Yosemite Epics; Tales of Adventure from America's Greatest Playground by Matt Johanson<br> Illustrations by Christopher Hampson<br> Foreword by Jim Moynier

Twenty-four well known Sierra adventurers share some of the most exciting and scariest true stories from their escapades in the Range of Light. Author Johanson interviewed these outdoor adventure icons about their most exciting and challenging trials in Yosemite National Park and elsewhere in the Sierra Nevada, then crafted these tight, suspenseful tales in the adventurers own words. All the stories are original and previously unpublished, and unlike some adventures, all have happy endings — nobody dies. For example, falling climber's rope breaks thousands of feet above the ground. Two backcountry skiers find themselves buried in an avalanche. Wild winds hurl a paraglider out of control. A daring kayak venture helps an aging legend discover greater health and happiness. A seasoned backcountry ranger tries to lead a lost group of skiers to safety at a backcountry ski hut only to get lost himself and need to backtrack. These stories and more come to life in this collection of adrenaline-pumping tales. Thrilling yet thoughtful, the stories explain the athletes' motivations for their ambitious outings and share valuable lessons learned from their experiences.

Among those sharing their stories are climbing legends Royal Robbins, Tommy Caldwell, Lynn Hill, Steve Roper and Peter Croft, plus more thrilling tales from Dale Bard, Jim Zellers — "Let's ski off Half Dome" in the Half-a-Brain Project — Errett Allen and Hans Florine, among others. In Johanson's third book — he has written two books about the San Francisco Giants — he keeps readers on the edge of their seats — or even jumping up and down — wtih true narratives from rock, snow, ice, and whitewater. Artist Christopher Hampson delivers evocative illustrations, and photos with route diagrams illuminate several of the suspenseful tales.

2011, 200 pages, 6" x 9", full-color cover with photograph by Galen Rowell, 25 black & white photographs, 24 illustration by Christopher Hampson, glossary, explanation of climbing ratings, bibliography. Published by Dreamcatcher Publishing.
ISBN 978-0-615-39182-3. Trade paper