Book Review: Not without peril

"This should be required reading for anyone who will be—or has already gone—hiking in the mountains." ~Nelly Heitman, Foreword Magazine.

For my last birthday, a friend gave me a copy of the 10th Anniversary Edition of Not Without Peril. First published in 2000, author Nicholas Howe recounts several mishaps which took place among the Presidential Range of the White Mountains in New Hampshire. From 1849-2009, 140 people have died amidst the fascinating landscape of these mountains.

The back cover of the book has this excerpt:

Among the most beautiful and deadly mountains in the world, Mount Washington has challenged adventurers for centuries with its severe weather. From the days when gentlefolk ascended the heights in hoop skirts and wool suits to today’s high-tech assaults on wintry summits, this book offers extensive and intimate profiles of people who found trouble on New Hampshire’s Presidential Range, from the nineteenth century through the present day.

Not Without Peril by Nicholas HoweThough I found the individual accounts fascinating & educational, I wasn’t thoroughly impressed with the overall writing of the book. Where I disagree with one who has stated that  this publication is a "masterfully written book, " I do agree with another in that it is a "diligently researched chronicle…chock-full of mountain lore and history." Mr. Howe is meticulous in many details which serve as the framework for each story. In that respect, he has done a wonderful job. However, it hasn’t been one of the more enjoyable books I’ve read. Some of the stories I feel could’ve been shortened a bit, holding my attention more firmly, instead of creating a desire to reach the end.

With that said, I do believe that anyone who hikes or backpacks, whether or not it be in the White Mountains of New Hampshire, should read Not Without Peril. As Dr. Peter Crane of the Mount Washington Observatory has stated:  "Today’s mountain travelers can ignore these historic lessons only at their own peril.’ Awareness of potential dangers, which lie hidden by the beauty of landscapes we often take for granted, is the ultimate preparation for any adventure.

~Steve, The Pilgrim.

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Pilgrim, February 11th 2010 | Posted in Book Reviews, crude reviews, new hampshire, walking

The 1785 inn north conway, nh

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Last week, my sweetheart & I drove up to North Conway, NH for a few relaxing days at one of our favorite places, The 1785 Inn. This is our third straight year of going up there. This year, we decided to stay an extra night, making it three days & nights.

This picture shows the inn from across the street, a view from one of the groomed trails that leads into Whitaker Woods. There are several non groomed trails on which we love to snowshoe. Surprisingly, there wasn’t as much snow up there this year as we had hoped. On our first trip to The 1785 a couple years back, the snow was piled up 10 ft on the sides of the main road, Rte. 16. Snow plows were constantly going back & forth. Though there wasn’t as much snow this year, we still enjoyed getting out to snowshoe. It’s great exercise!

Breakfast was included for each of our three days at the inn. We always look forward  to the  French Toast or Belgian Waffles witPicture 014h homemade whipped cream & fresh strawberries, or the pancakes or eggs any way you like with bacon. The turnovers, cinnamon cakes, coffee cakes & muffins are all made by the folks at the inn.  In the dining room, on the wall to the right of one of the fireplaces, hang numerous food critic awards. The restaurant at the inn is a popular place among the locals.

The fireplace in the dining room is one of three active fireplaces within the inn, all of which are connected to the same chimney. An adjacent room to the dining room holds one of the fireplaces, and is a great place to sit & read, play games or just relax & enjoy the Christmas lights that hang from the ceiling’s wooden beams & outline the windows.

 Whitaker Woods Mt. Washington

While trekking through the woods, we saw a few cross-country skiers. We’re thinking of giving that a try on next year’s trip. The picture to the above right shows Mount Washington looming in the distance. On a clear day you can make out the outline of the weather observatory on top.

Of course, no trip to North Conway would be complete without stopping into the local shops. With this year’s trip being so close after Christmas, we were a bit more frugal with our money & didn’t do much shopping. We usually eat at the restaurant inside the inn one night, go out another, and always pack a cooler of food & beverages to keep in our room. We’re already looking forward to next year.

~The Pilgrim.

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Pilgrim, January 11th 2010 | Posted in activities, new hampshire, snowshoeing