Outdoor enthusiasts and armchair travellers alike will relish Harmer's precise account of his backpacking adventure, in which this sixty-two-year-old Anglo discovers the realities of complicated cultural legacies ecological challenges, and human foibles counterpoised against his own strengths and frailties.
The narrative explores the deep connection between the author and the Salish Indian community, revealing insights gained from years of immersion in their culture after the Vietnam War. Harmer delves into the spiritual beliefs and the nature spirits that influence the lives of the Salish people, offering a unique perspective on their world and wisdom. Through personal experiences, he reflects on the broader themes of spirituality, identity, and the relationship between humans and the natural environment.