Product Description
The wild fun of whitewater rafting has gained enormous popularity in recent years. This basic guide is a smart investment for anyone considering a trip. Clear, concise text and easy-to-read illustrations show how to read the water and maneuver the craft. Chapters on safety cover the basic equipment, such as PFDs, throwbags, and ropes, as well as risk management, capsize drills, and rope handling. An extensive listing of contacts and select destinations is also included. The wealth of action photos is both entertaining and instructive. ... Read more

Customer Reviews (2)

Get whitewater smart
As the adventure travel industry continues to boom so we're seeing a lot of new titles on sports that were once considered extreme but are now happily prospering with regular infusion of new thrill-seekers.

Addison's welcome book does two things. Firstly it's a guide for people who've never been near a river, raft or expedition but who, after spending enough time watching the Explorers' channel, would very much like to "do" a river. This, it does well. Addison has had a long involvement with the Southern African Rivers Association, notably as an instructor, and it shows in this book. He has left nothing out, even so far as to give a brief history of rafting. There is a chapter on rivers themselves, which introduces the finer aspects of what rivers are made of and how they work.

It's all there, illustrated with the kind of pictures - eight-person rafts plunging through the turmoil of clear-fast rivers - that will inspire the curious.

But it's not only a beginner's book. Later chapters discuss in detail how to plan and execute river expeditions and how to run commercial rafting trips. Of course commercial rafters should know all this stuff already it won't hurt to read-up on capsize drills or test what you thought you knew about safety and rescue.

The book should have universal appeal. In fact the publishers, New Holland, have aimed it at rafters everywhere, with generic pictures ranging from the Colorado River in the US to the good old Zambezi. Although not dealt with in sufficient detail, there is a small section describing some of the world's finest - or at least better known - whitewater runs.

There's enough meat here for everyone, even the experienced river gods. You never know what new things you might learn.

- Paul Ash, reviewing for AdventureZone magazine, May 2001

A must have
Excellent reading. Lots of usefull information, great pictures, and well written. I recomend this highly to anyone getting started in whitewater, or those already well submersed in it. ... Read more

Product Description
The Appalachian Mountain system provides paddlers with a whitewater playground which spans fifteen states, and Appalachian Whitewater: The Southern States provides in-depth coverage of the rivers you want to know about. With difficulty levels ranging from class I to class VI, there's something for everyone in this compilation of classic Southern rivers. Whether you're a veteran or a beginner, this book will prepare you to test your skills on the rivers of Alabama, Georgia, South Carolina, North Carolina, Tennessee, Kentucky, Virginia, Maryland and West Virginia.What's more, this guide gives you the information you need to know about each river in a straightforward and easy-to-read format. Detailed river descriptions include photographs and maps, as well as essential data such as access, difficulty, portages, gradient, hazards, water level, rescue index, velocity, average width, gauge, highlights and scenery.There is enough whitewater in the Appalachians to last the most avid paddler a lifetime, so we have selected only the finest runs in the southern states. From mellow ambles to the most challenging rapids, the rivers detailed in this book are all undeniably gorgeous. ... Read more

Product Description
The Appalachian Mountain system provides paddlers with a whitewater playground that spans fifteen states, and Appalachian Whitewater: The Northern States provides in-depth coverage of the rivers you want to know about. With difficulty levels ranging from Class I to Class VI, there's something for everyone in this compilation of classic Northern rivers. Whether you're a veteran or a beginner, this book will prepare you to test your skills on the rivers of Connecticut, Maryland, Maine, Massachusetts, New Hampshire, New York, Pennsylvania, Vermont, and West Virginia.

Appalachian Whitewater: The Northern States gives you the information you need to know about each river in a straight-forward and easy-to-read format. Detailed river descriptions include photographs and maps, as well as essential data such as: access, difficulty, portages, gradient, hazards, water level, rescue index, velocity, average width, gauge, highlights, and scenery.

There is enough whitewater in the Appalachians to last the most avid paddler a lifetime, so we have selected only the finest runs in the northern states. From mellow ambles to the most challenging rapids, the rivers detailed in Appalachian Whitewater: The Northern States are all undeniably gorgeous. So, strap on a helmet, and get your boat in the water - whitewater!

For descriptions of more great river runs, check out Appalachian Whitewater: The Southern States, which includes Alabama, Georgia, Kentucky, Maryland, North Carolina, South Carolina, Tennessee, Virginia, and West Virginia. ... Read more

Product Description

Great recipes from a celebrated resort.

