The amazing survival of Peter DeLeo after a plane crash in the Sierra Nevada mountains.

Author:	Peter Deleo
Publisher:	Robson Books Ltd (22 September 2005)
ISBN:	1861059027 (ISBN-13 ‏ : ‎ 978-1861059024)
Characteristics:	256 pages, Paperback ; ‎ 12.8 x 1.7 x 19.7 cm
Source:	Street Library, and returned.

Surviving for Peter meant trekking over 34 km through snow, rocks and mountain passes to make it back to civilisation.

The author goes into great detail about how he survived such tough conditions, including freezing winds and walking through snow waist deep high. The key to his survival was setting up for each night somewhere sheltered. A cave early on proved to have disadvantages not recognised by the everyday person. What worked well was hollow trees and covering the entrance with pine needles.

A number of times search aircraft nearby could not be signalled effectively, leaving Peter frustrated and disheartened. But he trekked on, reaching a main highway. One would think that reaching “civilisation” his rescue would be complete, but due to his impoverished appearance he was ignored and even shunned by passers-by. Telephoning the authorities for a rescue wasn’t simple. No one believed the Sierras were survivable, and he had to convince them that it was him who had done the seemingly impossible.

Conclusion

Survive is a terrific read that keeps the reader interested. The survival techniques are intriguing to learn about, but probably not much use to survivors not in harsh cold conditions. The faith and hope shown by his family is heart-warming, and it shows that survival is sometimes possible. Sadly, his two friends with him did not make it.

Featured image: Lindsey Garrett

Further Reading