If you want to continue in the vein of old timers, check out, “Walking Up and Down in the World : Memories of a Mountain Rambler” by Smoke Blanchard. I read it years ago, and it’s really just a collection of writings of his memories. It jumps around a bit, but there are some good stories in there. His recounting of one of the Sierra’s most famous early mountaineers, Norman Clyde, was interesting - he’d pretty much move into the Sierra high country each year and set up a basecamp for fishing, climbing, and adventuring. Lots of little adventures from the Himalaya to the eastern Sierra.
Also, going way back…“Mountaineering in the Sierra Nevada” by Clarence King - is another old interesting book about the early exploration of the Range. King was an abolitionist, unfortunately, some racist viewpoints of the author still pop up a few times. Read it in context - as a historical document of the late 1800’s it features fantastical accounts of first ascents, being chased by bandits, etc… If it was a movie it would be John Muir mixed with Die Hard. Lol
You could probably find an ebook of this one, as it is now in public domain. All in all I spent $1 or $2 on each of these at a used bookstore eons ago. I wouldn’t spend too much on hunting them down, but I like reading history/old books too!
Thanks for the recounting of Colin Fletcher’s book. Sounds interesting!
If you want to continue in the vein of old timers, check out, “Walking Up and Down in the World : Memories of a Mountain Rambler” by Smoke Blanchard. I read it years ago, and it’s really just a collection of writings of his memories. It jumps around a bit, but there are some good stories in there. His recounting of one of the Sierra’s most famous early mountaineers, Norman Clyde, was interesting - he’d pretty much move into the Sierra high country each year and set up a basecamp for fishing, climbing, and adventuring. Lots of little adventures from the Himalaya to the eastern Sierra.
Also, going way back…“Mountaineering in the Sierra Nevada” by Clarence King - is another old interesting book about the early exploration of the Range. King was an abolitionist, unfortunately, some racist viewpoints of the author still pop up a few times. Read it in context - as a historical document of the late 1800’s it features fantastical accounts of first ascents, being chased by bandits, etc… If it was a movie it would be John Muir mixed with Die Hard. Lol
You could probably find an ebook of this one, as it is now in public domain. All in all I spent $1 or $2 on each of these at a used bookstore eons ago. I wouldn’t spend too much on hunting them down, but I like reading history/old books too!
Thanks for the recounting of Colin Fletcher’s book. Sounds interesting!