Distant Peaks - A Journey through Cultures & Conquests [Paperback]

Peter Len (Author)

Book Description

Publication Date: January 25, 2008

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.

Editorial Reviews

Review

Reading Peter Lens' book, I felt like I was peering into the mind of my clients. Needless to say, the experience was instructive for a guide who has led over 120 expeditions. Peter captured the power of the expedition experience: from a climber's pre-trip anxiety and expectations, to the unique settings he's explored and even the interplay of personalities he's tied in with. Peter's humble approach to climbing and writing results in a book that many new climbers and jaded old-timers will appreciate. --Chris Warner, President, Earth Treks Climbing Centers

Peter Len, through detail-rich prose and a profound love of the mountains, takes us on a journey up the world's landmark peaks. This is not the rarified realm of super-alpinists like Messner, House, Garibotti, and Prezelj, but rather an everyman's voyage up the guided trade routes about which the bulk of all climbers know and dream the Exum Ridge of the Grand Teton, for example, or the Hörnli Ridge of the Matterhorn. If you're training ... for that next dream climb, Distant Peaks, with its honest, enthusiastic look at guided ascent ... is indispensable. --Matt Samet, Senior Editor, Climbing Magazine

For anyone who has wondered what it is like to climb some of the classic mountains of the world, Distant Peaks tells the entertaining story of one man's experience doing just that. It is one of the few books I have read that captures the unembellished realism of a self-proclaimed amateur climber going through the process of becoming an experienced alpinist. I'm sure Peter Len's stories of travel and adventure in foreign countries will inspire some armchair mountaineers to get out and try it themselves. --Andy Bourne, Climbing Guide and Coordinator of Foreign Programs, American Alpine Institute

About the Author

Peter Len is a Software Engineer living in the Washington, D.C. area with his wife Ruby, daughter Katherine, and dog Zambo. He co-authored the software development book Professional Portal Development with Open-Source Tools. His real passion, however, is the outdoors where he enjoys climbing, snowboarding, hiking, and scuba diving.

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Product Details

• Paperback: 313 pages
• Publisher: Millennial Mind Publishing (January 25, 2008)
• Language: English
• ISBN-10: 1589824601
• ISBN-13: 978-1589824607
• Product Dimensions: 7.9 x 5 x 0.7 inches
• Shipping Weight: 12 ounces (View shipping rates and policies)
• Average Customer Review: 4.8 out of 5 stars  See all reviews (6 customer reviews)
• Amazon Best Sellers Rank: #1,230,566 in Books (See Top 100 in Books)

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Customer Reviews

Most Helpful Customer Reviews

5.0 out of 5 stars Solid book for beginners, December 15, 2011

By 

A. Choudary "dishsultan" (San Antonio, TX USA) - See all my reviews
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This review is from: Distant Peaks - A Journey through Cultures & Conquests (Paperback)

As a beginner alpine climber, I love this book. Len's precise, yet descriptive, writing makes for a very enjoyable read. I have tried to read books by other climbers, who I will not mention, and I became lost in their words and ideas. Len's writing is easy to follow and is at the core of mountaineering: beautiful simplicity. Len's everyman voice makes it easy for us to relate to him. He is not some mountaineering demigod, but a simply a driven man following a passion.

In Distant Peaks, Len recounts his adolescent experiences in the Tetons that drove him to ever higher ambitions. After initial failure, he returns to the Tetons years later to claim summit success. From here, he becomes interested in classic climbs in the legendary French and Swiss Alps, Africa's Rift Valley volcanoes, and the enchanting volcanic peaks in the Ecuadorean Andes. His story is the story of every novice mountaineer, that of failure and success, dreams and accomplishments, doubt and resolve.

Readers will find this book highly pleasureable because of it's frankness, simplicity, and ability to relate to the author. It is a fun, albeit quick, read that will tempt you to further your armchair travels or, as I sure the author would like, get you hiking and climbing. I cannot recommend this book enough for novice mountaineers.

5.0 out of 5 stars Great book for anyone that has a dream to fulfill, March 8, 2008

By 

Allen Stout (Middletown, NY USA) - See all my reviews
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This review is from: Distant Peaks - A Journey through Cultures & Conquests (Paperback)

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.

5.0 out of 5 stars Awesome book for anyone interested in adventure!!!!, February 25, 2008

By 

Billy J. Ricks "Avid Reader" (Washington DC) - See all my reviews
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This review is from: Distant Peaks - A Journey through Cultures & Conquests (Paperback)

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!!