1 comments about New Worlds to Conquer: America's Most Dashing 1920s Adventurer Explores South America (Adventure Travel Classics).

1. I am so thrilled to be reading these books again...'read them in my teenage years and have travelled ever since!
   Will look for other titles at Amazon!
   They are in excellent condition and I am a happy customer!

1 comments about Flor Garduno: Witnesses Of Time.

1. Flor Garduno is a mystical artist. She travels about the Americas pausing to observe and conserve rituals of the sacred and profane nature as embodied in the native peoples of Mexico,
   Guatemala, Peru, Bolivia, and Ecuador. At times her photographs may seem stark or frozen in time or posed to minimize interaction with the surrounding landscape/homescape, but this technique only adds to the mystical element Garduno celebrates.
   
   There is something timeless in these moments of ancient ritual, as though Garduno wants us to revere the passage of time as reliquaries for 'lost' civilizations. Yet her subjects and objects are extant: there is no gathering of elements from museums to authenticate these images. These are people and places that time passes by with respect and with reverence.
   
   Some of the beauty of this portfolio is Garduno's concentration on the landscape as an equally important component of her travels. She captures the land of these remote regions in a manner that regards its holiness, its sanctity, its durable presence despite the shift of the winds and the ravages of weather.
   
   This is a book for contemplation. The photographs are accompanied by an illuminating essay by none other than the brilliant Mexican novelist Carlos Fuentes. This is a book that is highly recommended for personal libraries as well as for deeply thoughtful gifts. Grady Harp, March 05

5 comments about Flying South: A Pilot's Inner Journey.

1. This book is not only extremely entertaining but also a great collection of beautiful color photographs of different spots "South of the border...WAY South."

   The author bears her soul for the reader in such a manner that you will feel you're sitting right next to her in the cockpit of her single-engine Cessna as she flies herself (as well as her husband and brother) to the adventure of a lifetime.

   Some will say she was a bad pilot. Who are we to judge? She was a brave soul and I am glad she had the courage to share her experience with the rest of us "safe" pilots.

   Barbara's book is an inspiring story of self-discovery. One that pilots and non-pilots alike will enjoy.




2. There are a lot of things wrong with this book, as noted by other reviewers, including:
   - An inexperienced private pilot repeatedly in over her head
   - No great insights into the places or people she visits
   - A level of jealousy for her famous husband
   And yet, I found myself truly drawn in to the story, due to the combination of adventure, beautiful images, and the author's relentless desire to prove herself. Knowing how she met her fate added a level of poignancy for me. I coudn't put it down.



3. This was a good, easy read. A little frustrating for this more experienced pilot, but for lesser-experienced pilots, and especially women pilots, you will really enjoy it.
   
   Keep in mind that this isn't just a normal hardcover book. It's printed on glossy 60-lb. paper and has dozens of incredible photos taken by her husband, renowned photographer Galen Rowell.



4. This book is illustrated by a collection of high-end aerial photography that makes it probably the most colorful travel/aviation nonfiction available. The text offers just a tad more of the author's private affairs (career, marriage) than you might expect (definitely too much for my taste: maybe I should have taken the subtitle - 'A Pilot's Inner Journey' - more seriously). That said, you get a fair overview of the challenges of a really long cross country flight as well as an explanation why you want to prepare well for your own flying adventure to South America.



5. This book revealed what Barbara was living, not editing out what was politically correct, not covering up the flying mistakes that would be embarrassing to most, not holding back on insights of strong dominate individuals in her life who can make decisions difficult in and out of the cockpit. In this book, Barbara was true to herself and her readers, in her decision-making, her skills and her growth as a person.
   
   As a pilot I learned from this book, good pilots are always learning, as a woman I learned from this book, trust your instincts and as a person I learned from this book, live your dream.
   
   Well written and difficult to put down.

2 comments about A Sacred Landscape: The Search for Ancient Peru.

1. Hugh Thomson's "A Sacred Landscape: The Search for Ancient Peru" is enjoyable reading from end to end of its 286 pages, which include nice maps and lots of photos. He has written in the first person, which adds to the pleasure of the read.
   
   The book is loaded with first-hand accounts of archaeological sites, along with personalized interviews and discussions with Andeanists, both scientific and adventurer types.
   
