Soul of Wilderness: Mountain Journeys in Western B.C. and Alaska

What is wilderness? Are humans a part of nature? These questions provide the philosophical thread that spins through this stunningly photographed journey through the wilds of British Columbia and Alaska. Authors Baldwin (Mountains of the Coast) and Bily are B.C. residents with a passion for traversing North America's untamed west coast, a wilderness they view as home. The trips in this book "are mountaineering trips on foot and on skis and are a sampling of some of the more recent forays," during which the authors "revel in the magic of the wilderness." Over the course of nine chapters, Baldwin and Bily hike lush, flower-carpeted forest floors; gaze upon the glassy emerald surfaces of cool mountain lakes; marvel at grizzly bears, monkey flowers, and mountain goats; and ski down snow-blanketed glacial peaks. The best part of this book is unquestionably the authors' stunning, full-color photography of B.C. and Alaska's primal wild lands and the opportunity it offers readers to take in the beauty of these remote places vicariously. This book should appeal to anyone who appreciates nature, especially those looking for inspiration to experience this wilderness for themselves. Photos. (Dec.)