5 comments about Hiking New Mexico Gila Wilderness.

1. Just a note to any of you considering this book. I was browsing for new books about New Mexico when I came across this one and thought it would be a great reference for our guests- we live within 500 feet of the Gila on a working cattle and guest ranch- when I read the editorial review- 500,000 acres??? try 3 million! So while it might be a great book about the trails of the Gila the inital information is wrong in the review. There had to have been a lot of time and effort put into this book, so I hope the books authors catch the mistake.



2. This is almost a definitive guide to hiking in the Gila Wilderness. I used to hike trails in the Gila Wilderness, and I wish I had had this guidebook. It has all the important information you need, such as which trails are still in use, where the trail might fade away, where the reliable water is, and how long to plan your trip for each trail.

   It is chock full of useful information. For each hike, it gives an elevation diagram for the hike; detailed directions to the trail head; the best season to go; a table of how far key points are from the trail head; special hazards and considerations presented by the hike; the highlights of the hike expressed in a sentence; the difficulty of the hike; and the maps you will need. It also covers the facilities at the trail head, and gives options for side hikes. All this in addition to extremely detailed information about the hikes themselves, likely camping areas, reliable sources of water etc. And it does this for every significant trail in the Gila Wilderness! This is a significant improvement over Murray's book which gives sketchy information about fewer trails.

   The tables and diagrams in this book are a model of what good guide books should contain. For example, there is a map showing all the USGS quad map locations for the Wilderness, a Map showing all trail head locations schematically, a table that allows you to choose a hike based on what type of hike you want, a detailed table of contents, and a gear checklist. The only thing it doesn't have are GPS coordinates. Of course, it might not be enough to own just this book, if the trail is very lightly used...you should bring USGS topo maps and a compass at the very least. There is a also a Wilderness Map and Visitor Guide for the Wilderness which is worth purchasing.

   This book is obviously written after long and hard backpacking through the wilderness. The authors are extremely well-organized and systematic in the things they note, and in their presentation. Even so, after having been in this wilderness, I know there is much that is not in this book that is waiting for the reader to discover. The black and white pictures in the book can only convey a little of the flavor of the beauty that is there. You really have to experience this beauty for yourself. Armed with this book, I think you will be able to have a safer, and more enjoyable time while doing it.

   ...the Gila Forest (which is 3 million acres), [is] not ...the Gila Wilderness, [which is] a more protected area which is indeed 550,000 acres. A wilderness is a place where cars, and all forms of motorized transport cannot go. In contrast, cars can drive along forest roads. ...




3. We used this book while hiking the Gila Wilderness. We are experienced day hikers and have bought many Hiking Books and have taken many hikes. This is by far the worst book from an accuracy perspective. The number one attribute of a hiking book is accuracy. This book is not accurate. From now on I will check where the authors live. The authors were not from NM and have no business writing about the Gila Wilderness.



4. I haven't read the book yet. It's being ordered. But I wanted to comment on the review by the person who lives 500 feet from the Gila, but didn't take the time to read the book title. The book is about the WILDERNESS. The Gila Forest is 3 million acres. The WILDERNESS is just over 500,000 acres. I look forward to reading the book soon.



5. What I like about this series and this particular guide is the wealth of useful information provided. Each hike is described comprehensively and the descriptions are supplemented with maps, elevation profiles, and mileages to key points. Plus all the usual info is provided about water, seasons, maps, etc. This gives all the information required to make informed decisions when planning a trip. A minor but nice point: the maps all are oriented with north up. Too many guidebooks provide maps with multiple orientations which can be confusing for the unwary.

1 comments about MapEasy's Guidemap to Santa Fe, Albuquerque & Taos.

1. MapEasy's Guidemap to Santa Fe was publishd in 1997, which means it was worked up in 96. The streets may not have moved [with some notable exceptions], but a number of establishments located on the maps have closed, been re-named or changed. Were it up to date, I'd give it 4 stars.
   
   I enjoy MapEasy products as they help one locate sites in neighborhoods, not just addresses. It's fun to use these to plan out a daily excursion on foot, or help in chosing restaurants and hotels in specific areas because they include drawings and names of establishments at their exact mapped location.
   
   The Santa Fe map was great fun to carry around while looking for museums and attractions, and choice places to shop, eat and have a drink were clearly placed when I used it some 8 years ago, but on a recent trip, I had to put it aside as it caused confusion and disappointment based on it's obsolescence.
   
