No comments about Off We Go to Mexico (Travel the World).

1 comments about Viaje a Ixtlan/ Trip to Ixtlan (Coleccion Popular (Fondo de Cultura Economica)).

1. Este libro es muy bello, te hace reflexionar hasta lo mas profundo de tu ser y a la vez te deleita con los personajes. El primero en mostrar el verdadero fundamento de la brujeria moderna, el primer libro de la saga de Castaneda en mostrar el verdadero alcance de la brujeria de los hechiceros del linaje de Don Juan. Un libro hermoso.

2 comments about Chronicle of the Narvaez Expedition (Penguin Classics).

1. I was intrigued by this strange chronicle when i lifted it from the dusty shelf of my local bookstore. I had never heard of it and I was surprised that such a thing even existed. A first-hand account of a 16th century conquistador expedition to the new lands of the Americas no less!

   The book is short enough to hold the attention and the fact that it is a true tale holds the attention through periods of drab text and detailed descriptions of the lay of the land. In fact, two distinct points capture the attention, firstly the matter-of-fact way in which cabeza de vaca views the monstrosities he is faced with, from shipwreck to torture and hunger. Secondly, the altogether human way in which the natives are protrayed; they are not seen as unthinking savages but as children, scared and uncertain, that need to be cared for. This is certainly not the tale of a gross escapade to conquer primitive peoples, rather it is an 'expedition' in every respect and it is fascinating as a result.

   At times it is a chore to plough through, but i believe the overall and lasting impression that the book leaves is a sufficient reward for the time spent on it.

   And, hang on a minute, doesn't the name of the author mean 'head of the cow'? How strange....




2. I didn't know anything about this real story until I watched BBC Conquistadors. When I learned about Cabeza de Vaca, I was eager to read the account of his years lost, wandering in the south part of North America for 9 long years until he found some "Christians" in the northwest part of Mexico. Although the book is short and simple, the information provided is invaluable, especially with the descriptions of the Indians in this region, its customs and way of living.
   One thing that called my attention was all the hardships he had to endure during his long journey, going naked and feeding mostly of fruits and roots, proving in this case that he was a survivor by nature since others were not that lucky in the same precarious environment. And yes, what a strange name.

No comments about Adventures in the Big Bend.

5 comments about Dead in Their Tracks: Crossing America's Desert Borderlands.

1. There are those who call themselves experts on the subject and those who are. John is the genuine expert. His points on the subject can only be done by being there and doing it. That is John, that is how he is. That is how he lives. A Master photographer, a Father, Journalist. His treatment on the border issue is a no-holds-barred trip into the unknown. He makes it known, he does it masterfully! When I read Dead in Their Tracks I found it to be the best publication on the subject. It should be required reading for those who are studying Hispanic Culture here at the University of Arizona! When one has the folks at ABC News and other News organizations beating on your door for your knowledge on the subject you know it is John Annerino. When you read a John Annerino book or see his imigaes you are guaranteed that you have exposed to the very best in subject treatment. Dead in Their Tracks will take you for a ride you won't soon forget.



2. This book is poorly written, _utterly_ disjointed, and has a cloying sentimentality that is really annoying. By that I mean it's not at all analytical: it includes random snippets of poems, etc. that serve only to confound the reader looking for some meat. Plus, there are certain phrases like "cutting sign" that I hadn't the foggiest idea about until I looked it up. Help the reader out here.
   
   Yeah, it's hot as hell in the desert, and it's doggone handy to have water. It sucks that people are dying in the desert and the forces that draw them to _El Norte_ are highly complex and not necessarily their fault. Still, they are breaking the law from the word go, and well they know it, and it seems to me there are worse tragedies involving truly innocent people. Plus, it peeves me to no end that these illegals have largely trashed some of the most beautiful and exotic wildernesses in the U.S. So my sympathy is just not all that deep.
   
   The photos are for the most part of lousy quality as well. Why it took carrying several cameras, as the author claims, to produce these pictures is beyond me.
   
