In the remote, rough-hewn mountainous regions of Virginia, there are many long-lost secrets. And there just might be more than a little gold, too. Can five fearless adventurers from a mountain camp finally unearth a centuries-old pirate treasure? Join them for the expedition of their lifetime in High Vista, the blood-pumping novel by Kevin Gaylord that follows a group of friends over mountains, deep into caves, across rivers, and ever closer to a bounty that could alter their destinies. Anyone who loves a fast-paced, high-flying adventure story will hang on every word, as the intrepid climbers hang onto their own lives with little to hold them beside a perilous crevice.The action takes place in the 1950s, right outside of Camp High Vista. The camp is a mountain climber's paradise, and has attracted five college students to work in its stunning surroundings during the summer and get a much-needed break from the rigors of study, leaving the musty classroom behind for wide-open summer air. Neil McEwan is taking leave of his home with his parents in North Carolina to spend a summer reveling in his beloved outdoors. Blond, outgoing Sandy Bartlett has encouraged her childhood friend to join her at the camp. Together with her friends Cathy, Sam, and Ron, otherwise known as Ace, they soon forge a band of outdoor enthusiasts who are more than game for the next great adventure.However, what begins as a typical summer teaching kids the ropes of climbing and other outdoor pastimes quickly takes a very unexpected, exhilarating turn. When they find a letter at the camp that reveals that long-lost pirate treasure is very likely within striking distance, they decide to band together and find the gold. Getting their hands on a treasure that has proven elusive for hundreds of years takes plenty of physical skill, mental cunning, and more than one brush with catastrophe. In fact, the gold has quite a storied past, starting with its first home, when in the 1700s it was hidden near an island off of Cuba. Later, after the gold is discovered and taken by missionaries in the 1900s, the trail on the treasure goes chillingly cold. After the five friends piece together the meaning of the letter, they join forces to embark on a full-on search for the treasure, then encounter a slew of life-threatening situations. From perilous mountain ridges to rapid rivers to underground caves, the hunt for the gold becomes a test of strength, smarts, and even loyalty. After all, nothing can try and forge a bond like the face of danger, along with the promise of endless riches. As the five friends draw from their unique abilities to brave the elements and obstacles in order to lay claim to a pirate's booty, High Vista weaves a tale of excitement, love, coming of age, and triumph that is certain to captivate anyone who loves a story of daring, courage, and even audacity, made all the more enticing and lustrous by a big cache of gold. Join the fun in High Vista, and you'll find rich material on every riveting page.
About the Author: In the writing of his second novel, High Vista, author Kevin Gaylord drew from his own experience working at an outdoor education camp in Virginia, where he was one of the high ropes course managers. He also has a background in rock climbing around the United States, and has done so in North Carolina, New York, Oregon, Tennessee, and Virginia. After letting his imagination loose with the insight he learned from his personal adventures in traveling, he felt compelled to share his story.