Falling Season is the term Aspen’s Mountain Rescue team uses to denote the time of year when mountain activity and associated injuries increase substantially. Numerous climbers and hikers, both prepared and unprepared alike, begin venturing into the mountains during late Spring. When accidents occur and rescues are needed, volunteer driven teams such as Aspen’s Mountain Rescue put themselves in harms way to save lives.
As a member of Aspen’s Mountain Rescue team, Hal Clifford has an insider’s view of Aspen Mountain Rescue specifically and Search and Rescue in general. Clifford acknowledges his biases by stating up front that he is a member of the Mountain Rescue team first and an author second. The author manages that balance well by utilizing quotes from everyone involved and painting a balanced story.
Clifford does a fantastic job weaving together several key elements to the story. The narrative is driven by three central issues including the rescues, the members of the team, and the politics surrounding how the team is operated and funded. Throughout the story, Hal Clifford always keeps the story focused on its main character and most important aspect: the Team.
The rescues are vividly described in great detail with focus on the human element. Several scenes are especially notable for their humor or moving drama. The emotion felt by the team members carries well through the pages to the reader with one notable tear jerker moment. The personalities of the team members are intriguing and the dynamics are characterized by quotes going back and forth between clashing personalities. Finally, the political drama of an organization encountering deep change is characterized by the dichotomy of the older and experienced figure head juxtaposed with the younger more diplomatic and dynamic members.
Rarely can I suggest a book about mountaineering to a general audience, but I offer my highest recommendation on this book to everyone. The rescues themselves span several types of outdoors adventurists including hikers, climbers, skiers, hunters, and animals. But the drama and human dynamics combined with excellent story telling and narrative make for an intriguing and delightful read regardless of a reader’s disposition towards outdoor pursuits.