The Mountain S Call

In this dark romantic fantasy trilogy opener, a young woman discovers she may have the power to save a society that shuns her. Tales are told of the mysterious, powerful Mountain where the gods—powerful beings in the form of white horses—live. But Valeria knows no woman has ever been called to the Mountain. Until she feels a strange pull and answers the call—as a boy. . . . When her secret is discovered Valeria loses all that she’s won. Her anger and frustration with the Empire might be enough to give the barbarians a way into the Mountain. And so, the Empire now depends on the will, the strength, and the loyalty of one Rider. A Rider who has been rejected by all but the gods . . . Praise for The Mountain’s Call “Animal lovers and romantic fantasy aficionados alike will appreciate this . . . coming-of-age story and an exhilarating romantic adventure.” —RT Book Reviews

Looking for easily accessible yet off-the-beaten-path outdoor adventures you can do year-round in the mountains near Seattle, Portland, and Bend? Look no further! Imagine escaping to old-growth forests, snow-capped peaks, waterfalls, and hot springs. This beginner-friendly guide will show you where to go, what to do, and what to look for while you’re there. Covering the Olympics and West Cascades (Olympic Peninsula, Mount Baker, Central Cascades, Mount Rainier, Mount St. Helens, Mount Hood, Deschutes National Forest, and Crater Lake) the book features a robust basics section with tips, gear guides, nature ID, geology, and safety info. Each mountain location includes background information, getaways (to campgrounds, cabins, lodges, fire lookouts, and yurts), and activities (green season and snow season). Green season features spring/summer/fall hikes and backpacking trips, while snow season includes downhill skiing, snowboarding, cross country skiing, snowshoeing, winter hikes, and more. Activities are coded with icons (accessible, near campground, wildflower, berry picking, bird watching, dogs allowed, wow-factor, waterfall) and are indexed by icon at the end. This book will inspire you to get outdoors all year long with beautiful photography and illustrations, evocative descriptions, maps, and all the basics you need to know to go.

The Call of the Mountains is a collection of the author’s adventures and encounters with people, fauna, culture and ideas as they persist amongst the rough and at times hostile mountainous terrains of the Indian Himalayas. “…Amongst the rolling forested hills – plying the terrain over the many ridges and ravines – one could run into sambhar, kakar, wild pigs, and even now, sometimes a stray leopard or two. I had plenty of time at hand, no schedule to keep in the world, and my mind had spiralled down to a quiet, to a stillness, to a sort of singularity with being; when all of a sudden, inexplicable and without any perceptible sensory input that I can recall being aware of, I got a very strong feeling that something was watching me, and that I was not alone...” – ‘Snake’ “…Amongst the clump of trees that lay at the base of the hill, crouching low, almost on its belly, and with its right paw extended but airborne in line with its whiskered cheeks, was a spotted leopard. It stood in that bent-down position, its shoulder bones sticking out, neck extended, and its head inches above the ground; its left hind leg was extended behind it, and its right paw was frozen in mid-air. Absolutely still in that position, it was staring intently at a spot I could not see...” – ‘A Leopard on the Prowl’ The Call of the Mountains Close your eyes and in your mind If you can feel the cold chill of morning dew If you can hear the rush of water and smell the pines Then it is calling out to you too “Charming, entertaining & intelligent - A full bodied Mountain Wine!” - The Himalayan Commission

