Road to Osambre

On his Amazon Journey in 1970, British adventurer Ridgeway visited an idyllic plantation, Osambre, deep in the Peruvian jungle and a seven-day walk from the nearest road. Fifteen years later, he planned a family holiday that would include a trek in the Andes and a return visit to his friend Elvin Berg at Osambre. With his wife, 18-year-old daughter and two young men from his Ardmore School of Adventure, Ridgeway embarked on the riskiest expedition of his colorful career. The area leading to Osambre had been terrorized by guerrillas, the ""Shining Path,'' who were fighting with government forces. Food was scarce, and foreigners were under suspicion. Beset with altitude sickness, colds and fever, Ridgeway's party learned that Elvin Berg had been murdered by guerrillas, his family scattered. As they began the homeward journey, they found Berg's seven-year-old daughter Elizabeth and set in motion efforts to adopt her. This is an extraordinary story of endurance and adventure that will grip readers. Photos. (June)