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Distant Peaks - A Journey through Cultures & Conquests | 
 enlarge | Author: Peter A. Len
Publisher: Millennial Mind Publishing
Category: Book
Buy New: $24.95
New (3) Used (5) from $13.30
Rating:  6 reviews
Sales Rank: 1206488
Media: Paperback
Pages: 313
Number Of Items: 1
Shipping Weight (lbs): 0.8
Dimensions (in): 7.9 x 5 x 0.7
ISBN: 1589824601
Dewey Decimal Number: 508
EAN: 9781589824607
ASIN: 1589824601
Publication Date: January 25, 2008
Availability: Usually ships in 24 hours
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| Editorial Reviews:
Product Description
Distant Peaks is a chronicle of stories that detail the struggles and triumphs of a novice climber. Starting with a failed attempt on the Grand Teton during a climbing trip with his father, Peter Len gained respect for the mountains along with a thirst for summit success. Since then, his quest has taken him back to the Grand Teton and across the oceans to attempt some of the classic mountains of the world, including Mont Blanc, the Matterhorn, Mt. Kenya, and the volcanoes of Ecuador. Written through the eyes of an amateur climber, Distant Peaks describes Mr. Len's motivations for attempting these mountains and portrays the challenges of dealing with the physical and mental aspects of climbing, especially at higher altitudes. Not limited to just describing the individual climbs, Mr. Len also relays his thoughts on the unique cultures and spectacular mountain ranges that he encounters along the way. A light-hearted depiction of climbing adventure, Distant Peaks is an enjoyable read for any outdoor enthusiast.
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| Customer Reviews: Read 1 more reviews...
 With effort and desire, anything is possible April 21, 2008
Reader Views (Austin, Texas)
Reviewed by Deb Shunamon for Reader Views (4/08)
A young Peter Len was looking for a way to challenge his own physical and mental limits, and he found it on his first major mountain climb with his father and family friend. "Distant Peaks: A Journey through Cultures & Conquests," is written from the perspective of a non-professional climber, and documents the author's trips up some of the toughest peaks in Europe, Africa and South America. His experiences while climbing, as well as the tremendous amount of detail provided on everything from planning such trips to the actual ascents up the mountains, illustrate how it is possible for mountaineering to be enjoyed by anyone.
The great introduction has the author admitting to his limits, and how, although exciting to read, most climbing books seemed to be beyond his initial skill level. From here it does not take long for the reader to become familiar with climbing terms and equipment, as well as what to expect at the guide centers and on the practice runs that take place before the actual ascents. Personal observations (did you know Gatorade is good hot?), historical notes and side stories fill the pages, along with the author's joy of just being on the mountains. His desire to reach the summits, quelling his fears and pushing his physical abilities along the way, was not always successful, but the author never stopped trying in the twenty years that the book covers.
Peter Len is a "young writer," and even with the assistance he had, the writing is at times either quite choppy or could use some commas, but his adventures are captivating enough to keep readers interested. There is also no ending to the book - it just stops after the final climb. However, the Afterward, and Guide & Outfitter directory that follow, attempt to convince readers to take their first step in planning a trip of their own. Numerous photographs are provided, with this book useful for anyone who has a beginning interest in climbing, as well as die-hard enthusiasts who have yet to conquer the Matterhorn, Mt. Kenya, or Chimborazo. "Distant Peaks: A Journey through Cultures & Conquests" is also a decent try at a first book, and most certainly meets Peter Len's purpose of showing that with effort and desire, anything is possible.
 Great book for anyone that has a dream to fulfill March 9, 2008
Allen Stout (Middletown, NY USA)
Reading Distant Peaks was truly inspiring to say the least. Peter Len really put into words a dream that drove him to seek out and climb some the world's most amazing mountains. Along the way he offers advice and information about the areas he visited in order to increase his and his group's likelihood of making a successful summit. This information is probably crucial for anyone looking to do the same type of climbs Peter Len attempted. I am not a mountain climber myself and never considered all that it takes to do something like the climbs Peter Len accomplished. Many factors like weather, acclimation, use of guide, which guide, practice climbs, personal health, health of group members, time of year, and avalanche threat are just some the things the either made a climb successful or not. This book is really a book of adventure that anyone with a dream should read for inspiration, not just for climbing.
Awesome book for anyone interested in adventure!!!! February 25, 2008
Billy J. Ricks (Washington DC)
This book is a great read for someone who climbs, those who think about or dream about climbing and those who just like the adventure of going new places. Peter puts you on the mountain and gives first hand insight into the thrill of climbing. The material on the specific mountains and cultures is a real bonus. An enjoyable and easy read!!
Enjoy climbing and cultures February 2, 2008
Juerg (NYC)
Those who didn't understand why "Into Thin Air" motivated, rather than discouraged, so many to take up climbing the high mountains of this world, will learn from the personal experiences of Peter Len, the author, why the mountains have so much attraction for non professional climbers. Peter Len vividly describes how a person from a State without mountains discovers his passion in climbing, taking him to the Alps, Kenya and Ecuador. Armchair adventurers learn how to plan an exiting vacation and gain life long memories. This book is not only fun to read but makes you want to be with Peter Len on his next trip.
Good read for the everyday climbing enthusiast February 1, 2008
Scott Hill (Tampa, FL)
Mr. Len does a solid job of helping us see the adventures from his grounded perspective. While many of today's television shows focus on experts guiding the "weekend warriors" with their assault on Everest, etc., Mr. Len provides a well written account of how the regular climbing enthusiast can pursue his or her dreams without the need to be on Discovery Channel. Thanks for taking us along for the ride and here's lifting a glass of "summit champagne" to Mr. Len for an enjoyable read.
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