Amazon.com Review
No doubt about it: from lush forests to meadows of wildflowersto jagged peaks, Washington's Glacier Peak region provides a diversityof superlative hiking opportunities. Try a calorie-burning jaunt upMount Dickerman (gains 3,900 feet in just over four miles, affordingviews of Mount Forgotten, Sloan Peak, and all the Monte Cristosummits). Or take a well-graded, leisurely stroll to Goat Lake (greatfor kids, and you still get the views). With all these hikes to choosefrom, the hardest part will be deciding which to do first. As good asall this sounds to the outdoors enthusiast, though, the guide alsodelves into the negatives, making it abundantly clear that this jewelof a region is in peril. Whether it's logging in unprotected areasoutside the designated wilderness, Forest Service budget cuts, orhikers who use the trails but don't want to pay/volunteer to maintainthem, the authors pepper their trail descriptions with opinions anddirected criticism. Some will find these asides a bit preachy, butconsider this: it's your continued enjoyment of this region that theyhave in mind, and like the other books in the Mountaineers series,this one delivers on well-chosen, thorough information. ... Read more

Customer Reviews (1)

Life in Montana in the Olden Days
This is an amazing book. The backcountry ranger's daughter compiled all of her father's notes about his time as a ranger in Glacier National Park in the 1910s. Unbelievable stories of beauty and hardship (he never complains about the difficulties but relishes the adventure). His language is full of colloquialisms and it is really funny. If you have spent any time in Glacier Park, this book is a must-have. You will recognize the places he talks about before there were trails or roads. Or if you enjoy history and the outdoors, it's a great read. ... Read more

Product Description
Journey to a magnificent land of gold mining and fur trading -- earthquakes and giant waves -- shipwreck and tragedy -- fishing and mountain climbing -- Native legends and modern adventures! ... Read more

Customer Reviews (1)

Perhaps THE best history of Lituya Bay
My expectations for this book were reasonably low; I was expecting a small pocket-sized paperback book with a general history of the Glacier Bay area. What it is, is probably the most extensive history of Lituya Bay and the surrounding region that has been published to date, surpassing Fradkin's "Wildest Alaska" (2001) which had previously held that standing for me. Fradkin's book is still slightly better in terms of describing the native Tlingit Indians and remains an excellent read on its own, but Caldwell has the advantage of providing numerous photos and drawings, and while the book lengths are reasonably similar (173 pgs for WA to 223 for LotOM), Caldwell's book is a large-format paperback (8.5" X 11" pages) and so he has much more room to work with.

LotOM has the most detailed description of the life of Jim Huscroft that has been published. Huscroft was a semi-hermit who lived in Lituya Bay from 1922 to his death in 1939, and following his experiences in Lituya gives great insight into what life in the area was like at that time. The event that draws most readers' attention to Lituya, the giant wave in 1958, is also covered in depth (although one should also read Fradkin on this as well, as the latter draws from a wonderfully readable scientific report that the late Don Miller wrote about the giant wave in 1960). Caldwell has a writing style which is very easy to follow, and his own experiences in the area assist him in creating a picture for the reader that makes one of the more wilder parts of Alaska come alive.

I wish this was available in hardcover, as it is now part of my permanent library and while the copy I have is holding up fairly well, it was never designed for heavy use or long-term durability. That's a pity, as Caldwell's work is probably the finest history available about this particular part of the world. ... Read more

Product Description
MYSTERY ON THE MOUNTAIN
The King family wouldn't have lasted as long as they have in the remote, perilous Rockies if they didn't know a thing or two about survival. But even after all these years, the wilderness has a few surprises for them.There's something not quite right about a glacier high atop a peak near their valley. The Indians claim it's bad medicine and won't go near it.Of course that doesn't stop Louisa King from cajoling her husband to go on a getaway up to the high country. But they can't fathom the savagery they're about to unleash.For something terrible lives on that glacier, something that craves flesh and doesn't care whether it's from a deer or an elk--or a human. ... Read more

Customer Reviews (2)

Hard to put down
The Glacier is known for being bad medicine, the local Indians won't go anywhere near it. But these fears don't stop Louisa King from persuading her husband Zach to go on a getaway into the high country. Even they can't guess at the terror they're about to unleash, for something terrible lives on that glacier, something that craves flesh and doesn't care whether it's from a deer or an elk - or a human.

A book that begins with moments of humour as Zach comes to realize why Lou wants them to spend some quality time together that leads to a different side to Zach starting to appear, a more responsible side.

The fun of the beginning soon giving way to fear as Zach and Lou near the glacier. From here the book never lets up as David Thompson increases the pace and the danger, gripping the reader with cliffhanger chapter endings and the desire to find out just what it is that lives on that glacier.

And David Thompson expertly creates another feeling for the reader, that of sympathy for the characters of To-Ma and Neota.

This is a book that any reader should find hard to put down before reaching the end, a book that has me eager for the next one to come out.

Highly recommended.

