High Odyssey

By Gene Rose

Book Overview

By Gene Rose. "The true story of Orland Bartholomew's Mt. Whitney - Yosemite expedition- one of America's great mountaineering adventures."--from the bottom of the front jacket. This description may be from another edition of this product.

• Format: Hardcover
• Language: English
• ISBN: 0944194087
• ISBN13: 9780944194089
• Release Date: January 1994
• Publisher: Linrose Pub Co
• Length: 160 Pages
• Weight: 1.00 lbs.
• Dimensions: 9.5" x 0.8" x 6.5"

Customer Reviews

Amazing history that is largely unknown

I thought I was relatively well versed in the history of the Sierra Nevada, but my knowledge had a substantial hole. In the winter of 1928-29, Orland Bartholomew took one of the most ambitious winter mountain treks in history. He skied/climbed from Lone Pine to Yosemite Valley in Winter- ALONE. If someone like John Muir or Normal Clyde had done this, it would be common knowledge. I think this event was largely lost in history because Orland did not do it for, nor did he seek, fame or glory. He did not live for first ascents (though he did make the first recorded winter ascent of Mount Whiteny), nor proving anything. He did this because he loved the Sierras and being out in them. The book is a well written enjoyable read. My only complaint is that it was too light (short), but that's likely a result of the book not being written by the hero.

Epic Ski Adventure

High Odyssey is a magnificent tale of the human spirit. Gene Rose, one of the foremost historians of Sierra lore and skiing, captures the essence of Orland Bartholomew's pioneering 1929 ski adventure through the unexplored winter terrain of the Sierra. A must read for the aspiring backcountry skier. Rose's tale of Bartholomews four month long journey is as insightful as it is remarkable. "High Odyssey" is Highly entertaining.

A Sierra Classic

Anyone who loves mountains, and especially the Sierra Nevada, will find this a great addition to the library. It documents the little known winter solo ski trip over the entire John Muir trail, from Mt. Whitney to Yosemite, by Orland Bartholemew in 1928-29. The author expertly crafts the story from old notes and a diary, and has included amazing photographs that were taken by Bartholomew using an old Kodak. This is not a big expensive book, and would make a fine gift, particularly suitable for young adults. But you will want a copy for yourself.The book is a mountaineering High Sierra classic!

A MUST for any Mountaineering collection!

With garden rake handles for ski poles, a tarp tent, a down robe to sleep in, and cooking over open fires, this man skied solo from Cottonwood Pass to Yosemite Valley in the winter of 1928-29. Along the way he made the first solo winter ascent of Mt. Whitney, at that time the highest mountain in the United States! This book will make the reader appreciate all the latest high tech. gear available today! Gortex, bivy bags, thermarest matresses, light weight down sleeping bags, and stoves were not available in 1928! Anyone interested in ski mountaineering will find inspiration in this book!