A Mother and Daughter's
Peakbagging Adventure
Patricia Ellis Herr
I spent 10 hours on 4 flights this past week and I was able to finish another great read, Up by Patricia Ellis Herr.
The book shares the story of a mother who takes her very young mountain climbing daughter on an adventure few adults achieve. The goal was to hike and climb the 48 tallest peaks in New Hampshire, including Mount Washington- home to some of the worst weather and strongest winds in the world.
Patricia has to balance many things as the mother of a 5-year-old adventurer, including safety, risks, equipment, and nay-sayers. The author has to defend their outdoor activities because too many assume that the parent is just dragging her child along for their own selfish reasons.
I can relate because many look at what I do with the girls, especially Kellisa, and assume that I am forcing her to be out on the trails. Anyone who spends time with Kellisa on the trail will know her giggles, laughter, and never ending asking for "more" proves the exact opposite- it's actually Kellisa dragging me along for her ride.
The mother-daughter team is not afraid to go at their own pace and even turn around with a summit in view when it is no longer safe to ascend. Patricia shares many struggles, both physical and emotional as she describes their unique peakbagging challenges and experiences. Up is an inspiration on the importance of spending time with your children in the great outdoors, even if it's not a monumental undertaking like climbing 48 mountains higher than 4,000ft. in New Hampshire.
Up can be purchased here.
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