Four Miles West of Nowhere

Are you in need of a hilarious and entertaining read? Look no further than Four Miles West of Nowhere by John Phillips. This Pythonesque travelog takes you on a retirement journey like no other, from the bustling city of Ann Arbor, Michigan, to the remote town of Darby, Montana. With a population of only 745 and no Starbucks or traffic lights, Darby may seem like it's four miles west of nowhere, but it's a hidden gem filled with breathtaking scenery and incredible wildlife.

In this fauna-rich utopia, Phillips encounters not only the best birds, bears, and brook trout, but also broken snow plows, a reclusive ex-smuggler, threatening winters, electricity famines, and much more. Through heartfelt ruminations about fly fishing, guns, survival, and Darby's unique dress code (pre-owned grubby), Phillips captivates readers with his wicked wit and comedic writing style.

Despite occasionally claiming to dislike his fellow humans, Phillips delights everyone with his witty and humorous storytelling. He expertly navigates through topics like forest fires, irritating and helpful neighbors, septic tanks, alcohol, and pre-existing conditions. With his ability to make readers laugh out loud, he proves that he can even make bankruptcy funny.

Phillips' swift and seamless diary of life at J & J Cat Ranch, his mountaintop home with wife Julie, is nothing short of captivating. The eighty-seven episodes recount their first year as "feeders" (Darbarians who do not hunt) and never make the reader feel voyeuristic. The diary is filled with hilarious anecdotes, from falls into icy Bitterroot while learning to fly fish, to hospitalizations, truck wrecks, tire chains, and even acquiring his first Carhartt bib overalls. Phillips' writing is a true reflection of the joys and challenges of rural living.

Don't miss out on this laugh-out-loud adventure! Get your copy of Four Miles West of Nowhere today and join John Phillips on his rollercoaster ride through retirement. Click here to purchase.