I am undertaking a charity trek to EBC later this year 2019 with a bunch of like minded Firefighters. My wife bought me this book as an insight as to what to expect. It turned out to be one of the best books I have ever read. It was funny, informative and truly inspiring to get out there and do it.

As I say “It’s an all round smashing book”. It is worth a read whether you intend to trek in the Himalayas or just like to sit back and read about others who have done it.

~ N.D.

Having Attempted EBC in October 2018 with a Climb2Cure team from the Leukemia & Lymphoma Society, this book brought back a lot of great memories of the team and the trek. My Kumbu cough, unfortunately, turned into bronchitis at about 16, 400 feet, so I stayed put at Lobuche at the Oxygen Lodge. Thank you for the witty commentary and descriptions. They helped me continue to picture my own epic journey in my mind, and thankfully, I also have my own pictures that I use to calm myself when things in the “real” world becomes overwhelming — as it does once you have experienced the peace and calm of the beautiful Himalaya. I cannot wait to go back, and will check out Hobnail when I do. Hike on, everyone!!

TrapperHj

Mark delivers a funny self effacing retelling of his first trekking experience in Nepal to some little mountain called Everest. I hear it’s a big deal.
Having changed the trajectory of his entire life by starting a U.S. based trekking company in the mountaineering capital of North America, Nashville, Tennessee, we get a front row yak ride as Mark takes 15 brave (brave due to the trek or brave due to going with an unknown entity…..who knows?) souls on the long journey from the Eastern U.S. to Katmandu to Lukla and onward to Everest Base Camp on foot.
One can just about smell the Dzo paddies, hear the rush of the Dhudh Kosi river, taste the garlic soup, see the overwhelming majesty of the mountains, and feel the crunch of the trail beneath hiking boot clad feet, as the Bill Bryson of the Doofus World recounts the highs and lows of the trip.

I laughed out loud several times, when unexpected and random funny zingers would pop up. And, this being a completely personal opinion (this is MY review after all), bodily function humor is ALWAYS funny.

“Well Robert that’s all swell and good, and i love a good joke as much as the next person,” you say, “but does this collection of dead trees have any useful information?” Why yes it does! The story arc of DDDEBC (or as i like to call it Triple D Epic) gives a 29,029 foot (see what i did there?) view of the whole experience, with useful kernels of information that can be harvested by the observant. And, when you are done with this delightful story, the appendices have all sorts of more granular information (technical, gear lists, etc..) that can jump start you on your own research. PLUS, you get a web link to awesome online EXTRAS (no spoilers here. I’m not easy like that). I for one have already mentally made the leap, and will be following in Mark’s footsteps come fall of 2019. I just want one of them there sweet Hobnail Trekking beanies. See you in Nepal!!!!
Tretsch says, BUY THIS BOOK.

Epilogue:
“but, but Robert! you only gave him 4 stars!”
Sheesh you are a whiny peanut gallery!
5 stars are reserved for literary giants, the likes of: Melville, Tolstoy, Poe, Hemingway, Joyce, Twain, Dr. Suess

Robert A. Tretsch III

As a member of this original trekking group, I can honestly say that this book took me back to Nepal and every step I made on the trek. If you’re wanting to do this trek one day or if you’re totally interested but think you could never actually do it, this book is for you. It gives you insight into the terrain and conditions so future trekkers can be properly prepared while also making others feel like they are actually there! With Mark’s descriptive writing, you can close your eyes and imagine yourself in the middle of it all….sights, smells, tastes! And he does all of this with a sense of humor!! Definitely check out this book and if you can, check out Mark Johnson and Hobnail Trekking Company!! You won’t be disappointed!

Rarasusan

Honest look at the ins and outs of trekking to Everest Base Camp. I really enjoyed reading of Mark E. Johnson’s journey. Had me laughing at some points and rooting for the team to accomplish their goal. This book is a winner!!

Delightful reading

Great read! I am trekking EBC in Nov19, and I now consider this book an invaluable guide, as Mark talks about and explains how real life on the trail will be. I will probably read this book again during my 23 hours of travel to Lukla. Thank you Mark!

Amazon customer

All you hardcore trekkers have plenty of reasons to buy this book. But you fellow armchair travelers are in for a GREAT TRIP not only up to Everest Base Camp and its stunning views but in and out of Nepal villages, temples, and tea-houses for local sights, sounds, and tastes. Johnson will have you laughing along the way, and when you’re not laughing it’s because you’re reading about all the agonizing stuff he and his team went through while you’re sitting comfy with your feet up. Buy one for you and gift one to a friend!!

Book Conspirator

Just finished listening to this funny and informative book based around the #Bucketlist item of trekking to #Everest Base Camp, following Mark’s, Holly’s and the @HobnailTrekCo ‘s adventure in #Nepal. Such a great read, and an insight into what to expect when we go in 2020.

Marcus Preedy via Twitter

Mark, I wasn’t sure what to expect as I joined you and Holly on this audible journey to Everest Basecamp. But I want to thank you for the laughs, the beautifully described visuals, and the tears I shared as I followed your epic journey. 💜

For those of you who don’t know my friend Mark, he will not disappoint. He’s an award-winning writer and photographer that one on a journey of a lifetime. And he’s taking you with him through his audible book journey. So happy for you my friend! Now, where is my coffee table photo book? It’s got to be the next follow up for this incredible journey! 😉 Namaste!

Heather Berry, via Audible

As someone who was on this trip with the author, I can tell you that Mark captures the journey extremely well. Though it has a lighthearted approach, this book nails the majesty of trekking among the world’s tallest mountains, the challenge of tackling Kalapatthar on a dark snowy morning, and the joy of reaching EBC, as well as the absurdity of “Thunderdome” (the Kathmandu airport customs). If you have ever considered trekking to Everest Base Camp, this book is not only a great story, but contains tons of information for planning your own trek. Highly recommended!

Bill Shupp

Having never been to Nepal and also live in TN I was instantly drawn to this book. Once you start the first page you will be hooked and probably stay up all night until the end, I did!

Frank Brown

A fantastic account of the arduous but exhilarating trek to Mount Everest Basecamp in Nepal. Mark E. Johnson, aka “Doofus Dad”, is able to clearly depict the fantastic scenery, culture and people he encounters throughout the Khumbu Valley and does so with a keen insight and rapier wit.

Having completed this trek myself in 2017, just 12 months before Doofus Dad, I enjoyed how the book was able to clearly conjure up all the amazing sights, sounds and smells from the twelve day trek.

The book is not only a detailed and somewhat hilarious travel book but it provides accurate kitlists and itineraries for anyone contemplating visiting the area.

Highly recommended!

~ Ross M. Finlayson

If you have any interest at all in Everest, buy this book. It’s well written, honest, funny, seriously entertaining and inspirational.

Best book I’ve read in a long time. I might even attempt EBC….

~ Dr. Kay Miller