Roger Merrill Oakes

Having worked for 24 years, beginning in 1980, as a ranger at Olympic National Park, and having worked in the Hurricane Ridge and Deer Park areas, I am very familiar with the location and subject of this book. Though I have seen some of the pictures, I certainly have never before seen all that are included. Especially for the Deer Park area, this book is able to fill the gap between imagination and what really happened there. To visit Deer Park today, it is difficult to envision exactly where the ski runs and facilities were. But having worked there at the end of the era when one could drive beyond the park boundary in winter, I have experienced first hand the challenge of driving the road in poor conditions, especially when there is opposing traffic on the road.

I am very familiar with the location, activities and many of the personalities portrayed in the Hurricane Ridge area. The only thing that does not come across is the extreme challenge of the weather when conditions deteriorated during a busy day and the place had to be evacuated. But that was not the intent of the book, but is etched in my memory and perhaps in the minds of many of the people who have experienced it.

Roger Oakes was our family doctor for years, and I knew him to be involved in the ski program and as an avid park hiker as well. It's enjoyable to have the opportunity while we are both in retirement to pursue interests such as research and writing. Thank you for your friendship, Roger! And thank you for this little gem of a book about a place we both love.… (plus d'informations)