The Thousand-Mile Summer: In Desert and High Sierra by Colin Fletcher (1969) – A Trailblazing Tale of Solitude, Stride, and Sierra Sky
$28.00
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Before the Trails Were Marked, He Walked Them All
Long before thru-hiking became mainstream and ultralight gear was the norm, Colin Fletcher set out to walk over a thousand miles alone through California's deserts and the High Sierra.
His thoughtful, wry, and observant voice makes The Thousand-Mile Summer not just a chronicle of distance but a celebration of solitude, nature, and resilience.
Fletcher's reflections go beyond trail stories, including observations on gear, wilderness ethics, and the quiet, patient practice of simply walking. The book is often credited as the grandfather of modern backpacking literature, inspiring generations of hikers to leave behind the chaos and head for the mountains.
Readers still turn to this title for its humor, honest writing, and enduring relevance.
Specifications:
- Title: The Thousand-Mile Summer: In Desert and High Sierra
- Author: Colin Fletcher
- Publication Date: 1969
- Publisher: Howell-North Books
- Format: Hardcover with Dust Jacket
- Genre: Outdoor Adventure, Hiking, Memoir
- Pages: 210
- Dimensions: 9.5 x 6.5 x 1.2 inches
- Language: English
- Condition: Signed by previous owner. Dust jacket shows wear as shown in photos.
Why It Belongs on Your Shelf
Fletcher paved the way for modern backpackers, and his writing still resonates. If you love long walks, thoughtful prose, or the call of untamed landscapes, this book belongs in your pack—or at least on your nightstand.
Disclaimer:
The vintage items I share with you have been previously owned and loved. As is typical for vintage pieces, they may show some wear. Please use the pictures as a guide. If you have any questions or need more photos, ask.
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For more information, check out our FAQ section or contact me at pam@myreadingvintage.com.
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Yes. Every photo on this page is the actual item you will receive. Not a stock photo, not a similar copy. What you see is what ships.
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Honestly. This is vintage, so expect some age. When I find wear, writing, stains, loose pages, chips, or missing pieces, I note them and show them in the photos. Some marks add character. Some are just flaws. I tell you which is which so you can decide if this is the right one for you.
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With care. Old books and fragile pieces are wrapped and boxed so they arrive the way they left me. Careful packing is one of the things buyers mention most in their reviews. Orders of $35 or more ship free.
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Probably not. Everything here is one of a kind, and I rarely find the same item twice. Once it sells, it is gone. Vintage does not restock neatly.
Good to Know Before You Buy
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