Midges, Maps & Muesli, by Helen Krasner
An Account of a 5,000 Mile Walk Round the Coast of Britain
Oct 10, 2008
Helen performed her amazing record-breaking hike during 1986/7, and wrote the book soon afterwards. Unusually for a self-published book, it sold extremely well, and continues to do so...so much so that it recently had to be reprinted. So what is it that makes this book so readable and attracts so many people?
Helen’s Great Walk
Helen set out in March 1986 to walk around the whole coast of Britain. She states that she wasn’t trying to break any records or even fulfil a long held ambition. It was simply, she says in the book“…An idea I’d had for a long time. I’d frequently told friends it would be a nice this to do if I ever had the time and money and no commitments”.
Despite rudimentary planning, and without being particularly fit or experienced at long distance walking, Helen succeeded in completing this mammoth task in eleven months. She had many small adventures – nearly being blown off a cliff, being scared by bulls and large dogs, and being thrown out of her accommodation on a windy night by a suspicious policeman. She walked in all weathers – wind, rain, snow...and occasionally lovely sunshine. And she saw many sights, and met many interesting people.
Guinness Record Book
Finally, in January 1987, she arrived back at her starting point, to a rapturous reception from her relatives and the media. Despite having tried to make this merely a private trip, she had walked into the record books and become a minor celebrity.
What Makes this Book so Appealing?
This is not one of those diary-type travel books that ultimately turn into a list of places visited and can become very boring. Nor is it an account of a great feat by a super-woman type to whom most people cannot relate. This is an honest story, written by an "ordinary" person, of a quite extraordinary trip.
A careful observer, both of the things she sees, the people she meets and her own thoughts and feelings, Helen really brings her adventure to life for the casual reader. This, one feels, is the way such a walk would be for anyone who suddenly decided to leave the comfort of his or her armchair and give it a go.
Helen writes in a light, easy-to-read style, which means the book is not hard work…in fact, it is hard to put down! It has had a few good reviews on Amazon so clearly a number of people felt this way.
How to Obtain a Copy
Midges, Maps & Muesli is obtainable from all bookshops and the usual outlets such as Amazon. You can also obtain a signed copy from Helen, who is a Suite 101 writer and the Feature Writer for Aviation. All you need to do is email her at helen@krasner.wanadoo.co.uk for details. The book costs £9.95, and postage is included within the UK, with Helen making a very small extra charge for overseas orders.
Midges, Maps & Muesli really is a most enjoyable read, especially for those people who enjoy walking, hiking and the great outdoors.
Details
Midges, Maps & Muesli, by Helen Krasner, Garth Publications, 1998, ISBN 978-0-9533801-0-7
 |
