By brandon wilson, with photos by the author,

illustrations by ken plumb

Over the Top & Back Again:

Hiking X the Alps

Book of the Year Bronze Award, ForeWord Reviews Magazine

The first book written in English about a Via Alpina thru-hike

After decades of hiking some of the world’s great trails, über-adventurer Brandon Wilson heard about the Via Alpina, paths running the length of the Alps across eight countries. Besides offering immersion into Alpine life and wilderness, it’d be the ultimate physical challenge. It meant climbing and descending nearly 700,000 feet from valley to peak—over 111 days and more than 1200 miles.

Intrigued, he imagined it was a sort-of European Appalachian Trail, only with better wine.

Confident that misery loves company, the peripatetic Everyman coaxed his desk-jockey wife Cheryl into joining him, even though that meant leaving her job, a cozy hideaway, and selling everything before hiking off to an uncertain future via a long-distance trek across the Alps.

NOT A WALK IN THE PARK

Join the couple as they discover the Via Alpina—one-step-at-a-time. Leaving the Adriatic Sea, the couple set out on the ultimate hike across Italy, Slovenia, Austria, Germany, Liechtenstein, Switzerland, France and Monaco, hoping to arrive at the Mediterranean Sea before the first snows arrived.

UPS & DOWNS

Unlike their previous trek across Tibet, they wouldn’t have to dodge Chinese bullets. Who knew that icefields, relentless rain, the dreaded Föhn, lethal ticks, barking marmots, and mountains of cow patties could be even more daunting?

MORE THAN CHEESE AND GNOMES

Little could prepare them for the rarified beauty, serenity, wildlife and legend. Or the daily dangers, drama, tension and moments of doubt. However, the hilarious situations and bizarre characters they’d meet would help put peril into perspective.

THE AGONY OF DE FEET

Wilson painstakingly chronicled their wild 1,200-mile adventure while muscles were still sore and clothes were still wet. It’s all here, the triumphs and agony of de feet, captured in his witty, gritty, award-winning style.

DARE TO FOLLOW THEIR GONZO DREAM

Join the intrepid couple as they dig deep to confront their most difficult escapade yet. Wilson’s keen eye and dry wit captures it all, the highs and lows, as they witness the Alps’ changing lifestyle and fragile landscape.

Inspiring, empowering, humorous (yet slightly crazed), Over the Top & Back Again sweeps you along for an unforgettable look at the peerless Alps—and at an everyday couple who, once again, dare to follow their wildest dream.

”Marvelous account of a long hike… told with a fine eye for detail and a keen sense of humor.”
~ Royal Robbins, rock climbing legend

“Recommended for armchair travelers and anyone interested in hiking the Alps.” ~ Library Journal

“Loved Brandon’s humor, gutsiness and joie de vivre.” ~ Ron Strickland, founder of the Pacific Northwest National Scenic Trail and author of Leave A Trail