Get the most out of life-on and off the trail. Whether your dream is escaping the rat race, hiking trails near and far, reconnecting with nature or just learning more about the fine art of hiking, this book will show you the way. John McKinney motivates and empowers, amuses and uplifts hikers on this amazing path we call life. The Hiker's Way illuminates the way to: Hike Smart. Learn how to prepare for a hike and master practicalities in a way that you'll remember them. Live Well. Gain the benefits of good health, physical- mental-spiritual rejuvenation. Go Green. Learn the hiker's way to re-connect with nature and get all the benefits of "green exercise." Forget the old concept of hiking as a march from Point A to Point B. Hiking doesn't have to be so hard. It really doesn't. John has spent more than three decades learning how to get the most out of time on the trail. Join John McKinney, a.k.a. The Trailmaster, as he teaches you: * What the crucial difference is between going on a hike and becoming a hiker. * How to choose gear-and adopt a gear philosophy-that's right for you. * How hiking in nature improves health; how to go from feeling stressed to feeling blessed. * What makes a good hiking companion and when it's okay to go it alone. * How to appreciate each season, and hike safely over all kinds of terrain. The author of 20 books and a thousand articles about hiking, McKinney has hiked and written about the best trails all across America, as well as in Europe and many more locales from Carribbean nations to Pacific islands. He's guided hikes all around his native California and trained hike leaders to teach beginners the joys of hiking and the basics of safety on the trail. In The Hiker's Way, he shares his trail wisdom and colorful stories in a very inspiring and entertaining way. This book is a great gift for that special hiker-or would-be hiker-in your life.