Monday 9 February 2009

His name is Gary Paulsen

A while ago Steve lent* me a copy of Winterdance by Gary Paulsen. It’s a story about how he got in to racing dog sleds and about the Iditarod. Although I know nothing about racing sleds I really enjoyed the book- funny and honest. What was odd though was, unlike the vast majority of the stories I’ve have read, I’m actually heading out to many of the places he talks about. While I have no intention of ever attempting the Hinterstoisser Traverse, or Silula Grande, Rainy Pass and Farewell Burn will soon be places I’ll be visiting. I took some mental notes. “Steep”, “windy” and “scary” probably sums it up. It still feels a bit surreal that in la few weeks I’ll be out in Alaska.

Any suggestions of inspiring/adventure true stories to fire me up? I get the feeling the film adaptation isn't going to be up to much.

*I will give it back Steve. Just got to read it again!

5 comments:

Steve J Makin said...

actually, the book belongs to Piers, he read it thinking that he would one day have a go at the Iditrod also, when you've done give it back to him ;-)

Piers Barber said...

You keep it, Shaggy :) I'll wrack my brains for something else... The Shining Mountain (Pete Boardman) or Savage Arena (Joe Tasker) their preposterous attempt at Changabang spring to mind. Lemme know.

Shaggy said...

Cheers Piers!

Piers Barber said...

email your address if you want those books - you may be able to find Savage Arena but the other is definitely out of print and my copy is treasured. happy to lend it to you though.

Piers Barber said...

cheeky borked :( tyr here