Life With Noah: Stories and Adventures of Richard Smith With Noah John Rondeau

by William J. O'Hern, Richard Smith

Step back in time to the old ways of life in the rugged Adirondack Mountains. Richard "Red" Smith was a woodsman: a fisherman, trapper, hunter and a loyal friend of Noah John Rondeau. In the final years of Smith's life he spent many hours relating these stories of his life in the woods to the author. Richard as a young man forged a solid friendship with the Adirondacks' last and most famous hermit, Noah John. Noah taught him the skills and the way of life of the mountains, and divulged to him his secret writing code. Smith in turn has now passed it to O'Hern, who shares it with the reader. This is a nostalgic look back to simpler days.

273 pages, Hardcover

First published January 1, 1997

About the author

William J. "Jay" O'Hern lives in rural Camden, NY, where he worked as an elementary school teacher for 35 years before retiring. He and his wife, Bette, raised 5 children and now enjoy their many grandchildren.

Jay is a graduate of the State Universities of New York at Auburn and at Oswego and did graduate work at both Oswego and the College of St. Rose in Albany.

Jay has also worked in the lumber, paper, chemical, and metal fabricating industries. Carpentry, handicrafts, gardening, kayaking, backpacking, snowshoeing, mountain biking, and writing are his hobbies.

Jay became a 46er in the 1980s and has been a member of the Adirondack Mountain Club since 1969. He lectured for Adirondack Discovery for 17 years, for Sagamore Lodge in Raquette Lake for 7 years and occasionally for the Adirondack Museum in Blue Mountain Lake.

Reviews

[Bill Hastings · Rating 4 out of 5]

I picked this book after a recent trip to Long Lake. Although, I don't imagine that I'll ever live in peace in the wilderness; I was able to escape there for a few enjoyable hours through the stories of Richard Smith and the writing of "Jay" O'Hearn. The Adirondacks are a treasure and Noah John Rondeau is my new hero and fascination. Wonderful book!

[Hope Irvin Marston · Rating 5 out of 5]

How Richard Smith's outdoor life was enriched by his friendship with Adirondack Noah John Rondeau. A treat for all who love the Adirondacks.