Cactus Eaters

I wrapped up the book The Cactus Eaters. Spending my summer backpacking is a most appealing alternative to training at the Point in Maryland and while reading I felt restless. This book definitely inspired me in some senses— Sure, I’ve spent a fair amount of time hiking in lush mountainous scenery but have mostly ignored the red rocks only a few hours’ drive from home in Utah. I should make an effort to spend substantial time out and about when I return.

Sadly, the theme of the book was the influence of love on life. Dan spent thousands of miles on the trail, enduring hardship after hardship. Some were spent alone, most spent with his lover and friend. And after it all he realized that life without love is meaningless. Damn.