   We learned a lot about the recent re-discovery of Llactapata, the extraordinary archaeological site that lies 2.5 miles southwest of Machu Picchu proper. Thomson describes his work and the work of his colleagues at Llactapata in evocative detail; it makes you feel as if you were there swinging a machete. In particular, you get a good feel for explorer Gary Ziegler and Archaeo-astronomer Kim Malville, both of whom are from Colorado. Thomson also does a good job at describing earlier visits to Llactapata by Hiram Bingham, Johan Reinhard, and himself from over the last 100 years, and how these hurried visits had done little to really define the site.
   
   One reason why the book would be of special interest to archaeologists is that Thomson describes encounters with well-known Andean personalities and then goes on to give verbal sketches of their personalities and their strengths and weaknesses without pulling punches. You will find stories about Gordon McEwan, Jonathan Haas, Ruth Shady, Tom Zuidema, Gary Ziegler, Gary Urton, John Hemming, Richard Burger, Johan Reinhard, and many more. It is fun reading.
   
   One treat was Thomson's 10-page report on meeting with Gordon McEwan at Chokepukio that is just down valley a short distance from Cusco. The site is nicely described, but Thomson states it was a Wari site when it was actually pre-Wari, Wari, post-Wari, and then an Inca site. This problem, however, does not detract from his report.
   
   "A Sacred Landscape..." joins Thomson's earlier book, ":The White Rock", in setting a standard on how to write about Andean archaeology in a manner that sells books and provides a glimpse of ancient Peru for the armchair traveler, serious tourist, and for those with a scientific bent.



2. Hugh Thomson has continued his well researched and well written adventure into understanding ancient Peru which he began in his earlier work, the "The White Rock". The previous reviewer gives some specific examples of Mr. Thomson's research, so I will focus on why this book is rated 5 stars.
   
   Hugh Thomson has written a very high quality narrative and has woven archeological and historical research into his own search for understanding the Incas. I recommend this book for anyone who wants to better understand the history of the America's, the spiritual develop of ancient peoples and the tragedy of the Spanish Conquest. It is also excellent for anyone who wonders what it is like to journey in the Andes.

5 comments about Bring Your Own Children: South America! A Family Sabbatical Handbook.

1. Robin and her family exemplify how to abandon the deferred-life plan for a luxury lifestyle based on time and mobility. Serving as a perfect example of how families can travel together for an extended period of time, BYOC: South America! provides all the details that other families need to create their own sabbatical or mini-retirement. From detailed planning to on-the-road notes from her eight-year-old son, it's a complete and eye-opening roadmap for parents who want to escape the grind and give their children the best education of all: amazing experiences
   
   Tim Ferriss, author of The 4-Hour Workweek The 4-Hour Workweek: Escape 9-5, Live Anywhere, and Join the New Rich



2. What sets this book apart from the majority of other travel-literature is that the writer crossed a continent together with her husband and 8-year-old son. It is truly an eye-opener for anyone who believes the traveling life ends once you are married with children. There are no more excuses! So many people say that they wanted to go traveling in their youth but then came a job, a partner, a kid....Robin proves that there is nothing holding you back of living out your dreams. All it takes is a little bit of planning and off you go.



3. As a family just beginning the process of planning an extended trip abroad, we were both encouraged and reassured after reading this wonderful book. What sets this book apart from other family travel books is the practical information that is contained in each and every chapter. Checklists, contact information, and honesty in regards to each country visited make this a book we will reference frequently as our travel plans continue to form. On top of the practical information, their adventure is a joy to read! Thank you!!!!



4. I really enjoyed reading about Robin, Fran and Christopher's adventures. It gave me ideas about enjoying life with my own family even here at home. But also it reminded me that the world is out there waiting, and that kids deserve to explore it just as much as anyone else. The book is a great insight into how to help them do that.



5. We purchased this book because our family will be spending 7 weeks in Ecuador this summer. I was hesitant to travel with our children until I read this book. These parents are such inspirations! We are so excited to leave now! I couldn't put this book down because as I read I grew more an more excited for the upcoming trip. The family proves that you can travel with your children but you need to look at the trip from a child's persepctive. The author gives plenty of helpful tips on what to pack, where to stay, and what to visit. Although she gave plenty of tips, I wish she would have given even more. Her anectdotes and experiences were so fun to read, but several of them were a bit to long and detailed. Each chapter has a page written by her son-I found this interested and helpful to hear what he enjoyed and disliked. All in all, I recommend this book if you are planning or considering a trip to South America with your kids.

No comments about The Little Black Book of Washington, D.C.: The Essential Guide to America's Capital (Little Black Book Series).

No comments about A Brief and True Report of the New Found Land of Virginia (Rosenwald Collection Reprint Series).

