E narrow Alpine zone of peaks and snow 

 that forms the crest of the Rocky Moun- 

 tains has its own individual elemental moods, 

 its characteristic winds, its electrical and other 

 peculiarities, and a climate of its own. Com- 

 monly its days are serene and sunny, but from 

 time to time it has hail and snow and showers 

 of wind-blown rain, cold as ice-water. It is 

 subject to violent changes from clear, calm air 

 to blizzard. 



I have enjoyed these strange, silent heights 

 in every season of the year. In climbing scores 

 of these peaks, in crossing the passes, often on 

 snowshoes, and in camping here and there on 

 the skyline, I have encountered these climatic 

 changes and had numerous strange experiences. 

 From these experiences I realize that the trans- 

 continental aviator, with this realm of peak and 

 sky, will have some delightful as well as serious 

 surprises. He will encounter stern conditions. 



