Rocks and Roots

Rocks and Roots: Solo Backpacking My Way to Health on the Superior Hiking Trail is Betsy Leighton's story about section hiking the Superior Hiking Trail (SHT) in 2024 as a solo female backpacker with a chronic illness. Leighton journeys alone into the wilderness of northern Minnesota while overcoming nervous system dysregulation, gut dysbiosis, and Mast Cell Activation Syndrome (MCAS) symptoms to successfully hike a total of 328 miles.

Leighton's account includes a deep dive into the often misunderstood condition of MCAS, calling attention to the difficulty of obtaining a correct diagnosis, common triggers of symptom flares, and the struggle of exercising with the condition.

Interspersed with her daily journal entries from the SHT, Leighton covers treatments, medications, supplements, and dietary changes that help her to manage MCAS; as well as the complex relationship between histamine, sulfur, oxalates, and food sensitivities.

Leighton also delves into the logistics of section hiking, discussing the gear choices she made for her trek and providing evaluations of their performance on the trail. Leighton considers the challenges presented by the terrain, and shares insights from fellow hikers and helpful people who provided rides and treats along her journey, known as "trail angels".

Leighton's book is an engaging surrender story of following her dreams while adjusting her expectations to her health condition. Along the way, she confronts fears, finds opportunities for forgiveness, and focuses on enjoying every step on the path. Her hard-won realizations about solo backpacking as a female with a chronic health condition highlight the resilience of the human condition, and provide inspiration for solo female travelers of all kinds.