5 comments about Hidden Tahiti and French Polynesia: Including Moorea, Bora Bora, and the Society, Austral, Gambier, Tuamotu, and Marquesas Islands (Hidden Travel).

1. As a two time, three island visitor to the islands of Tahiti, I did not find this book helpful because it lacks prices and it focuses on upscale lodging/food. On both trips, I've found David Stanley's TAHITI (by Moon Pub.) to be the BEST guide, providing you purchase the most recent edition, as Tahiti's hotels change with the seasons. David Stanley's guides are full of detailed maps, reviews of hikes, beaches, accomodations (from hostels to resorts), food... His advice has never steered us wrong! We owe some great travel experiences to his guide book; TAHITI by D. Stanley is the only one that you will need.



2. We bought 3 books and always seemed to rely on this one. Mr Kay gives great info on restaurants and hidden lodgings, which are the 2 most important topics for us. We actually stayed in one place that he labeled "hidden" and he was right! We could not find the entrance and when we did they were not open to the public, but they decided to let us stay and we were the only guests for a week. No other guide book listed this hidden lodging. Mr. Kay has a more personal approach and gives great descriptions, which the other guide books lack. And as far as not giving exact prices, it's useless to do so as these things change so much anyway. All you need to know is this: you stay in a big hotel where all the other tourists stay you will pay big money for not so much, if you venture out to where the real people live, you pay less and get better service, food, and memories.



3. I chose this book sight unseen because it included the Marquesas which weren't mentioned in the descriptions of most other guides. I cruised the islands on the Tahitian Princess. For each island stop this book was accurate. I followed several tips that maximized the onshore experience.
   
   Most of the islands in French Polynesia are not heavily developed or populated. If you are thinking about a land based vacation I recommend this book because the description of each island and its facilities should give you a feeling of whether you will enjoy your vacation.



4. My husband and I travelled to Moorea, Huahine, Raiatea and Bora Bora. This book was fantastic! I usually only use Lonely Planet tour books when we travel - but I have to say this book was 5 times better than the Lonely Planet Tahiti book! Every island we went to this book directed us to little travelled - non touristy places and we feel we really got to know the islands! I highly reccommend it!



5. Excellent book to have with you as you tour the islands of the South Seas.

5 comments about Discover! America's Great River Road : Galena, Illinois to St. Louis, Missouri (Discover! America's Great River Road).

1. Rolling on the River.......... In a few weeks, it'll be road-trip weather, and we have some of the nation's prettiest highways at our fingertips--US Hwy 61 and several other state and county highways form the parkway known as AMERICA's Great River Road. Making that drive even easier is a new guide: "DISCOVER! AMERICA'S GREAT RIVER ROAD, Volume 1." This 240-page guide highlights the heritage, natural history and recreational activities available along the Mississippi River from St. Paul, Mn., to Dubuque, Iowa. It includes maps, historical and geological points of interest, bike trails, bird watching spots and short features on small towns, parks, and villages. ----STAR TRIBUNE, Minneapolis, Mn. April 1997



2. Having traveled and lived in the areas described in Vol.3, The Lower Mississippi, from St. Louis, Missouri to Memphis, Tennessee, and descended from a family of river rats, I can say that I've "Been there, done that, got the T-shirt."

   Reading Pat's book is like traveling along with her as she explores the Great River Road along the mighty Mississippi River. I was especially impressed with the with the book's scope and readability. Pat has included personal insights from area inhabitants, collected geographical, historical and societal information and spread it all liberally throughout the travelogue. This is one hard book to put down, and if you ever decide to visit the area you'll have plenty of reference material to use. You will feel like you know the place already, and have gotten your own t-shirt.

   Jim Pankey USN (Ret.)




3. I recently purchased DISCOVER! Volume 3 and I want more! Please send Volumes 2 and 3!



4. I recently purchased DISCOVER! Volume 3 and I want more! Please send Volumes 2 and 3!



5. While planning for yet another summer of rides on the motorcycle,
   my wife and I had this book sent as part of our research.
   We were very disappointed, it has 5 stars. So what is the problem?
   For one thing it is not well written nor does it seem up to date.
   We travel a lot, all over the USA and the world.
   It is like asking about a good cafe, first you need to know the people who felt it was great. Do they know good food?

   We know well done books and this is not one. I move it to the waste fill.

No comments about Woodall's Eastern America Campground Directory, 2008 (Woodall's Eastern Campground Directory).