Devin O’Neil brings his vast journalistic experience to his coverage of a major, tragic event that took place over 30 hours near Salida in 2017 in his new book, “The Way Out: A True Story of Survival in the Heart of the Rockies.”
If you go
WHAT: Author event and book-signing with Devon O’Neil, “The Way Out.”
WHEN: 6-8 p.m. Tuesday.
WHERE: Maria’s Bookshop, 960 Main Ave.
MORE INFORMATION: Visit https://tinyurl.com/42d69y2j.
It is obvious he spent a lot of time getting to know and interviewing the main parties involved. O’Neil also covers the physical layout of the area in great detail. His depiction of the time and flavor of the community, its history and colorful inhabitants seems intimate and on point, making the incident emotionally impactful.
Salida is similar to Durango with its appeal to outdoor enthusiasts. It has a small population of only 5,000 to 6,000 residents who live at 7,000 feet altitude. It is known for its historic district, skiing, mountain biking and especially rafting on the Arkansas River. Salida is considered “The Heart of the Rockies” by its fans. These factors draw many people who love the outdoors and even extreme sports.
This story involves well known Salida residents, especially Brett Beasley, Dr. Joel Schaler and Chuck McKenna. Joel and his kids have suffered a serious loss with the death of his wife and their mother. So he has planned a two night skiing trip into the Darby Sawatch Range. The group will be staying at Bud’s Hut at 11,380 feet. This place is part of a hut system created by members of the famous 10th Mountain Division. After World War II, these soldiers returned home and generated the downhill skiing industry in the United States.
In addition to the three fathers, the four teenage children include Brooke, 15, Brett’s younger daughter who is not as an enthusiastic an outdoors person as her sister. Brooke’s friend, Melissa, 16, is Chuck’s daughter and a great skier. Joel’s children are Morgan, 19, and Cole, 15.
In “Part One: The Hut Trip,” the group sets out for a fun, bonding adventure on Jan. 2, 2017. The hut is located only 8 miles from Leadville, the highest town in the Lower 48. The party skis up to the hut, followed by an evening of cards and stories. After breakfast the next morning, Joel plans to hand out equipment and go over safety guidelines. But Brett and Cody disappear from the group after Bret asks Cole, “You wanna ski a lap?” This begins a harrowing tale of converging circumstances involving Mother Nature and human nature that start a bitter fight for survival.
“Part Two: The Search” begins when the others realize that Cody and Brett have been gone far too long. They also discover that the two are woefully underprepared with the wrong clothing, and no food or water. Complicating – and making the situation more frightening – is the fact that a blizzard chooses this time to bear down on the mountain.
Attempts for a timely rescue effort are foiled by terrain and severe weather. Brett is a well known and respected outdoorsman. He is a U.S. Forest Service ranger known for his expertise and knowledge of the mountains. Cody is an active teen who has had some troubles toning down his sporting activities. It seems that both of them struck out that day with big cases of “powder fever.”
“Part Three: The Reckoning” delves into the aftermath of the search, where there is only one survivor. How do families deal with unimaginable loss? Also, the survivor must deal with his own feelings and those around him.
O’Neil paints a picture of an unique community populated with people who recognize the possibilities and risks of recreating in the wild, but are still driven to pursue adventure anyway. The tight-knit group must go through the stages of grief and forgiveness to recover the equilibrium needed to heal and grow. O’Neil has taken an small-town experience and crafted a riveting read that includes important observations about human strengths and weaknesses.
“The Way Out” is written with clarity and compassion, and includes some valuable lessons for outdoor enthusiasts.
Leslie Doran is a retired teacher and freelance writer.
