Peak Experiences: Danger, Death, and Daring in the Mountains of the Northeast

Acknowledgments

Acknowledgments I am indebted to the talented writers who have shared parts of their lives with us—along with the lessons they have learned on the great mountains of the northeast United States. Their stories will increase awareness about the hazards of this activity we all love and become a fine addition to the hiking literature. I especially thank Peter Crane, curator of the Gladys Brooks Memorial Library, Mount Washington Observatory, for providing information about search and rescue organizations and the hikeSafe program, which educates the public about appropriate and prudent practices in the wild areas of New Hampshire. Peter shared his firsthand knowledge about the unique conditions on Mount Washington and provided important sources of information. Thanks as well to Al Sochard for sharing his insights about a successful search and rescue operation. Great thanks to Steve Smith, owner of The Mountain Wanderer Map and Book Store, Lincoln, New Hampshire, for suggesting the names of many friends who write eloquently about their experiences in the mountains. I’m also deeply appreciative of Laura Waterman’s ready advice, assistance , and inspiration. After decades of mountaineering—and co-authoring books with Guy Waterman—Laura established The Waterman Fund to foster stewardship of the mountains of the Northeast. Such stewardship is vitally needed as ever more people seek out physical challenge, beauty, and spiritual inspiration in our wild and spectacular region. Special thanks to Doug Hunt for locating hike leaders to tell the important story of why the Wildcat Slide is called Hal’s Slide; to James Goss and Marianne Lederman for permission to share hikeSafe website information; to Doug Mayer for contacting search and rescue leaders; to Mike Hansen for information about the Fabyan Path, and to David Hooke and David Kotz for contacting Dartmouth Outing Club alumni/ae. Thank you to Steve Boheim, Douglas Hunt, Paul Misko, Alex Potter, Benjamin Potter, Scott Rimm-Hewitt, Mats Roing, Arlene Heer Stefanko, Dan Stone, and David Scott White for contributing stunning photographs to illustrate this book. It has been a pleasure to work with Richard Pult, Susan Abel, and Peter Fong to produce this contribution to the hiking literature, which we hope will enhance the enjoyment and safety of mountain hiking. xiv a c k n o w l e d g me n t s Most of all, I am grateful for my husband David’s good humor, encouragement , and guidance on the many trails of our lives. Dave’s ready wit and true grit have made the ups and downs of our splendid adventures into peak experiences. ...