Colin Fletcher
In the late 1950s, after joining the Royal Marines, serving during World War II, and building roads in Kenya, Welsh-born Colin Fletcher moved to San Francisco. He began hiking in the hills, and two years later, when faced with the decision of whether or not to marry the woman he had been living with, decided to walk the length of California and do some thinking. Fletcher came back, married the girl, and wrote an account of his journey called The Thousand-Mile Summer.
The marriage, unfortunately, lasted less than a year, and in 1963, to mend his broken heart, Fletcher decided to walk the length of the Grand Canyon. In 1968, Fletcher published a book about the adventure, The Man Who Walked Through Time, and The Complete Walker, a backpacking guide that has now sold over 500,000 copies. Because of both books, many consider Fletcher to be the father of modern backpacking. Sadly, Fletcher died in 2007 from complications of head injuries he sustained when he was hit by an SUV near his California home in 2001.
If you haven’t already, pick up a copy of The Man Who Walked Through Time. It’s a quick and inspiring book that will certainly help fuel the I-CAN-NOT-WAIT-FOR-SPRING-fire.
Posted: March 1st, 2010 under Music/Movies/Books.
Comments: 5
Comments
Comment from Alan
Time: March 3, 2010, 12:40 pm
The Complete Walker is a wonderful read, far more literate than the average how to backpack sort of book. Fletcher’s wonderful, dry British sense of humor comes across very well in the book, I frequently laughed out loud while reading the book.
Comment from Dr. Bob
Time: March 3, 2010, 6:31 pm
I have read every one of Colin’s books several times. Each time I find something new. Now I am trying to find the nickel Harvey Butchart gave him upon completion of the famous Grand Canyon hike. Any ideas?
Also, there is a long history of long distance hikers in England. John Hillaby and Chris Townsend come to mind. So, what seemed strange or visionary to us Yanks (when Colin decided to hike the length of California or the canyon) was really part of his inheritance as a Welshman! It took us ten years to catch up.
Finally, I know a man who camped out on Colin’s balcony after his passing. The fellow found the secret location and spent a couple of nights communing with Colin’s spirit. This has led me to the conclusion that Colin’s disciples will go to great lengths to follow the master!
Comment from The Saunterer
Time: March 8, 2010, 8:33 am
I am currently reading the third edition of this book and I enjoy it thoroughly! Makes me want to walk, walk, walk.
Comment from adam c.
Time: April 2, 2010, 9:04 pm
mom bought this for pops the year they got married:
http://hammerheadsharkattack.blogspot.com/2007/06/from-mom-to-dad.html
epic website. been lurking for maybe 20 minutes now. amazing stuff. thanks for posting it all. hi5, adam c.
Comment from Dr. Bob
Time: July 27, 2010, 4:23 pm
Does anyone out there have an interesting Fletcher story to share? It could be about things or places he led you to, or personal interactions with the man, or just about any thing else. I am collecting Fletcherite tales!
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