User:Sunbeamonice/sandbox

I Chose To Climb is a book by professional mountaineer and author, Chris Bonington. The book has a largely autobiographical feel, and is a compelling narrative of how Chris Bonington became a full-time mountaineer. A prime theme, is the dissecting of a prickly and ever-present dilemma, one that is shared by many amateur rock-climbers--remain safe and stable in a full time job, or risk everything for a life of adventure and travel. The words that eventually set Chris Bonington on his course to a life in the mountains are included in the Book. The key phrase in the missive from Chris's manager read, "If you were to regard mountaineering as a holiday pastime that would be one thing; but if you still want to pursue it to the point of long-term expeditions in distant parts of the world, then you must see mountaineering as something which can be combined with your business career but as something which is incompatible with it".

Chapters
I. The Choice

II Winter in Scotland

III Between the Air Force and Army

IV First Alpine Climb--on the Eiger

V Fiascos on the Aiguilles

VI South-west Pillar of the Dru

VII Direttissima

VIII Onward Bound

IX Nuptse

XII Eigerwatching

XV Rescue on the Eiger

XVI The Walker Spur

XVII Success on the Eiger

Epilogue