Why climb? Couple offers their answer with "Because It’s There – A Photographic Journey"

Nov. 20, 2011 - PRLog -- Charlie Winger has been climbing the mountains of the world for almost forty years. His wife, Diane, also enjoys outdoor adventures, but is more focused on hiking in beautiful places rather than on mountaineering expeditions. With their latest book, they’ve collected over ninety spectacular photographs from mountain ranges, deserts, and canyons and have presented them with narratives to share their enthusiasm for outdoor recreation with readers.

The Wingers believe there is no better reason to move beyond a familiar horizon, explore what lies around the next bend, and discover a world outside our previous experience than "Because it's there." Like George Mallory, who uttered that famous response when asked why he strove to be the first to climb Mount Everest, the Wingers are also inspired by mountains. They draw on their extensive collection of photographs taken while writing guidebooks, climbing and trekking among some of the most beautiful peaks in the world, and enjoying time in special outdoor areas which they have come to love. Along the way, they tell a few stories and share a few laughs.

Because It’s There – A Photographic Journey was inspired by numerous requests received from audiences enjoying slideshows of Charlie's many expeditions. In the book, they visit locations on five continents, and include adventures and scenic highlights ranging from the San Juan mountains of their native Colorado to remote regions of the Himalayas.

Charlie and Diane began writing guidebooks in 1999, when Highpoint Adventures was produced through a publisher in the Denver area. That was followed by The Essential Guide to Great Sand Dunes National Park & Preserve and The Trad Guide to Joshua Tree, a guidebook geared toward rock climbing. In 2010 they decided to branch out with an autobiography of Charlie’s remarkable life, and to self-publish Two Shadows – the inspirational story of one man’s triumph over adversity. That book details Winger’s challenging struggles to overcome a childhood of neglect and abuse followed by a stint in prison starting when he was 18. While incarcerated, he advanced his education and emerged to succeed in a software career and to discover a love of mountain climbing.

The Wingers will hold a book signing at Hastings in Montrose, Colorado on Saturday, December 3, 2011 from 11:00 a.m. to 3:00 p.m. All five titles will be available at that event. Their books can also be ordered online through their web bookstore at http://WingerBookstore.com, and through most major booksellers.

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The Winger Bookstore is an online bookstore selling guidebooks and other outdoor recreation titles, including: Because It's There - A Photographic Journey; Two Shadows; The Trad Guide to Joshua Tree; The Essential Guide to Great Sand Dunes National Park; and Highpoint Adventures.