2 comments about Roadtripping USA 2nd Edition: The Complete Coast-to-Coast Guide to America (Roadtripping USA).

1. If you want to make every mile count, take this guide on your next trip around the USA. It explores America's classic routes (Route 66, the Lewis and Clark Historic Trail) and off the freeway routes. Travel down these blue highways to find some things you won't find on speedy, but mind-numbing interstates.
   This book includes tips, maps, sights and leads you to great offbeat places to eat. Forget the fast food and find the real America with this heavy-duty guide.



2. Having travelled all over the USA by automobile, I was disappointed at the paucity of information and the highly selective coverage in this book. I had hoped to obtain an update, and more comprehensive coverage of all 50 states. I found it too selective with major ommissions by state (e.g. Kentucky has no entries at all) and smaller to mid-size communities such as Champaign, Illinois, or the beautiful Rock River valley of NW Illinois are conspicuous by their absence.
   
   Most disturbing is this. I live in the Greater Houston, TX, area, and read the authors' motel recommendation on US-59. Not only is that motel and immediate area known for being a place of constant drug raids, but also it is a major area of known street prostitution and that motel seems to house them. I hardly consider that "family friendly".

4 comments about Roadside Giants.

1. This book depicts examples of the various types of fiberglass statues they call 'giants' from coast to coast. Started originally as an ax-wielding Paul Bunyan, they became auto-related and usually held mufflers in their hands as they were in front of the businesses. The one pictured called Cowboy Sam, the big man in white because he also wears an enormous white cowboy hat, is thirty-foot-tall is in front of a restaurant. He was found at a Chicago restaurant show in 1962 and relocated to Pennsylvania, where the author lives. Originally, the Shoney's restaurants in this area had Big Boy statues out in front of their places, until people started carting them off. This cowboy has a black bow tie which makes him pretty classy.
   
   This phenomenon started back in the 1920s used them in place of big signs to look like the products they were selling. In Knoxville, there were (and still are a couple left standing) of the tall ice-cream cones in front of the Kay's Ice Cream Shops. Now, the specialty is to have air-filled floppy imitations to get the attention of the public.
   
   In the Introduction, they write that it is hard for the public, historians, and civic planners to view such attractions as historic; there is a building out on Clinton Highway built like a bi-plane and was originally a service station. A group raised funds to repair the dilapidated building and possibly transform it into a museum of some type. We also have two very large, black fiberglass cannons in front of our old courthouse. The World's Largest Teapot in West Virginia started out as a huge wooden barrel for Hire's Root Beer, but with the handle, top and spout, it magically turns into a teapot.
   
   As the authors continue to take their trips to keep track of the elusive giants, they conclude that many have been preserved and there are actually some new ones out there. They've taken many trips to photograph the most unusual. There is an strange one near Denver. This book spotlights their favorites of the larger-than-life spectacular attention-getters from travelers and gives directions for finding them. Mr. Butko has written some books about unique diners, and his other book, GREETINGS FROM THE LINCOLN HIGHWAY.



2. This book really captures all the great memories of going on vacation as a child. The Butko's do a wonderful job of finding all the great places, some off the beaten track and others not so off track, to help make memories for you and your children to take a driving vacation. The best memories seem to be the unplanned stops along the way. The authors make finding unusual spots a whole lot easier. The book is perfect to fit in the glove compartment to have handy no matter where your drive takes you. You are guaranteed to find a spot to stop somewhere along the way. By the authors taking all the guess work out of where to stop I think it will enable you to take in more roadside attractions and easier to plan the vacation. The pictures entice you to want to see all the attractions in person. This book definitely deserves a thumbs up! Great job!



3. Readers can discover the eccentric tendencies of American roadways in Roadside Giants co-authored by Brian and Sarah Butko. Roadside Giants is the fun travel guide to exploring the roadside intricacies and oddities of American culture, applying "an-easy-to use" map of America's giants with enhanced with full color pictures, aspect dimensions, address and location and a brief history for each of the dozens of featured places. Roadside Giants is very highly recommended, particularly to the parents of family looking for a fun and interesting travel idea.



