About this item
A compelling account of one man's journey across hundreds of miles of Virginia wilderness and a moving testament to the optimistic spirit of America, Walk Ride Paddle provides an unseen glimpse into a life outside. In 2019, Tim Kaine - Virginia senator and former Democratic vice presidential candidate - commemorated both his sixtieth birthday and his twenty-fifth year in public office by undertaking a three-part journey across the Virginia landscape as he hiked, cycled, and canoed across the state. His chronicle became an organic reflection of the extraordinary events occurring across America during that time, including two impeachment trials, a global pandemic, growing racial protests, the January 6 attack on the Capitol, and more.During weekends and in Senate recess weeks, Kaine - over a period of several years - hiked the 559 miles of the Appalachian Trail that cross Virginia from Harpers Ferry to the Tennessee border; biked 321 miles along the crest of the Virginia Blue Ridge on the beautiful parkways built during the Great Depression to create jobs and give everyday people on the East Coast an accessible place to vacation; and canoed the entire James River - 348 miles from its headwaters in the Allegheny Mountains to its entrance into the Chesapeake Bay.
About the Author
Born into a rich heritage of Virginia patriots, my 4th great grandfather, Gov Thomas Nelson, Jr., Signer of the Declaration of Independence, and others active in Virginia history. I love history and wrote the History of the 318 Field Hospital to honor my grandfather, Maj (Dr) Hugh Thomas Nelson, Jr., who I never met, as well as honoring his men. I traveled to France to see the land his unit operated and participated in the Great War.
