Halfway To Heaven: My White-knuckled--and Knuckleheaded--Quest For The Rocky Mountain High (2009) - Plot & Excerpts
Mark Obmascik portraits himself as a novice as he embarks on his quest to climb all of the Colorado's highest mountains. With his 14ers portfolio expanding he gains both experience and confidence. Yet at the end of his journey he is still the same down to earth guy, a father of three and a husband who simply enjoys spending time with his family. There is no braggery, no macho comments found in his book which are so common in work of other outdoor adventure authors. Extra thumbs up here.The book is about climbing mountains but in fact there is a little about each of the climbs. If you are looking for a guide to the 14ners, look elsewhere. What you find on pages of Halfway to Heaven are short stories about the climbs with many facts from Colorado's history and a slew of interesting characters, all in well balanced, humorous narrative.As an avid hikers and mountain climber I also appreciated the book's serious side. Obmascik is not shy to point out the mountains can be an unforgiving and a dangerous place and through variety of true stories of accidents and death he stressed how important it is to climb responsibly and stay alert at all times. I really liked that. A thoroughly enjoyable read. I was glad to see this wasn't a step-by-agonizing-step extended trip report. The author does a great job of pulling together the personalities, stories, angst, pain and joy that accompanies the 14'er experience.I've completed 20 of the 14'ers & not really sure if I have any more in me. The book brought back many memories & has me thinking I may just be up for another.
What do You think about Halfway To Heaven: My White-knuckled--and Knuckleheaded--Quest For The Rocky Mountain High (2009)?
Some profanity and crude humor. I liked to read about his adventures.
—bbb
Great hiking book with some fun history about the Colorado Rockies.
—Miriah
a fun read - lots of history geology and geography of colorado.
—Lena
