MOUNTAIN WEST.
Hiking Guide, National Park Travel.
This impressive “hit the trail” volume simply feels epic in your hands. It even starts biblical, quoting Jeremiah 6:16, a passage that sums up what so many have come to realize down through the millennia about the transcendent, often spiritual power of walking the trails: “Ask for the ancient paths where the good way is; and walk in it and find rest for your souls.” But it also exudes a sturdy presence for the piles of practical information within its covers, starting where any trail guide should: with a trailhead locator. This guide did well by its users, advising hikers about climate and how to dress, what and how to carry what you need (and only what you need), and reminding all those that went deep into the Rockies during summertime about lightning: “one strike and you’re out!” But appropriately, it ends its introductory notes with an even more important reminder: to be a caretaker of nature, to tread lightly while enjoying it immensely; “to help everyone use the Rocky Mountain wilderness in a disciplined way so it will not be loved to death.” The trail notes are extensive, accompanied by topographical maps, and even contain a nice design trick: italics, strongly underlined, to mark key landmarks along the way; extremely helpful while on the move, on the trail. In order the guide reviews closely: the Mummy Range, Moraine Park, Bear Lake, the East Edge, the Wild Basin, Phantom Valley, Grand Lake, with a special addition devoted to the Indian Peaks WIlderness. There are some 16 pages of “destinations” near the end and the practical facts of getting to each, including impressive elevation gains and the altitude rank among all trails nationwide. In all, there is a lifetime of adventure to be had within this epic little volume. [Condition: This well-used book has clearly weathered some hikes and yet is still together: no loose pages, no rips, a well produced volume made for rugged use. There is creasing in the spine, a testament to its use; but still, no other heavy damage. Notes from the previous owners adorn the back cover, steps they tread to Alberta Falls, Chasm Lake, and Bierstadt Lake. These are the only markings. There are no real age-related issues with the interior pages.]
Condition: Used Good.
Nature / Outdoors.
Kent and Donna Dannen.
The East Woods Press / Fast & McMillan Publishers (Charlotte, NC), 1978.
Softcover Pocket-Sized (First Edition), 288 pgs, 4.5 x 6" / 7 oz