   Lastly the book is VERY short, with a ridiculously long appendix addressing every single death that has occurred in this area ... newsflash: no one is going to read that.
   
   How could the editors have allowed a book like this to go to press? It's absolutely amateurish, despite being driven by sincere emotions.



3. "A passionate exponent of more human solutions to the problems of illegal border crossings...John Annerino, an Arizona writer-photojournalist, tells the story up close and personal in a gut wrenching, bare knuckle account...His account puts flesh and bones on the story behind the dreams, and skeletons,too," Desert Candle.



4. -"Photojournalist John Annerino plunges into a world few Americans ever consider, much less confront: a pitiless trek through the southwestern Arizona Desert that can deliver a man to steady work - or to a whimpering death," Laura Brooks, The Arizona Daily Star.
   
   -"Anyone interested in this slaughter should run, not walk, to John Annerino's Dead in Their Tracks," Charles Bowden, author of Down by the River.
   
   -"A passionate chronicle. The story...is gripping and profoundly disturbing," Susan J. Tweit, The Bloomsbury Review.
   
   -"A stunning portrayal of the dangers (including death) faced by immigrants eager to work in the United States," Library Journal.
   
   -"I'm trying to illuminate the lives of those who continue to die in America's killing ground," Annerino said," abcnews.com.
   
   -"A gripping firsthand account of crossing the Camino del Diablo in the company of Mexican nationals...Annerino's evocative words and haunting pictures make the issue impossible to ignore," Donnamarie Barnes, People Magazine.
   
   -"The story is riveting.Annerino's writing is emotional and graphic," Ernesto Portillo, San Diego Union-Tribune.
   
   -"Through cholla cactus and scorpions, along sands simmering at 140-160 degrees, John Annerino and four Mexican companions stumble toward an oasis north of poverty: the American dream," oneworldjournies.com.
   
   -"The book is a testament and a memorial.Thirty pages list the known dead...Annerino deserves praise for putting this story into words and pictures," Will Chaffey, San Antonio Express-News.
   
   -"A gripping work of investigative reporting," Nicole Davis, National Geographic Adventure.
   
   -"Seen on CNN and featured on CNN Bokchat, John Annerino has worked on the border for Newsweek, ABC Primetime, National Geographic Adventure, and America 24/7," KmG



5. This book was extremely disappointing unless you would like to know how many gallons of water it takes to illegally cross from Mexico into the United States. The author takes a liberal and sympathic view of illegals and tries to sway the reader into thinking that breaking the law is OK for these people. Give me a break. Where is the equal-sided journalism? What about the economic drain to healthcare, gang violence and drugs that these people bring into the United States? If it looks like a duck, quacks like a duck and swims like a duck then it is a duck. Illegals are illegals are illegals. Don't waste your time on this book.

5 comments about The Baja Catch: A Fishing, Travel & Remote Camping Manual for Baja California (3rd Edition).

1. This book saved me $$$$ on 1st fishing trip to Baja. Above that, it saved me much frustration and lent tremendously to the overall success of the trip. Have recommended it to many people headed for the beaches of Baja.

   I have engineered, designed and built my own Baja trailer and would like to share this with the authors for any upcoming editions of this "Bible".

   Also, I would like to see a review of the Porte Boat mentioned with the tin and inflatable boats. I have used this boat in Baja, Northwest mountain lakes, Puget Sound and Southeast Alaska (both freshwater and saltwater shoals). Please contact me for futher comments.

   Again, many thanks for this guide. Incidentally, my success is from Punta Chivato to south of Loreto using Mulege as a base.




2. This book is hands down the best book on fishing and on Baja I have ever found, and I have looked long and hard. Color pictures would be nice for the 4th addition, but they are by no means necessary.



