In Walk, Hike, Saunter, long-distance hiker Susan Alcorn introduces you to 32 experienced outdoors women who consider hiking to be an essential part of their lives. Their stories are told with honesty, insight, and humor. They share their wisdom and proven tips to inspire women and men of all ages.

The women, all 45 or older and in the prime of their lives, are superstars-shining examples of the richness that hiking can bring to our lives.

Some, but not all, were introduced to the outdoors as children. One hated those early camping trips, others reveled in them. A few, when teenagers, found hiking to be a great way to socialize with friends. Most, however, developed their zest for adventurous travel as as adults. All told, they have hiked tens of thousands of miles.

There's no doubt about it-walking and hiking are excellent ways to improve or maintain physical and mental health; in general they increase longevity. They are great ways to enjoy the camaraderie of the trail, or to go solo and foster greater independence.

There are many paths to incorporating hiking into your life. Whether hiking is one of many things that you enjoy doing, or whether you find hiking such a passion that you don't mind living out of your car in order to pursue it - you can reap the rewards of exploring the world on foot.

We are lucky to live in these times with an unprecedented number of women on our trails. We are living in an age where we have golden opportunities to explore much of the world on foot. Walking - as we immerse ourselves in nature, enjoy new vistas, and explore interesting cultures - can be life-changing.