Book Reviews

"Hiking In The Greater Carson Pass Region"
written by Dick Brock | $19.95 

This is a comprehensive guide to the trailheads, trails, destinations and locations in the greater Carson Pass region. It details distance, starting elevation, lowest and highest elevations, and level of difficulty. GPS maps are included for every trail. Suggestions for loop and partial loop trails are also included. The Mokelumne Wilderness Map is an excellent supplement to this guide.
 

"The Crossing"
written by Bob Graham | $20.00

This work chronicles Fremont’s crossing of the Sierra Nevada in the winter of 1844. The Crossing employs a very interesting approach to its subject. The author, Bob Graham, bases the framework of his book on a portion of Fremont’s official report to Congress and narrates the period from January 25th to March 6th. During this time, Fremont traveled from the foot of the eastern Sierra Nevada mountains near Markleeville to Sutter’s Fort in the Sacramento Valley. Interspersed with Fremont’s narrative are corresponding entries from Charles Pruess’ diary (Fremont’s cartographer) and Kit Carson’s (Fremont’s famous scout) autobiography.

This is a not only a very interesting history book but also teaches interesting things about the science of navigation; ie., the direction of Polaris does not indicate true north. This taught even Fremont, Pruess and Carson how easily mountains can fool you, and how easily one can become lost in high mountains. The Crossing supplies a wealth of GPS data and terrain analysis for anyone dumb enough to retrace Fremont’s route over the Sierras.