Diapensia Press has authorized High Top Press to offer Dan Allen's DON'T DIE ON THE MOUNTAIN. This book shows how the hiker( whether he is alone, part of a group or even a group leader) can go into the mountains and return safely. Dan details the thoughtful decisions leading to safety that prevents hikers from getting into trouble. The book also goes into the dynamics of leader-follower interaction and how those individuals with a poor understanding of such interplay can create hazardous situations for the entire hiking group.
When Dan reached Springer Mountain in Georgia early in 2001, (at age 68), it is highly likely that he is the first person to have hiked the entire Appalachian Trail during calendar winter. He has led numerous hiking groups into New Hampshire's White Mountains during all seasons and has climbed extensively worldwide. It will be tough to find a person who can bring more experience on this subject between the covers of a 207 page book.
Send $12.00 to High Top Press, PO Box 299, North Sutton, New Hampshire 03260. Scudder's White Mountain Viewing Guide and Dan Allen's Don't Die on the Mountain are available to individuals as a package for $26.95.
From the introduction to DON'T DIE ON THE MOUNTAIN: "This book was written for beginners and others who want to know what makes the difference between safety and disaster in the mountains. Chapter 1 contains the key to staying alive. It should help you understand how decisions are made and that your decisions are so important. Chapter 2 contains a discussion of leadership. Also in this chapter, you will find a section that lists the reponsibilities of the follower. Chapter 3 deals with the practical aspects of leading a hike, even if you are alone. The remainder of the book provides enumeration of the hazards found in the mountains along with remedies and helpful suggestions. This is information needed by all hikers.
"Enjoy the song of the winter wren, the delicate flower of the wood sorrel and the matchless splendor of a clear day on a high summit. Do it with confidence. Replace your uncertainty with knowledge, skill and experience, and use that as a basis for making good decisions......Dan. H. Allen
Review notes from APPALACHIA, the journal of the Appalachian Mountain Club.
(Dan) Allen sets out to help "beginners and others who want to know what makes the difference between safety and disasters in the White Mountains" According to Allen, "everyone going to the mountains should think like a leader," and by this he means that each of us is responsible for the type of continuing assessments that too often we foist upon those with such titles. Allen devotes chapters to trip organization, natural hazards, emergency situations, weather, navigation, and camping and equipment, among other topics.
But in the epilogue he returns to his true subject, the mind of the hiker....In his questions and advice in DON'T DIE ON THE MOUNTAIN, Allen locates safety in the myriad decisions we all make during a day or a week in the hills....Sandy Stott