Lost on a Mountain in Maine

I was about 8 or 9 when I found the story of Don Fendler ' My parents kept old Life magazines - and I remember the emaciated boy holding up the ragged gunny sack - which he used as protection from the famed Maine bugs(Thoreau has a statement about Maine bugs) Around 1964 I found his book in a bookstore in North Conway. I couldn't put it down. I still remember his expression "Christmas" when things get rough. I have read it countless times to school groups and boys in my cabin at Farm and Wilderness, as well as reading it on long hikes with boys. The only mistake Don made was not staying put - -but moving off the summit probably saved his life, because of cold rain showers and fog.. Now survival protection says get off the summit and use tree protection. A great story of faith and endurance. I still have a program that I show to groups in Indianapolis, featuring clips from movie segments

Mt. Katahdin, at 5268 feet, is the northern terminus of the Appalachian trail and the tallest mountain in Maine. Though it's a much-climbed mountain at the center of the popular Baxter State Park, its wildness and danger should never be underestimated. In 1939, twelve-year-old Donn Fendler was climbing Katahdin with a party including his father and brother. Reaching the summit with a friend ahead of the main party, he was cold and bored and decided to go back to meet his father. He lost the trail in fog, and spent a grueling nine days in rugged terrain on the north side of Katahdin before finding his way out to a hunting and fishing camp. The press was full of the search for young Donn and his rescue was celebrated with headlines, a parade, and a chance to meet the President of the United States. Donn credited his Boy Scout training and his faith in God with bringing him through the ordeal. His shoes and then his feet were cut to shreds on the rough stone outcroppings; he was tormented by insects, frightened by a bear, tumbled in an icy river. His "dungarees" were impossible to walk in, once wet, and he lost them. He suffered from cold, hunger, loneliness and hallucinations. Toward the end of his ordeal Donn followed telephone wires and a stream, knowing that both would eventually lead him to what civilization there was in the great woods of Maine. Though he lost 16 pounds and was severely cut and bitten, he made a full recovery. The boy's story, as told to James Egan, was published later in 1939 and has been a beloved family and school classic in Maine since that time. Fendler himself still visits schools and libraries to tell his story. Generations of Maine children have learned a lesson of courage, faith and will from Lost! on a Mountain in Maine. This audio presentation is engagingly read by another twelve-year-old, Amon Purinton. I recommend this story for family listening or reading. Linda Bulger, 2008

Honestly, I first read this book when I was 12 years old -- 36 years ago -- and the imagery, narration, emotions, and explanatory footnotes are still with me. I hike and backpack a lot, and thanks to Donn Fendler, do so with the utmost respect for Mother Nature. Kid's book? Ha! This is fabulous reading for anyone who spends time in the woods.

When I was a kid, our school librarian would read this book every year to the second grade class. I remember my classmates and I being spellbound by this story. Every child can identify with being lost and afraid even if they've never been in as dangerous a situation as being alone on a mountain top.I also learned some valuable survival lessons even at that young age. Last year I was hiking with some friends. They wanted to take a shortcut through the woods, but I insisted on staying on the trail. A lesson I learned from this book!

Although I grew up in Maine and had heard of this book as a child, somehow I managed to not read it until recently. I literally could not put it down until I finished it. Donn's survival in the face of incredible hardship is a story that is extremely harrowing and intense. It shows how the body and mind react when pushed to the very edge of death. I defy anyone not to be moved by the ending!

As a fourth grade teacher, my class reads this book every year as part of a survival unit. One year, the students wrote letters to Donn Fendler asking questions and praising his bravery. To my surprise and pleasure, he sent back an 18 page letter addressing every child by name and individually answering their questions. It is a book and an experience they will never forget. Talk about bringing a book to life!!!