VIRGINIA BEACH — Area residents are invited to hike – or drive – on over to the Meyera E. Oberndorf Central Library at 6:30 p.m. on Monday to hear author Jennifer Pharr Davis talk about her hiking experiences and her new book, “The Pursuit of Endurance.”
Davis has hiked more than 14,000 miles of long-distance trails on six different continents and was named National Geographic’s Adventurer of the Year in 2012.
“Hiking is in our blood,” she said. “We’ve been doing it since the dawn of man. Breathing fresh air, feeling the dirt beneath our feet, touching trees, taking in views, it’s all part of being human and gets us back to our roots. These days, with all the screen time we and our kids get, it’s all the more important.”
Davis said she has a lot of fun with her presentations, usually reading excerpts from her latest book and running a slide show with photos from her different hikes, as well as sharing some vignettes and takeaways from the trail.
The presentation typically ends with a question and answer session.
“My husband and young kids Charley and Gus usually make an appearance, too, and they sometimes steal the show,” she added.
When people go for a hike – just one hike – they’ll be sold on all the benefits that come with it, she said.
“It’s good for your physical health, it gives you a break mentally, it’s a getaway from the hustle and bustle of daily life, it reminds us that we’re a part of nature and not detached from it.”
It doesn’t matter how far or how fast you go, she said, it’s all about getting out there and enjoying the journey.
The presentation is ideal for adults, teens and families with school-aged children, and is free and open to the public. Those interested can register to attend here.
Davis has written six books, articles for The New York Times and Outside, Backpacker and Trail Runner magazines, and has spoken on national radio and TV programs. She is also founder and owner of Blue Ridge Hiking Company, a guide service that strives “to make the wilderness accessible and enjoyable” for hikers of all ages, genders and ability levels.
For information about the program, call 757-385-0150.