3. I bought this book hoping to get some insights for my up coming trip to the Cabo/Baja area. I was very disappointed. The book is FAR MORE a campers guide than a fishing guide. Inspite of being a 3rd edition the pictures look VERY OLD! And judging by the tackle, lures, boats and vehicles in the pics they all seem to have been taken in the 70's. As to fishing info, very general at best. Very little on specific tackle, riggings etc. And the "best times to fish" calendars conflict completely with just about all other guides (at least for the areas I was interested in). If you plan to trailer a camper or camp out it seems to have a lot of info on camp sites. But if you're looking for a Baja fishing guide, save your money.



4. The best, simply the BEST, most comprhensive guide to camping and fishing a place that I have EVER seen. I would never go down there without having read this book. The camping info is 100% accurate, and the fishing tips are not bad either. I have found exactly the species of fish in certain areas as indicated on their maps numerous times. The fishing calendars are not too bad, but I would not rely on them 100%- there is a lot we don't know about how the fishes of the Sea of Cortez move up and down the coast. As the authors state in their book, if you go where they say, do what they do, and fish with what they suggest, there is absolutely NO WAY you won't catch fish every day you are down there. This is an absolute must for people wanting to camp on the beach and fish near shore. If you are not into fishing, or prefer to fish offshore for billfish etc., then as the authors are quick to say, you are better off with a different product.

   This is truly the final word on Baja fishing from a small boat. Period. You are stupid if you go down there without having read this first. Period.




5. 2 buddies and I sailed from San Diego to Los Cabos and were given this book before we left. It was absolutely right on with just about everything and we were able to skip all the "trial and error" that comes with fishing. There is nothing like hooking into those stubborn Dorado or even cruising the bays and catching Bonito on steelhead tackle. This book was a lifesaver and if you plan to fish in Baja this will be worth its weight in gold. Don't forget the LONG needle nose pliers!

2 comments about Fly Fishing Southern Baja.

1. A Great Addition to your Baja Library. For the fly fishing angler, Baja Sur has always been a big mystery--too remote, too exotic, too many kinds of fish to try for, and not enough real information to tell you EXACTLY where to go and how to fish. Now, multiple IGFA recordholder--Gary Graham-- has solved that mystery with his expertly-written book. Gary Graham has been fishing Baja Sur for over 20 years. He's the owner of the Orvis Endorsed "Baja-On-The-Fly" a Fly Fishing Expedition Company operating in Baja. His new book tells you the best spots to cast a fly from Pacific mangroves of Baja's fabulous Mag Bay, all around the 'Los Cabos' southern tip, and on up into the Sea of Cortez as far as Santa Rosalia--the very richest saltwater fly fishing grounds in the entire world. Graham's NO NONSENSE GUIDE TO FLY FISHING SOUTHERN BAJA will show you exactly how to catch everything from roosterfish, ladyfish and jacks to offshore dorado, tuna and billfish--and dozens of species in between. Large scale maps put you directly on the best fishing beaches and specific recommendations on flies, rods, expected species and proven local techniques let you approach Baja's rich waters with confidence and finesse. NO NONSENSE GUIDE TO FLY FISHING SOUTHERN BAJA is about how and where to catch fish--plain and simple--and from a leading expert in the field. This book gives you good, solid information that works.



2. It tends to ignore important information (whats the best way to get a Mexican fishing license?)while going over info that should be a no brainer to the most novice of angler, (Sharpen your hooks? Tip your skipper?)
   Spanish fishing dictionary in the back is a nice touch. Location information is bare bones but adaquate. Maps are spare and the rest of the illustrations leave a lot to be desired. Particularly those of the fly patterns. All in all, it looks like something thrown together for a quick buck.

5 comments about River : One Man's Journey Down the Colorado, Source to Sea.

1. I did a whitewater rafting trip last year through Canyonlands NP and this book brought the wonderful memories of that trip - the beauty of the scenery and excitement of the rapids - back to me full force. I LOVED this book. Colin Fletcher's descriptions really bring you to the river and its surrounding beauty. I love how he describes everything, and how he goes off on tangents back to memories of his own life. This book is well worth the read!



