No comments about Michelin Green Guide Quebec (Michelin Green Guide: Quebec, (Province) English Edition).

3 comments about Gene Kilgore's Ranch Vacations.

1. The recently published 7th edition of Gene Kilgore's Ranch Vacations describes over 90 guest, resort, fly-fishing, and Winter ranches in North America. Whether you are looking for a private getaway, a working dude ranch, or resort for the whole family, this is by far the most comphrensive guide available in bookstores today. Author Gene Kilgore, widely considered the recognized authority on ranch vacations, has traveled thousands upon thousands of miles to tell you the reader tidbits of information about the setting, rates, activities, accomodations, dining options, entertainment and children's programs. He also includes helpful advice on how best to reach your destination. As in past editions, Kilgore has included wise sage tips on choosing the right ranch, what to pack, helpful maps, and a wonderful glossary of ranch terms. The 7th edition of this book sits on a shelf in my personal study alongside the six previous editions and will no doubt help me plan yet another ranch vacation for my family as we love to relive the time honored traditions of dude ranching. I commend the author on his commitement to opening the eyes of his readers to the beauty that is ranch country. Happy trails await you.



2. Very thorough information on 100 dude ranches across the country. Info is very detailed and thoughtfully written. Made it easy to decide which ranch fit our needs and had the amenities we were looking for.



3. Overall it was very informative. The categories were well laid out for comparison. There were a few ranches that were not included so I had to rely on their own websites. Kilgore makes you want to get out on the ranch immediately. We are looking forward to our first ranch vacation. Kilgore made the choice easier for sure.

3 comments about Rand McNally 2008 the road atlas, United States | Canada | Mexico.

1. Each year, I look forward to purchasing the newest Rand McNally road atlas. At last, I have purchased the 2008 edition. One nice touch this year--a plastic cover to help protect the normal soft cover.
   
   Since I was a kid, I have always enjoyed this publication. This atlas has never just been a source of information about how to get from point A to point B. There has always been a certain amount of "romance." Even as a kid, I would trace a route from one place to another, and look for the special sites along the way--and imagine what they were like. Whether a state park, a national monument, a battlefield, the birthplace of someone special, I would close my eyes and wonder.
   
   Even now, I still do the same thing.
   
   But there are also many practical aspects to the atlas. You can go to a web site to get further information, including road construction sites. There are phone numbers for contact information about hotels and road conditions. For short hand estimates of how long it would take to get from one place to another, the "miles and minutes" map on the inside of the back cover is a favorite.
   
   As my eyes lose a little of their power with each passing year, it's sometimes a challenge to read the small print.
   
   Still and all, this remains, for me, a classic and a purchase made each year that carries a little extra pleasure with it.



2. The atlas is ok. Honestly I don't like it as well as the 1997 version. I bought this 2008 version to replace the 1997 one. It's very similar...of course, it is updated but the printing is darker and that makes it harder to read.



3. I mean, obviously I can't say a single bad thing about the atlas itself. It is everything you could want in an Atlas. Unfortunately, I have to buy a new one a few times each year because the cover comes off so easily. Once the cover comes off, the pages get damaged easier and start to tear, crease, etc. and things get harder to find quicker. I go on a few long road trips every year, and by the end of every trip the cover has come off. Every single trip. This is annoying issue I wish they would fix but I'm sure they won't. Again, no issues with the Atlas itself.

5 comments about Driving the Pan-American Highway to Mexico and Central America: A Complete Guide for Do-It-Yourself Planning and Driving Through Mexico and Central America.

1. We have not yet driven the Pan-American highway, but were given the Pritchard's book as a gift in preparation for an eventual trip; therefore, I can't comment on the traveler tips. I was, however, amused and distracted by the incredible number of typos on each page (coastal is consistently spelled "costel"). The book seems very basic and at times naive (toilet paper discussion). I had the feeling that my grandfather was explaining the ropes to me... That said, the book seems to have some helpful information and tries to be specific regarding border crossings, the roads, etc.



2. I did a lot of research on our trip. We live in Honduras and are driving to the US over a three week period as we leave the area for good, so ordered the book. I was already very versed in the trip from countless stories on the Internet, and from exploring Central America over the last three years, so found the book simple, badly written, and not very helpful at all. I suggest that instead of spending your money on this book, you do research on the Internet and you will get much better information for free.



3. The information's regarding border crossing are just to old (more than 10 years) to be of any valid use today.



4. Do not bother. I am looking to make this trip but in 2007 not 1997. Information in this book includes what might be coming in regards to border accords and improved roads and "conditions" but no later model exisits. If the authors are still alive they are living well in Costa Rica selling this book that is basically and outdated catalog for Costa Rica (and others) real estate.



5. This book is a little dated. It was printed in 1997 and most of these countries are changing so fast that you probably need something a little more current to suppliment the book. However, it is still interesting reading and does have a lot of tips and information.

4 comments about Cycling the Great Divide: From Canada to Mexico on America's Premier Long Distance Mountain Bike Route.

1. Whether you're planning on riding the whole thing at once or just just doing a section of it, I'd strongly recommend getting this book. My wife and I rode entire length in the summer of 2000, and we carried this book on the outside of our packs in a plastic bag at all times. We referred to it at least once every day. Like in any guide-book, there are a few confusing spots, but on the whole, the author (one of the original trail planners) has done a great job. He not only keeps you on the right path, he also points out various places you should visit, gives some historic perspective, and more. The book will surely make your experience more enjoyable.



