Among The Clouds
Eric Pinder
Reviewed by Barb Radmore
Eric Pinder has either the best or the worst job around- he works on
the summit of Mount Washington in the Mount Washington Observatory. It
is the place of extremes- weather is never quiet or mellow. It takes a
strong person to survive on one of the highest peaks in the world. Eric
Pinder seems to have not only survived seven years on to of the 6,288
foot high summit but maintained both his writing talent and sense of
humor in tact.
Among the Clouds is a look at his unique experience as a full time
employee who lived on the summit itself. He is surrounded by all the
best and the worst that Mother Nature has to offer; he enjoys the
beautiful view of sky and earth at the times it is clear and battles
gale winds and snow at those other times. He vividly shares his stories
of the good, the bad and the amazing in a clear style that draws in the
reader. He includes a lot of information on weather, what causes the
different weather patterns and how it is measured. He takes what could
be a dry topic for many of us and makes it relevant and interesting.
This book will be enjoyed by anyone who likes good non fiction that
both informs and entertains. Those of us who have driven up that long,
windy, (scary) road to the top of Mount Washington will have a new
found respect for those who live at the top, braving the elements to
provide the rest of us with up to date information. It is a facinating
glimpse at a job and a way of life very few people will ever
expereince.