   I cannot recommend using this dated map until it's been revised and updated, which I hope will happen.
   
   A guide book from the series Access, Santa Fe, operates much the same, but with more information on destinations and attractions, similarly located on neighborhood maps . It too is outdated, being published in 1999, but a new edition is coming out November 30, 2006, according to it's listing here at Amazon. I recommend waiting for it.

1 comments about 49 Trout Streams of New Mexico.

1. This book is a very nice University Press book that conveys the essence of NM trout streams and its high quality trout fishing. Not a fish pic book, it emphasizes the experience of angling in beautiful places. Highly recommended.

5 comments about New Mexico Sunrise: A Place to Belong/Perfect Love/Tender Journeys/The Willing Heart (Inspirational Romance Collection).

1. I picked up New Mexico Sunrise and took a chance on an author I had not read before. The four seperate novels were page turners and I ended up reading a novel a day. I had to keep reading to see how it would all end. The first three stories are about characters that show up in each, but with a different lead character. The last story is totally unrelated to the other three and doesn't even take place in New Mexico. The characters are appealing, with the exception of Riley in the last story, just keep reading for some surprises in that one. The romances are each unique and pleasing to read.



2. Four stories in one book and all are good! The first three deal with the same general cast but each features a different family. The last story is detached from the first three and actually sounds like a different author or certainly a different slant.

   A Place to Belong features the life of Maggie, a wealthy young woman who refuses to be united with her estranged father. Only a threatened kidnapping changes her mind and subsequently her life. Perfect Love highlights the lives of Lillie and Dr. Daniel Monroe. Both have suffered horrible loss. Both are unbending when it comes to personal wants. The author does a fine job blending their complicated lives. Tender Journeys is Jenny's story. Actually, the reader may be a tad confused at the placement of this story in the book but finally one gets the connection. Jenny was orphaned by Apache Indians and hates them completely until she is forced to live with them. I was completely surprised in this one. Several excellent twists finally are evident even though the storyline moves somewhat slowly in places. The last story, The Willing Heart is the life of Zandy and Riley. He is the one character you can detest. Easily. Corrupt and wealthy from gambling and owning the whole town, he always gets what his money and power can buy. The one thing that is out of his reach is Zandy. Although she and her family suffer horribly for her moral standards, the outcome of the last book is definitely worth the whole thing.

   Book 2 is titled New Mexico Sunset which I have already purchased. Way to go Tracie, and thanks for some excellent Christian Fiction reading!




3. I really enjoyed learning about the characters in this book, the first 3 really blend together as you get to know them. The last book was even more exciting and I could hardly put it down, it stayed within my thoughts until I could finish it!! Cant wait to read the Sunset series.



4. In "A Place to Belong" Garret Lucas is sent by Maggie's father to bring her home, and he is determined to do so. But Maggie is just as determined to stay right where she is. Using every trick in the book she tries to escape Garrett, even going so far as running away from the train. Finally Garret tells Maggie the reason he was sent to bring her home, because she's to be married . . . to him. When they arrive at her father's home, Maggie's animosity toward her father worries Garret and so he leaves so that they can reconcile. Maggie, already in love with Garret, is devastated . . .
   
   In "Perfect Love" Lillie has recently lost her husband and her unborn baby. She decides to go and visit her friend Maggie Lucas and on the way she meets the insulting Dr. Daniel Monroe who keeps on her about her increasing weight. When she arrives at Maggie's she finds that her friend isn't there, but that another house guest has just arrived, Daniel. Maggie and Garret walk in to find Lillie chasing Daniel with a frying pan. It takes a lot for these two to see eye to eye . . . but they are both lost and searching for something to give them comfort.
   
   "Tender Journeys" goes back a few years to tell the story of Jenny. Jenny was left alone and taken in by a self-serving woman who uses Jenny like a slave. When a young pastor, David, takes an interest in Jenny, a romantic interest, the lady panics that she's going to lose her income . . . so she sells jenny to another man. Jenny hopes David will come in time . . .
   
   and in "The Willing Heart" a new man has come to save the town named Riley Dawson. Zandy is attracted to his good looks and him with hers. When he approaches her he makes an offer . . . one she could never accept. He warns her that her family will suffer if she refuses, but she could never do what he asks. Things go from bad to worse when she still won't do what he asks, so he involves the whole town. Then in a public meeting he tells all that it's all of Zandy's fault that these things are happening to them. Everyone presumes that she just won't marry him . . . and they all turn against her. . . she doesn't know how much longer she can keep this up. She starts to wonder where God is . . .
   
