Things I Learned from Falling by Claire Nelson

I am a walker. I walk with friends on my days off around the Presidio, or up and down Lake Street. I hike with my husband on the weekends in Dominican Heights or nearby Mount Tam. And I tackle the Fryman Fire Trail with my writing partner, Joe, every time I go to L.A. But I very rarely ever walk or hike alone. The reason is that I am scared I might fall, be out of cell phone range, and meet my untimely death in the jaws of a hungry coyote. Thus is the territory of Claire Nelson's beautiful written book, "Things I Learned from Falling." In 2018, Nelson fell 25 feet after losing her way in a deserted part of Joshua Tree, near Palm Springs. What began as a simple day hike, would leave her stuck in the canyon, with a shattered pelvis. She cried for help, under the scorching hot sun, for four painfully long days. That's the bad news. The good news is there is a lot of time to think, and problem solve while lying in the desert waiting to be rescued. Nelson's story is tragic, and exciting at the same time. She was able to not only get rescued but also plot a new course that would lead her into a better life. There are many lessons learned in this book, but the biggest one is that Claire Nelson is an exciting writer, and I hope she goes on more adventures soon. Only next time I want her to travel with a buddy. To buy this book on Amazon click here.