No comments about Discovering Acadia: An Introduction to the Park & Its Environment (Discovering Ser) (Discovering Ser).

5 comments about Appalachian Adventure: From Georgia to Maine : A Spectacular Journey on the Great American Trail.

1. While working on the Appalachian Trail in Vermont, I had the misfortune of running into this group (or at least part of it). They hiked the AT with purely commercial interests. They were a miserable lot. Overall, the book doesn't say much that hasn't been said already in countless other publications. Just go hike the trail and be happy.



2. Bryson does it again. First, the hilarious "The Lost Continent" and now this. Both books cater to those of us with wanderlust. This guy is great and funny. The Katz character cracked me up, especially the whole deal with Mary Ellen. I busted a gut - and wanted to take off on the trail at the same time (I hike a lot). Required reading for anyone I (anyway) know.



3. I especially found the full page picture (near the beginning of the book) of the three little Chandler girls catching frogs to be very inspirational. If little ones like that can be out there hiking the trail, I sure can get out there and do some! Very nice "coffee table" type book to own.



4. I read several of the individual newspaper articles originally written by these journalists and was hooked on the story. When I bought the book I was not disappointed. The photography is marvelous and I love the anthology of the different writers. Each journalist and photographer brought their own perspective and "eye" to the project. I definitely recommend this one, but not necessarily as a preparation to hike the AT. It does a better job convincing you that you want to make the hike.



5. I guess having my picture in this book makes me biased. Regardless of the authors' backgrounds, this book captures many of the truly unique stories on the AT and covers topics normally not found in other thru-hiking books. The pictures alone are worth the price of the book.

1 comments about The Maine Woods.

1. "Oct. 22nd, 1837. 'What are you doing now?' he asked, 'Do you keep a journal?'-- So I make my first entry today." Thus begins Thoreau's Journal, made up of more then two million words and covering about twenty-five years of his life. No other work of Thoreau's better exhibits his discipline as a writer and his devotion to the natural world. In the Journal can be found the fragmented foundations of masterpieces such as Walden, A Week on the Concord and Merrimack Rivers, The Maine Woods, and Cape Cod. But what is perhaps more interesting to a reader of Thoreau's Journal are his thoughts and insights on topics such as friendship, love, religion, nature, bravery, heroism, war, slavery, the art of writing, and, most important to Thoreau, the art of living. Anyone with any interest in Thoreau will find his Journal to be an invaluable aid in understanding and following the life of one of America's most profound prose writers

5 comments about Acadia Revealed: The Complete Guide.

1. This guide is beautifully prepared & informative. Color photographs decorate nearly every glossy page; maps are large and easy to read. Whether you are looking for a B&B, a place to eat, historical information, a driving tour, or challenging hikes, the author takes care of you. My only caveat is that the book is rather expensive if all you want is to hike or drive the island for an afternoon. The park provides helpful maps for this purpose. Still, if you can find an inexpensive used guide , I'd recommend it even for a one-day trip.



2. This book is a must have for those who have experienced the beauty or have the desire to experience the beauty and offerings of Acadia National Park. Mr. Kaiser has finally produced the guide to do Acadia justice. You'll learn all the side trips, cool lunch spots, etc. to enjoy on a Saturday afternoon hike with a buddy, and you'll also have the memory of your journey when you get home through Jay's pictures!



3. For the type of person who needs to know the intimate details surrounding your destination, this book is a must. It touches on history, geography, geology of the region in a concise, logical manner, while offering an encompassing view of the activities, layout, and surrounding area. Pictures and detailed maps are scattered throughout the book providing a sense of place and are a trip planner's dream. PLUS, Mr. Kaiser includes an overview of the Maine lobster including eating instructions. Talk about covering all your bases! All in all, a very informative, detailed covering of Acadia and its surrounding area with an insider's take to avoiding crowds and hitting little known spots.



4. Jay Kaiser has done a wonderful job writting a comprehensive, interesting and helpful travel guide to Acadia. The book has information for any sort of trip: Whether you're interested in adventure (camping and rugged hikes) or relaxation (staying at an inn and finding great restaurants), this book will take you where you want to go. Lots of lovely pictures, helpful maps and lively comentary. I'm so glad to have had this book with me throughout my recent trip to Acadia to make it clear what sights I couldn't miss. I can't wait to return because there is so much left to discover!



5. Used alongside a more comprehensive trail guide, this book kept my wife and me busy for the entire two weeks we were there. It offers an excellent insider's perspective, with a fresh view of the major tourist attractions and a lot of tip-offs to hidden gems.

   Get a trail map and a hiking guide, though. Acadia Revealed contains some great ideas for cool hikes, but it's not so hot for showing you the actual trails. Thomas A. St. Germain's "A Walk in the Park" (incorrectly listed here as out of print) is an excellent guide to the trails. It's available on Mt. Desert Island at the Port in a Storm bookstore, Somesville.

No comments about Maine: Cruising the Coast by Car.

No comments about One Pair of Boots: A Journey from Georgia to Maine on the Appalachian Trail.

No comments about Farm Stays - Northern New England: Your Guide to an Unforgettable Family Vacation.

No comments about Black Bangor: African Americans in a Maine Community, 1880-1950 (Revisiting New England).

2 comments about Maine Curiosities: Quirky Characters, Roadside Oddities, and Other Offbeat Stuff.

1. I am planing a trip to Maine and thought I would read-up on the state. Tim Sample is billed as a sort of Down East Dave Barry. The book is vaguely cute but certainly not humorous. Unless this is what passes for humor in Maine (I hope not). The book presents curiosities that are only mildly curious and quirky characters that are not very quirky and wouldn't get a second glance in California or Florida. Its main subject matter seems to be large road-side advertising constructions. As someone who has driven through more than half the states in the Union, I find that the highlighted Maine road-side advertising constructions in this book are nothing out of the ordinary, and hardly rate the write-ups devoted to them here. Disappointing.



2. This book has the unusual landmarks we drive by every summer and wonder "What's that all about?" Questions answered!!!

1 comments about The Allagash.

1. My partner, Brian, and I paddled the Allagash this past summer (2006) for the second time. We brought along "The Allagash" by Lew Dietz. Each night, sitting around the campfire we turned on Allagash-TV; that is, we read, with fire light illuminating our world, from Dietz's book. It's like we were right there paddling through history!