Bruce Williams recommends Fisher Peak Chronicles as "a very enjoyable read."

Retired Cranbrook teacher Bruce Williams (right) celebrates his 50th ascent of Mount Fisher in August 2013 and he made the climb on the 72nd birthday. Accompanying Bruce were his local "sherpas" Fred Clark (middle) and Gary Billmark (left). Champagne was served in celebration afterward the successful climb.

"I've just finished reading Keith Powell's latest book, Fisher Peak Chronicles -- real stories from a tall mountain — the legacy of Mount Fisher. I highly recommend this interesting and entertaining read.

Everyone talks about Fisher Peak, whether it's about the majestic appearance or the snowline or the opportunity to be at the top of Fisher Peak one day — as author Keith Powell stated — "it is our own little Mt. Everest, and scaling it has become a rite-of-passage for many outdoor enthusiasts."

The book also features stories by Dan Mills, Janice Strong and Patrick Morrow plus many contributions from climbing legends such as Denny Kerr.  The photos are high quality as well!

There is so much to learn about the history of Fisher Peak and Keith Powell has done a masterful job of weaving the numerous stories into a very enjoyable read."

Bruce Williams

Cranbrook

(Letter to the editor — Cranbrook Townsman)

Over 40 people attend Fisher Peak Chronicles launch

Thanks everyone for attending my book launch last Friday evening (Sept 19th, 2014). Hats off to owner and manager Erin Dalton & her staff at Lotus Books for hosting my book launch.

Looking for a signed first-edition copy of Fisher Peak Chronicles? Visit Lotus Books, in downtown Cranbrook, Coles Book, Tamarack Centre, Black Bear Books in Creston, and The Book Bar in Invermere.

Other local bookstores throughout the Kootenays are also carrying the Fisher Peak Chronicles. Plus the book is being distributed throughout western Canada by Sandhill Book Marketing so you can simply ask your local bookstore or any Chapters/Indigo/Coles store to order you a copy of the new book.

You also can order the new book, Fisher Peak Chronicles, direct from this website. I would be pleased to personally sign a copy for you. (see the side bar to order)

Stories from Fisher Peak Chronicles on CBC Daybreak

A Cranbrook author has written and launched a new book celebrating what has become a physical and cultural landmark in southeast B.C. 

The book, "Fisher Peak Chronicles" is about people who have climbed the mountain just southeast of Cranbrook. 

Daybreak host Chris Walker speaks with author Keith Powell. 

Listen to the interview on CBC's website. 

Erratum and Clarification

Due to an error in metadata transfer several of Patrick Morrow’s photos were mislabeled.  I apologize to Pat and those who were misidentified.

 

Chapter 29: Bob O’Brien pops a favourite ginger candy treat just below the summit during the first winter ascent c 1972. He was about 61 years old at the time.

• Photo Page 200: During the first ascent of the central gully on the south face of Fisher Peak, Mike Hubbard reaches the summit ridge.  c 1973
• Photo Page 204 Pat Morrow, skis in tow, passes by the Black Ridge which is on the south side of Fisher Peak's upper cirque. c 1983  (photo by Baiba Morrow)
• Photo Page 220 Pat Morrow completes the first ascent of the “finger" on the Black Ridge, Fisher Peak. c 1973 (photo by Shirley Zaleschuk)
• Photo Page 223: Shirley Zaleschuk in upper cirque, on winter ascent of Fisher Peak with Bob O’Brien (not pictured). c 1972
• Photo Page 3 – Coloured pages (top) Pat skis perfect corn snow from saddle of Fisher Peak. c 1983 (photo by Baiba Morrow)
• Photo Page 3 – Coloured pages (bottom) Pat Bates nears summit of Fisher Peak after making first ascent of s.e. rib on south face. c 1983

Official Book Launch: Fisher Peak Chronicles – real stories from a tall mountain – the legacy of Mount Fisher

Kootenay author Keith G. Powell is pleased to announce that he will officially release his new book, Fisher Peak Chronicles at Lotus Books in downtown Cranbrook on Friday September 19th, 2014 at 7:00 p.m. 

"I am excited to release my third book and to be able to work closely with Lotus Books in downtown Cranbrook to host this event," said Keith G. Powell.  "I would like to invite everyone to attend the launch, which will feature a reading from the new book, interviews and a slideshow."

The book features stories from or about noted local adventurers including Denny Kerr, the late Uli Korb, Dan Mills, Chris Lague, photographer Janice Strong, Patrick Morrow, Scott Niedermayer and many more.

"It is my hope that the new book, Fisher Peak Chronicles, captures the essence and legacy of Mount Fisher.  The book is full of adventure stories -- some humourous, some tragic," said Keith G. Powell.  "In addition to the stories, it features over three dozen historic photos and eight pages of full colour images of Mt. Fisher."

Standing at 9,336 feet, Mount Fisher towers head-and-shoulders above its neighbouring peaks in the southern reaches of the Canadian Rockies. In the evening it glistens golden as the sun sets, and in the early morning it casts a long shadow across the Kootenay Valley.

As one of the most photographed landmarks in the Kootenay region, Mount Fisher holds the fascination of locals and visitors with its majestic vista and relatively easy access. It is our own little Mt. Everest, and scaling it has become a rite-of-passage for many outdoor enthusiasts from near and far. Fisher Peak Chronicles endeavors to capture the heritage, culture and legacy of Mount Fisher through a series of real adventure stories from contributors and historical sources.

Mount Fisher attracts hundreds, if not thousands, of climbers every year. This book gives readers a glimpse into their passion and adventures. Whether you are an armchair admirer of the lofty mountain, or an avid trekker of its slopes, you are sure to enjoy the stories behind the mountain we affectionately call Fisher Peak.

"I would really like to thank everyone who so generously contributed stories or photos to this book -- especially Scott Niedermayer for allowing me to use his photo on the cover.  I am also pleased that the book is truly a made-in-the-Kootenays project because not only does it focus on the local iconic landmark of Mount Fisher but it was written, designed, produced and printed locally as well.  Rocky Mountain Printers did an outstanding job of printing it." said Keith G. Powell.

The new book is published through the author's own publishing company, Wild Horse Creek Press. Keith G. Powell has also written and published two other books, Living in the Shadow of Fisher Peak and Raising Kain, the adventurous life of Conrad Kain.

What: Official New Book Launch

Where: Lotus Book -- 33 10th Ave. S  Cranbrook

When: Friday, September 19th, 2014

Time: 7:00 p.m.