Beyond the Edge

In the blink of an eye, everything can change… On September 26, 2020, Chelsey Klein embarked on a hike up Mount Shasta that would change everything for her. A lifelong athlete, Chelsey never shied away from a challenge, but that fateful day, she wasn't sure if she would make it off the mountain alive. Miraculously, she survived, but that wasn't the end of her story; rather, it was the start of a new one. In this powerful and emotional memoir, Chelsey explains what led her to Mount Shasta. The competitive streak that ran through her from childhood never diminished, and in all aspects of her life—sports, school, and work—she strived to be the best. For better or worse, she never backed down, and she was always willing to try something new. During the COVID-19 pandemic, that indomitable spirit inspired Chelsey to start hiking. She and her boyfriend, Jeff, found solace in the great outdoors. It was the one place where they truly felt safe. Even though she was a beginner, Chelsey joined Jeff on increasingly difficult hikes, and over the months, they worked their way up to Mount Shasta. What was supposed to be just another hike, however, turned into a waking nightmare, and in the years since, Chelsey has struggled to make sense of what happened. Why was she spared? How has the tragedy on Mount Shasta altered her worldview? What has she learned about herself over the past five years? By writing this book, Chelsey hopes to live out her calling as a survivor: motivating and inspiring others who are facing or have faced difficulties. No one is ever alone. There is always hope—just beyond the edge.