Daniel Arnold (3) (1979–)

What makes Early Days in the Range of Light so special is that Arnold not only follows in the footsteps of great naturalists and mountaineers from 1864 to 1931, he truly wants to be in their company. He says of one excursion, "I joined their little camp, too, as best I could with 143 years between us" (p 11) and "They sat on top for an hour or so, and I shared their seat for half that time" (p 216). He imagines where each adventurer slept, ate, and placed every toehold while climbing show more majestic mountains. There is a romance to Arnold's writing; a deep appreciation for the California mountains and the ghosts that linger there.
Having just spent three short days exploring the wonders of Yosemite, I could picture every landmark Arnold mentioned: Half Dome, Yosemite Fall, Glacier Point, El Capitan, I could go on. Early Days in the Range of Light is probably my favorite book I have read this year. show less

Invaluable history for anyone interested in the California Sierra.

> By the time the men gave up their game, [Norman] Clyde’s pack had gained twenty pounds. He walked out of their camp the next morning with an undiminished stride and close to a hundred pounds on his back. Asked once why he did not use pack animals, he explained, “I can carry a damn mule faster than he can carry me.”

Fascinating insights about the legendary mountain climbers who reached the Sierra Nevada's summits before the age of rock climbing gear. Arnold, himself, takes to these peaks following their footsteps--using, grit, intuition, love of the land and awe of these majestic peaks to guide him.

If you enjoy the Sierras this is an excellent read.