Hey there book lovers and trailblazers.
I am guessing that it is fairly clear from my blog site title and tagline that I am an avid reader and hiker. Where possible, I like to combine the two passions, thoughย having broken my foot twice and both wrists in the past five years, this does not always work out so well for me… I am currently undertaking a PhD in the field of literary criticism, on the topic of ‘wandering’ in James Joyce’s Ulysses and Cormac McCarthy’s Suttree, two of my all-time favourite authors (and books). I also do some casual teaching at the University where I am studying and I live in the Blue Mountains just out of Sydney, where I try to hike a little every day.
*** Update – October 2019 ***
I finally finished the PhD. (6.5 years in the making. There was much celebration.) I have spent the last year teaching, but have just bought a van and will soon embark on my next adventure. I’m working the NSW south coast peach farm again this summer, then will be hitting the road for the following twelve months. I am taking time away from my teaching schedule to write creatively and get my publications up ahead of the next round of job apps, so will be spending 2020 circumnavigating this wonderful country I call home in a hiace pop top camper. I will also be using the time to paint, work on my photography, and teach myself Spanish and guitar. Oh, and I’ll be doing some hiking (of course).
Perhaps we’ll meet on the trail some day…
Lou
Booknboot 
Hi Lou
Thanks for following my blog. I’m seriously crushing on your header and images. Can’t wait to get into the content too. Hope you find some great reads & I look forward to sharing.
Happy reading x
Laura
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Hi Laura,
Thank you! Very early days, but looking forward to generating some content and joining the community. Unfortunately I can’t claim credit for the header image – it was the one that came with the theme but I like it so much I haven’t been able to bring myself to change it yet to one of my own. Many more pics and posts to come.
Good luck with achieving your reading goals for 2015.
x Lou
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Love this blog ๐ Just discovered it today when looking for info on how to get to Paradise Pool… I am also a Blue Mountains person, just finished my PhD at WSU and also teach there – cultural theory stuff ๐
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Thanks Shanna โบ๏ธ. Congrats on completing your dissertation. You must feel light with relief! I’m planning to submit in June/July and looking forward to the next chapter. It’s a small world, perhaps I’ll see you round campus sometime. Or on one of these beautiful mountains trails. Today will be a good day for Paradise with the weather heating up again. Enjoy! ๐
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Hi…i’m 63 and as part of my 4th childhood, getting ready next seven days starting a AT Thru hike…stumbled upon your website. I have to ask….what camera did you use on the AT? Your photography both beautiful…and so clear! Your images stand out above most others I’ve seen! Best of luck on your future endeavors!
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Hi Capt Gary, so wonderful to hear from you! Great to hear you’re embarking on the AT. You’re going to have an amazing and unforgettable adventure. I hope to return and complete the hike myself one day. And thank you for your lovely comments re my trail photography. All except one shot that I can think of were taken with my iPhone 6s. I started the trail with an additional point and shoot and tiny tripod, but soon realised that the camera phone would suffice while long distance hiking. I started off with 46 pounds in my pack, and reduced the weight to 32 on day four, when I hit Woody Gap. I felt like a spring lamb once I jettisoned all that excess.
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Will you be keeping a blog? If so, let me know the details so I can follow tales of your adventures. I wish you all the best on your upcoming journey. Happy hiking! ๐ฃ
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