how had it taken me this long in life to learn about john francis?

not only did he give up using cars and all other motor vehicles after witnessing the devastation of the 1971 oil spill, but he travelled across the country by foot without speaking at all, eventually learning sign language, how to play banjo, and watercoloring, and he constantly engaged in the world around him meeting people in remote and hugely populated areas. He even got his masters in Montana and his PhD in Wisconsin in land resources before eventually headed back to visit family in Philly and being employed by the US Coast Guard in regards to oil policies. And all along the way he worked to learn about peace and environmentalism and what individual roles one can take to help in this limited lifespan we humans possess.

I started reading this book because I liked the idea of walking as an environmental statement and really seeing the planet for what it is. Personally though, I did have to quit reading when I got to the part where his dad was seriously ill and John refused to get on an airplane to go see him because it would use gas.

I have deep respect for John Francis and his dedication to his endless self-discovery. Motivated by a disastrous oil spill, Mr. Francis set out on what turned out to be a 17-year silent adventure. All I have to say is that anyone capable of earning a PhD without verbalizing one word deserves credibility and admiration. What an incredible journey!

LOVED, LOVED, LOVED this book! I greatly enjoy travel memoirs, especially those that involve a cross-country journey on foot or bicycle. This book did not disappoint and will most likely stay at the top of my favorite non-fiction books this year.