High Altitude: Mountaineer, Airline Pilot, Modern-day Adventurer

by Mike Allsop

Mountaineer, pilot, ultra runner, and ordinary guy, Mike Allsop is an adventurer of the truest kind Most people who survived an almost unsurviveable plane crash would be tempted to sit back, take a good hard look at life, and take things a little bit easier. Mike Allsop is not most people. Almost losing his life in a Twin Otter crash off the coast of Hawaii awakened Mike's zest for life and his thirst for adventure. Mountaineering became Mike's passion and climbing led to him almost getting shot in Russia, narrowly missing a fatal avalanche in Peru, returning a replica of a stolen Yeti hand to a Nepalese monastery, and then attempting the biggest climb of them all—Everest. Not content with being an exceptional climber, Mike then decided to take up running. But he was never going to be a weekend jogger, he soon cooked up plans to run seven marathons, in seven continents, in seven days—The 777 Project—and also to run the world's highest marathon on the slopes of Mt. Everest.

Genres: Adventure, Biography

392 pages, Paperback

First published November 1, 2013

Reviews

[Goddardcc · Rating 5 out of 5]

I saw this book in a store in Auckland and a year later located a copy. Mike tells his story without braggadocio. He is an airline pilot, scaled Mt. Everest and ran 7 marathons on 7 continents in 7 days. He's also a husband and father. I loved his stories and would love to meet him sometime.

[Samantha · Rating 5 out of 5]

I was recommended High Altitude by a friend and from the first page I found it difficult to put down! Mike is an affable character, whose well written stories are quite remarkable. From his account of surviving a plane crash to running seven marathons in seven days, it was an inspiring read. A wonderful reminder that when you put your mind to something, and put in the work to make it happen - anything is possible.

[Luana · Rating 2 out of 5]

I do not understand why this book has such high reviews. The story is interesting enough, but the writing style just is like a punch to the gut to anyone who enjoys literary lyricism. I feel as if the author has a beer in his hand and is telling me a casual story while sitting on the couch, often trailing off about details or cutting sentences short. It has a very ‘bro’ narrative vibe. I’m not even sure this book had an editor, as I stumbled across multiple grammar errors.
I honestly hate leaving negative reviews, but the reason I picked this book up off the shelf was due to the outstanding reviews and I just wanted to weigh in.

[Martin Ruyter · Rating 5 out of 5]

To grow up without a father is one thing to survive an open water plane crash is another. But then to set yourself the goal of walking in the foot steps of Hillary and climb Mt Everest is exceptional. Reading Mike’s book will change your life and make you realise you can do anything with your life if you want to do it bad enough put your mind to it and most importantly break it down into little pieces and do something each day to make it happen. The big message in Mike Allsop’s book is life is short take some risks!

[Anthea · Rating 4 out of 5]

I saw Mike Allsop speak recently and, even though it’s an over-used term, he really was inspiring. I had to read the book and was not disappointed - it reads like he spoke, ordinary, unpretentious, but then you realise he’s doing amazing things and really is a pretty awesome bloke.

[Anoop Sinkaran · Rating 5 out of 5]

Truely inspirational

[Cecile · Rating 5 out of 5]

Absolutely loved it! Definitely inspired me to go on more awesome adventures!

[Judith Tyras · Rating 5 out of 5]

This is an absolutely epic read. Mike is a truly inspirational person

[Deb · Rating 4 out of 5]

I could not put this book down. It is an amazing story of a young man's survival, resilience and testimony to being able to achieve whatever you put your mind to. The story of a commercial pilot who survived an "unsurvivable" crash into the sea who goes on to climb Mt Everest and cross seven continents in seven days. Raised by a single mum, and reading between the lines, hurt by being "abandon" by father driven to succeed and succeed he does to achieve more in a couple of decades than many would in several lifetimes. Very worthwhile read.

[Kelly Hunt · Rating 5 out of 5]

I absolutely LOVED this book!!!
It had me crying and laughing and crying some more!
Mike is a total inspiration and his story to date is one of complete determination, drive, perseverance and the guy has seriously got a few more than nine lives that's for sure!!!!
This book is extermely well written and hooks you in right from the start.
I hope Mike writes another book on his next adventure, because you know that there is bound to be one and I can't wait to read it!

[Liza Rolleston-Kerr · Rating 5 out of 5]

My husband and I enjoyed this book so much we bought seven of them.. Xmas presents for all the family :)

Candid, enthralling, entertaining and inspiring! Written by Mike in his own words, this book had us misty eyed, laughing out loud and back again.

High Altitude is a must read for any teenager - about not letting the fear of failure stop them, about taking that first step and keeping on going when the going gets tough - that life is good and life is short!

[Barbara · Rating 5 out of 5]

If you want the greatest armchair adventure ever, read this book!! You are taken on an adventure you will not forget and finish it truly inspired. I have just finished this brilliant and skillfully written book that I just could not put down and now want to go on Mike's Everest Base Camp Tours. I am that inspired from reading it. I am sure you will be too!

[Barbara · Rating 5 out of 5]

If you want the greatest armchair adventure ever, read this book!! You are taken on an adventure you will not forget and finish it truly inspired. I have just finished this brilliant and skillfully written book that I just could not put down and now want to go on Mike's Everest Base Camp Tours. I am that inspired from reading it. I am sure you will be too!

[Diane · Rating 5 out of 5]

This book was quite remarkable, the essence of who the author was really came through. The narrative was nicely balanced with the right amount of adventure, family, and personal insight. A delightful fast paced book, a must read if you are looking for some inspiration.

[Penny Snell · Rating 5 out of 5]

I have just finished this book and wow what a read!
I couldn't put it down and it has inspired me to actually get out there and do something. Have an adventure or just start travelling again.
It was so enjoyable I would recommend it to anyone.
I can't wait for the next Mike Allsop adventure.

[Christopher Dean · Rating 5 out of 5]

A fantastic book. Good inspiration for anybody; especially a wannabe pilot like me!

The last 8 chapters felt like they could have been fleshed out into their own book.

Made me feel like I should quite complaining after finishing only one marathon in a week!

[Jane · Rating 5 out of 5]

Ok so I read this feeling a bit nosey as mike is a dad at school and our kids do taekwondo together... But what a great inspiring read. A real privilege to know people like mike and Wendy who are so focussed, determined and hard working...

[Hamish · Rating 4 out of 5]

An excellent read for an armchair adventurer like myself, or even the highly motivated looking for some inspiration.

Looking forward to the next book full of adventures.

[James Mac]

Awesome book, very touching and raw. Hugely inspirational. A total must read.

[Laki Dometakis · Rating 5 out of 5]

When I started reading this book I found it so enjoyable that I couldn't put it down. Highly recommend this as a great read, 5 stars!!!!

[Al Yates · Rating 4 out of 5]

Great read. Inspiring without having to don the mountain climbing boots