09/05/2026
“How do you measure a trip? River miles? hours on the road? Number of Nights? How about measuring driving distance by beer cans?
That’s what Ed Abbey did. He was an environmentalist who fought to preserve wild places yet chucked beer cans out the window of his truck; a man at home in the desert out west but grew up in the east; a military vet who railed against the government.
He may be called crass and contrarian but he held firm beliefs, loved any adventure and staunchly stood up for nature anytime an opportunity arose.
My crusty copy of Desert Solitaire has been on motorcycle camping trips, backpacking across the coastal range, and down the Colorado River through the Grand Canyon for 3 weeks.
It’s one of my favorites. It makes me feel connected when I’m out in nature, and transports me back to old trips when I read it back at home, indoors.
Have you guys read it? Let me know your thoughts below!”
Reed on Desert Solitaire by Edward Abbey