An adventure across a thousand miles of Scotland's mountains. In this personal guide to the triumphs, hardships and perils of scaling the Munros, Landsberg brings the joys and pitfalls of hill-climbing to life. Landsberg's adventures are presented in vivid detail, with insights ranging from encompassing the wonder of unique experiences like seeing the birth of a deer to the mundane delight of the flavour of sandwich he had on a given day. Throughout his account, Landsberg provides an in-depth insight into his growing obsession with climbing the Munroes and its effect on his physical, emotional and spiritual development. With insights on the history, culture, ecology and geology of Scotland's mountains and guides to Gaelic place names, mountain safety and an analysis the science of walking, this book provides a complete guide for anyone looking for adventure in the Highlands, and is sure to inspire anyone who reads it to go climb a rock! Excerpt: One day I walked into these mountains, and I never came all the way back. For though Scotland's mountains may not be the highest in the world, they are certainly amongst the most awe-inspiring and enchanting. From the towering pinnacles of Skye, to the high rolling plateau of the Cairngorms; from the bonnie braes of Ben Lomond to the weeping cliffs of Glencoe; from the rocky battlements that encircle Loch Arkaig, to the gentle folds of Ben Lawers as it spills down to Loch Tay: here are offered scenes of unrivalled splendour, landscapes of unparalleled variety, and a magic ground for personal connection, inspiration, and transformation. These are places of accessible adventure - we leave behind the safety of the lush glen to cross the swooping moor, clamber up through craggy corridors, and with silver chuckling burn then spatey cascade as our sometime guide we reach at last the grand summits of these lands. Here beneath a hundred rainbows lie a hundred pots of gold - unclaimed scenic ingots that are yours for the taking and to which I hope to lead you, on a journey for body, for mind, and perhaps for something deeper.

With heart-pounding descriptions of avalanches and treacherous ascents, Barry Blanchard chronicles his transformation from a poor Metis (half-breed) kid from the wrong side of the tracks to one of the most respected alpinists in the world. He describes early climbs attempted with nothing to guide him but written trail descriptions and the cajones of youth. He slowly acquires the skills, equipment and partners necessary to tackle more and more difficult climbs, farther and farther afield: throughout the Canadian Rockies, into Alaska and the French Alps and on to Everest, Peru, and the challenging mountains in Pakistan. From each he learns lessons that only nature and extreme endeavor can teach. This is the story of the culture of climbing in the days of punk rock and rock ‘n’ roll, accompanied by the rhythm of adrenaline and the arrogance of youth. It is a portrait of the power of the mountains to lift us – physically, emotionally, intellectually, spiritually – and the depths of relationships based on total trust in the person at the other end of a rope. Includes climbs with renowned alpinists such as Kevin Doyle, Mark Twight, David Cheesmond and Ward Robinson. 432 pages with photos and a playlist.

About the Book Hope is a white, middle-aged woman going through menopause and empty nest syndrome. She has a biracial, kick-ass daughter named Calley. Calley is a child of two worlds, and her worlds collide in a way never expected. Hope takes the reader through the struggles of real life in various capacities and situations. She discusses fixing her own mental health, in addition to portraying the mental health challenges which impact others. Along the way in this compelling journey, various dogs are rescued; love is ignited; death unfolds, and new lives begin. Racial disparity and veganism are the backbone of several characters, and the “hope” is the reader will relate the events to their own lives and experiences. About the Author The author resides in Wisconsin. She has always had a passion for writing since she was a young girl and is also an avid book reader. The author is a practicing vegan, enjoys nature and family.

Clarence explored the forests around Penny, hiked the mountains of the beautiful Bearpaw Range and traveled by boat up and down the far reaches of the upper Fraser River. Many days were spent putting up birch wood for the kitchen stove, gardening, picking wild berries, fishing, and hunting.The book will give the reader an insight into the life of a very interesting man. There was lots of hard work, music, storytelling, humour, and family commitments. Clarence just celebrated his 90th birthday and is still full of fun. You will have a laugh or two reading about the adventures of a true British Columbian mountain man!

Although Southern California's mountain ranges are only partially wilderness, they bring wonder into our daily lives even from a distance. I wrote this book to remind us of this wonder, to champion the mountains' beauty and inspire their protection. In addition, I wrote this book for people around the world to know a seldom heralded dimension of Southern California. Several years ago I couldn't find such a book to show Swiss friends. Also I've always wanted to show our mountains' beauty to friends and relatives across the country, to come and visit them vicariously. Call of the Mountains is for you who can't get to the mountains, but glimpse them from afar and feel their wonder. Last, I wrote this book for you who already know these streams, canyons and peaks. For you, the following pages will jog memories of special places and occasions that are yours alone. My Story -- and the stories of people I met - takes us along trails to historic areas, sparkling waterfalls, pristine meadows and the highest peaks.