1 comments about Florida Lighthouses For Kids.

1. Florida Lighthouses For Kids is a profusely illustrated introduction to the lighthouses of Florida in a form and format that is ideal for young readers. The informed and informative text details the history and lore of Florida's thirty-three lighthouses. Fascinating facts pepper the engaging presentations as children will learn how lighthouses operate and how their original roles (so vital to the safety of ships at sea) gradually evolved into today's maritime museums. Highly recommended and thoroughly fun reading!

No comments about Miami Eat!: Great Meals Wherever You Are (Where to Eat Guides).

1 comments about Wild & Scenic Florida.

1. "Wild & Scenic Florida" is a stunningly-beautiful work.

   Travel photographer James Randklev has done a remarkable job of capturing the color, beauty, and geographical diversity of Florida's semitropical beaches, swamps, and wetlands.

   Nearly all of the photographs (there 123 full-color images) are workmanlike blends of intense colors, winning details, and precise composition. "Agave Among Beach Grass," Courtyard of Ringling Museum of Art," and "Ceramic Tiles of Old Ybor City" are just a handful of fine examples of the above.

   Even Randklev's less dynamic pictures ("Mangrove at Low Tide" or "Ernest Hemingway's House") are evocative, telling, and admirably composed.

   The richness of Randklev's colors is, no doubt, his artistic signature. The reds in "Sea Grape Changing Colors" and the haunting shades of oceanic greens and blues in "Beach Walk Miami Beach" seem ready to spill fully from the page (or spill the viewer fully into the photograph!).

   Lovers of Florida and outstanding photography will revel in this book.

No comments about National Audubon Society Field Guide to Tropical Marine Fishes: Of the Caribbean, the Gulf of Mexico, Florida, the Bahamas, and Bermuda.

No comments about Sunshine States: Wild Times and Extraordinary Lives in the Land of Gators, Guns, and Grapefruit (Florida Sand Dollar Book).

4 comments about From the Swamp to the Keys: A Paddle through Florida History.

1. This is a great book for anyone wishing a glimpse of what Florida was really like a generation ago. The descriptions of the trip down the Suwannee River in the book match the vivid memories I have of my childhood playgrounds....don't miss it!



2. this was a terrific adventure as you take the turns of the river, ride the currents, buck the winds, weather the storms and sense the beauty of Fla. as you cast eyes on development only to imagine what parts of it would have looked like back 50 years ago. You are brought closer to nature and experience adventure that you only wish you would dare to attempt. A great story and a great enduring ride. thanks for sharing.



3. This is a fun read. Anyone interested in the history of Florida's waterways or paddling (canoe or kayak) will enjoy this book. Mr. Molloy captures the essence of solo paddling and the adventure of long distance travel in small muscle-powered vessels. Day paddling a canoe or kayak is one thing; Johnny colorfully tells of the ups and (sometimes upside-) downs of traveling through one of Florida's oldest routes of travel, the Suwannee River and the west coast, and camping in undeveloped areas and camp sites. Visit the wilds of Florida's coast and the historic Suwannee River without leaving your chair (or dealing with mud flats, storms, mosquitoes, no-seeums, etc.).



4. This is the telling of a personal adventure story. It is a mix of Florida history in bits and pieces, some personal history (how Johnny Molloy got into outdoor writing--to make a living enjoying the outdoors), and some personal philosophy: "I had come to believe, as I still do, that time, not money, is the most valuable commodity on earth." It is NOT a "how to" book. Perhaps, with his 4 other books on hiking, camping, and paddling in Florida, he felt no need to elaborate on how to prepare and execute such a trip. It is a book about what he saw along the way, of his conversations with locals and travelers he met, of his love for the outdoors and dissatisfaction with urban life. His writing is somewhat routine as he paddles down the Suwannee River and out onto the Gulf coast, then to Cedar Key, and past Tampa (where he encounters the most dangerous conditions of the trip as he crosses the mouth of Tampa Bay). He seems to relish paddling by "the seat of his pants." He goes up/down rivers against the tide--a tough paddle. He arrives at Graveyard campsite in the Everglades after dark and swarms of no-see-ums threaten to eat him alive. After donning protective clothes and a head net, he finds the head net is for mosquitoes but no defense against the much smaller no-see-ums. It is clear you will never see Johnny Molloy use a modern convenience like a GPS. Johnny's writing becomes much more interesting the further south he travels and reaches its best in the Everglades, an area which he has paddled and written about extensively. If you enjoy the outdoors and paddling, it is a good read.