Whitewater Resort in the Canadian Rockies is renowned for its spectacular scenery, deep snow and Fresh Tracks Café. Despite constant pleading from customers, recipes for dishes made famous there were as unattainable as snowflakes in July. Even the café staff was sworn to secrecy. Now, Whitewater Cooks opens the kitchen doors.

With this eagerly anticipated book, home cooks can re-create chef Shelley Adams' signature dishes. Readers will enjoy over 70 recipes from the café's selection of top sellers -- from warming soups to desserts -- indulging in such culinary favorites as:

• Whiskey-smoked salmon chowder
• Ymir curry bowl
• Whitewater veggie burger
• Runaway train wrap
• Peppercorn, brandy and gorgonzola sauce
• Crackle top snowy mountain cookies
• Whitewater brownies.

Whitewater Resort is internationally recognized for its alpine scenery and the fine quality of its food. Now home cooks everywhere can share its most celebrated dishes.

Customer Reviews (7)

fabulous - a taste of Whitewater - Nelson BC
Fabulous memory of Whitewater ski resort, the food and easy to cook unusual recipes.

-Steve-

WhiteWater Cooks Cook Book from Nelson, B.C.
this is a wonderful cookbook, especially for cold weather cooks! Lovely photographs, very detailed receipes..not for a fast dinner but really worth trying!

Wonderful Book
I tried to order this from Amazon but then received a notice that the book would be available in 1-3 months, not 1-3 weeks as listed here. Having already waited 6 weeks for the book to arrive I ended up ordering directly from the publisher (Whitecap Books) and it arrived within 1 week!!! The price was higher but I would recommend this book at any price. There are some wonderful great recipes. Get a copy while you still can.

This is the best cook book ever!!
That's all there is to it.There's not a single miss in this book.Every recipe is a hit!!And the pictures are awesome too!!I'd pay $100 for this book if I had too.Do yourself a favor and get one.You won't regret it.

Great kootenay hippie world food fusion! Excellent recipes.
Some of my favourite recipes from the amazing whitewater cafe. They bring back great memories of growing up in the Koots, and my winter at the Whitewater ski hill...
And it's great food, with tastes coming together from around the world. ... Read more

Product Description
Missing underwater for a year in the churning froth, William Nealy has reappeared with an all new cartoon-book perversion titled Whitewater Tales of Terror. A sequel to his best-selling Kayaks to Hell, Whitewater Tales of Terror is an outrageous and irreverent collection of cartoons, epic adventures, unusual new outdoor products, whitewater songs and unsolicited advice. Here is Nealy at his finest, turning the sport of whitewater paddling inside out, and demonstrating in the process the zany insight and humor which have made him one of America's most acclaimed sport satirists. ... Read more

Customer Reviews (3)

Great cartoon humor
A very humorous view of the incredible sport of whitewater paddling. I read this book from cover to cover and couldn't stop laughing. It is also somewhat informative andthe cartoons and lyrics are very entertaining. This book makes a great gift for any whitewater enthusiast. Dancing on the Edge of an Endangered Planet

Laughted until I peed
So much of this book is actually true.Don't let the fact that is is a cartoon book fool you, this is not a book for the kids.Repeat not for kids.

Groovy Paddling Satire Sequel
You must be a paddler (or at least paddled once)to appreciate William Nealy's zany little collection of humorous sketches and creative cartoons.This collection includes unsolicited advice on paddling, epic adventures, another parody ofoutdoor equipment advertisements (S&M River Supplies),the "S&M Campfire Songbook"featuring the lyrics to "my Boat" (set to the music of "my Guy") and a host of other funny little penned paddling sketches and comics which, most likely,came right out of Nealy's river sketchbook.

It's agroovylittle book and another cool thing to pass around on camping/paddling trips to get some laughs by the campfire. ... Read more

Product Description
23 colour and 22 b & w photographs, and maps.

A practical guide to 125 classic New Zealand whitewater kayaking runs, from moderate float trips to technical 'hair boating'. Includes grades, flow information, gradients, times, access details, shuttle distances. Also includes a new section for Park and Play with 10 areas for playing in rapids/waves. ... Read more

Product Description
The popular sports of whitewater rafting, boating and kayaking come to life in this practical yet lavishly visual survey, featuring detailed profiles of the world's greatest rivers.