   This set of stories are excellent . . . I've read them many times over and I never seem to tire of them. Tracie Peterson has done it again.



5. A Place to Belong is the first section in this book of four novels. It is fabulous. The story is about a young girl who has one thing in common with her father, they both lost her mother and brother in childbirth. He left and the girl, Maggie, was raised by her paternal grandmother. Years go by with bitterness left unresolved until the father tries and tries again to win over the love of his missed daughter. Only on his deathbed does he start to get through to her with his dearest friend and basically adopted son, Garrett Lucas; and then Maggie begins to find love both in the eyes of her father, the arms of Garrett Lucas, and in the heart of God.
   
   Perfect Love is the second novel and the continuing story of A Place to Belong. Here Maggie's best friend from childhood Lillie is starting out her life of a perfect marriage, with a perfect husband, a perfect child in her womb, and just all around perfect love. Things begin to happen quickly, first Lille's husband becomes a Christian and she feels that she is losing him to a God that is not worth her money. Then she does lose her husband and her child. Lille thought she had it all and it is only when she is completely humbled and losing all material things, that she can see what she is missing. Here is where Dr. Monroe, a friend of Garrett's comes in... A widower of a wife lost in childbirth and an estranged Christian he understands Lillie's pain. It is by divine providence that they are both brought to the New Mexico ranch and both given second chances on life. Second chances through love, and forgiveness as each has their own struggles and burdens to pass. In this story, a reader is able to experience the necessity of actions that God allows so that his will maybe done. When you think you have something wonderful, it is hard to believe that sometimes God has something even better in mind for you, if you will just listen.
   
   Tender Journeys is both a prequel to both of the first two stories as well as a caught up sequel as of chapter 12. Here you learn the story of Jenny and her past where her family was viciously murdered and she was left to live with a despicable woman of greed. Also, is the story of David and how he came to the ministry and New Mexico. They meet and learn to love each other and then make a life. From one escape and then to heart break three times, to Jenny being kidnapped and David being set up for another heart break that could be his ultimate chance of healing... Both Jenny and David have to deal with the past and things that they thought they were past and had forgiven. How many times can something be taken from you before you break? Can you ever be truly whole? Things are all things that are explored in this tale.
   
   The Willing Heart completely tops all of the other stories in this set. Although, it has nothing to do with New Mexico as it is based in Colorado and Missouri. Here a woman, still a child as well as big sister, is set in a similar situation as the biblical Job. A man comes along appearing to all to be their hope and salvation, while only Alexandra knows the truth. The amazing power of God is fully shown in this story as Zandy can work through the evil skin of this man and find his innocence and help him find God. Tracie Peterson did an amazing job with this story making you really hate the evil and not the person. The empathy is amazing as you just strive to believe what is true, and what just cannot happen. This story was fabulous and so far my complete favorite. It was bold and daring, and quite enjoyable through the end.

2 comments about Albuquerque Then and Now (Then & Now Thunder Bay).

1. As anyone who reads her history columns in the Albuquerque Tribune knows, Mo Palmer knows Albuquerque's history. Now, here, at last, is a book she's written on the subject, a book that probably no one else anywhere was as qualified to write.
   In addition to being an area history columnist, Mo Palmer has been a photo archivist for the Museum of Albuquerque, and here, in "Albuquerque: Then and Now" she draws from all of her knowledge to create a truly valuable portrait of Albuquerque, then and now.
   Every one of this book's even-numbered page features an amazing old historic photo of a notable Albuquerque landmark, and every odd-numbered page features that same landmark (or whatever took its place) today. And all of the photos are captioned with interesting and concisely written information.
   Any Albuquerque area resident willing to pick up this book and take the time to flip through it will be sure to find the experience transformative and enlightening. It will amaze you just how much of Albquerque's architectural history has remained behind, and sadden you just how much some things have changed.
   Buy it, read it, keep it for yourself as reference and a reminder, or give it as a gift to friends in the Albuquerque area, or to friends who you want to have visit you here.



