He Must Be Lost: 72 Days In The Wilds of Colorado
He Must Be Lost: 72 Days In The Wilds of Colorado
We each face physical and mental challenges when pursuing new and unfamiliar endeavors. This book focuses on overcoming those personal demons on your way to growth and enlightenment.
Although I share a few of my climbing adventures, this is not all about climbing. The things you acquire as a climber—perseverance, risk assessment, focus, possibilities, strength, and limitations–all of this and
more are transferable to your daily life.
From the time my grandson could walk on his own, it has been my unspoken passion to share with him my love of nature and the outdoors.
Have you ever appreciated something so much that you are compelled to share with those close to you? The outdoors is an amazing place to explore, play and grow as an individual. To my grandson, Bryce, I hope these
thoughts help you with whatever you encounter.
Remember, anyone who claims they have never faced doubts, fears or anxiety is either dishonest or naïve.
“Every trip into the wild teaches you something, and not just about the obvious mistakes you’ve made that day. You learn a great deal about yourself: about your fears, courage, confidence, true values, your will to live, and what’s important in your life.” —Michael Richardson
Editorial Reviews
9 News, Denver, Colorado
MICHAEL RICHARDSON
Richardson was born in the Bay Area of San Francisco, grew up in Philadelphia and moved to Colorado in the 1970s. In part, he wanted to be closer to his brother, but he also wanted to be closer to the mountains.
“I had always seen the mountains in movies and stuff. It was just one of those magical places to me," he said.
Richardson climbed Mount Elbert in 1976. He continued to climb every 14er on record, using the Colorado Mountain Club manual as his guide.
"My lungs caught fire the first couple of times. I thought I was going to die. You make the adjustment and then carry on," he said.
It wasn't until Richardson had already summited most of those peaks that he learned no Black man was known to have been to the top of each of Colorado's 14ers. Another Black man Richardson met during his treks told him about the unclaimed record.
"I was just doing it for kicks. I wasn’t racing or anything. It was more, what can I see, the mental experience," he said. "Just being out there in God’s country."
He finished in 1995, and then went beyond the original goal, setting out to summit Colorado's 100's highest peaks. He made it through 82 before work took him out-of-state. He has since moved back to Colorado and is currently helping prepare his grandson to begin hiking as he did.