The Loadout Room
Menu
  • Shooting
        • Pistol
        • Pistol Accessories
        • Rifle
        • Rifle Accessories
        • Shotgun
        • Machine Guns
        • Air Guns
        • Ammunition
        • Optics and Sights
        • Weapon Lights
        • Tips & How-To
        • Concealed Carry
        • Holsters
        • Suppressors
        • Precision Rifle Shooting
        • Firearms Training
        • 1A Gun to Ride the River With: The Smith & Wesson 686
        • The Tristar folding shotgun is ready for your wilderness adventuresThe Tristar folding shotgun is ready for your wilderness adventures
        • maxim defense cqb stock (8)The Maxim Defense CQB Stock: Short and Sweet
        • Perfecting your zero | A little help goes a LONG wayPerfecting your zero | A little help goes a LONG way
    • Close
  • Gear Reviews
      • Mission Gear
      • Camping Gear
      • Survival Gear
      • Medical Gear
      • Adventure & Travel
      • Knives & Tools
      • Overland
      • Disaster Preparedness
      • Footwear
      • Womens Gear & Clothing
        • RIP-MVehicle Preparedness: Fast access to essential items | Grey Man Tactical RIP-M
        • Midland radioOverland Essential | Midland Radio MXT275 | GXT1000
        • ppGrab your gear and go | Here’s everything you’d need to build an adventure go bag
        • Scrubba Washbag: Keep your clothes clean in the fieldScrubba Washbag: Keep your clothes clean in the field
    • Close
  • Men’s Lifestyle
      • Fitness
      • EDC
      • Eyewear
      • Watches
      • Electronics & Technology
      • Downtime
      • Mens Clothing & Accessories
      • Manly Skills
      • Style & Grooming
      • Gentleman Drinks
      • Crate Club
        • The Outdoor Edge ParaClaw: A concealed stingerThe Outdoor Edge ParaClaw: A concealed stinger
        • How to determine how long you have before the sun setsHow to determine how long you have before the sun sets
        • fireWilderness survival expert breaks down how to build a fire
        • 5.11 Tactical Expedition Long Sleeve Shirt5.11 Tactical Expedition Long Sleeve Shirt, SWAT Tested and Approved
    • Close
  • News
  • Video Demo
  • Shop

The Last Season Book Review

October 6, 2013 by Eric Davis 6 Comments

“The least I owe these mountains is a body.”—Randy Morgenson

When I read for fun there are two things I look for from the book. The first things is that I want it to put me to sleep. I don’t mean the boring kind of sleep, but the kind of sleep that only a good story can produce. The second thing I look for is for the book to inspire me to do more of something I love. In this case I was hoping it would inspire me to get into the woods more often.  The book delivered on both accounts.  Here’s what you need to know before buying it.

The mysterious story of Randy Morgenson’s disappearance makes for a complex psychological “stimulator” that will suck you in, get you outdoors and then spit any two readers out in two different places.

Wanted to read it

Accident, murder, suicide or conspiracy. I’m still not sure. Did the dude feel such guilt from cheating on his wife that killing himself was the only answer? Did he take off running for Mexico or did some turd knock him off so that he would quit causing problems for his cattle operation. It was tough to tell. Hell, maybe Morgenson spent one too many (28 years) seasons in nearly complete isolation driving himself nutty with unchecked philosophical conjecture about life and how things “should” be.

What drew me to the book originally was knowing that Randy was heavily involved in the parks Search and Rescue operations. The book did a great job of describing the SAR process as well as delivered the human stories behind such operations.

Had to read it

What kept me in the book – it does go too long – was how introspective Morgenson was about his job as well as his clear commitment to having purpose in life. Both subjects near and dear to me. I believe that too many people suffer dull lives because they have no purpose behind their work. After a while simply paying the bills just doesn’t cut it.  Passion, being the double edged sword that it is, will also drive a sane man mad. In fact it’s from the madness that anything amazing comes. The book did a great job describing Randy’s struggle with this very thing. I don’t think Randy nor the author were completely aware of this. Let me know your thoughts if you read it.

Just glad I read it

The book also dives into some terrific park history with stories that include Randy’s childhood in Yosemite and a life long relationship with Ansel Adams. Morgenson’s life was so closely tied to the Sierras that they ultimately consumed him. A fate of which I’m very certain he was aware of.

It also reminded me of how fragile we humans can be. It’s what inspired me to review the SpotGen3 in my article “Staying Found”. So I guess, though we will never know, you can say that the book may possibly have saved my life. A touch dramatic, but why not?

The author, Eric Blehm, had a few other books that I’ve heard good things about but haven’t read yet. Let us know if you’ve read any of his other stuff and if you recommend we pick it up.

Blehm The last season

The Last Season 

Blehm The only thing worth dying for

The Only Thing Worth Dying For 

Blehm Fearless

Fearless

 


Share This

Filed Under: Downtime, Op-Ed

About the Author

Avatar

Eric Davis is a former SEAL and Sniper instructor. Founder of www.averagefrog.com, an online membership platform repurposing the proven performance principles of the SEAL Teams. Follow him on twitter @EricDavis215 or on Facebook.

See All Eric Davis Articles

More From The Loadout Room

Comments

What’s Hot

Top 8 upgrades every Kel-Tec Sub 2000 owner needs: MCARBO parts review
Featured

Top 8 upgrades every Kel-Tec Sub 2000 owner needs: MCARBO parts review

Ammunition

The Reasons Why FBI Went to Back to 9mm

Why .45ACP is an outdated caliber
Ammunition

Why 45 ACP is an outdated caliber

What Do You Really Need in Your Trauma Kit?
Medical Gear

IFAK - What do you really need?

AR Build Kits under $300
Firearms Technology

Peak AR: Davidson Defense AR Build Kits under $300

Email Newsletter

Sign up to receive email updates daily and to hear what's going on with us!

In Case You Missed It

Gear Reviews

A Gun to Ride the River With: The Smith & Wesson 686

October 9, 2019 Leave a Comment

Camping Gear

The MSR Pocket Rocket | Your little camp dragon

October 8, 2019 Leave a Comment

The Outdoor Edge ParaClaw: A concealed stinger
EDC

The Outdoor Edge ParaClaw: A concealed stinger

October 7, 2019 Leave a Comment

Gear Reviews

A plate carrier for the big boys: AR500’s Testudo Gen 2 is a good pick for large frames

October 7, 2019 Leave a Comment

Get it on Google Play

© Copyright 2021 Crate Club Group · All Rights Reserved.

  • Privacy Policy
  • Terms of Use
  • Advertisers