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Dear Eric:
Despite my 91 years, I’ve never been so busy in my life, working on a report about snow depth on the summit of Mount Everest and finishing a little book about our first ascent of the West Buttress of Mount McKinley, exactly 50 years ago July 10.
So, when I received your 260-page manuscript, I just exclaimed inwardly : “What in Hell am I going to do with all this.”
But, because you’ve spent so much time at the “OBS,” I decided that I just HAD to dig into it at least a bit, and somehow say something nice, no matter what!!
A few delightful hours later, I turned to page 261 and that was, alas, the end.
There are so many fascinating aspects to this book that I scarcely dare to try to summarize them, for fear that I’ll omit something very important. Then, all of a sudden, I realized that I like the way that you write and the whole book is important. Indeed, you’re something of a philosopher as well as a weather-man.
The Appalachian Trail and Mount Katahdin have just been names: You’ve brought them both to life for me. You told me that mountains are just like people: They‘re born, get old and die—with often thrilling lives. You gave me good advice, if I ever was chased by a bear. I learned about the wonders of Baxter Park and lots of other things that I ought to’ve known about for years. When I turned page 261, I was frustrated that there weren’t any more. I really like the things that you say, and how you say them.
Best wishes to the guys at the Obs.
Very Sincerely Yours,
Bradford Washburn
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Several years ago, Brad Washburn received an early draft of North to Katahdin along with a request to supply a short promotional blurb, should he think the manuscript worthy.