2. This is a good book for those who are genuinely interested in a journey in the wilderness. This is not a book for those who look for thrilling adventures, or those "armchair travelers" who look for commercialized travel books (such as those by Bill Bryson). You can say that the book lacks drama, it is too "plain". To a certain extent I agree with that. As Fletcher says in his book (about the Colorado), it plays "themes and variations". The same can be said about this book, most of the time it flows slowly, but along the way there are reflections, thoughts, observations, etc. It is not as "exciting" as the commercialized writings of Bill Bryson and the like, but you can sense the honesty in Fletcher's writing, that is, he did not take the journey with the goal of writing a book about it, he genuinely wanted to take the journey just for the sake of it.

   This is not an Edward Abbey type of book either. Abbey's writing is definitely better. Comparing this book to "Desert Solitaire" is like comparing a amateur's snapshots to Ansel Adams' murals. But, like I said, if you are genuinely an ourdoor and wildness person, especially if you hiked or rafted in the canyon country, you will find much to enjoy in this book.




3. I have to agree with many previous reviewers. This book is slow. I imagine Mr. Fletcher would be very interesting to talk with, perhaps even to tour a river with. However, reading him, his introspective observations become arduous and strained. I put the book down years ago at page 249 and I can't convince myself to pick it up again.



4. Perhaps I expected too much. I love Colin Fletcher's other books, I think I have read all of them. But somehow he seems to have lost his beautiful and inspiring style of writing. He didn't seem as motivated as on other trips he has written about. Or perhaps it was just a dull trip. Anyway, I had a hard time staying awake. I would recommend his "The Thousand Mile Summer" or "The Man who Walked Through Time" if you want a treat from the late Mr. Fletcher.



5. i have read and enjoyed some of Fletcher's other works, and want very much to run the Colorado myself someday - so this seemed like a perfect read.
   
   alas. i found myself so infuriated with his inability to get over himself and his superiority complex that i had to stop reading the book. his refusal to acknowledge the humanity of, or attempt to understand, other human beings was extremely off-putting and really had no place in a book that i thought was about a fantastic adventure.
   
   i don't know when Mr. Fletcher soured on humanity, but he was obviously consumed with his disdain for the world when he wrote this book, and just couldn't keep it out of his writings. if you want an optimistic and truly ADVENTUROUS river-running account, read "Lost in Mongolia" by Colin Angus.

5 comments about Incidents of Travel in Central America, Chiapas, and Yucatan, Vol. 1 (Incidents of Travel in Central America, Chiapas & Yucatan).

1. This is a must read for any one with an interest in the ancient Mayan culture an ruin sites. the other reviewers have summed this book up great, but I just wanted to throw in my two cents.



2. This is a Must read for anyone with even a passing interest in the mayan culture. Still easy to read even though it was written over 150 years ago! Imagine you are one of the first explores to adventure into the the jungles of the Yucatan and vist the ancient cities hidden in the jungle. I wish I had read this book before My trip to the Yucatan, would have made my trip that much more enjoyable! The Catherwood engravings are spectacular!



3. I think this book is fascinating for two types of people:
   - Those who are interested in the history of Central America, who will see in Stephens a witness of time
   - Those very familiar with Central America's geography (specially Guatemala's), who will enjoy reading Stephens' descriptions of many places that (in their majority) still exist
   
   In 1839, at 34, John L. Stephens was appointed as "United States Minister" - a sort of US envoy - for Central America (which at the time was still one country). Stephens was a serial traveler: 5 years ago, he had visited Eastern Europe (Greece, Turkey, Russia and Poland) and the Middle East (Egypt and Syria), and had already published a couple of books about these trips.
   
   Stephens decided to combine his diplomatic duty with his interest in searching for Mayan ruins in the region. By October, he embarked with his friend Frederick Catherwood (another extensive traveller) in a trip that would take them to what was (already) a politically convulsed region.
   
   At the time, Central America was filled with political turmoil. The largest state of the country, Guatemala, had basically fallen in the hands of Rafael Carrera, a non-educated peasant. Carrera refused to recognize the authority of Francisco Morazán who, based in San Salvador, was at least in theory, the President of the Central American confederation. Rumours, political intrigues and suspicions abounded at the time.
   
