On September 11, 2011 I got the chance to meet Jim Davidson. I purchased a copy of his book, " The Ledge: An adventure story of friendship and survival on Mount Rainier."
This book is a true survival story. It tells the story of a tragic accident that occurred while two best friends, Jim Davidson and Mike Price were climbing Mt. Rainier in 1995.
This story is unique in that it makes extreme mountain climbers appear human, mere mortals such as ourselves. In the book Jim Davidson recounts his childhood and the ways he learned basic climbing techniques from working with his blue collared father. He recounts how he and Mike Price became friends and worked for years honing their mountaineering skills in preparation of the Mt. Rainier hike.
Their fateful trip to Mt. Rainier began without incident. The pair had made it to the summit and were on their way down to celebrate when Jim Davidson steeped on a snow bridge that collapsed under his weight. Jim Davidson fell approximately 80 feet into a crevasse dragging his climbing partner down with him. Mike Price died almost instantly after landing on the icy ledge below. Leaving Jim Davidson to attempt escape alone.
This book is very well written and leaves the reader understanding the weight of the situation without feeling it has been over dramatized or is artificial. It gives a realistic glimpse into the life of a mountaineer.
