He seemed offended when he encountered people who cursed and overall just came off a bit stuffy, not like a person I'd want to have a beer and conversation with. Some of the time it felt like a sales pitch to get into the author's "investment opportunities". Perhaps the story could have been saved for me if a professional narrator had been used, but unfortunately the author's reading was milktoast for the most part with lack of expression, and at times indiscernible with "mush-mouth" or mispronunciations at regular intervals. This is one of the very few books I've ever returned. Better luck next time.

Amazing Story! I highly recommend!

I am so inspired by Peter’s story. I have spent many days backpacking on the AT and recognize a lot of the places referenced. I have already shared this inspiring story with several of my friends. Every time I think I can’t accomplish something, I will think about what Peter has gone through to come to terms with his situation and reach Katahdin!

Not sorry I read and finished it.

Not a bad book, and I'm glad to have another A.T. book under my belt. Narration isn't the best, good on Peter for reading his own book, but listening to this here and there for several days while working, I really looked forward to finishing it.
Kudos for getting out there, documenting it, and sharing with us. If nothing else, it's empowering.

Inspiring story

This story is well developed, well written and inspirational. A real life, hard fought story of perseverance and accomplishment. I would list as a top 5 or top 3 of the dozens of AT hiking stories I've read or listened to. The only place for improvement is Peter's narration performance. Some missed words and awkward pronunciations are a distraction and the performance is somewhat flat emotionally. All in all a winner that I wanted to keep listening to and was well worth my time.