No comments about Miami & South Beach Florida: A Photographic Portrait.

5 comments about Best Dives' Snorkeling Adventures : A Guide to the Bahamas, Bermuda, Caribbean, Hawaii & Florida Keys.

1. This is the best book for snorkeling I've ever found. The other books are so vague, they don't tell me much of anything. This one describes all the neat places to walk in from the beach and go snorkeling, how rough or calm the area is, how to get to various snorkeling beaches once I get there, whether the kids can safely swim in each area. It also has all the resorts that have snorkeling off their beaches, which is really nice for people traveling with small children and the airlines and travel stuff we need.



2. I found the reviews very helpful in deciding where I wanted to plan my nest trip... I went to the Galapagos with Aquatic Encounters, and it was so fantastic, it is beyond description



3. This is must-have book for both the beginner and experienced travelling snorkeler. It is a thoughtful guide to the best places to visit and great tips on what to look for in the way of unique marinelife once you get there. It should be a companion in every dive bag.



4. The book has very brief descriptions of snorkeling sites at a large number of different places. Most, but not all are Caribbean islands. There are also descriptions of other "traditional" snorkeling places, such as the Yucatan Penninsula and Hawaii. And there are two large sections on snorkeling in the Great Barrier Reef and the Galapagos Islands. Several snorkeling sites are listed at each separate location, and useful advice and information is given for most. All sites are rated on a 1 to 5 "starfish" point system. About the only criticism I have of the book is that much of the hotel information seems to be pulled directly from the hotel's advertising about themselves. A little more independent commentary would be nice. The information is still useful as a starting point. Finally, for each location, there is useful information on weather, how to get there, and when to go. If you have the first edition of this book, I see little reason to purchase this new edition, however. I do wish a few other sites or activities had been included, in particular snorkeling with whale sharks off Northwest Australia. That's something that interests me, but there seems very little information on it out there. If you travel to snorkel, and don't have the First Edition, GET THIS ONE!



5. Everything you've ever wanted to know about snorkel swimming is in this great book, from "The Basics" to "Underwater Photography." Anyone in average health, who can swim, can don a mask and peer beneath the waters. Its low-impact aerobics and a great way to keep fit. Snorkeling has become a family affair with fish-watching and photography the main focus.
   
   You will find tips on a variety of snorkeling trips and activities in this informative book. Choices vary from sail-snorkel trips on shallow-draft catamarans or trimarans, glass-bottom-boat tours, snorkel-with-the-dolphins tours; the list goes on and on. Each snorkeling site is graded for interesting marine life, visibility, and water clarity with one to five "starfish."
   
   Helpful hints concerning snorkels, how to choose the proper fins, anti-fog solutions, and how to avoid sunburn are all discussed. Dos and Don'ts advise that you always swim with a dependable buddy and warnings as to what not to touch.
   
   The best reef-front resorts, starfish-rated beaches and boat-entry sites are included as well as Manatee tours. Where to find shallow shipwrecks, the best coral gardens, underwater photo trips and snorkeling cruises are all included in this wonderful book. Also included are twelve pages of fantastic underwater photography.
   
   If you are a snorkeling enthusiast, this book is a must have. It is a valuable guide to snorkeling sites and islands. Information includes detailed maps, photos, tours offered, and important information you need to make a wise vacation choice.

No comments about Crater Lake: The Story Behind the Scenery.

1 comments about Florida for Families.

1. Florida s truly a beautiful state that has rightfully earned its place as one of the most popular tourism destinations in America. "Florida for Families" is a excellently compiled guide for anyone who want to bring the whole family to Florida, cataloguing the many family-friendly experiences that only the Sunshine State can offer. With entries on aquariums, zoos, nature reserves, hiking, and so much more to bring joy without breaking the bank, "Florida for Families" is a must for any family planning a Florida visit.