At the Mercy of the Mountains: True Stories of Survival and Tragedy in New York's Adirondacks

Every year thousands of outdoor enthusiasts venture into a six-million-acre wilderness that is the size of Yosemite, Yellowstone, and the Grand Canyon combined. They are attracted by its accessibility, spectacular views, and challenging terrain. But, when adventure is easy to find, so, too, is misadventure. In this compelling book, award-winning adventure writer and former Lower Adirondack Search and Rescue team member Peter Bronski chronicles true stories of survival and tragedy, from famous historical cases during the early twentieth century to modern tales of harrowing struggle in the mountains and wilderness. Extensively researched, these gripping tales pull together historical accounts, firsthand interviews, previously untold stories, and expert analysis to retrace each misadventure.
More than just a recounting of tragedy in the wilderness, At the Mercy of the Mountains is an affirmation of the triumph of the human spirit in the face of adversity and an insight into why misadventure happens in the first place--and how to avoid it. At the Mercy of the Mountains is a must-read for hikers, climbers, paddlers, armchair travelers--anyone who loves great tales of adventure.