lost on the mountain

No, we didn't go trooping through the woods, but the children and I took the opportunity to listen to Donn Fendler share his story of survival. 70 years ago Donn was on a hiking trip up Mt. Katahdin and lost the trail. This 12 year old was lost for 9 days, crediting his survival to his Boy Scout training and his Catholic faith. I happened to pick up the book earlier this summer at the library and was fascinated by this boy's courage and determination to live. The Cole Land Transportation Museum was packed with folks wanting to listen and shake his hand.



Unfortunately, I didn't anticipate such a large crowd and by the time we arrived it was standing room only. Then, by the time I bought a copy of the book, Lost on a Mountain in Maine, there were over 100 people standing in line to have them signed. I knew the children were not going to be able to wait, especially since Mary had no shoes on (don't ask) and they had already sat quietly for 90 minutes. Luckily the lady at the counter said we could leave the book with them and pick it up signed in a few days. I thought it very telling of this man's character that while he has never made a dime from the books describing his ordeal, he has taken time to speak to children, encouraging them to hike in the beautiful woods of Maine and how to prevent getting lost.