4. Sarah and Brian Butko have another winner with Roadside Giants! Their joy of life comes through loud and clear here as they share with us the wonderful and wacky sights along the open road. Just like their fantastic 'Greetings from the Lincoln Highway' and 'Roadside Attractions', this book will have you packing your suitcases for a road trip, either real or armchair! Either way, you will enjoy this book!

5 comments about On the Water: Discovering America in a Row Boat.

1. Have you ever been driving across a bridge and looked up the river and wondered what it would be like to be on the river instead of the road? Well this book will give you a look into what it is like to be on that river. The author does an excellent job painting the picture of isolation and contact with the rest of the world. While the reader does get some feel for what it is like to row for mile after mile, the author does not push the physical requirements too far. The writer treats us with his various encounters with different people along his way while covering a wide range of personalities. If you have wanted to take that long walk (or boat ride) down the road (or river) then this book is for you.



2. At age ten Nathaniel Stone pictured the eastern United States as an island he could circumnavigate. The author fulfills his childhood vision and chronicles the adventure with boyish enthusiasm in his first book, "On The Water." His seventeen-foot scull departs at the Brooklyn Bridge; Stone states, "I was a late bloomer when it came to anything adventurous." We sympathize as he quickly learns to deal with buoys, massive barges and numerous other obstacles encountered on the ten-month journey via rivers, lakes and canals to the town of Eastport, Maine.
   
   Stone`s writing resonates the beauty of his surroundings; the writing engages the reader to the point of seemingly joining the author on the rowboat. Misadventures occur often along the way; the most notable is Stone being "THROWN OUT" of a small village on the Ohio River. The book reminds us how culturally diverse this country is - a glimpse into the towns that lie near the waterways.
   
   Stone's innate desire to circle the eastern United States is a testament to follow one's dreams - a unique travelogue not in a rush to reach its destination. Several black-and-white sketches by Elizabeth Stone and a map inside the covers is a nice visual touch.
   
   Rowing backwards six thousand miles affords him long periods of solitude within nature. Stone appreciates these solitary moments in the vein of Henry David Thoreau, the naturalist writer and author of "Walden Pond." "I sit up for another stroke, now looking down as the blades ignite swirling pairs of white constellations of phosphorescent plankton . . . `Remember this,' I think to myself."
   
   Bohdan Kot



3. I was drawn to this book as I am a rower.
   
   I found this book difficult to put down, as I always wanted to find out what was around the next bend in the river, as it were.
   
   I highly recommend this novel.



4. This is the story of a guy who pushed right through all the crap in his dreary schoolteacher's life to do something REALLY HARD, something that no one in his right mind would do, and something that would not pay him a nickel for two years of brutal physical work unless his book sold (which believe me is a really unlikely prospect.) Why he did it, I can't explain. But he did, and then he wrote this wonderful, fun book about it, which I found quite thrilling and inspiring. It's the sort of thing I would like to do, but never will because I am too used to the soft, easy way. I suspect I am not alone in that.
   
   Stone travelled from New York City across northern rivers leading generally to the Mississippi, and with the exception of one short portage he did the whole trip to the big river by rowing a scull. Then he waited out the winter back home up north and started again in the spring. On the return he rowed out of the lake and into the Gulf, then south to the Keys and north again up the entire east coast of the United States. I found his account as compelling as any travelogue not written by Bill Bryson and enjoyed every word.



5. A fine read. Because it is episodic it's ideal for picking up when you have an hour and for bedtime reading. It's as close as I want to get to rowing that far, but it let me do it with him without shouldering the chore. He meets many river characters who take him in, share river lore and grub along the way. He's literate while down to earth with his language and insights. Recommended for both the outdoorsman/woman and armchair adventurers.

5 comments about Photographer's Guide to the Grand Canyon and Northern Arizona.

1. This book is a very good overview to the best scenic sights in Northern Arizona. It is a good travel guide as well as being a photographer's guide. I lived in Flagstaff for two years and still learned a lot about scenic sights that I missed from this book. Pick a few places and use the guide to help explore Northern Arizona, one of the most picturesque locations in the world



2. I believe that this book is essential for amateur and professional photographers who are visiting the Grand Canyon for the first time. This book includes all of the details that you need to guide you through a positive experience, shooting all parts of the canyon. I just returned from there and I sure am glad that I read the book first and also took it along on the trip for reference. Well worth the money.



