The true story of Ellie, a formerly abandoned puppy, and her new owner as they hike the 2,000-mile Appalachian Trail and ford rivers, scale rugged cliffs, and survive howling storms. It is a charming story of friendship and teamwork that teaches lessons about courage, determination, trust, and love.
When Pam met Ellie, she was sure she had found a new friend. But Pam wanted more than just a friend; she wanted a companion to hike the world-famous Appalachian Trail. Does Ellie have what it takes to make this journey? Find out how these two friends keep each other going and if Ellie really is ready for the Appalachian Trail.
“Ellie’s Long Walk: The True Story of Two Friends on the Appalachian Trail” is the story of a 2000 mile hike down the Appalachian Trail, taken by the author, Pan, and her faithful black Labrador, Ellie. Beginning in March of 2008, in Maine, Ellie and Pam hike together for 6 months, ending up at Amicalola Falls National park, Georgia. “Ellie’s Long Walk” explains many unexpected dangers and trail obstacles met by the pair of travelers, including a thunderstorm with many downed trees, a tricky cliff climbing path to find, and an icy stream leading to a waterfalls, which Ellie falls into and narrowly escapes. Through discouragement, hardship, cold, injury, and discomfort, Ellie provides unfailing support and cheer to Pam, and the two keep going together until they make it to the end of the Appalachian Trail. Sensitive paintings of beautiful scenes, as well as frightening events, help document the epic journey of “Ellie’s Long Walk. The only in-print children’s book about the Appalachian Trail, “Ellie’s Long Walk” has been nominated for the 2012 Chickadee Award (children’s choice award for the state of Maine), the 2012 Red Clover Award (the children’s choice award for Vermont), and also potentially the 2012 Children’s choice award in Michigan and New Hampshire. “Ellie’s Long Walk” belongs in every child’s nature education library. ---The Midwest Book Review
"It is unusual for one small book to show both the peace and natural perils of the Appalachian Trail."
--Brian King, Appalachian Trail Conservancy
"'Ellie's Long Walk' vividly describes the courage and determination of this amazing author/explorer and her dog, Ellie and will win the reader's hearts." --Casey Sundermann, Fir Grove Elementary, Beaverton, OR