Tenacity, Hoot on the Appalachian Trail
Beyond being a veterinarian, consultant, and speaker, I’m also a human being who believes deeply in following big dreams. Back in 2009, I connected with my recently widowed neighbor, Gregory F. West, and discovered he was quietly holding onto a lifelong dream: hiking the Appalachian Trail.
I encouraged him to go.
That decision led to his unforgettable journey, and our unexpected love story. The book we wrote together has just been published: Tenacity: Hoot on the Appalachian Trail.
Along the way, the trail tested everything from endurance to faith…and yes, our story includes a marriage you’ll have to read about to fully appreciate.
About The Book
At sixty years old, Gregory F. West laced up his boots, shouldered a pack, and set out to conquer the legendary Appalachian Trail. His trail name, Hoot, quickly became a fitting symbol—not just of the laughter and camaraderie found along the way, but of the grit and tenacity required to face more than two thousand miles of rugged terrain, unpredictable weather, and the unexpected challenges of long-distance hiking.
But this journey wasn’t his alone. Gregory was lifted by the support of Stephanie, initially his girlfriend and “trail angel” whose encouragement, care, and growing love helped him turn his lifelong dream of hiking the AT into reality. What began as resupply planning and moral support blossomed into a partnership that carried them beyond the trail—into marriage and the co-authorship of this story.
In Tenacity, West shares not only the breathtaking beauty of the wilderness and the raw realities of the hike, but also the transformative power of love, perseverance, and shared dreams.
Whether you’re a hiker chasing your own adventure, an armchair traveler yearning for inspiration, or someone who believes it’s never too late to realize a dream, Tenacity will invite you to laugh, reflect, and believe in the trails—both literal and personal—that lead us forward.