   And so, in this setting, Stephens got into a boat, and after a few days in Belize, travelled (by boat again) to the Caribbean shore of Guatemala. He entered the country through Rio Dulce and touched land in a small village in the shores of the Izabal Lake.
   
   Starting there, Stephens made a trip, generally by mule's back, that took him to Zacapa, Chiquimula, Copan (in Honduras), Esquipulas, Guastatoya, Guatemala City (already established by then where it is now), Antigua Guatemala, Escuintla, Iztapa (in the Pacific shores) and Amatitlán. He later took a boat and went to El Salvador, and then to Costa Rica, where he disembarked and returned to Guatemala by land.
   
   Apparently, Stephens was one of the first "adventure tourists" of modern times. He ascended many volcanoes and spent a considerable time in Copan, cleaning up the forrest that was still covering the ruins and helping his friend Catherwood to draw reproductions of the ruins (these drawings are included in the book). In addition, and as part of his diplomatic duties, he met some of the leading political figures of the time, like Carrera himself.
   
   Stephens not only did all the above, but ended up writing a very nice and enjoyable book that describes very well what he saw and thought at the time.
   
   In short, this book is a rare jewel that allows the reader to better imagine how was life and nature in Central America in the middle of the XIX century.
   
   (Note: the review above is based on Volume I - a book that curiously did not exist in Amazon's inventory at the time of my reading in 2005. Being respectful of my own past review, I havent' changed it. The next paragraphs though, are 2007 additions in which I comment on Volume 2)
   
   If the reader enjoyed Vol 1, she/he will surely find Vol 2 a satisfying read. Vol 2 starts in Nicaragua, and continues in El Salvador, where Mr Stephens continues in his search of a Central American government. I will not delve into the details of all of Mr Stephens' adventures. Suffice it to say that he gets to meet the recently defeated Francisco Morazán, meets Rafael Carrera (again), travels through the Guatemalan western highlands, gets to know the story of the Los Altos state, crosses the border to Mexico, visits Palenque and Uxmal, finally returning to the US.
   
   Its particularly interesting to read Stephens' account of Carrera and his young government. The fact that Carrera was even known at the time as the King of the Indians is an interesting point to notice -any reader knowledgeable with Guatemala's history and societal dynamics could extrapolate this to many events of the past 50 years.
   
   Also interesting is Stephens' rebuttal of previous accounts regarding the difficulty of visiting ruins like the ones in Palenque. The more widely known stories at the time created the impression that visiting the ruins was full of dangers. Always the practical and matter-of-factly adventurer, Stephens bluntly says that they are (were) untrue, and that the greatest hardships he and Mr Catherwood endured were due to the unstable revolutionary state of the countries.
   
   If the reader is interested or has knowledge of archaeology, he/she must also know that Vol 2 has plenty detailed descriptions and diagrams prepared by Mr Catherwood (who in my opinion was a very gifted artist, being able to draw the intrincated details of many Mayan ruins).
   
   I strongly recommend Vol 2 to anyone interested in Central American history, archaeology, the mayans, or true old-fashioned adventure travel.



4. Havnt quite finished reading but this is an interesting journal of the events experienced, people encountered and travels of Mr. Stephens as he visits Central America.



5. I realize that not everyone shares my taste in literature, but if you are an armchair adventurer (or a real adventurer) with a refined sense of humor, I guarantee you will thoroughly enjoy this book, as well as Volume II. Many evenings, after a grueling day in the office, John L. Stephens transported me to another place and time with his excellent gift for writing, eye for detail and sense of humor that frequently had me waking my poor spouse with irrepressible laughter. As an author, explorer and humorist with the subtlest of wits, I place Stephens in the ranks with Mark Twain, and that is the ultimate compliment. Enjoy.

No comments about 50 Hikes in the Cape Region, Baja Sur.