By the Big Cedar Tree: A Wilderness Trip Led to a Discovery That Changed Their Lives Forever. Will Their Forty-Year Old Secret Be Exposed?

by J.W. Embury

"When I am fully immersed in my life back home, I'll close my eyes and think of this place, and it will emerge in my mind as the perfect magical place in the woods-waiting, always waiting, for someone to walk across its welcoming porch, open the front door, and arrive at the Shangri-La of one's dreams. For all who have been here, they know. They understand the magic. I believe that's why it's been a closely guarded secret for so many years...shared only amongst discerning and respectful friends." On New Year's Eve of 1971, two high school friends spent a freezing cold night up in the mountains near their small-town homes. Little did John and Rob know this trip would plant the seeds for a decades-long undertaking, bringing friends from different walks of life together and providing a refuge to spend time away from the stresses of everyday life. By the Big Cedar Tree  is J.W. Embury's captivating account of how building and preserving a secret cabin hidden deep within the Willamette National Forest helped teach five men the importance of respecting nature. As they spent years learning the nuances of the land and holding wilderness pentathlons to test their skills, they also forged lasting bonds of friendship. Enter the woods, walk by the Big Cedar Tree, and step through the front door of a mystical cabin into an unforgettable story.

204 pages, Kindle Edition

Published November 21, 2019

Reviews

[Trebor · Rating 4 out of 5]

A charming story about a group of boys who liked to hike through the woods. Twas on one of their hikes that they found a particularly peaceful hidden meadow and pond that beckoned them to build a hideout fort there. Over the years as the boys grew so did the fort which became a rustic cabin. The ensuing years brought many neat stories of friendship, camaraderie, competition and real life situations. From youth to old age the cabin always remained the constant in the groups psyche and safe zone. A story of growing older but always holding on to the youthful dreams and security a hideout can provide. It can ring a bell for some of us, even if that experience is realized vicariously.

[Cdlloyd · Rating 4 out of 5]

This book is a great example of so much that is good and what can be accomplished when we truly strive to remember what is truly important. The experiences of these five boys in forging a friendship which transcended beyond time was beautiful to read about.

It also delved deep into the human spirit. Dream big, live life and live it with those who you can truly connect with, sometimes that includes those you don’t know yet. Push beyond your self imposed limits and dare to do what others may say is impossible. It made me want to be part of the few to experience the Big Cedar Tree and the hidden cabin just beyond.

[Terrence Clark]

I liked this book because it’s real, it focuses on young men bonding through wilderness survival experiences, and takes us through 40+ years of their lifetime friendship that follows. The people are real, their experiences are real, and the places are real. It’s like a modern day version of Jeremiah Johnson. It’s the author’s personal story, but in many ways, it’s all of our stories. We can relate the author’s stories to our own bonding adventures, funny experiences, and campfire stories we all like to share. Great read, entertaining, carries you through from cover to cover.

[Deborah Rodney · Rating 5 out of 5]

I found myself immersed in By the Big Cedar Tree by J. W. Embury from its first pages. It's an engrossing story of friendship and the lasting ties that it can bring. Young men, whose lives went off in different directions, managed to achieve a goal in spite of "life" getting in the way. It's a wonderful testament to persistence, hard work and friendship. I found myself wanting the story of these men to continue long after I finished reading the book. Highly recommended!

[Luana McAferty]

It was so fun to read By the Big Cedar Tree. The way it is written captivated me and I didn't want to put the book down. It was sad to get to the end because I knew the people and the place having been there, the tears came to my eyes when it was over for several reasons.

My friends have read or are reading the book. They are excited about it as well.

[Joel Dixon · Rating 5 out of 5]

By the Big Cedar Tree reads like a campfire chat between friends. It chronicles how a series of small outings weave a tapestry of adventures, both common and extraordinary, that shapes the lives of friends willing to walk off the more traveled path. It leaves the readers wanting to leave the comfort of the reading chair and strike out on a new adventure of their own.

[Didgeridoo · Rating 5 out of 5]

I loved the story and the detail. I felt like I was right there and could picture it in my mind. It made me want to go exploring and have my own adventure. I felt like I got to know the people in the story and I liked hearing about what they were doing in their lives, like catching up with old friends.

[Janice L. Harris · Rating 4 out of 5]

A Journey of Nature and Friendship

Written predominately as an autobiography, this book
reinforced the value of friendship and the bonding that comes from being in nature with people you love. I can't believe how hard they worked to create and maintain the cabin and their friendship over 40 years! A very satisfying read. Granny Jan

[Ken · Rating 5 out of 5]

Whether you love the outdoors or have never really hiked before, you will enjoy this true story. John does a great job of transporting the reader into the world of he and his friends and their adventures in the great outdoors of the Northwest.
You will wished you had been able to experience at least one trip with him!

[Angie Hallberg · Rating 5 out of 5]

I loved this captivating story. It left me evaluating my own experiences with friends and stirred a desire to connect with them on a deeper level. The end left me emotional thinking about connections that span a lifetime. I highly recommend this book!

[Bryce Greenwood · Rating 5 out of 5]

By the Big Cedar Tree was an awesome adventure. Mr. Embury’s story telling ability had me captivated and wanting to ready more. This book had me refelecting back on my own teenage years and brought back so many memories. Thank you for sharing your story!

[Terrell F. · Rating 5 out of 5]

This is a fun story about how adventure can be found virtually in your own backyard. The fact that this adventure lasted many years gives it depth and character. The author's personal connection is a special touch. HIghly recommended

[Scott DeHart · Rating 4 out of 5]

I truly enjoyed the this story of three friends that found a profound adventure in their teens that has lasted for many years and traversed many ups and downs. It started as a bonding experience between three friends and grew to encompass their wives and families as well. What a great read.

[Bobby Kuber · Rating 5 out of 5]

A breath of fresh air. This book transports you deep into the woods and gives one hope that exploration can still be the quintessential driving force to provide one with a sense of purpose.

[Jackie · Rating 5 out of 5]

I liked the quotes throughout. It reminds you what is important in life - friends and enjoying every minute!

[Jill Wolfe · Rating 5 out of 5]

I typically stick to personal development books but will say I thoroughly enjoyed this book. It’s a pretty quick read that draws you in from the beginning and you can’t wait to finish it.

[Dawn Benjamin · Rating 5 out of 5]

Such a good read, about lasting friendships, adventure and fun. It pulls you right in and makes you wonder how it might all turn out in the end.

[Jim Howell · Rating 5 out of 5]

fun Read