Glacier Is Mint

Wilderness # 52 - Glacier Terror By David Thompson - Genre: Western

As a book Glacier is mint!!, But when is a Crypto Wilderness book not a Crypto Wilderbook, when you read this book LOL, the author is a sneaky fiend!!. All jokes aside this was an absolutely cracking read and kept up the high standard I've come to expect when reading a Wilderness tale, Great story, super plot, insightful, amusing and thoughtful dialogue and so many cliff-hangers my nails are shredded!!.

Zach and Louise decide to go a trip to a nearby mountain and climb up the glacier and this will lead to an adventure that will test themselves and their love for each other to extremes as they encounter something mysterious on the mountain. This was a terrific read and I really enjoyed it and it's underlying theme of love, family and what people will do for each other when in difficult ands dangerous situations. The humour quota was high in this tome especially in the first few chapters as Zach tries in vain to remember what he has agreed too with Louise after she asks him a monumental question (hands up what man hasn't just said yes when not listening to the other half, you at the back your a bloody liar!!). But this book is all about what people will do for each other, Zach for Louise and vice versa, Neota for his estranged relative, Nate for his son and daughter in law etc.

All in all a great book and there is even a hint of something else on the glacier that hopefully will crop up in a later book and that thing might be a Crypto beast.(pretty please!!)
... Read more

Product Description
German Impressionist artist Julius Seyler had already made a name for himself in Europe when America beckoned. While in St. Paul, Minnesota, he encountered Louis Hill, head of the Great Northern Railroad, who wanted to encourage travel to Montana's newly created Glacier National Park. To that end, Hill enticed the adventuresome Seyler to visit this majestic landscape and to see the Blackfeet Indians who lived there. This book marks both an appreciation of Seyler's unique art and a fascinating glimpse into the promotion of a national park in its early years.

William E. Farr has written the first biographical portrait of Seyler, focusing on his two summers at Glacier in 1913 and 1914, his special relationship with the Blackfeet, and the magnificent art he created in the Northern Rockies. The book features more than one hundred images--many in color--including Seyler's major works from Glacier, other paintings from his European years, and historic photographs from the park.

Seyler enjoyed wide recognition in Europe in his day, but the wartime destruction of his European works has since relegated him to obscurity. This lavish volume shows the stunning visual impact of his art and secures his place as one of the paramount portrayers of a place we still call the Crown of the Continent. ... Read more

Customer Reviews (1)

A stunning biographical profile of the artist
Volume 7 in the Charles M. Russell Center Series on Art and Photography of the American West, "Julius Seyler and the Blackfeet: An Impressionist at Glacier National Park" is a stunning biographical profile of the artist and presentation of his major Impressionist art works done at Glacier Park in the summers of 1913 and 1914, when he was requested by Louis Hill of the Great Northern Railroad to paint the vistas and the inhabitants of the newly- emerging national park. Embellished with more than 100 images, including color reproductions of Seyler's magnificent paintings, as well as many vintage photographs of similar scenes and portraits, "Julius Seyler and the Blackfeet" throbs with vivid life. In a large coffee table edition whose pages beg to be turned and treasured, "Julius Seyler and the Blackfeet" has captured the essence of the spirit of the American West. In addition, the artist has done more than paint beautiful landscapes of pristine wilderness. He has helped to preserve an artist's visualization of the daily life experiences of the first Glacier Park area human dwellers, the Piegan, or Blackfeet Indians. Although Seyler's European art production was badly reduced if not wholly lost during WW I, thankfully much of his Montana Glacier work remains in collections across Europe and North America. "Julius Seyler and the Blackfeet" is a significant beacon of restoration in the rediscovery of this talented and unusual Impressionist artist who left a great gift and legacy to both his Blackfeet and American friends and family. ... Read more

Customer Reviews (1)

Entertaining adult-oriented fantasy
This is book 2 of the six part "War of Powers" series by Robert Vardeman and Victor Milan. It's first=rate sword-and-sorcery type fantasy with a large helping of adult-oriented humor, graphic sex, and violence. Not for children, but well worth reading if you like this genre. Books from this series often turn up in used book stores. ... Read more

Customer Reviews (1)

Maine's past
I borrowed this book from a friend and now I really want a copy of my own! If you're interested in how the movement of the glaciers affected Maine's landscape you'll really enjoy the information contained in this book ... Read more

Product Description

Customer Reviews (6)

More race description, less history...
Hanc weaves together the history of Antarctic exploration, the running boom of the seventies as exemplified by the Greater Boston Track Club, the founding of the Antarctica Marathon, and his participation in the event in 2005. Perhaps the story would have been more appealing if it had been more descriptive of the 2005 event and less so of the historical Antarctic explorations. However, Hanc does write in his author's note: "...a few moments--come to think of it, maybe even a few miles--of the Antarctica Marathon itself [have been] left a big vague or unaccounted for because I was delirious with pain."

