Adventurer, Author Cindy Ross Shares Experiences Oct. 15

SALISBURY, MD---Hiker and writer Cindy Ross presents a lecture detailing her experiences on the Appalachian Trail at Salisbury University 7:30 p.m. Friday, October 15, in Fulton Hall Room 111. Ross offers slides of her two-year hike of the entire trail, which was the basis for her first book A Woman's Journey on the Appalachian Trail (1982), a hiking classic that has been in print for the past 22 years. She also talks about different ways to hike the trail—as a thru hiker, a section hiker, or a weekender—and about the importance of keeping a journal. In the past 35 years, Ross has made numerous treks across the 2,100-mile expanse of the Appalachian Trail. In more recent years, she has completed the 2,600-mile Pacific Crest Trail through the Sierra and Cascade mountains with her husband and two children and has made trips through Thailand and Europe as well. Her latest book, Scraping Heaven-a Family’s Journey along the Continental Divide, chronicles her adventures with her family across what she calls “the rooftop of North America.” Spanning five summers and 3,100 miles, the Rosses used llamas and eventually bikes to carry their children and supplies across the Rocky Mountains from the Canadian to the Mexican border. In Scraping Heaven, Ross uses her experiences with nature to teach endurance, overcoming obstacles, maintaining fitness and good health, savoring and respecting the environment, and making dreams come true. Ross received her formal education in fine arts painting at the Pennsylvania Academy of Fine Arts. She has illustrated four of her books, operated a hostel on the Appalachian Trail, written several articles for nationally recognized publications, including The Washington Post and Los Angeles Times, and made television appearances, including CBS News’ Up to the Minute. Her presentation is linked with the Outdoor Orientation and Club Reunion, held 5 p.m. Saturday, October 16, at the Ward Museum of Wildfowl Art. The reunion, organized by the Office of Alumni Relations (410-543-6042), features a “roast” of SU English professor Bill Horne, who in October of 2003 completed his 28-year section hike of the Appalachian Trail and in August of 2004, after major spine surgery, his 20th Algonquin Orientation in the Wilderness. For more information call 410-543-6030 or visit the SU web site www.salisbury.edu.