In March, 2000 thirty-four-year-old bachelor Bill Maroni left his job and New Jersey behind to pursue a dream-an attempted thru-hike of the 2,167-mile Appalachian Trail. Along the way, he became "Straightjacket," a pilgrim, writer, and ranting "clown shaman." On the trail, Straightjacket discovers a new world of adventure, beauty, camaraderie and, yes-romance. Whether it´s running a gauntlet of feral goats dressed in Dollar General support panties, or meeting the love of your life, When Straightjacket Met Golden Sun reveals the sweat-caked wonder of the thru-hiking experience in all its grit-and glory.