A Midlife Reset That Happens To Include Mud, Blisters, And Questionable Gear Choices
Trail & Error is part memoir, part field guide for women who want to get outside without turning it into an identity crisis.
#1 New Release in Women's Spirituality on launch week.
The Story Behind The Book
A Quick Hello From The Author. In Her Own Words.
What This Book Is (And Isn't)
A Memoir For The Outdoors-Curious But Intimidated.
This isn't a hiking manual. Nobody's going to quiz you on trail ratings or make you buy a headlamp.
It's the story of what happened when I lost my dad, ended my marriage, stepped into a job I wasn't ready for, and braced for a global pandemic. All while pretending I had it under control.
I wasn't brave. I was desperate. So I went outside.
And somewhere between the blisters and the bear spray panic and the kayak that nearly launched off my car in a rainstorm, I found something I didn't expect: room to breathe.
Trail & Error is for every woman who's been playing small, holding it together, or wondering if it's too late to try something new.
It's not. You just have to take the first step.
This Book Is For You If...
For Every Woman Who's Been Playing Small Or Holding It Together.
- You've Googled "easy hikes near me" and still felt nervous
- You've bought gear you don't know how to use (and maybe never will)
- You're tired of being the one who holds everything together
- You want to get outside but the outdoor world feels like it wasn't built for you
- You're in midlife and wondering what happens next
- You've ever said "I'm not really an outdoors person" while secretly wishing you were
Inside The Book
Four Parts. Real Stories. Field-Tested Lessons.
Plus: Field Notes throughout every chapter. Practical mini-guides, reflection prompts, and real-world tips you can use even if you never read another page.
Meet Heidi
Heidi Bonner is a writer, reluctant hiker, and full-time rookie of the outdoors. After her divorce, she traded the couch for the trail and started documenting the awkward, funny, and unexpectedly healing reality of learning to be outside in midlife.
Her Substack, Rookie Outdoor Woman, has become a quiet gathering place for women who are tired of pretending they have it all together, and curious about what happens when they stop.
She lives in New Hampshire with her dog and writes from the granite, mud, and mountains that have become her classroom.
Real Words From Real Readers
From The Rookie Club Outdoor Woman Substack Community.
I like the way you write. Funny, straightforward, and down to earth. Your article was refreshing and it had a lot of good, concrete suggestions.
— Tim Wojan, Substack reader
I laughed out loud a few times reading this. You're very talented! I used the five-minute rule the first time I went snowshoeing. I gave myself permission to go back to the car if I tried it for five minutes and it was a disaster. And wouldn't you know it, snowshoeing became my very favorite thing to do.
— Carrie Loranger, Substack reader
I've been so overwhelmed for what feels like forever. Being out there somehow helped my mind kick all the duff loose and focus on what was important. Thanks for providing the words!
— Deneice K. Anderson, Substack reader
Not Ready To Buy? Read A Chapter On Me.
Drop your name and email and I'll send you a free chapter from Trail & Error. Plus the occasional note from the trail.
Your First Step Starts Here.
Grab Your Copy And Start Where You Are. Mud, Blisters, And All.