The Trail Provides

A Boy's Memoir of Thru-Hiking the Pacific Crest Trail

By: David Smart

Narrated by: David Smart

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

Pushing your limits!

I had a close friend in my youth (I'm 65) that gave me a copy of A Walk Across America by Peter Jenkins. It caught my imagination of doing that kind of adventure and accomplishing a difficult task. I've also listened to Cheryl Strayed's account, Bill Bryson's humorous Walk in the Woods, Ethan Galogly the Trail. My wife passed in 2022 and I have a lot of time to listen to books while I work, and in the evenings. When I listen to a particulary engaging story, which this is, I will often be longing to not step out of the story, when it ends, as I feel with this one. Thank you David, many great life lessons can be learned with that kind of punishing journey. We have it too easy in this modern existence and we crave that kind of raw reality and pushing our physical limits which enevitably leads many to spiritual enlightment. I think I am going to delve in to John Muir's First Summer in the Sierra.

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.

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!!!!

The thing that stood out most to me or this epic journey of a lifetime is the insight on what through HiiKER go through.

I loved this story and felt like I was on the journey with them love getting to know the characters and the experiences while Anna through hike of this epic long journey. The characters were real and raw. I highly recommend those with an adventurous spirit or those that want to have an adventure read this book. it will bring tears of joy, Especially at the end!

Entertaining

I listened to this twice. Nice story it felt like I was there. Hopefully some day I can do this journey.

It got better......

..... as I listened. The book started off grabbing my attention. Then I grew weary of the narration. But, I learned to accept the narrator. The rest of the story was able to hold my attention.

Love it

I loved this book beginning to end. I’d recommend this book to anyone who hikes and loves being in the outdoors. I hope there will be more from this author on audible

Enjoyable PCT story

I always enjoy a good thru hike story. David Smart book is spoken from the heart. He learns and grows on the trail. I really enjoyed listening to his experiences.

PCT is the trail

Really liked the book. my brother and I did a small section last year and I hope to do more. Hope to retire soon so I can. love the story and the insight. Be well, Staying Alive

Explorative Fun

David's journey is one I'll return to again and again for its heartfelt wisdom, wit, and insight. At times it is deep and explorative, and at others just good old fashioned fun... much like a through hike. We explore ourselves as he and Bradley explore the trail and their psyches. I enjoyed the narration as much or more than the written word, both are great company. I found 1.1× speed to be my sweet spot where I didn't need to sacrifice my ability to soak it all in while staying captivated.