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Description

Rocks and Roots: Solo Backpacking My Way to Health on the Superior Hiking Trail is Betsy Leighton’s account of section hiking the Superior Hiking Trail (SHT) as a solo female traveler with a chronic illness.
This 240-page book chronicles Leighton’s journey backpacking alone in the wilderness of northern Minnesota, while overcoming nervous system dysregulation, gut dysbiosis, and Mast Cell Activation Syndrome (MCAS) symptoms to successfully hike a total of 328 miles.
Leighton’s account includes a deep dive into the often misunderstood condition of MCAS, including the difficulty in getting a correct diagnosis, the common triggers of symptom flares, and the challenges of exercising with the condition.
Leighton covers treatments, medications, supplements, and dietary changes that have helped her to manage MCAS, as well as the complex relationship between histamine, sulfur, oxalates, and food sensitivities from histamine intolerance.
Interspersed with her daily journal entries of her days spent on the SHT, Leighton delves into the logistics of section hiking. She discusses the gear choices she made for her trek, and providres evaluations of their performance on the trail. Leighton also highlights the challenges presented by the terrain, and shares insights gained from fellow hikers and helpful people who provided rides and treats along her journey, known as “trail angels”.
Leighton’s book is a gorgeous surrender story about following her aspirations while adjusting her expectations as her health condition dictated. Along the way she confronted fears, found opportunities for forgiveness, and focused on enjoying every step along the path. Her hard won realizations about the realities of solo backpacking as a female with a chronic health condition highlight the resilience of the human condition, and provide inspiration for female travelers of all ages.