I had to stop reading mid-disaster in the article to meet friends for dinner, but the details and sense of peril remained. I had been thoroughly engrossed in the story, and I was convinced that if anything more happened to those three men before I got back to my reading, it would be my fault for leaving them hanging so long. Thank you to Mr. Mooallem and to the NY Times (and to the rescuers).
My son is returning to Southeast Alaska for the 4th time this summer to be a raft guide and boat captain. Reading this account has both terrified me and brought me consolation that my fears are not unfounded. So thank you Jon, for your amazing ability to put your story to words. I am sharing with my son, only to remind him that I have reason to desire a phone call every once in awhile. I am also in the medical profession. It is a miracle life was spared.
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Mr Mooallems story telling was thrilling. I was compelled to reread it. It grabbed me and did not let me go. Wonderful writing!
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The author stresses the freakishness of a giant tree falling on someone, which is true. On the other hand -- ANY injury is very serious if you cannot walk yourself out of a remote forest that size. Glad it worked out OK.
2
Not only did I inhale this amazing story, which is told extremely well, but I appreciated Jon Mooallem's refusal to sentimentalize the account. The arbitrary nature of the accident and Mooallem's understandably stunned response to the entire experience made the telling all the more powerful.
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The story took me in and didn't let go. So compelling. Beautifully thought out and written. It has stayed with me. Thank you for writing.
2
This is an absolutely stunning piece about nature and human nature. Thank you, Mr. Mooallem (and NYT). I will save and re-read many times.
(As an aside, I can relate 100% to convincing oneself that freakishly horrible things are unlikely to happen -- exactly what I went through in anticipation of a recent kayaking trip on the Sea of Cortez.)
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Re. Mr. Mooallem's compelling and beautifully written article on the kayaking trip:
This is why I (happily) pay to subscribe to The New York Times. Thank you.
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