Tag: Expedition Unknown

What’s Ashley Reading?: Dead Mountain

Dead Mountain by Donnie Eichar

First line: It is nearly twenty below zero as I crunch through knee-deep snow in the direction of Dyatlov Pass.

Summary: In 1959 the Ural Mountains became the location of a mystery that has boggled minds for decades. Nine experienced hikers started an expedition meant to earn a hiking certificate but ended up claiming the lives of each member. In Dead Mountain a documentarian travels to the very location where the hikers died, studied their journals and photographs and spoke with some of the last people to see them alive. Told in a triple narrative interweaving the known moments of the hikers, the rescue teams efforts to find the students and the author’s visit to Dyatlov Pass over fifty years later. Through the reports at the time and advanced scientific knowledge, he tries to discover what happened on that fateful night.

My Thoughts: Years before I had watched an episode of Expedition Unknown where the host visited the site of Dyatlov group’s disappearance. Ever since seeing that it has been in the back of my mind as a wild mystery that I would love to learn more about. When I saw there was a book looking at the whole story I had to add it to my TBR list.

During our recent snowstorm in January, it felt like an appropriate time to pick this one up. From the very beginning, I was engrossed by the events in each narrative. I thought the way the author interwove all the different points and experiences together was the perfect way to consume the story. At first, I did not think I would care about the author’s trip but I came to find it essential because he was able to re-enact the trip and speak with people who were there in 1959. I cannot imagine how surreal it would be to retrace their steps.

Upon finishing it, I felt like I had more of an understanding of the mystery surrounding the hiker’s deaths. It is such a sad story but a fascinating mystery too. While it would be more interesting for aliens, Russian missiles or a yeti to be involved it is most likely something rather mundane. The conclusions reached by the author at the end seem more than plausible. If you love an unsolved mystery then you should try this. Maybe save it for a cold weekend in order to feel that atmosphere all around you as well.

The Lineup: Ashley

Ashley’s Lineup

Podcast: Not Just the Tudors with Suzannah Lipscomb

I am a huge history nerd.  I love to read, see, watch and listen to anything historical especially if it pertains to the Tudors.  Recently one of my favorite historians started her own podcast called, Not Just the Tudors, which covers all sorts of history during the sixteenth century.  I have learned a lot while listening, such as about the teenage werewolf, the story of beards, and the witches of Lorraine.  Most episodes are 30-60 minutes which make for a quick little dip into the sixteenth century from the comfort of your home.

Find it here or where you normally download your podcasts.

2. Television show: Expedition Unknown with Josh Gates

As I said above, I love to learn about history.  This adventure show looks into some of the world’s most fascinating and enduring legends and mysteries.  The host, Josh Gates, travels the world meeting with experts and locals to uncover why these legends still fascinate people today.  His corny “dad jokes” and willingness to do just about anything makes for a fun watch.  I recently binge watched it while babysitting my nephew.  And now my parents and I are addicted to the show and watch it together every week.

Find it on Discovery Channel or the Discovery+ app.

3. Magazine: Discover Britain

I have been to England 3 times (in 2006, 2007 and 2011).  Each time has been wonderful!  I love the country, the history and even the food.  Even with all three trips there is still so much I have not seen in this gorgeous country.  My cousin and I have been planning to travel to London and Edinburgh but it had to be pushed back due to COVID.  But we are hopeful that this next spring we will finally be able to travel.  This magazine has been helping feed my wanderlust.  It features different sites to see, events to attend and some of the history around Britain.  If you miss traveling as much as I do then I would recommend you check it out plus many other travel magazines available on Libby.

Find it on Sunflower eLibrary or on the Libby app.

4. Class: Petco dog training with Riley H.

This summer I was able to have my dachshund puppy, Dudley, come live with me.  As with many dachshunds they are stubborn little barkers.  And Dudley is no different.  But in the future I would like to be able to take him on road trips or visit friends without having to deal with too many behavioral problems.  Thus, I signed him up for training classes at Derby Petco with Riley H.  The first class was very scary for him but he has already made tons of progress.  He has learned lot of new tricks like sit, lay down, stay and leave it.  Riley has been very patient with him.  I would highly recommend her and the classes.  There are different levels.  Dudley is nearly done with session one and will start session two this fall!

Find out more about their classes at Petco.com.

5. Planning Tools: Microsoft OneNote

Recently I found a new tool to help organize and plan my trip to the UK.  It is called OneNote.  It is a Microsoft program that allows a person to divide up things into different sections and pages.  I have broken my trip into different categories like location, flights, hotels, and budgets.  But then under each category I can have more pages with more individualized information.  I put links, photos, and charts that give me a more detailed view of my trip.  I like to show people that this is my “beautiful mind”.  I have several itineraries, places we should visit, and restaurants to try.  Plus, it has been a life saver during COVID.  I have felt like I am doing something to plan my trip even though I cannot plan my trip yet.  If you have access to OneNote I would recommend checking it out.  It seems like a very useful tool for many different things. 

Find out more about OneNote by checking out our database, Learning Express, where you can watch tutorials on using the application.

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