Compass Points: Finding a Mid-life Bearing on Mount Rainier. Mount Rainier is considered by many to be the longest endurance climb in the lower 48 states. This book is both a spiritual odyssey and adventure travelogue. It is the story of the author's two climbs of Mount Rainier (in 1999 & 2000), led by Rainier Mountaineering, Inc. guides. Prepared from journals written during these climbs, this story is compelling, provocative and instructional. It will appeal to all the baby-boomers now in mid-life, and to all others who are fascinated with mountains, or find themselves on a spiritual journey through life.