3. This is a wonderful book, full of Joseph Lange's beautiful photography and tips. Others have covered that, so I will just add my two cents regarding the "Northern Arizona" bit.
   
   I purchased this book before going to Sedona, since Sedona was listed as a part of the area covered. Indeed, Sedona is covered, but the information takes up just about a page. Add the lovely photo, and I received two pages worth of information, when I was hoping for just a bit more...



4. This is a must have book if planning a phot trip or any trip to this area. Viewing locations are well described and the directions to them are great. The equipment suggestions, though aimed at film cameras is very helpful to all photographers. I wish there was more about the Flagstaff/Sedona area, an area that should not be overlooked for photo opportunities. The photos in this book are fabulous and provide the everyday photo enthusist with some great ideas.



5. I don't see what the other reviewers found so helpful about this book. It contains technically poor, uninspiring photographs and advice that is readily available on the web.
   
   One thing every old-school photographer knows is that, when you use filters, especially color-enhancing filters, you must do so sparingly, or else your work becomes predictable and boring. This author uses enhancing filters on EVERY SINGLE PICTURE! Every shot has an unnatural reddish-orange tint. Now, I'll admit I use a polarizer on most outdoor work, but enhancing filters should only be used when the subject needs that extra saturation to look right. The terrain of the Grand Canyon is red enough, and doesn't need that weird orange glow each of the pictures in this book has due to the constant use of enhancing filters.
   
   If that were the only problem, I'd say that the author is just lacking in creativity. But it's not. He also seems to have a penchant for taking photos in light that creates contrast far exceeding the dynamic range of his film, leaving the highlights well exposed, but the shadows dark and nearly featureless. Waiting for the right light is part of being a pro, and settling for shots with large areas of blocked-up shadows is not. He shoots alot on clear days, which doesn't provide the diffusion of sunlight that partly cloudy days can. Just look at the cover photo and you'll see. Most shots in the book are just like the cover.
   
   To be honest, I haven't read all of the text in this book, and I don't plan on doing so. Taking photographic advice from someone who doesn't take good photographs just doesn't make sense. I'd stay away from this book and find something else.

5 comments about Lost in My Own Backyard: A Walk in Yellowstone National Park (Crown Journeys).

1. Lost in My Own Backyard enhanced my brief stay in Yellowstone. It informed without being heavy-handed and gave me an idea of some of the areas within the park that I know I'll never get to. The realities are expressed with humor, ("Whenever a creature makes an appearance near the road...there will be a traffic jam of hopeless proportions"). Cahill points out some of the sites that are off the beaten track, such as the petrified tree, that can be fun to see. His description of the Artist's Paintpots, however, failed to inspire in real life.
   Lost in My Own Backyard doesn't pretend to be a guidebook. It's rather like sitting down with a whimsical uncle and looking at his photo album of Yellowstone National Park.



2. Cahill's "Lost in My Own Backyard" is a different kind of book: rather than commenting on the sights and smells, the first short essay, entitled "Mount Washburn," describes current theories of the historical development of Yellowstone in terms of a catastrophic volcanic eruption, and observes "we're all just potential puffs of steam anyway, and the earth is might beyond our imagining." The book as a whole most closely resembles a cross between a travel narrative and a guidebook. Though it contains elements of the common guidebook (such as describing specific trails and hikes), the perspective is most often completely different from a standard trail guide. In fact, Cahill includes an appendix of excellent books on Yellowstone (include trail guides) that he considers essential for enjoying the park. I agree; they would be an indispensible addition to Cahill's book for anyone looking to explore the backcountry of the park.
   The first half of the book - nine short essays - discuss short to moderate hikes in Yellowstone National Park with a twist: rather than the usual discussion of trail markers, precise distances, and the names of various peaks and viewpoints, Cahill focuses on the geological, thermal and ecological wonder of Yellowstone. His writing is a wonderful blend of humor, meditation on the natural beauties of the park, and half tongue-in-cheek yet deadly serious warnings about the dangers of the park and its wildlife.
   The final three essays of the book are longer and discuss backcountry journeys Cahill and some of his neighbors have taken through Yellowstone. These more closely resemble common travel narratives, though they still maintain their guidebook-like feeling at some points.
   This book is clearly a winner. Though Cahill frequently protests (in the words of Ferdinand Hayden) that "No language can do justice to the wonderful grandeur and beauty" of Yellowstone, his writing manages to capture something of the spirit of the natural wonders of the park, as well as the adventure of backcountry exploration. His writing is crisp, clear, and not particularly long-winded, which makes it a joyful relaxing read. Be warned: Lost in My Own Backyard may inspire you to go and get lost in America's backyard as well.



