Find the most remote routes in the book 'Wanderlust Europe, the Great European Hike' (Gestalten).
At this point in the film (or should we say the trip?) no need to explain what the wanderlust spirit is, because whether or not it is in our genes that passion to travel, explore and experience no one gets a hit of dopamine in the brain when discovering a new place, whether it's around the corner or on the other side of the world. We were lacking psychological stimuli in the open air and, as soon as we could, we have embarked on the adventure of walking, looking, trying and, ultimately, feeling new things.
The wanderlust gene defended by some researchers seems to be out of control and it is better to redirect it following the steps of the experts. This is the case of the writer and photographer Alex Roddie, who together with the Gestalten publishing house, has just published the book Wanderlust Europe, the Great European Hike, which will go on sale next September 15 (€39.90).
The Sierra de Tramontana in Mallorca could not be left out of the book.
An inveterate mountaineer and backpacker, Roddie has selected the most inspiring routes of the European continent to show us the grandeur of each scenic landscape and a little piece of what is experienced when one faces the majesty of Nature with capital letters. From north to south: from the freezing Norwegian fjords to the rugged coasts of the Mediterranean islands (yes, the Majorcan Sierra Tramontana is on the list). From east to west: along the path that connects the Canary Islands and also along the one that crosses the Caucasus through Georgia and Armenia.
However, not all are impressive snapshots to admire to turn the page (specifically 328) in Wanderlust Europe, since the Gestalten book includes plenty of practical advice and information on the endemic flora and fauna, as well as the history and origin of many routes. Also travel anecdotes to salivate over fate, such as when the author explains that he was nicknamed Alex “Naeboots” Roddie by an American after having shared “fire, hot food, whiskey and stories” with him and other hikers in the Scottish Highlands and having told them that he got there walking alone and discouraged for more than 100 kilometers “wi' nae boots, just flimsy trainers” (without boots, only with flimsy sneakers).
Tips and maps in the book Wanderlust Europe from the Gestalten publishing house.
Explains in detail the experienced climber the most remote routes on the continent, such as the Arctic Trail in Iceland, another that crosses the unique Scandinavian tundra or the one that takes you to admire the Shkhara, the highest mountain in Georgia with 5,193 meters above sea level, from Ushguli, the highest inhabited town in Europe.
But he also walks through other visual paradises at sea level, such as the amber beaches of the Baltic, where amber collectors continue to collect from the shore this fossilized tree resin that once served as currency. So if you too want to become a 'Baltic gold' prospector, just follow in Alex Roddie's footsteps (and ask the locals for permission).
Bonus track: we are not going to give it to you, but the adventurer, who contributes alternative routes to take, if we want to investigate new trails or, simply, get a little off the beaten track.
Cover of the book 'Wanderlust Europe, the Great European Hike' (Gestalten, 2020).