Race Prep
I've read this book twice; once while still hoping to get off the waiting list for the race, the second time, after 3 years on that list, while counting down the weeks to the event.Gathering information is one of the ways to prepare for a race.John Hanc's book is full of information, history, tales of inspiration and practical advice.I'm sure that taking what it says to heart will make my upcoming Antarctica Marathon a successful event.It is probably a good book to give to all my family members who are seriously questioning my sanity!

You Don't have to be a runner to enjoy this book!
The title The Coolest Race on Earth: Mud, Madmen, Glaciers, and Grannies at the Antarctica Marathon was intriguing to me.What would possess seemingly sane people to choose this endeavor?John Hanc explains all in this amusing and inspiring tale.

The earlier chapters include a respectful history of marathons and Antarctica exploration highlighting the people who made it happen.You can't help but admire the courage of Scott, Crean, Amundsen and all those early 20th Century explorers.

How will the runners get there?What will they eat?How cold will it be?Do they really need the Home Depot boots?John entertains you detailing all the necessities the runners must bring to participate in the Antarctica Marathon.

All the event organizers, participants and ships's crew are profiled in a way that enables you to like them and cheer them to the finish line.Will Mr. Tan get stuck in the mud?Will the author regret his decision to forego the Gatorade?Will the birds dive-bomb the runners?

The startling photos of Antarctica, taken by amateurs and professionals help you visualize the bleak landscape and the hearty group of participants who ran the marathon.

Although I am not a runner and never intend to be, I enjoyed the look into the psyche and world of the marathon runner.A truly enjoyable book from cover to cover.

Careful About The Global Warming Comments
I haven't read the book but wanted to respond to a comment made during a radio interview with the author.Although the 2005 Antarctica Marathon might have been very muddy, the 2003 Antarctica Marthon was far from it as it was run in 20 degree weather (very windy to boot).I could have only hoped for Global Warming that day.

Anyway, the trip was indeed a great adventure!

Shivers
I was knocked out by what I saw in the Appendix, of all places. Here, the author lists the results of the 2005 Antarctica Half Marathon. Typically names, ages and finishing times don't draw emotion, and William Tan's taking almost six hrs. to complete 13.1 miles would hardly be considered extraordinary. Knowing, however, what preceded his finish -- who he was and how he got there -- sent Arctic chills. Tan is just one member of Hanc's very real cast that moves the author through his own race and through the book. I laughed, too, seeing Hanc's story, since, outside the pain of 19 earlier races, he was otherwise "pampered" until his 10 days bunking aboard the Vavilov. Shopping a big box hardware store for boots that stand up to penguin dung and hitting the floor after missing a ladder rung as he tries to climb down from bed to use the bathroom are the tip of the iceberg. Hanc's writing, despite his experience in the sport, is anything but pleased with self. Anyone who makes it to the STARTing line of a race this remote, though, has every right to be. ... Read more

Customer Reviews (1)

Alaska Mountain Bush Pilot Wrangells & Denali
After flying Air Raids over Germany in World War 2, he came to Alaska, where he was known for his ability to pierce icy storms & land safely on top of Mount Wrangle as well as his rescues on Mount McKinley, including his daring co-rescue of the John Day Expedition on Mount McKinley with Don Sheldon.

... Read more

Product Description
For a window to the history of interpretation in the park, the Glacier Assocation and Sun Point Press are proud to bring you this special edition of the 1960s classic Through the Years in Glacier National Park. Through the Years is presented in its last printed edition without filtering of the modern lense. Packed with an "administrative" history of the park from 1910 to 1960, Through the Years features thirty-one historical photographs, including the original Apgar Cabin, Old McCarthyville, the former town of Altyn, the original Snyder Hotel, the dedication ceremony at Logan Pass for the opening of the Going-to-the-Sun Road and many others. This historic text displays careful management and documentation of this precious resource, preserved much as it is today. ... Read more

Product Description
In book six of the national park adventure series, the Parkers journey to the Pacific Northwest to explore Olympic and its three spectacularly diverse regions. With their usual intrepid spirit, James, Morgan, Mom, and Dad explore the tide pools along the coast, hike through Olympic s dense rain forest, and backpack to the high country to experience the famed alpine scenery and immense glaciers. Treacherous mountain terrain could stop them in their tracks. Could it prove to be ultimately too dangerous? ... Read more

Product Description
Glacier National Park and the Great Northern Railway became synonymous in the early 20th century. Original photographs, posters, menus, postcards, and other rare materials support this fascinating pictorial history of the creation and promotion of the park by Great Northern as railroad barons raced west and competed for precious territory to expand their empires. ... Read more

Customer Reviews (1)

A great book about Great Northern
This was a nicely done book about the history of Great Northern in general in addition to highlighting how important the development of the U.S. was on the railroads. I like old advertising images and this book has a nice selection of the ads that enticed people to venture into desolate areas for the shear beauty of the country. Many of these people decided to call these areas home with the help of the railroads. Santa Fe was largely responsible for the settlement of the Southwest and Great Northern of the Northwest territories when there was just about nothing there. An enjoyable book to read with great illustrations. ... Read more