3. Moments after opening the cover, readers are pulled from mundane lives across the globe and transported to one of this world's most fantastic hotspots: Yellowstone National Park. Who better than Tim Cahill to serve as guide and hiking partner?
   
   From a bizarre winking spire in the Hoodoos to falling asleep at a grizzly picnic, Tim never fails to weave a wonderful tale. Included in a selected bookshelf appendix, a list of Yellowstone books of every stripe and shade will enlighten the curious and transform the uninitiated. While you may be disappointed that this book is so quickly over, you won't be let down by its quality.
   
   In defense of Mr. Cahill less than lengthy book, this Crown Journeys offering is just one of an entire series of walking books, all of them brief. I doubt Tim had the option to plow beyond a contracted word count. That's fine with me. If he had given us the natural history of every flower on Mount Washburn, or any other feature in the park, this diminutive read could have easily mutated from a collection of cool essays into a two score set of encyclopedia.
   
   Take it from a guy who has worked in park. This book is a great, albeit brief, introduction to Yellowstone.



4. This book is a series of essays prompted by walking trails in Yellowstone. Thus, the subtitle is a misnomer - - this book discusses a bunch of walks, not just one. The title is a misnomer, too, as he's never "lost" in a real sense. But this book does involve some "getting lost" in a metaphorical sense. Cahill also wanders off topic a lot, usually in a pleasant way, which is a more literary way to "get lost."
   
   Cahill writes each essay after hiking a trail. Each is idiosyncratic - - sometimes he talks about people he meets, sometimes wildlife or other sights, and sometimes general issues about Yellowstone. For example, a day hike on Mount Washburn sparks a geology lesson about the park. It also leads to musings about how Cahill's younger self was much too cool to go to any of the obvious tourist attractions in the park, including the trail up Mount Washburn.
   
   He wanders "off topic" in such fashion a lot. For example, his essay on the Norris Geyser Basin was originally prompted by a hike to the basin but ends up discussing the joys of driving the Grand Loop Road. (Talking about driving a road is a bit out of place in a series of books about walking, but there it is.) Other essays concern the history of the park, the geology of geysers, the role of fire in the ecosystem, wheelchair-accessible backcountry campsites, and brief discussions of wildlife from squirrels to wolves.
   
   He also writes about three extended trips in the backcountry. These are closer to trip reports, and describe more of what he and his companions do on these hikes. You don't learn that much about the trails, but you already knew that you should buy a hiking guidebook for that. He does give some Pretty Big Clues about an unnamed waterfall that you could "discover" if you want to. Oh, it's about 30 miles from the trailhead, which might be an obstacle.
   
   The essays are pleasant diversions but none of them really have a big idea or compelling point. The book is also quite short, and could be devoured in an hour or two on the beach - - or, more appropriately, after dinner while visiting Yellowstone. Cahill's a talented writer, so I enjoyed the read but was still hungry after the meal.



5. I have been to Yellowstone. I have used numerous hiking guides. I have even, in my fascination, read some books on the history and geology of the park.
   
   Having used the Lonely Planet Yellowstone as a primary guide for an overview, I was pleased to find that the man--Tim Cahill--who had written the delightful introduction to that book has written a small book of his own on some of his adventures in the park. More than just stories, this book is a resource on multiple levels.
   
