A young Indian once desired the hand of a lovely maiden in marriage. Unfortunately, she would not consent until he brought her the hide of a rare white deer, which was sometimes seen high up in the mountains. The young Indian sought the help of the tribe’s old medicine man, and was given two magic arrows to kill the deer. The next morning, he set off on his hunting journey. He climbed all day. Nearing the top of the mountain, there in the moonlight, he could see it. The brave reached for his magic arrows and put them on his bowstring. Both arrows struck the great white stag, pinning him to the rocky-faced ledges. But the young brave could not scale the steep mountainside to get to the white stag. He decided to wait for morning when he could see and then he could make a better attempt to claim his prize. When morning came, he awoke and looked over to the rocky ledge where the stag was, but it was gone. In its place was a white rock. The young brave went to the tribe and told them his story. True enough, when they looked up at the mountain, they could see the white rock face where the white stag had left his mark. “Whiteface, Whiteface!”, the Indians chanted. And that is how Whiteface got its name.
Author Mike Bowman presents the age-old legend of The Spirit of Whiteface and unravels the mystery of the white glow that accentuates its splendor.
School is finally over, and Mike visits his grandfather Paw Paw in the Adirondack Mountains. He has been coming up to spend his summers there since he was born, thirteen years in passing. This time, he plans to camp at the Whiteface Mountain, together with his friend, Mark. Mike is intrigued with the mountain’s mysterious story and wants to discover the unexplained white glow himself.
When the climbing day finally arrives, Mike is engulfed with excitement. He and Mark hike and hike for hours until they finally reach the top and put up their tent. On their first night, a series of enlightening events unfold, revealing the untold secrets of the mysterious glow and The Spirit of Whiteface.
Filled with surprises, The Spirit of Whiteface portrays an exciting journey to the mountain of majestic beauty.