Adventure travel of all kinds-and whitewater adventuring in particular-is growing in popularity every year, but there has never been a book like this one, covering all of the world's great rafting destinations in colorful detail.WHITEWATER! features vivid profiles of 35 rivers worldwide, along with detailed and enlightening information on equipment, safety, geology, technique and so much more.Illustrated in full color on every page with dramatic action photographs-and featuring inspiring excerpts from lore and literature-this is truly a book for everyone who feels the lure of the river, from family vacationers and Summer Olympics fans to hardcore river rats. ... Read more

Customer Reviews (4)

a complete handbook
very informative book a must own for beginners, i would like to see more from these authors

Moving Up The Charts
Whitewater moves up to #446821 in sales.Take that, East St. Louis.

The Yin for which kayaking is the Yang
What can I say?From the first sentence, this book grabs you like a drowning child and doesn't let go until you're a weeping mass of emotional flotsam, flapping about on the bathroom floor.Uncontrollably weep at its brilliance!Wonder at the ability of this large man to stay afloat!Shudder with ecstasy as each new passage leaves you yearning, nay - aching for more!Cackle like a shrieking rooster, page after page after page!

No extensive whitewater library is complete without WhiteWater!

HOT DAMN!THIS BOOK RULES!
I just recieved Mark Blaines book last week as a gift and was instantly drawn to the catchy title and exciting cover shot.Judging a book by it's cover it looked great so I headed straight for the bathroom.No, did not use it for toilet paper!I just do my reading away from the hurricane that is my home.As a testament to this fine book my legs fell asleep and have fallen asleep a couple of more times since.Anyone that has spent anytime sitting on a toilet can tell you, you sit too long your legs fall asleep.
But I digress, the point of this meandering is that this book is great and fun to read.Interspersed within the more technical information are brief descriptions of whitewater rivers around the world.This is a format I really enjoy as it allows my A.D.D. afflicted brain a cunning diversion.I have done a bit of whitewater rafting and kayaking and find after reading this book a renewed feeling of desire for not only the boat but the feeling that a river rewards you with.The complete inundation of senses coupled with waves of adrenalin(and sometimes nausea) that a whitewater trip provides.
I am a practical person and a parent I may not be able to hit the river right away but atleast I can tuck myself away in my bathroom and escape to the rivers of my mind thanks to Mr. Blaine. ... Read more

Customer Reviews (2)

A MUST HAVE!!!
A must have book if you are going to go paddling in Virginia.Excellent detail on every river, where to put in/take out, what gauges to check and the levels they should be when you go out, distances, etc. simply outstanding!Maps are a little hard to read in some cases, but usually not a problem.Google maps or a map from AAA takes care of any minor questions in that regard.

Excellent - A must for Viginia paddlers
Lots of detail, and tons of info.Has all rivers or streams worth floating in the state, with the infl needed to float them.Also includes maps.Would have given book five stars except maps being very detailed are a bit small and hard to read. ... Read more

Product Description
Extreme Rafting provides all of the necessary practicalities for anyone interested in rafting and offers detailed guides to the extraordinary natural settings that can be reached by this "extreme" mode of transportation.It also includes sections on canoeing, kayaking, and other popular water sports. ... Read more

Product Description

Customer Reviews (2)

Gotta have it if you paddle in the Northeast
Bruce Lessels did a nice job of augmenting Gabler's original work.This book will replace my dog-eared copy of Gabler's book in a place on honor on the backseat of my car.The extended depth and recent scouting updates on the river included within are great.My only complaint is that the pictures included in the book are not contained on the same pages of the river being reviewed.All-in-all a worthwhile purchase.

The most essential reference for the northeastern paddler
If you paddle whitewater in the northeastern United States, or intend to, this should be the first guide you purchase.Bruce has updated and extended Ray Gabler's venerable "New England White Water River Guide", greatly improving on that classic.You can supplement it with volumes of the AMC's state-by-state "river guide" series, which have information on many less interesting rivers, but there's enough here for a lifetime of delightful paddles. ... Read more

Product Description
This is the first comprehensive guide on Idaho riverswhich covers the state's flatwater and easy whitewater river runs.There are no death defying rapids here, just great laid-back tripsdown easy-going streams, and fun whitewater on exciting but safe andsane rivers.All the runs can be done in an open canoe, but are alsosuitable for kayaks, inflatables and drift boats. The text issupplemented with exquisite photography and beautiful, easy-to-usemaps. ... Read more

Customer Reviews (6)

SKIP this one if you are specifically interested in Northern Idaho
Don't purchase this book for Northern Idaho.

