Everyone thinks I should write a book. Would you buy it? It would be a north american backpacking and outdoor person's book -it would feature the following:
Basic How to stuff: trip planning - from equipment to where to leave your keys - it wouldn't just be AT but would use it as a basis for a lot
How to hike, what to wear, how to act, how to pitch tents, hammocks, sleep in shelters, hang food, stay dry
Fitness and well being for the long distance hiker
First Aid - there is plenty of this but I would do it from a real hikers perspective (I'm a WFR, but I wouldn't right a ton on this)
Cooking: from alcohol and wood stoves to pocket rockets, Coleman Camp stoves and everything in between - how to grocery shop and lots of recipes for the backpacker
Philosophy analysis - ultra light, lightweight, more or less average, carry the kitchen sink
How to build a campfire (even when its halfway between rain and snow) and why not to build a bunch of fires
I wouldn't have a bunch of map and compass, bow and drill and survivalist stuff but I might touch on this - more like how to keep lighters dry and get cell service by climbing a tree
Things nobody writes about like how to smile when you hitch-hike and how much to tip bartenders
Leave no trace: in a not preachy, not holier than thou, non-elitist way - just taking care of the woods
Anthropology and Geography, History of the AT, backpacking and other north american backpacking - human and physical sides of both
I'd also add humor, photos etc.
there are a ton of books out there but they are either very specific (like the trails of the upper east end of such and such forest) or really non comprehensive, or something else
I'm thinking its a $25 book and it costs $12 to make, $5 goes to the ATC and the rest to me?
I've done 1 AT thru-hike - spend 30 - 80 nights a year backpacking - am also a climber, kayaker, and runner - as qualified as many, I guess -- I'd probably draw on a partner or two
ok - tell me why I'm crazy, it won't work or has already been done, etc.