   This coming year, I hope to be taking a BUNCH of people with me on a road trip to our nation's great "backyard." When I think about trying to get people fired up for such an adventure, the stories and enthusiasm of this book help me to get a little more enthusiasm. It further helps me to know where to begin to describe the awesome VASTNESS of wonder to be found in Yellowstome.
   
   More than that, this book, with its list of further Yellowstone resources in the back, is a gold mine for those looking for Yellowstone resources. When Christmas rolls around, I will be sorely tempted to give this book as a gift to many who are thinking of going on the trip next year.
   
   Until then, you should check this book out. And more than that, you should REALLY check Yellowstone out. Theres is no place like it on earth!

5 comments about Secrets of Disney's Glorious Gardens.

1. This is quite a nice book to have, but it's not a must-have unless you are fond on gardening and/or would love to have or have a garden. Pics are very nice, but if you're looking for new pictures with unusual points of view, you may find yourself a little disappointed.



2. As a Disney-holic I can never get enough information on DisneyWorld. This book is beautifully laid out with awesome pictures and great information, even for someone like me who "kills" silk! Great book!



3. But, I wanted to know more about specifics that take place in the Disney's horticultural arena. Also, why talk about the oldest specimen on property (a yucca in the Mexico pavilion over 250 years old) and then not have a photograph. I am a serious gardener and an avid Disney fan. As an annual passholder I travel down to Walt Disney World 4-6 times a year. As much for their gardens as anything else. I was really hoping for more in depth knowledge of horticulture at Disney. A lot of information in the book is very basic. If you love Disney and love plants then I would still recommend this book for your collection. Just be prepared that you are not going to receive the "inside look" that I anticipated.



4. I have thoroughly the book Secrets of Disney's Glorious Gardens. The pictures are gorgeous and the text is very informative. It is a great book.



5. I thought I'd be getting some wonderful back-lot adventure and instead it's just a bunch of nice pictures and garden tips. Why is there DIY project instructions for building a garden arbor? I can get that from the magazine rack at Home Depot. Why is there a topic on the temperature zones of the United States? I bought this book because I was interested in Disney, not my backyard. There are a few good tidbits of what goes on behind the scenes but nowhere near what I was hoping for.

4 comments about Scenic Driving Virginia.

1. The book has many beautiful photos & maps, and contains an abundance of historical, statistical and general information increasing its overall value. As a new resident of Virginia and one who loves to explore I strongly suggest this book because the directions are very easy to follow, it is packed full of very helpful and insightful information and it contains a large variety of places to visit and activities to do.



2. Bruce Sloane has produced a handy, detailed, and helpful guidebook that should be in the glovebox of every Virginia motorist who likes to explore the beauty and history of this state. The directions are clear, the research is solid, and the choices of itineraries are interesting and imaginative. This is a perfect book for weekend meandering and sightseeing in one of the most scenic and historically rich states of the USA. As a bookseller (I have a bookshop in rural Virginia) I know that this book sells itself when customers look it over. Since it was published in August, it has quickly become a best seller in our shop. If you live in Virginia, or plan to visit there, Don't Leave Home Without It.



3. I live in New Zealand and was going to be visiting Virginia in October. I ordered this book through Amazon and it arrived in NZ long before I left for my trip to the USA. I found the book very useful to sort out the places I would like to go to, how to get there and the sort of things I was likely to see while I was there. The reason I have only given 4 stars, is that the back cover states that there is an 8 page colour section of pictures in the book, and my book had none. I was very disappointed as they would have been a lovely record of my holiday.



4. On the front of this book it clearly states 'With Color Photographs by Jeff Greenburg'. Don't be misled. ALL the photos in the book are black and white and of poor quality.
   Very disappointed.

1 comments about Moon Northern California Cabins and Cottages: Great Lodgings with Easy Access to Outdoor Recreation (Moon Outdoors).

1. I have never received this book so I am unable to give an honest review!

5 comments about Hawaii: The Big Island (Regional Guide).

1. whatever you do, don't substitute the Hawaii Revealed guide for this book. Lonely Planet Hawaii has everything in it. It contains no fluffy puff stuff or downer opinions. Our copy is worn from four weeks on the road and although pretty beat up, we deem it gospel. Traditionally the Lonely Planets are written by real travelers who are objective and write really well. They have no bones to pick. This is no exception.



