Bonding over Books and Trail Stories: Book 16: Where’s the Next Shelter?

### Where’s the Next Shelter? by Gary Sizer

Date & Time: Tuesday, September 16, 2025, at 6:00 PM
Location: Tazza Kitchen, 1244 Alverser Plaza, Midlothian, VA 23113

### What to Expect at the Meetup

• Welcome & Icebreaker: A warm greeting and quick intros—feel free to share your favorite hiking memory, dream destination, or just say hi!
• Discussion Kick-Off: Dive into what stood out most—funniest trail moment, Sizer’s companions, or his surprisingly humorous tone during tough times.
• Meaning & Motivation: Explore deeper themes—resilience, friendship, self-discovery, and what it really takes to hike the Appalachian Trail.
• Wrap-Up & Next Steps: Share any “trail-inspired” book recommendations (like other hiking memoirs), plan your next read, or schedule the next meetup.
  Why This Book Works for Us
  Where’s the Next Shelter? captures the soul of hiking—not just the terrain but the people, the mishaps, the laughs, and the raw, honest moments that make the journey unforgettable. It’s an inspiring yet approachable read—perfect for sparking conversation and connection as we gather around good company and good food.
• Synopsis
  Where’s the Next Shelter? is a lively and heartwarming memoir recounting Gary Sizer’s experiences while thru-hiking the Appalachian Trail from Georgia to Maine. As a seasoned backpacker and former Marine, Sizer finds himself humbled by the grueling 2,000-mile journey. Joined by two memorable companions—Megan, a spirited and inexperienced college grad, and Lemmy, a whimsical cartoonist whose off-kilter humor lightens even the toughest moments—Sizer navigates both the wilderness and the quirky characters he meets along the way. This isn’t your typical trail diary. Instead of grand panoramas, the book zeroes in on the everyday quirks and camaraderie of life on the trail—blisters, late-night laughs, trail magic, and the profound bonds that form when you’re trudging mile after mile. Readers will find themselves laughing out loud, root for the hikers through screw-ups and triumphs, and perhaps feeling the itch to plan a hiking adventure of their own.
• Looking forward to seeing everyone at Tazza Kitchen on Tuesday, September 16—let’s bring a sense of adventure to the table together!