"On the Trail of the Lost, you may not find what you’re searching for, but you will find more than you seek."
The legendary Pacific Crest Trail stretches across the western US for 2,650 miles, from California's southern tip to Washington's northern edge. This trail, revered by hiking enthusiasts, intentionally avoids civilization, permitting only minor stops in remote areas. Thru-hiking its entirety is daunting, often requiring a lifetime of preparation. With a mere 14% completion rate, the trail poses an elusive and hazardous challenge. Cheryl Strayed's 2012 memoir Wild catapulted the trail's popularity, yet the trail's true essence harbors a darker reality than that uplifting narrative suggests. In her latest book, Trail of the Lost, Andrea Lankford delves into the enigmatic nature of this renowned path.
Andrea Lankford's expertise in navigating treacherous terrains began during her tenure as a National Parks Ranger. That job saw her leading search and rescue operations in some of America's most stunning yet hazardous locations. After twelve years, frustrations with bureaucratic complexities prompted her departure from the force. Transitioning careers, she dedicated the ensuing two decades to healthcare, working as a nurse. Believing her days of daring rescue missions were over, Lankford's trajectory shifted unexpectedly upon learning of the disappearances of three men along the Pacific Crest Trail. Fueled to provide closure to grieving families, Lankford joined forces with a group of determined freelance investigators, embarking on a seemingly insurmountable search.
"An unsolved case is a loose end that begs us to snip it."
Trail of the Lost sees Andrea Lankford chronicle her unwavering determination to uncover the fate of three men who ventured onto the Pacific Crest Trail. Intrigued by the mystery of their disappearance, I became as resolute as Lankford in seeking answers. Along the journey, we encounter a diverse group of amateur investigators, each more unlikely than the last. United by their shared purpose of bringing hope to grieving families, these characters drive Lankford's narrative. She candidly confronts the challenges of the Pacific Crest Trail, revealing both anticipated dangers and unexpected twists. While answers prove scarce, this mirrors the real frustrations those involved in such investigations face. The immense investment of resources, time, and emotional energy often yields little, yet the glimmer of a single revelation propels their relentless pursuit. Ultimately, this very essence motivated me to keep flipping through the pages of this enlightening book.
For more information, visit the author's website, Amazon, and Goodreads.
(2023, 54)
I've got this book on hold at my library. I love reading about the people who hike these long hiking trails...and it's crazy to think of how many people go missing on them.
ReplyDeleteIt is such a wild undertaking, especially when you stop to think about all the things that can go wrong. I can't say I'd be brave enough to do it!
DeleteI sometimes wish I was brave enough to do a long hike like that... but reading about them from my couch is more my speed. ;D
DeleteI'll stay on the couch with you!
DeleteThis sounds really interesting. It seems like a lot of things can go very wrong in such a remote area.
ReplyDeleteThat's what make this one so fascinating. There isn't really a standardized protocol for missing people along the trail, so they really do just kind of vanish.
DeleteI had read some fiction books that included other grueling trails in the US, but this being a true story would pack a bigger punch.
ReplyDeleteIt really puts into perspective the vastness and the danger.
DeleteI can't even imagine trying to hike a trail that long. The fact that people just vanish, is scary.
ReplyDeleteIt is terrifying!
DeleteColor me intrigued!
ReplyDeleteIt makes for quite the compelling story!
DeleteThis is a true crime novel set in a park for me -- the setting is interesting -- I watched a true crime doco about people who have gone missing/ been hurt in a park and it was eye-opening as to what can happen in parks like that.
ReplyDeleteWhat makes this one all the more fascinating is the sheer scope of the trail. It stretches across the entire western half of the US, so it is a vast area to try to find answers in, a true needle in a haystack scenario.
DeleteI find it absolutely terrifying that it's so easy for people to just disappear out in nature! It's also a totally fascinating subject. I loved THE COLD VANISH by Jon Billman. This one sounds similar. I'm definitely going to check it out.
ReplyDeleteI'll be adding THE COLD VANISH to my list too!
DeleteThru-hiking fascinates me! I love the idea of it, but the reality is daunting and far more than I'd want to commit to. I do enjoy backpacking, though I haven't done it in a long time. I think I'd enjoy this story. I'm curious if their investigation yielded any answers.
ReplyDeleteI don't think I have it in me, especially after reading this!
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