Another Five Big Mountains and Treks provides a first-hand, intimate account of the trials and tribulations of climbing five well-known mountains or trails, all from the perspective of a middle-aged,
regular guy
who has survived cancer and has kept on climbing. David Schaeffer recounts the everyday challenges of training, traveling, and attempting to stay up with younger climbers and professional guides, in his attempt to reach the summits of Mount Rainier in Washington State, Mount Fuji in Japan, and Cho Oyu in Western China (the sixth highest mountain in the world), and to complete the strenuous treks to Everest Base Camp and Machu Picchu via the Inca Trail. Along the way, the author discusses the frustrations of climbs interrupted by snowstorms and avalanches, the glories of reaching the summits, and ultimately his decision to turn around on Cho Oyu when blood pressure and heart rate issues increased the risk beyond acceptable levels. As in his first book, Five Big Mountains, Schaeffer’s recounting of his experiences is both wonderfully written and inspiring.