A Spiritual Passage

By Rand R. Timmerman, ESQ. 

“A Spiritual Passage tells the true adventure of two Brothers in their 70s hiking the Appalachian Trail in a journal format. You will share their daunting journey, learning how they did it,  their spiritual hurdles and experiences; and how they overcame  their difficulties, grief, fear, doubt, and personal tribulations, including addiction. This is a tale of hope and inspiration overcoming life struggles and realities with 500 pictures and a lot of humorous renditions along the way!”

– Deacon Bo Davis

“”A Spiritual Passage” takes the reader into the heart of human struggle and survival on the Appalachian Trail (AT) and on the long and circuitous path to sobriety. Timmerman’s trailside journal entries and searching chapters about overcoming alcoholism will help readers understand what it means to survive, endure, and embrace faith in the midst of addiction and physical challenges. Timmerman writes with honesty and passion and in ways that will encourage readers to take risks and overcome obstacles in their lives. His colorful pictures of life hiking the AT with his brother (both in their 70s) and his invigorating stories of survival are sure to inspire readers of all ages and walks of life.”

 – Dr. Eileen E. Schell, Professor of Writing and Rhetoric, Syracuse University

This is a fascinating, true-life adventure by my friend Rand and his brother Ron, who in their early 70s, hiked the Appalachian Trail from Springer Mountain, Georgia to Maine. They were both struggling with serious, personal difficulties and problems. The challenges they faced before, and during, this unbelievably physically difficult endeavor and the spiritual growth they experienced as related in this book were truly inspiring and motivational. Their story is easy to read, sometimes hilarious, sometimes tragic, and overall very entertaining. There are 500 photographs, which are delightful to look at and it feels like you are along with them. You will enjoy this adventure. 

– Robert Cranny, renowned Irish author and playwright who wrote “The White Deer” and other sought-after books. “”A Spi

About the Author

Born in 1946, Rand R. Timmerman, Esq., grew up in a small village, Adams, New York, which had more cows than people! He attended Oswego State University for three semesters. In March 1966 he enlisted in the United States Marine Corps and served primarily with the 1st Marines in Vietnam reaching the rank of Corporal. He was promoted temporarily to second lieutenant in Vietnam for the last few months. After that combat experience, he went to Officer Candidate School, and the Basic school, and then Judge Advocate General [JAG} school. Thereafter he served as a JAG officer and was honorably discharged as a Captain after five years of service. Thereafter in 1970 he attended Syracuse University acquiring his BA degree and graduated summa cum laude from Syracuse law school in 1975. Thereafter he worked for a short time for a small company, and then was self-employed 40 years via three separate law firms serving Saint Lawrence, Jefferson, Oswego, Lewis and Onondaga Counties. Since retiring in 2012 the author has written numerous books and short stories, including this one regarding hiking the Appalachian Trail with his brother in 2018 and 2019.