2. I love reading Albuquerque history from many different sources, and I love "then" and "now" photos, and I also love reading the books that Mo Palmer recommended to my son when she was his history teacher. Well this perfect storm of affections converged this past month when my son gave me Mo Palmer's "Albuquerque Then and Now" for Christmas. This is not just another collection of stories from Albuquerque's past. Many stories tend to get repeated from one book to the next - the story of the Alvarado hotel, the early tuberculosis clinics, the early schools and UNM's early days, the Sear's fire, and so on. When you read Miss Palmer's book it would appear that it did not occur to her that she needs to cover that territory for you. It is very fresh, most of the "then" photographs were new to me, and the commentary was very enlightening to me. Much of the discussion focuses on the early communities and what they were like. I hope she will publish again soon.

4 comments about Retirement New Mexico: A Complete Guide to Retiring in New Mexico.

1. While the book devoted a bit more space to the retirement home/assisted care scene than I needed for each locale, it helped me find a number of interesting towns which had not been 'on the radar' with other sources. A good companion volume to a more generalized book on New Mexico.



2. Concise and well-organized. This is a good reference for comparing the salient points of different parts of New Mexico. We are currently trying to decide whether northwest or southwest New Mexico will suit us better. The illustrations are breathtaking and the descriptions include practical details on healthcare and other services.



3. This is a solid review of retirement locations in New Mexico. The information presented is helpful and well organized.



4. The book was delivered timely. It covered the Roswell area very well. Unfortunately some of the stats were not current but then it is really not possible for a book of this type to keep that data up-to-date since it changes almost daily. Otherwise the review satisfied me,

3 comments about New Mexico's Sanctuaries, Retreats, and Sacred Places.

1. We all experience those dark nights of the soul. A sure cure is to follow author and photographer Christina Nealson on her pilgrimages to out of the way places in the state Georgia O'Keeffe called "the near faraway." As I accompanied Nealson on her spiritual journeys, I felt the strong, luminous presence of artists and writers like O'Keeffe and D.H. Lawrence. Nealson makes New Mexico seem "near" enough, but she never treats a sacred site in a way that robs it of its "faraway" feeling. She also shows a sure touch in her moving and respectful renderings of Hispanic religious and cultural practices. Well worth the trip!



2. This book made me want to get in my car and drive straight to New Mexico! Every page inspired me to visit yet another awesome, beautiful site. Not just the petroglyphs, but White Sands, and the Miraculous Tortilla Shrine! The descriptions of the sites and the fascinating historical tidbits kindled my desire to go New Mexico and see it all for myself. Not only am I motivated to travel to all these locations, I feel I'll approach them and even my home, with a renewed sense of reverence for the beauty all around me, after reading Nealson's inspired prose.



3. I think New Mexico was the greatest experience from the outside world that I have ever had. It certainly changed me forever...something stood still in my soul, and I started to attend. ~D.H. Lawrence
   
   Of all the places I've visited in America, New Mexico is where I felt closest to the earth. The heat radiating from the earth as you walk free and barefoot contrasts with a sudden hailstorm where you have to find shelter.
   
   Christina Nealson delves into this land of mystery and intrigues with her stories of places with great cultural significance. If you are a fan of D.H. Lawrence's writing, then you may want to visit the D.H. Lawrence Memorial in San Cristobal. Apparently Lawrence's ashes are in the walls of the shrine because his wife Frieda threw them into the concrete mix.
   
   Each listing has detailed information:
   
   Location
   Description
   Spiritual Significance
   Solitude Rating
   How to get there
   Accessibility from highway
   Facilities
   Fee Area
   
   There are 111 full-color photographs, 6 maps of New Mexico regions and color-coded tabs on the pages for easy reference. There is a list of Native American Feast Days and a Historical Time Line of New Mexico.
   
   Picturesque churches, mineral spring resorts, tree shrines, white deserts, petroglyph sites, snowy mountains and Navajo hogans make this land a choice location for spiritual renewal. If you are planning a trip to New Mexico, then this guide will give you ideas for day trips and places to stay. The solitude ratings are helpful if you are looking for quiet locations.
   
   Places I thought looked fascinating and a few quotes from this book:
   
   Monastery of Christ in the Desert: "How long has it been since you've heard live Gregorian Chant?
   
