I bought a book called "The Walker's Guide to Outdoor Clues and Signs" by a fellow called Tristan Godley. At times it was quite an irritating book to read. It contained far too much information and it seemed as if the author's whole interest in walking was connected with the spotting of various signs.
He explained a whole array of methods we might use to determine compass directions from the shape of trees to stars in the sky and from lichens to church architecture. All very interesting but to be truthful - when I am out walking I always know where north and south and east and west are simply by looking at my map. It's not as if I am walking in a featureless wilderness.
In two of the chapters, Godley describes a journey he made to the heart of Borneo, seeking to pick up the travelling techniques of Dayak tribespeople. Deep in the jungle, he heads for a village called Long Layu with two Dayak trekkers. They follow signs such as the direction of streams and birdsong. They are at one with Nature. Finally they make it to Long Layu but Godley has nothing to say about his destination. Nothing to say about the people who live there and the homes they have crafted. It's almost as if the destination is insignificant. It's the getting there that matters.
Godley often refers to courses he leads in reading natural signs when walking in the great outdoors and at one point he refers to a "shepherd's hut" in his garden where he does all of his writing and his studying.
There's much of interest in the book. Maybe too much. As I say, it sometimes felt like a case of "information overload". For me, walking is often a meditative process of exploration and observation. I don't wish to spend my walking journeys collecting information like a scientist on a field study weekend. I want to think as I walk along, to dream, to remember and to see. It is an holistic experience and knowing where North is is never high on my agenda. In contrast, for Tristan Godley it's probably his top priority.
I made it through 400 pages, reading every word and there are certainly a few nuggets I will take from this book but in the final analysis I am glad that the thirteen hours hours of reading are over.
Perhaps Mr. Gooley was a bit "on the spectrum" as we say now. In other words, he may have been fascinated by the cardinal directions to the point where that WAS the point of his walking. So his goal and his aim in his wanderings were not about the holistic experience, as you say, but on that which fascinates him. The navigation of it all.
ReplyDeleteWe are all so different. And in reading that book, at least you got a peek into how another walker's mind works.
So it was not really wasted time although I probably never would have read it to the end.
I agree that Mr Godley is probably "on the spectrum" and you are also right that in a perverse way the book allowed me to see walking through his eyes.
DeleteAll of us are "on the spectrum" somewhere.
DeleteI think you are right Tasker. After all - what is "normal" anyway?
DeleteThere is no normal. Which is pretty cool because we get to experience vastly different perspectives if we just take the time. And taking the time to read that book was a good example!
DeleteSo I guess some writers know how to spoil a good walk. You're right. I never think about directions. Directions are just part of me.
ReplyDeleteYou are a human compass Red. Do you need to oil your pointer?
DeletePersistent bloke, aren't you? lol Persistence is a good thing in the right circumstances and the right quantity.
ReplyDeleteMy walks are purely for appreciation of nature and getting myself moving, because I sit so much for work and hobbies.
It is very rare for me to give up on a book. Once I have started I finish. One notable exception was "Harry Potter and the Philosopher's Stone". Awful writing.
DeleteI have seen that book in shops in Ripon, I think. The cover looks definitely familiar and like something that would interest me, but after your review, I am glad I did not buy it.
ReplyDeleteDirections can be very important when walking in unfamiliar areas and when one does not have a good map, but like you, I usually know where I am in terms of north, south etc.
The book wasn't quite what I was expecting. There is little of what I call the "joy" of walking.
DeleteSounds like some fiction writers who are so enamoured of their descriptive powers that you can't find the plot of the book.
ReplyDeleteThat's a good way of putting it Mary.
DeleteReminds me of the 5 book sci- fi omnibus (Xellee, by Steven Baxter), leant to me by a work colleague. I wasn't hooked after the 1st book but persisted to the 2nd. Still not hooked I made to the third book. Decided I didn't like it but forced myself to finish to find out what happened. I had guessed the ending but had to read to be sure...
ReplyDeleteYou deserved a medal after all that Steph!
DeleteThat sounds tedious! I generally have a very good sense of direction (one of my few skills!) and, like you, I feel like I usually know which way is which. Even without a map I think I'd have some sense of that.
ReplyDeleteIn his defence, and just as an example, Godley points out that lichens are more likely to thrive on south facing rocks or tree trunks - at least in Britain. He also speaks of the relationship between plants and what might be found in the ground beneath them. Hence, leadwort may indicate that lead lies beneath. As I say tidbits like this were certainly on interest to me.
DeleteSounds like he's all for the detail and not looking at (or admiring) the wider picture. Think I'd be screaming at the book too!
ReplyDeleteYou understand where I was coming from with this ADDY.
DeleteI have a compass...but I no longer use it. I now know my way to the bathroom, blindfolded.
ReplyDeleteYou are an amazing woman.
DeleteYes, I know....I'm in awe every day! :)
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