Although "North Idaho" is listed in the table of contents, description of these routes are VERY minimal.In fact, the opening to the chapter "North Idaho Paddling Trips" they reference the book "Paddle Routes of the Inland Northwest" by Landers and Hansen.This book "Guide to Idaho" even states "If you're planning on doing some northern paddling, you'll want to have their book"

Don't purchase this for northern idaho.

Great book
This book has excellent descriptions of both the rivers and the roads that lead to the put-ins and take-outs.I wish every state had a book like this.It's fun and easy to read.I often find myself looking through it and dreaming about the next canoe trip in the spring. I've used many floating guide boats and this is, by far, the best organized, most helpful one I've seen.

Great book for beginners
This is exactly what I was looking for in a canoeing guidebook.Kathy and Ron breakdown the current river classification of Class I waters, into more detailed ratings 1.0-1.5, giving detailed descriptions of each level.This book if for people who aren't comfortable with whitewater runs without an experienced guide.Familes can do alot of these runs.The books consists of flatwater rivers and a few easy whitewater rivers just to spice things up a bit and get a bit of practice.Most of the rivers in detail are below the McCall area, which alot of concentration on southeastern Idaho, which is great for me since I live in northern Utah.They also describe very well the routes to the put ins, take outs, and the roads condition.Your basic lake canoe is suitable for almost all rivers described in this book, but getting into the Class II+ and III rivers, they suggest a river-running canoe is better suited for this.Keep in mind, "beginner" does not mean those who are on a canoe for the first time.You do need to know the basic paddling strokes and be able to read rivers.

I wish every state near me had such a great easy water guidebook like this.

Guide to Idaho Paddling
I was disappointed that this book does not cover Northern Idaho.If you want a book for Southern Idaho to the McCall area this book would be a good resource. If you want abook for Northern Idaho this isn't the right book.In fact the authors reference another book that has detail about North Idaho waters.In addition, some of the Web pages that are referenced are not correct.I found them through an internet search.

excelent
Excelent Book,Well writen and very informative. I have already floated many of the rivers the book describes in detail ... Read more

Product Description
Forbidding canyons, raging rapids and menacing rocks--this was the daily challenge that faced whitewater men who worked the wild rivers and creeks to bring freight and supplies to northern BC in the years before the Grand Trunk Railway. In particular, the Grand Canyon of British Columbia's Fraser River was infamous for swallowing at least 200 luckless occupants of rafts and small craft between the years 1862-1921. Sternwheelers and Canyon Cats: Whitewater Freighting on the Upper Fraser is the story of the "Canyon Cats" who made their living running the Grand Canyon and other equally dangerous waterways; men such as George Williams, affectionately known to his peers as "The Wizard of the River," and Frank Freeman, a powder expert who tamed the wildest water by blowing out many of the worst boulders and logjams thereby allowing safer passage for the scows, sternwheelers, rafts and boats that travelled the murky river.

A total of twelve steamers worked the upper Fraser River during the period 1862-1921 and the dangers faced by these vessels and their steel-nerved captains are legend. It was a perilous existence hauling supplies to the isolated construction camps of the GTP Railroad and in retrospect it seems ironic that these steamers were made obsolete by this same railway upon its completion. Sternwheelers and Canyon Cats: Whitewater Freighting on the Upper Fraser is a chronicle of the men whose feats almost defy belief and whose contribution to BC history has gone long unrecognized. ... Read more

Customer Reviews (1)

A welcome addition to nautical history and Canadian history shelves.
Written by British Columbia native Jack Boudreau, Sternwheelers & Canyon Cats: Whitewater Freighting on the Upper Fraser presents the fascinating true story of the whitewater men who crewed boats along wild rivers and creeks, seeking to bring freight and supplies to northern British Columbia from 1862 to 1921, prior to the completion of the Grand Trunk Railway. The riverboat life was dangerous; taming rough waters might involve such daring tactics as using powder to blow out boulders and logjams, and the Grand Canyon of British Columbia's Fraser River in particular was responsible for the deaths of at least two hundred individuals. Extensively researched, and presented with a smattering of black-and-white photographs, Sternwheelers & Canyon Cats is a welcome addition to nautical history and Canadian history shelves. ... Read more

Product Description
Biography of America's great river runner, Buzz Holmstrom: the first to run the Green and Colorado Rivers alone in 1937. Born in the coastal logging communities of coastal Oregon, Holmstrom built his own wooden boats and soloed several of the country's great whitewater rivers. He died mysteriously on the Grande Ronde River at age 37. ... Read more

Customer Reviews (10)

Wonderfully Engaging Adventure Book
Anyone remotely interested in white water rafting will thoroughly love this book.Buz Holstrom was a true Maverick in the sport.The authors bring him to life through their wonderful narrative and easy writing style.He is truly an individual that was remarkably talented in his boat building and navigational skills.This book left me wanting more of Buzz Holstrom and wishing he were still around to tell us more about his short remarkable life.

