Tree Climbing Chris

Climbing trees isn't easy for everyone, but it is for tree climbing Chris. He has climbed every tree in the forest except for one, a new tree, he walks up to the little tree to ask if he can climb, but wonders, will the tree let him?

'A book of heart-stopping bravery and endurance' -- Helen Macdonald 'A great read – incredible adventures and a dramatic new perspective' -- Chris Packham '[A] delightful, endlessly fascinating book' -- Daily Mail BOOK OF THE WEEK This is the story of a professional British tree climber, cameraman and adventurer, who has made a career out of travelling the world, filming wildlife for the BBC and climbing trees with people like David Attenborough, Chris Packham and Helen Macdonald. James's climbs take him to breathtaking locations as he scales the most incredible and majestic trees on the planet. On the way he meets native tribes, gets attacked by African bees, climbs alongside gorillas, chased by elephants, and spends his nights in a hammock pitched high in the branches with only the stars above him. This book blends incredible stories of scrapes and bruises in the branches with a new way of looking at life high above the daily grind, up into the canopy of the forest.

Fast-paced history-cum-memoir about rock climbing in the wild-and-wooly ’80s Highlights ground-breaking achievements from the era Hangdog Days vividly chronicles the era when rock climbing exploded in popularity, attracting a new generation of talented climbers eager to reach new heights via harder routes and faster ascents. This contentious, often entertaining period gave rise to sport climbing, climbing gyms, and competitive climbing--indelibly transforming the sport. Jeff Smoot was one of those brash young climbers, and here he traces the development of traditional climbing “rules,” enforced first through peer pressure, then later through intimidation and sabotage. In the late ’70s, several climbers began introducing new tactics including “hangdogging,” hanging on gear to practice moves, that the old guard considered cheating. As more climbers broke ranks with traditional style, the new gymnastic approach pushed the limits of climbing from 5.12 to 5.13. When French climber Jean-Baptiste Tribout ascended To Bolt or Not to Be, 5.14a, at Smith Rock in 1986, he cracked a barrier many people had considered impenetrable. In his lively, fast-paced history enriched with insightful firsthand experience, Smoot focuses on the climbing achievements of three of the era’s superstars: John Bachar, Todd Skinner, and Alan Watts, while not neglecting the likes of Ray Jardine, Lynn Hill, Mark Hudon, Tony Yaniro, and Peter Croft. He deftly brings to life the characters and events of this raucous, revolutionary time in rock climbing, exploring, as he says, “what happened and why it mattered, not only to me but to the people involved and those who have followed.”

Poignant and bittersweet, Christopher's Journey is the true story of a remarkable young man's battle with leukemia and the lives that he touches along the way. Author Maribeth Ditmars chronicles her son Christopher's chemotherapy treatments, his irrepressible antics, and finally, his insightful acceptance of his own illness. "Maribeth Ditmars writes with a special sense of humor so reminiscent of Chris. Her understanding of the critical need for laughter during such difficult times is a valuable message to all who read her words. Chris's story, as told from a mother's perspective, will be helpful to others as they journey through treatment, recovery, and sometimes loss." -Anna Maria Gentile, Regional Director, The Leukemia & Lymphoma Society "I was incredibly moved by this story. It made me go home and hug my kids. Although I cried several times during the reading, I never wanted to stop. I was in awe of Chris's spirituality, acceptance, and peace. Christopher's Journey is a beautiful book." -Susan Burns, Sarasota Magazine "Christopher's Journey gives voice to those children's physical and emotional struggles endured during treatment. This book will be a valuable tool for anyone who is touched by a child's courageous fight against cancer." -Jerry Barbosa, MD, Director, Pediatric Oncology, All Children's Hospital

A guide to some of the greatest locations around the world as recommended by expert rock climbers, with travel tips and stunning photos included. Covering three types of climbing—trad, sport, and bouldering—and showcasing breathtaking venues from Joshua Tree to Jeju, South Korea, this guide features insights from industry insiders, including employees from rock-climbing gear companies like Petzl and Black Diamond Equipment, professional climbers like Jon Cardwell and Kevin Jorgeson (co-star of Dawn Wall), filmmaker Michael Call, and Climbing magazine editor Matt Samet. And for those who want to travel to these locales, Chris Santella provides “If You Go” suggestions to help plan your trip. This essential travel companion for climbers of all levels of expertise features such locations as: Horse Pens 40, Alabama * Cochise Stronghold, Arizona * Black Canyon of the Gunnison National Park, Colorado * Innsbruck, Austria * Castle Hill, New Zealand * Elephant’s Perch, Idaho * The Bugaboos, British Columbia * Arco, Italy * Red River Gorge, Kentucky * Devil’s Lake, Wisconsin * Acadia National Park, Maine * The Shawangunks, New York * Wichita Mountains Wildlife Refuge, Oklahoma * Chamonix, France * Railay Beach, Thailand * and more