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The Calling

A Life Rocked by Mountains

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About this listen

 With heart-pounding descriptions of avalanches and treacherous ascents, Barry Blanchard chronicles his transformation from a poor Native American/white kid from the wrong side of the tracks to one of the most respected alpinists in the world. At thirteen, he learned to rappel when he joined the 1292 Lord Strathcone’s Horse Army Cadets. Soon kicked out for insubordination, he was already hooked on climbing and saw alpinism as a way to make his single mother proud and end his family’s cycle of poverty. He describes early climbs attempted with nothing to guide him but written trail descriptions and the cajones of youth. He slowly acquires the skills, equipment and partners necessary to tackle more and more difficult climbs, farther and farther afield: throughout the Canadian Rockies, into Alaska and the French Alps and on to Everest, Peru, and the challenging mountains in Pakistan. From each he learns lessons that only nature and extreme endeavor can teach. This is the story of the culture of climbing in the days of punk rock, spurred on by the rhythm of adrenaline and the arrogance of youth. It is also a portrait of the power of the mountains to lift us – physically, emotionally, intellectually, Adventurers, Explorers & Survival Climbing & Mountaineering Outdoors & Nature Sports Alps Heartfelt
All stars
Most relevant
I am sad that I have finished this audiobook! One of the only books I think I have preferred listening to, rather than reading first hand.

Barry Blanchard tells his story so well. Full of gripping tales that are so vividly described, you could be there on the wall with Barry and his pals.

The book is also powerful and moving in the way it describes the lifelong friendships and bonds built with his fellow climbers.

10/10, could not recommend this book enough.

Enthralling

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