Ross's trip began at a low point as the hiking "partner" she had selected from an advertisement proved to be totally inexperienced and so weird that they parted company the first day. Continuing alone, Ross soon became the de facto leader of a motley, changing crew of Crest Walkers known as "Cindy's circus." The long, rugged hiking days produced physical ailments and mental crotchets, of course. But in confronting and surmounting these, Ross grew in strength as the miles dropped away until, after many months (and several major changes in her life) Ross beat fall snows and storms to reach the Canadian border. More than the end of the trail this was also a symbolic milestone in her life.

Not AR rated