Great River runner's companion book
The legendary Buzz Holmstrom was a more complex figure than I knew.His journal entries express the feeling of all who really love rivers and the famous entry that includes "the doing of the thing" should be read on every river trip.
This is the second Brad Dimock book I've read (the other on Bert Loper) and I am impressed with not only his skill as a writer, but his careful research.His handling of the tragic end to Buzz Holmstrom's life was that of a journalist with a sense of humanity.
I've already loaned this book to friends.

White water fun
If you like white water rafting, this is a wonderful book about the birth of white water fun.

heroes of the soul
Even today, with rescue not so far away, few of us would have the nerve to go down the Colorado River through the Grand Canyon alone, so imagine the nerve it took when Buzz was totally alone, with no chance of help if he made a mistake.But the most amazing thing about Buzz was that in the midst of an adventure that would leave most people totally preoccupied with survival, Buzz had the soul power to look for and see the poetry in the river and the canyon.Merely knowing how to survive can be much easier than knowing how to live.

Answers to an old story....
I remember years ago when I was a kid a story my father told me about an amazing river rafter and boat builder.My Dad grew up in Coquille and went to school with Buzz's younger brother. His story always ended with how Buzz had been on a rafting trip in eastern Oregon and went off and committed suicide.I couldnever understand how someone who had done the amazing things he did could end his life on that note.I thought about that story many times over the years and always wished I knew more.This book is incredibly well researched and documented.Even thoughmany questions were answered,many more were raised.Such was the enigma that was Buzz Holmstrom. ... Read more

Customer Reviews (2)

I inherited this book from a Rogue River resident.
I've enjoyed this book for a year; I treasure it, had to fight my sister-in-law for it!It not only provides me with a glimpse into the history of an area but it has comments written in it by my grandmother, Elizabeth Armstrong who traversed the trails of the Rogue River canyon for many years while cooking for logging crews and ranches.Her comments on the characters helped them to bring to life in this historically significant book. Easy to read, great photo.

review of Glen Wooldridge book
Although the book did fall apart the many photographs of Glen Wooldridge were fantastic. We are still happy with the book of pictures. Linda Graves ... Read more

Customer Reviews (2)

Great Overview of Paddle Opportunities
I have used this guide since published and it is an accurate overview of the many paddling opportunities in the Inland Northwest - Eastern Washington, North Idaho, Western Montana and even Canada. I had already tried many of the lakes and rivers but more were identified including some that I had never even considered in my 25 years in Spokane. Most of the paddles are appropriate for families. Put-ins and take-outs are well described. Great value that will save you time and money - even for the experienced paddler.

Sets the standard for Canoe guide books.
This was a refreshing change from the majority of canoe guide books. No class V in this one, just fun floats for everyone, and all close to Spokane.Kudos to the Authors. ... Read more

Product Description
With in-depth coverage of Wisconsin, Upper Michigan, and northeast Minnesota, Whitewater; Quietwater will prepare you for the paddling adventures of a lifetime. This totally updated classic guide describes over 750 miles of wild and tame rivers. And with new and improved maps, the guide is easier to use than ever before.

Not only do Bob and Jody Palzer describe the rivers of this majestic region, they also include vital information on equipment, technique safety, clubs and organizations. ... Read more

Customer Reviews (1)

Day trips in abundance
The authors do two things in the book. First they give a brief overview of canoeing techniques, cautions and safety, and then a number of trips that can be taken in the Wisconsin, Upper Michigan, and Minnisota areas. Included are maps and sites, as well as cautions for rapids, barb wire, and other hazards which may need care or avoidance.

The area that was somewhat lacking was the way to piece the shorter trips together for a longer trip, since there was less camping information in the river descriptions. The inclusion of both whitewater sections as well as a number of sections of quiet water was helpful. ... Read more

Product Description
Never Turn Back is the gripping and compellinglife story of Dr. Walt Blackadar, a physician from a small town inIdaho.At the age of 49, he shocked the outdoor world when he made asolo kayak journey down the treacherous rapids of Turnback Canyon onthe remote and wild Alsek River in Canada and Alaska.

