Desolation Wilderness Saga: A Sierra Nevada Childhood

About the Book

Step into the ordinary world of the Haltom family, as they trade the smoggy streets of Van Nuys/Reseda for Lake Tahoe in 1963. Driven by Dick and Mary Lou’s desire for a healthier environment for their four spirited sons—Rick, Tim, Chris, and Scott—, their mission turns into a lifetime of work, adventure and unforgettable memories. Through tales of backpacking trips into Desolation Wilderness, encounters with small creatures, and the unique challenges of mountain living, “Desolation Wildernes Saga” paints a compelling portrait of the four boys, shaped by nature’s rugged beauty and their own unyielding spirits. From Dick’s disciplined lessons in perseverance to Mary Lou’s resourceful strength and the boys’ innocent explorations, each chapter unveils the family’s heart. Discover a bygone era of Lake Tahoe, where freedom reigned and the simple joys of life were found in every hidden lake and waterfall. This is a story of resilience, the bonds of family, and the profound allure of the nearby Desolation Wilderness—and for Scott, the call of Alaska

About the Author