Lost On Purpose: Adventures Of A Mountain Man

So reading this was very fascinating. I do a lot of walking and I go hiking in the city parks here (and we even have some steep trails that go up + down) but we sure don’t have any mountains… In fact I have never seen a mountain as there are none in the Midwest. And to make things clear this is not fiction – the author truly went on this adventure: seven weeks out in the wilderness following the path of Lewis and Clark. In October and November! He was camping when there was snow on the ground. That really boggles my mind. How can you sleep in a tent when its so cold outside?

One of the first things I wanted to know was what was he going to use for food. At the beginning of the book – where he had very carefully planned his trip (and he had done many of these trips before) he did some complicated math to know how much he needed a day. Calories I mean. But food is mighty heavy. Did you ever notice? And he wanted the most bang for the ounce. So I was very curious to see what he was going to take with him. Some of his choices surprised me. Like the oatmeal. Or the tea. I love tea but I also read if you drink it in the same time you eat certain foods it can have an affect on if you absorb the nutrients or not. Especially for iron. So I do wonder if that affected him at all? In fact what was his iron source?? Or copper. You can’t absorb iron without copper. Hmmmm…. I will have to think about that.

But I just loved how he describes all the stuff he sees. The mountains, trees, rivers, the few animals that cross his path. There were these weird birds that made loud sounds as they came on to land. The writing is so vivid you feel that you are almost out there too… And all of his thoughts are in here too. He said that when he first went into the woods how his brain was all cluttered with tons of thoughts. But the longer he stayed out there the calmer he grew.

Now there is some excitement in here too. He had done a few dumb, risky things too. Like his desire to see this one area got the better of him and it was just awful. Almost a horrid trap. Plus to get there he was practically sliding down some major steep slope of a mountain.. I have seen a few really steep trails here and I can kind of imagine what he means (but it sure doesn’t have the height of his). But no way I would want to risk that but I have climbed up a few really steep trails but only in dry weather.

The story is in first person. Very vivid writing.

He meets a few people and various critters along the way. Its a true adventure. Out in one of America’s few remaining untamed wilderness areas. He was crossing ridges, going in places that had no trail and was fording swift rivers barefoot in freezing temperatures (hoping he wouldn’t fall into the water with his heavy 60 pound pack).

And why you ask? Because he wanted the challenge. To enter a true wilderness. Where you don’t really know what is up ahead (but you do have Google maps but it doesn’t show everything). And he wanted to follow Lewis and Clark.

He says in here by talking about a thing you make it real. You manifest it… And that may actually be the wisest thing in the whole book.

And if you decide to go hiking or go visit one of the National parks please remember to take an Emergency Locator Beacon with you. It can save your life. He mentions his throughout the book. He also states that if you get stuck in a bad spot remember it will take them longer to reach you.

This was a good book but I thought it was going to be much more than it was since it won awards. There are better “real adventure” books out there to read..

I felt as though I was with Patrick for the whole journey(although my pack was a little lighter).I learned treking
skills and was reminded of the power of will and determination.Patricks writing is very descriptive and it gave me a great visual account of his adventure. Congratulations!

Relatable book to anyone who has “lived” in the wilderness longer than just a camping trip. I enjoyed the historical references and excerpts regarding the Lewis and Clark expedition including the authors calling to hike the original passage. As a long distance hiker myself, I could relate to the challenges with food, water, weather and safe places to camp. My favorite character was Trapper Joe. This chapter brought the struggles endured during the hike to life. The small comforts that can change a day. Would have liked to have known if you ever met up again.

While I understand the immense gratitude and shout outs for the authors cousins support, I don’t think the multiple references were necessary.

It did get monotonous reading about the food/meals during the adventure. Much of that was assumed as it was detailed what was taken on the journey.

Would have enjoyed more detail on wildlife, what thoughts occupied the authors mind, etc. The details were brushed over when a deep dive, specifically during the worst moments would have painted a better picture.

I didn’t feel the struggle and pain during the Sherman’s Saddle Chapter that could have been much more detailed or descriptive. It seemed rushed.

Would have enjoyed more descriptive writing overall. The crunch of the snow, the pain of your feet warming after being soaked by ice water, the feeling of wearing wet clothing in freezing temps, the burn of the frost. a deeper dive into the dark thoughts of fear and elation of simple pleasure such as sun on cheeks.

Overall, I enjoyed the reasons and draw of the wilderness and your tenacity and desire to hike the actual passage. I do look forward to reading more of your stories.

For something you would think would be simple the author manages to keep your interest and make you feel as if you’re there with him. Lots of detail but written in such a way as to not be boring.

Fun book to read while on vacation camping and hiking, finished it in a couple evenings. Not the greatest author, seemed to be trying to be more flashy with wording that necessary; but I am amazed at what he accomplished, and wish I could go on a hike with him!