How Deep the High Journey

Craggy mountain peaks overlooking pristine glacier fed lakes. Alpine flowers and stunning sunrises. Such are the wonders of Washington's Enchantment Lakes basin. Enthusiasts Peg and Bill Stark have traveled this area for many years, published a book on it, and now have produced a video tour. Peg supplies the commentary, while we watch Bill's photos grouped under headings like "The Shape of the Wind" and "The Benediction of the Snows." Although the photos are attractive and crisply reproduced, the commentary is woefully short on hard information and far too long on poetic flights of fancy. That, plus a creeping sameness of images inevitably makes the 84 minute running time seem twice as long to the viewer. Video slide shows are tricky to pull off (yes, I've tried them), but it helps to give more basic information to the uninitiated (such as, how large is the area? How can a hiker access it? Where are the bathrooms?) Adding a little human interest would also have been a plus. This video may find some appreciative viewers in the Pacific Northwest, but it's a very optional purchase for other libraries. Aud: P. (S. Rees)