2. If you are riding the Great Divide Mountain Bike Route, you MUST have this book. This is an awesome route - Mike McCoy and the gang did a great job of researching it. One comment on the writing though -- when he uses the word 'steep', he means 'extremely steep', and when he says 'extremely steep', he means 'don't even try to ride your bike up this with a fully loaded bike'. A 'respectable climb' is really a lung-buster. Just expect everything to be a little harder than he makes it sound, and then you wont feel angry because it is not as easy as he makes it out to be. I think he must have either rode it without being fully loaded, or he is a very strong man! Anyhow, if you ride the Great Divide, you will have fun.. I guarantee it.



3. Michael McCoy's Cycling the Great Divide: From Canada to Mexico on America's Premier Long Distance Mountain Bike Route is an essential item for those who are planning to bicycle or hike all of the Adventure Cycling route.

   As McCoy notes in his well-written and informative introduction, this isn't an easy trek. Uneven terrain, adverse weather conditions, and a lack of water and essential services are often the norm.

   As I found, having the book on hand better enabled me to plan ahead. For instance, my discovering that the climb over Indiana Pass would be long and difficult prompted me to begin my cycling day early, which in retrospect was fortuitious in that had I dilly-dallied, I would would have been caught in a late-afternoon snow-storm.

   One the book's many strengths is that it includes a much-needed daily route synopsis. Though I am directionally challenged, I did not miss a single turn, not even in New Mexico, where many of the roads and trail heads are unmarked.

   Sightseeing, points-of-interest, and photos have been included. I was often glad of this -- as I remarked to some onlookers, if McCoy hadn't pointed these things out to me, my trip would have been more of a slog than it was. For instance, if he hadn't mentioned that the Cumbres and Toltec Scenic Railroad passes through southern New Mexico, I would have missed it.

   The historical information is also a plus in that it will appeal to both tenters and armchair readers. There was many an evening when (because the sun set early) I was glad I had this book on hand.

   The material in this book also complements the Adventure Cycling maps. In retrospect, my trip was without incident, in part because I had both on hand.




4. I rode this trail in the summer of 2006, from Banff to Mexico. I found this book very helpful in planning my daily rides. It briefly described potential camping spots, designated and undesignated, water sources, and trail conditions. To conserve weight while on the trail, I tore out the pages as I completed them.
   
   It is definitely well worth the money to buy for planning and for using on the trail.
   
   This book does not include any info on the Canada portion.
   
   With some help from this book I only needed 40 days to plan everything.
   
   Note: This was my first bicycle tour and I did it solo, self supported.
   Cheers!

1 comments about British Columbia Off the Beaten Path (Off the Beaten Path Series).

1. The following came from reader Rita J. Martin recently:

   Good Afternoon.

   Say I just wanted to say, we loved your "Off the Beaten Path" British Columbia. Recently, my husband and I celebrated our 30th Anniversary and took a trip to British Columbia. And we used your book every step of the way and found there to be no errors within the contents (except a few increases in admission - and we called that life!). We even loved eating Halibut and Chips at Mad Trapper Neighborhood Pub. It's also thought it was funny we had taken several trips throughout the years and have never stopped at Marble Canyon wow I mean shout it out! That place is wonderful and will remain on our stopping list forever. I could go on and on about the material we found within the pages of your book. I've recommended it to several of our friends.

   Without saying before I end this note; any chance you've written other books using that same guideline?

   Sincerely,
   Rita J. Martin

5 comments about DogFriendly.com's United States And Canada Dog Travel Guide.

1. Having bought this guide book based upon the use of the dogfriendly.com website (which is a useful tool) - instead of buying the updated AAA guide for dogs - this book has mainly listings of chain hotels -for example Motel 6 and Red Roof Inns - it doesn't have anything much on national parks, camping or state parks - nor does it list dog accepting Bed and breakfasts (if you are solely going on highways this guide is okay - but if you venture off like I do - this guide is not handy) - in my opinion the AAA guide is the better one to buy - it still lacks certain things but this guide needs a much better edit before I would ever buy it again.



2. I can find more information in the Yellow Pages waste of money!!



3. I would not particularly recommend this book. It's organized by topic, with dog-friendly parks and beaches, and a long lodgings directory. The lodgings are heavy on chain motels, and lacked listings for some fairly large towns.
   I will probably use this book mainly to make sure I'm not missing lodging options. The one feature I liked was a listing by interstate exit of dog-friendly lodgings. But, I don't travel much by interstate; I'm more interested in finding detailed lodgings in tourist-oriented destinations.
   Dog-Friendly New England, which I've also reviewed, for example, is a far better guidebook for people who just want a weekend getaway.



4. Books has lots of helpful information, things that you wouldn't get unless you were really there, such as how one of the beaches in california tried to band dogs a few years ago because of the poop, so we must keep it clean or they will try to close it again. I always clean up after my dog but if I saw some I would probably clean it up. Also good section on traveling with you dogs. And a couple great pictures. Good overall helpful book!



5. It was so great to be able to reach over, knowing I'd be running out of steam in X amount of hours, figure where I'd be then, and find a motel in this book, call ahead and book.
   
   It actually does have B&B's and some park info, so I'm not sure what the other reviewer was referring to. I am recommending it to many other dog-owning friends of mine. Just put in 10,000 miles and it really was a lifesaver.

No comments about Pocket Map and Guide Toronto (Eyewitness Travel Guides).

No comments about Glacier National Park Pocket Guide (A Falcon Guide; Pocket Guide).

No comments about Rand McNally Alberta: Provincial Map.