Then the Hail Came: A Humorous and Truthful Account of a 1983 Appalachian Trail Thru-hike
Written by George Steffanos. “Then the Hail Came” is the true story of George Steffanos on his quest to become more than just a two pack a day looser by finally completing something significant in his life - The Appalachian Trail. It is true that everyone who hikes the A.T. has their share of misfortune, but for George, it seems like a daily occurrence, yet he continues to put his best foot forward. All the ups and downs are described poignantly with humor as he manages to provide wonderful descriptions of the characters he meets, and the surrounding landscape encountered through all 2138 miles from Georgia to Maine. Inspired by the events of his journey, he weaves fanciful dream interludes throughout, while beginning to change and grow as a person while hiking "The Trail." Along the way he realizes the people he encounters on the Appalachian Trail are as crazy as the ones he hung around with at home - He just wishes that he had “come prepared for that with more food.”