A story of hope for those needing family relationship healing and repair.

 About the Journey

The inspiration for those who have lifelong bucket list goals and dreams to accomplish.

This book will also serve as a much-needed reminder that for any change to take place with others, it first starts with doing whatever is required in healing ourselves and that change comes from within.

Finally, the metaphor of hiking and life ring true throughout this book as well as the how-to and what to expect when hiking the highest Mountain Peak in the lower 48 states.

Book currently in final editing process

Prologue
Wednesday, September 14, 2016, 11:30 AM: Mt. Whitney Trail
Inching our way closer to the summit Joseph turns to me. “There it is Pops.”

Off in the distance the Whitney Hut appears perched atop the massive peak, a cathedral of granite rising high into the heavens. I look in awe but the 14,000-foot elevation and the fifty-eight percent oxygen level are taking its toll. I am having to make a mental effort to concentrate and focus. My left knee screams with each step. I am covered in a cold clammy sweat. Although my lips remain parched my jaws are filling with saliva. I don’t remember nausea the last time.
The breathtaking views west of the mighty Sierra Nevadas somewhat revive me. But my swollen knee, lightheadedness, and fatigue is causing me to fade from Joe on the trail.
Breathe-step-breathe-step.
Having come to the end of ‘The Pinnacles’ we enter a large barren talus field of ashen rock debris. Embedded in the gray flecked sand are large boulders close to the trail. Needing a break I hobble over and collapse on one of them. The frigid, dry wind swirling from the peak whipping against my face.Hikers descending from the summit approach. “Are you OK, man?”

I manage to give them a thumbs up.
I will not be one of the sixty-six percent who does not make it.
Joseph, ahead by 25 yards or so and seeing I am in distress walks back to me.
“Pops, almost there.”