2. I've been a frequent visitor to the Big Island and plan on moving there soon. The 'Lonely Planet Big Island' and 'Hawaii the Big Island Revealed' are your two must have guides to the Big Island.



3. The book is great, has a lot of information about the Big Island, but that is it's shortcoming. Knowing that most trips to Hawaii are those to more than one island, the Lonely Planet book about the whole state would probably be more appropriate.



4. A sturdy, rugged, and highly portable travel guide, Hawai'i: The Big Island is co-authored by Hawaiian travel experts Luci Yamamoto & Alan Tarbell to provide visitors with everything they need to know about Hawaii, the single biggest island of the Hawaiian chain. More than fifty detailed black-and-white maps and a handful of full- color illustrations reveal the best places to catch a traditional luau and kalua feasts, hiking hotspots, outdoor activity recommendations, flora and fauna information, the best places to stay, and much more. Hawaiian-born specialists guide the reader through the Hawaii that Big Islanders themselves know best, in this conveniently sized and information-packed "must-have" travel guide.



5. A sturdy, rugged, and highly portable travel guide, Hawai'i: The Big Island is co-authored by Hawaiian travel experts Luci Yamamoto & Alan Tarbell to provide visitors with everything they need to know about Hawaii, the single biggest island of the Hawaiian chain. More than fifty detailed black-and-white maps and a handful of full- color illustrations reveal the best places to catch a traditional luau and kalua feasts, hiking hotspots, outdoor activity recommendations, flora and fauna information, the best places to stay, and much more. Hawaiian-born specialists guide the reader through the Hawaii that Big Islanders themselves know best, in this conveniently sized and information-packed "must-have" travel guide.

3 comments about Map and Guide to Yosemite Valley.

1. It gives you an up close view of Yosemite Valley mapped. No more squinting and turning your Yosemite park map every which way just to get a bird's eye view of the valley trails. Major trails are listed along with their milage. It even gives an adequate view of how the trails bend and curve, so you have a rough idea what to expect while out on your valley hikes. Included in the map is historical captions about some of the landmarks along with blk/wht and color photo snippets. There is even a basic park phone directory and a time line of historical events. This is a great magnified map made from a thick durable paper and easy to handle because of its smaller size, NO map folding FUSS! That's an A+ in itself. Just an overall great map to take along on your hikes.



2. This large-scale, easy-to-read map of Yosemite Valley and surrounding areas is a must-have for anyone visiting Yosemite National Park, especially if you are a hiker. Instead of a straight down view, as is done in most maps, you see the valley from an oblique perspective, from south of the valley, with the mountains shown as they would look in 3-Dimensions - a very pleasing effect. All trails are shown, of course, but also bicycle paths, shuttle bus stops, campgrounds, picnic areas, restrooms, parking areas, etc.

   But this is only the beginning! Each trail also has its own description, including approximate time to complete, distance, elevation gain, and trailhead location. Another really nice feature is that many "Vista Points" are included, which are shown on the map, including which direction to look, and are described in their own section, complete with a color photo. Several other parts of the park are also descibed, with photos. There are also detailed write-ups concerning Yosemite's history and geology, plus info on tourist facilities at Yosemite Village. And last, but not least, lots of Natural History information, including photos and drawings to aid in identification of mammals, birds, wildflowers and trees found in the area.

   Writing as one who has been a cartographer for more than twenty years, and also as an avid hiker, I wish that I had the opportunity to produce something like this myself!




3. If you want a great bird's eye view of Yosemite Valley to orient yourself to the location or if you plan to hike around the Valley -- you want this map. It's plain, simple, to the point and gives you an up front idea of what the terrain is like in an oblique topographic view -- almost three-demensional.
   
   The other side of the map is filled with information about hikes and scenic wonders of Yosemite Valley. I'm sure Ansel Adams would have approved of this one for getting around the place! Fabulous supplement to the NPS guide.
   
   And if you want a broader view of Yosemite NP, National Geographic has a fabilous fold out map.