   White Sands National Monument, Alkali Flat Trail: "My brain said snow, snow, until I stepped from my air-conditioned car into the piercing heat and the immensity of a million great dunes."
   
   Casitas de Gila: "A short walk down the bluff puts you next to the stream, where a hammock invites you to dawdle."
   
   Of all the books I've read about traveling, this one makes me wish I was a travel writer, wandering through untamed lands. Christina Nealson's writing style is comforting and her knowledge of this area shows her love of travel and her deep appreciation for the need to find a sacred sanctuary where you can relax and heal.
   
   ~The Rebecca Review

5 comments about Lonely Planet Southwest: Arizona, New Mexico, Utah (Lonely Planet Southwest).

1. I have recently encountered poor Lonely Planet books, but this was not one of them. It is the good old LP at work.
   The coverage of Las Vegas, however, was extremely poor. I spent there 24 hours and this book didn't have enough info for even that short of a trip. The rest is great.
   The California LP had twice as much info on Las Vegas.



2. I purchased this book before a recent visit to Albuquerque, Santa Fe, and Taos. I lived in Albuquerque for 4 years about 6 years ago, but I hoped to find new insigts on places to eat, explore, etc. Basically the guidebook told me where not to go. It failed to mention some excellent restaurants in Albuquerque including The Dog House, Las Mananitas, Il Vicino, etc. In Santa Fe I attended a class at the Santa Fe School of Cooking which was a five star class - not mentioned in the guidebook. In Taos I visited a community of alternative homes constructed of tires and cement (earthships.com will explain more) - again not mentioned in the book. I did go to look at a ruin near Espanola that was recommended, but the reservation does not allow admittance.



3. This book was incredibly helpful to me. The maps are awesome. It's organized well. I hiked and did Route 66. The book was great for both. The table of contents is super accessible. Buy it and take it everywhere!



4. Living in Australia, planning a road trip around the Southwest is not an easy consideration. I received this book and suddenly the Southwest was withing smelling distance. The reading is easy and expressive. I have a clear idea of where I will go and what I will do. No matter if I were travelling with children or on my own, I'd be clear about what is available to me. This will be the trip of a lifetime and this sensational book is a catalyst for my planning. Fully enjoyable, this book allows the magic of anticipation to grab me and give me colourful dreams.



5. Does a very good job of covering a large area. This book exhibits the best of the Lonely Planet series: a combination of facts, interesting suggestions, opinion and background information. Good maps and graphics. I like that camping suggestions are included for many places.

1 comments about Insiders' Guide to Santa Fe, 4th (Insiders' Guide Series).

1. THE INSIDERS' GUIDE TO SANTA FE is a great book about Northern New Mexico. It describes different towns where you can relocate, explains the rules of the road and other essentials, points out where the best shopping and dining are, and tells you where places of worship may be found. Radio stations change formats like the weather, so information in this area that was correct when this book was written might now have to be taken like the humor in such movies/TV shows as FRIENDS, 13 GOING ON 30, DRIVE ME CRAZY, HARVARD MAN, WHAT I LIKE ABOUT YOU, HOW I MET YOUR MOTHER, THE SWEETEST THING, SIMPLY IRRESISTIBLE, AMERICAN WEDDING, THE SISTERHOOD OF THE TRAVELLING PANTS, MY BEST FRIEND'S WEDDING, and GARFIELD: A TALE OF TWO KITTIES, but this is a minor quibble, as the general quality of the book is superb.

2 comments about Mountain Biking Northern New Mexico: A Guide to Taos, Santa Fe, and Albuquerque Areas' Greatest Off- Road Bicycle Rides.

1. This book has some great rides with good descriptions and directions. It is lacking some critical closure information that a NEW guidebook should have. For example, the Otero Canyon ride has been closed, but this book does not mention any access issues at all. Some similar problems on other trails.



2. This is as good as a mtb guide gets. The focus is small enough that it can really cover the 3 areas thoroughly, the advise is good, the trail selection is good, and the maps are...standard Falconguide maps, which are OK. D'Antonio doesn't make the mistake of underrating the technical difficulty of his trails. Two caveats: he omits the wonderful Horse Thief trail in Taos--go to Gearing Up bike shop and they'll sell you a stunningly good map; and he tells you to ride the Chamisa Tr in Sante Fe backwards--take his advice and you'll do all the dirt uphill and all the pavement downhill.