This intimate memoir offers a poignant, at times humorous account of Japanese American life in California before and after WWII. In 1942, fourteen-year-old Hank Umemoto gazed out a barrack window at Manzanar Internment Camp, saw the silhouette of Mount Whitney against an indigo sky, and vowed that one day he would climb to the top. Fifty-seven years and a lifetime of stories later, at the age of seventy-one, he reached the summit. As Umemoto wanders through the mountains of California’s Inland Empire, he recalls pieces of his childhood on a grape vineyard in the Sacramento Valley, his time at Manzanar, where beauty and hope were maintained despite the odds, and his later career as proprietor of a printing firm—sharing it all with grace, honesty, and unfailing humor.

A true story of Japanese American experience during and after the World War internment.

Ascend towering peaks, take in awe-inspiring views, and get to know some of the oldest, tallest, and rarest living things on Earth with Moon Sequoia & Kings Canyon. Inside you'll find: Flexible Itineraries: Unique and adventure-packed ideas for day hikers, winter visitors, families with kids, campers, and more The Best Hikes in Each National Park: Detailed hike descriptions, trail maps, mileage and elevation gains, and backpacking options Experience the Outdoors: Behold greatness at the base of a giant sequoia, stop and smell the wildflowers of Zumwalt Meadow, or savor panoramic views from the summit of Mount Whitney (the highest peak in the continental US!). Strap on snowshoes for a ranger-led winter walk or spelunk your way around otherworldly rock formations in Crystal Cave. Cool off in the mist of a trailside waterfall, conquer the 400-step climb to the top of Moro Rock, and gaze at ink-black skies with unbeatable views of the Milky Way How to Get There: Up-to-date information on traveling between the parks, gateway towns, park entrances, park fees, and tours Where to Stay: From RV or tent campgrounds to rustic cabins and all-inclusive lodges, find the best spots to kick back, both inside and outside the parks Planning Tips: When to go, what to pack, safety information, and how to avoid the crowds, with full-color photos and easy-to-use maps throughout Expert Insight: Former national park ranger Leigh Bernacchi provides helpful background on the parks' history, geology, conservation efforts, and more Find your adventure in Sequoia and Kings Canyon national parks with Moon. Exploring more of America's parks? Check out Moon USA National Parks. About Moon Travel Guides: Moon was founded in 1973 to empower independent, active, and conscious travel. We prioritize local businesses, outdoor recreation, and traveling strategically and sustainably. Moon Travel Guides are written by local, expert authors with great stories to tell—and they can't wait to share their favorite places with you. For more inspiration, follow @moonguides on social media.

As the highest mountain in the lower 48 states, California's 14,505-foot Mt. Whitney is on the "life list" for many hikers. And it's no wonder: The views from the top of the 21-mile round-trip Mt. Whitney Trail are unbeatable, extending across the jagged granite peaks of the Sierra Nevada to the expansive Owens River Valley and beyond. While tremendously rewarding, this hike is demanding even for experienced trekkers. Would-be hikers need to be prepared for the altitude, long distance, elevation gain, mountain weather, and other potential dangers. One Best Hike: Mt. Whitney by experienced hiker and author Elizabeth Wenk is a step-by-step guide that will tell you exactly how to tackle this trip with confidence.

**Please note we have a few edits and updates for THE HIGH SIERRA: Peaks, Passes, Trails, 3rd Ed. Please download the edits HERE so your copy reflects the appropriate changes and additions. Thank you.** "The Sierra climbing bible" - The Los Angeles Times "The best field guide to the region." - Men's Journal "The guide to the Sierra Nevada high country." - Climbing magazine * More than 100 new routes, route variations, and winter ascents in this edition compared to the previous * User friendly organization * Author has made more than 350 ascents in the Sierra High Sierra is the most popular guidebook to this magnificent mountain range, and has long been the definitive source of climbing and hiking information for this wonderland. This comprehensive and exhaustive guidebook includes route descriptions, historical information, and GPS-enabled driving directions. This edition rearranged the information to keep roads and trails, and passes and peaks together, making the book easier to use.