Leif Voeltz, The Fifth Season Store, Mount Shasta, CA
This is a great book for the Mt. Shasta adventure. Steve's love of Mt. Shasta and his enthusiasm for climbing, makes the book easy reading and a great resource.
Lou Whittaker, Expedition Leader & Rainier Mountain Guide Author, "Memoirs of A Mountain Guide"
It is one thing to receive the many gifts the mountain can give, as my friend Steve has. An even greater thing is to share and teach that knowledge to others. Keep up the good work.
Robin Kohn, Outdoor Recreation Specialist, Mt Shasta, CA
I've found Steve's book to be the best reference available for preparing anyone to safely and successfully climb to the summit of Mt. Shasta using the Avalanche Gulch Route.
Marvin Tolbert, Extreme skier, and fellow climber
His book is more than a guide book; it's well organized and loaded with comprehensive information written for anyone planning to climb the mountain. You should hurry out and buy a copy immediately.
Northern California Trail Magazine; Chico, CA
This is unique for it is the most complete guide book I have seen anywhere. The information presented includes climbing techniques, weather, geography, flora, fauna, history safety, gear, and, of course, the route itself. Climbing Mt. Shasta is not so much a guide book as it is an introduction to mountaineering. I hope other guide book writers will pick up on Steve's idea, and write books that are as complete as this one.
Sgt. Dave Nicholson, Siskiyou Co. Sheriffs Dept.
I've found Steve Lewis's book to be an excellent resource for preparing anyone to climb Mt. Shasta. It contains much needed information that should prevent the type of incidents and injuries that the Search and Rescue team deals with on the mountain. A better prepared climber saves time, money, and unnecessary dangerous exposure to SAR team members. I highly recommend reading the book!
Dyana Wings of Wings Bookstore; Mt, Shasta City, CA
What an exciting book Steve Lewis from Mt. Shasta has written! This book was written specifically for those who are motivated to climb Mt. Shasta for the first time. It contains detailed information for novice climbers and for experienced mountaineers who dream of reaching the Summit using the Avalanche Gulch route. But for those of us who don't feel the desire to go to the top, this book is packed with loads of information about the mountain's legends, lore, fact and fiction. Steve's really done his homework. There are maps, charts and exact guidelines for your trek to the top. The hazards of mountaineering are thoroughly stressed. Everything you may need to reach the "Summit" is explained in detail. I enjoyed some of the quotes used, such as, "Concentrate on your footing, not on your fear." Also, "Only conquer on foot what you feel you can conquer in your mind." Good advice for just walking on flat ground!!!! Climbing Mt. Shasta is an absolute hit!! Well done, Steve, and congratulations on going even farther than the "Summit."
Book Description
Climbing Mt. Shasta contains 12 comprehensive chapters and power packed appendices loaded with resourceful information. This book was produced in very high quality paper with an attractive color cover and eight pages with color pictures. Also, there are several black and white pictures along with an aerial map, several maps and charts. The book has a lot of subheadings making it easy for the reader to follow. Chapter One begins by introducing the Volcano's eruptive history, its thick icy glaciers, and the story of the first recorded summit ascent on Mt. Shasta. The next few chapters acquaint the reader, or climber, with the hazards and rewards of mountaineering allowing those of you who know little about the Mountain to become better acquainted with it. You will also be introduced to weather, safety, climbing techniques, and proper use of equipment. Re-live the dramatic story of the climber who survived two lonely, cold nights without sleeping gear at 12,000 feet. Subsequent chapters prepare you for your climb up the mountain. Once you're packed, author Steve Lewis takes you on a step-by-step journey to the summit. Finally, glissade with him 2,000 feet down a snowfield as he takes you safely back to base camp. Enjoy your stay in the Mt. Shasta area with the last chapter titled Camping and Recreation. Appendices include a mountaineering glossary, mountaineering stores, and resourceful phone contacts.
Card catalog description
"Climbing Mt. Shasta was written and designed specifically for those... who are motivated to climb Mt. Shasta for the first time." -- book jacket.
From the Author
An average of 20,000 Wilderness (Visitors) permits are filled out annually, with more than 10,000 of these people having attempted to reach the Mountain's summit, most of them using the Avalanche Gulch route, and only a third whom actually make it. My book is the best written resource available for preparing anyone to safely and successfully climb to the summit of Mt. Shasta. This book will benefit climbers and admirers on Mt. Shasta for many years to follow and hopefully decrease some of the mountaineering accidents, or better yet, eliminate them. Mt. Shasta, unlike any other mountain, has a spiritual appeal that seems to attract people from all over the world. Everyone that sees Mt. Shasta wonders what the view is like from the summit and quite often they wonder what steps these climbers must take to stand on top of this mighty giant. This book is the closest you'll ever get to climbing to the summit without actually being there. Even if you don't climb the Mountain, it is written in such a way that you can sit home in your chair and imagine you are climbing to the summit.
From the Back Cover
Majestic Mt. Shasta seems to have a memorable impact on everyone who comes within sight of the massive, snow-capped volcano. The Mountain inspires thoughts of walking through luscious meadows, hiking on alpine trails, or climbing the summit to experience breathtaking views. Climbing Mt. Shasta was written and designed specifically for those of you motivated to climb Mt. Shasta for the first time. It contains detailed information for novice climbers and for experienced mountaineers who dream of reaching the Summit using the Avalanche Gulch route. For you nonclimbers, get comfortable, open this book, and let me take you on a step-by-step journey to the Mountain's Summit and back again.
About the Author
Author Steve Lewis has lived at the base of Mt. Shasta for more than 20 years. He started climbing when he was a kid; not mountains, but fences and treetops. He progressed from gentle mountain slopes to steep rocky ridges, and eventually conquered his first mountain in Alaska. Today, after numerous climbs to Mt. Shasta's summit, he is well-known as one of Shasta's mountaineers.
Excerpted from Climbing Mt. Shasta by Steve J. Lewis. Copyright © 1996. Reprinted by permission. All rights reserved
CHAPTER TWO "CLIMBING"
Climbing a majestic volcano like Mt. Shasta will test your endurance beyond your imagination. So why would you subject yourself to undue risks and danger? Why would you battle with the perils of nature while suffering with a 60-pound pack on your back, trying to get to a place that may give you mountain sickness? Why would you camp overnight on a lonely plateau, half frozen and possibly sunburnt? Why would you push to an extreme when your body has already been pushed way beyond its comfort zone? The answer to all of these can be summed up in the word, rewards: The reward of self-accomplishment and gratification; of your making it to the top of the Mountain when so many others have failed or not even attempted it; of testing your endurance, courage, strength, and personal ability to push on; of being able to look up at the Mountain and tell someone that you have stood on its Summit; of your having gazed upon the breathtaking panoramic view that awaited you on the Mountain's Summit.
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