Darryl Booker
I sell Mountaineers Books for a living—not a tough assignment for someone who loves reading and outdoor sports. Our library is deep and strong, but since I had to keep my recommendations here to five, I've included some lesser known titles as well as popular selections. You won’t be disappointed with any of these.
ACROSS THE OLYMPIC MOUNTAINS: The Press Expedition, 1889-90
Robert Wood
In 1889, the Seattle Press newspaper published a call from then Governor Elisha Ferry to untangle the mysteries of the Olympic Mountains. The governor was looking “for some of the hardy citizens to acquire fame by unveiling the mystery” of the Olympics. Ever wonder what the Elwha or Quinault rivers were like in the late 1800’s? This book follows six men, four dogs, and two mules across the Olympics in an exploration of one of the last true wildernesses in the lower 48. Seattle Press documented and paid for the journey creating a stunning real time account of the Olympic Peninsula in 1889. A true historical epic of mountaineering, exploration and the power of early American news press.
MINUS 148: First Winter Ascent of Mount McKinley
Art Davidson
Iconic climber and longtime Alaskan, Art Davidson recounts his attempt to climb Mount McKinley in winter. What follows is a heart-poundingly eloquent first-person account of the tragedy and success of the climb. This is my all-time favorite mountaineering adventure, and, according to National Geographic, one of “The top 100 greatest adventure books of all time.”
BABES IN THE WOODS: Hiking, Camping & Boating with Babies & Young Children
Jennifer Aist
Have or plan to have a youngster? Wondering if you can take a baby/toddler in a canoe but afraid to ask because someone will think you’re crazy? Wonder no more. Jennifer Aist lays out everything you need to know to keep your wilderness adventures humming with your baby or toddler in tow. This book has been Booker-family tested and approved.
100 CLASSIC HIKES WASHINGTON, 3RD EDITION
Craig Romano
Everyone has a tick list. Mountains to climb, books to read, miles to run. Enter 100 Classic Hikes Washington. I owned this book even before moving to the Northwest 17 years ago. It sat on my coffee table as I studied its pages and counted down the days until I'd make my home near these trails. After many years I only had about 20 of those “classics” to go. Enter Craig Romano and the third edition in 2016. With Craig's refresh and 50 entirely new “classics,” my tick list just got a lot longer— and that's a good thing.
COOL SEASON GARDENER: Extend the Harvest, Plan Ahead, and Grow Vegetables Year-Round
Bill Thorness
It's the dog days of summer and my garden's bounty is winding down. Soon it will be dead, circled in chicken wire to keep the alley cats from making it their outhouse. Isn't there something better I can do with this plot of soil? Cool Season Gardener shows you how to utilize your garden spaces year round. I’ll let you know next year how the author's advice works out—I’m reading and preparing right now for the Fall and those Christmas table greens.