Blackadar's accomplishment on Turnback Canyon was the river equivalentof the first ascent of Everest, and when excerpts from his Alsekjournal were published in Sports Illustrated, he became an instantsensation.He was at the top of his sport at an age when mostathletes are long retired.

Then suddenly, his spectacular rise veered wildly off course when ayoung woman tragically died on one of his kayaking expeditions.Heartbroken over her death and plagued with mounting physicalproblems, his kayaking technique began to deteriorate.

Yet he had a spirit that was irrepressible, and pitting himself in arace against his body's clock, he sought out and faced off against theworld's most formidable whitewater. ... Read more

Customer Reviews (4)

This is a great book
In August 1971, after three days of paddling his fragile kayak through a wilderness of bears and glaciers, Walt Blackadar , a doctor from Salmon, Idaho, tackled what is arguably one of the worst stretches of white water in the world- Turnback canyon on the Alsek river. He was forty nine years old and he was alone.

His solo run of Turnback canyon was one of the major breakthroughs in the history of white water kayaking and has been compared to the first ascent of Everest without oxygen. Although techniques and technologies improve, psychological barriers define what is possible. Walt's run of Turnback, no matter how exaggerated it may have been in hindsight, blew those definitions wide open.

In Never Turn back, Ron Watters, himself no slouch when it comes to river running, tells the story of this impressive man. Although born in the eastern united states, Blackadar went west looking for adventure.He didn't take up white water kayaking until he was in his forties.He quickly established a reputation though his pioneering runs on the biggest white water in the states.

The chapters dealing with Blackadar's solo run are the core of this book, an inspiring description of one man pitting himself willfully against the possibility of his own annihilation. Turnback made Walt a celebrity. Seven years later he was dead.

Watters deals honestly with Blackadar; he comes across as a loud, brash boozy man. He also describes Walt's failures and there are some great stories along the way.

Blackadar, like Mike Jones, died in 1978.Unlike Jones, Walt died in what seems a stupidaccident on a Saturday morning paddle on a local river. The image of him causally trying to drawstroke his boat from under the log he was pinned against is one of the book's most haunting images.

There are two underlying themes which make this so much more than an accumulation of well told kayaking stories.The first is the tragic story of a man forced to be the impotent witness to his body's slow decay, a man who was terrified by the thought of dying in bed of cancer and old age, who constantly looked for new challenges to prove he was till young and strong.This is the man who constantly claimed that was invincible, that he would never die on a river and that he could, and would, one day paddle over Niagra falls and live to tell the tale.

Walt was also a representative of a certain, almost specifically American hero. He comes across as John Wayne in a kayak. Loud, bursting with energy, he went west to find adventure and the adventures he sought were the traditional test of "man in the wilderness". But there was no longer any social purpose to these adventures and the people of salmon recognised this and protested against their doctor continually risking his life. The days of the great individual , if they ever really existed, were disappearing fast. Salmon was changing from wild west town to settled community. Blackadar's lone yellow kayak in a world of ice grey is a symbol of the final fling of a man unencumbered by corporate sensibility, innocent of economic calculation, impervious to social pressure.

Never Turn Back is meticulously researched and written in a stylish, understated prose that artfully lets the subject tell itself. If you know nothing about Blackadar and have no interest in white water kayaking, this is still arare book, intelligently and honestly written, an entertaining and thought provoking biography.

Haunting accomplishments
My thoughts have often returned to this book even though I read it several months ago.I cannot quite grasp how Blackadar survived the first descent of Turnback Canyon so long ago with the older equipment and kayak, alone.Such strength, courage, and focus is rarely encountered. He belongs to anelite group.He is compared to Hillary but I think he is more aptlycompared to Mallory.Watters portrays several sides to this mostinteresting man.I find myself often thinking about how different he isfrom me. Yet the exercise of comparison is rewarding.

An exciting and emotional rollercoaster of a book.
This book gave me a different look of a man that I have seen many times.It kept me on the edge of my seat. Although I knew what the outcome was prior to reading it, it still brought tears to my eyes.Well worth reading it.

An exciting and emotional rollercoaster of a book.
This book gave me a different look of a man that I have seen many times.It kept me on the edge of my seat. Although I knew what the outcome was prior to reading it, it still brought tears to my eyes.Well worth reading it. ... Read more