3 comments about Desolation Wilderness and the South Lake Tahoe Basin.

1. This is the best book to get for hiking around Lake Tahoe - it is written clearly with step by step descriptions of each hike, the flora and fauna of the area and the difficulty level for each hike. Definitely a must when visiting the Tahoe basin area.



2. This book is so accurate and descriptive it made hiking the Tahoe Desolation Wilderness a pleasure. The authors describe the trails in detail, steep, vertical, not for beginners etc. The map included in the back is an assest, the detailed book a must for anyone heading into the wilderness of Tahoe.



3. This is a nice book with a serious flaw. To understand this flaw, think about why one might buy a hiking book. Reason 1: to find out what trails exist in a given region, and how to find those trails (ie, the directions to the trailhead for each trail). Reason 2: to get detailed information about specific trails.
   
   For me, the most important information about a specific trail is the distance in miles to one or more points on the trail and the elevations at various points along the trail. If we are deciding which trail to walk, we need to know how difficult the trail is. Difficulty is a function of BOTH distance and elevation change.
   
   Remarkably, this book provides no information about elevations at any point on any trail described, not even the elevation at the trailhead or at the furthest destination reached on the trail. This is unusual among hiking books, and it is a SERIOUS OMISSION.
   
   The book includes small reproductions of portions of topographic maps at the back, but the elevation numbers on the maps are rare (mainly summits) and it would take a long time to decipher the contours for each trail. I pay money for a book assuming someone has already done that for me, and summarized the information in the description of each trail.
   
   Why not follow the example of the Yosemite National Park Service and other hiking books, and include a "trail profile" image for each hike? This image shows distance on the horizontal axis and elevation on the vertical axis, with text labels to indicate specific landmarks or trail junctions along the way. If there are side trails or alternate routes, choose one route for the main profile and add separate profiles below that for the segments of the trail that differ. Or at least state the elevations for the final destination of each side trail.
   
   Aside from this serious flaw, it seems like a good book. The trail descriptions appear to be clear, and the organization and layout are good. The photographs of lakes set in granite bowls are superb.

5 comments about Cowgirls: Commemorating the Women of the West.

1. I'm not a big fan of coffee-table books, but Stoecklein's photographs here are simply delightful. This compilation is a fine tribute to the mythos of the cowgirl: earthy and erotic, rugged and romantic, sexy and, above all, beautiful. The stuff, as Shakespeare would say, that dreams are made of.



2. I have to give this guy props on his photography. Most of the images were with 35mm slide film and the quality of photographs he took are really outstanding. The photographs are technically about perfect and the women are also gorgeous. They're a different kind of sensuous photographs that you don't see very often. Just a really awesome picture portfolio!



3. Hoping to experience cowgirls the way I'd experienced cowboys in Stoecklein's other books, I eagerly purchased this title. Unfortunately, though the photographs are excellently taken (like all of the author's works), it left much to be desired for me. Most of the women portrayed could be any random model who decided to deck out in chaps and cowboy boots, and really, how many times do we have to snap a shot of the back pockets of the cowgirl's jeans? The poses don't seem natural to me and the women are made up way too much for my tastes. Apparently photo shoot day was announced ahead of time to these girls. There are a few exceptions. One gal in Montana does indeed look like she just came in from rounding up the cattle and the action photos of a bronc rider are amazing, but these are few and far between. I was looking for a book that showed the real nitty gritty of women in ranching and rodeo. If you're looking for something like that try "Cowgirls - Women of the American West" by Teresa Jordan, or "Cowgirls - Contemporary Portraits of the American West" by Ronny Farley.



4. Being raised on a ranch in Nevada, and being a "cowgirl" myself, I can tell you that this book represents the TRUE cowgirl better than anything I have ever seen. Mr. Stoecklein has an eye for beauty, and he knows what true ranch life is like, and he has combined the two perfectly. These women are true blue ranch women, not models who are made to look like ranch women. I know this for a fact as I have competed against several of them and am familiar with the ranches in the book. If you want a look at beautiful women who are genuine Cowgirls, this is the book for you. Thank you Mr. Stoecklein, for showing the rest of the world the REAL cowgirls of the west. Great job!!



5. I purchased this book after looking at it in a bookstore. The authors' photpgraphy is amazing. Now I want all of his books! This book makes me want to be a cowgirl when I grow up (I'm 42). I have to say that I don't agree with one of the other reviewers' comments, in that who WOULDN'T get gussied up if they knew they were going to be photographed? I really don't think there is a way to get permission from the subjects ahead of time and have no way of tipping them off. Sure, I really don't think they all wear satin western shirts everyday out on the range to work. But why not have some fun? The book covers it all, the dirt, the glamour, the muck, the glory and the beauty of being a strong, hardworking female. Women are strong, but they can be feminine while being so. I LOVE THE BOOK. There is something in there for everyone. KUDOS to David Stoecklein, and please keep the great stuff coming!

5 comments about Riding with the Blue Moth.

1. I've been reading this book at night for a week now. I shed tears nearly every night, and find myself at the bedside of one or both of my kids thanking God for the privilege I have of being their Dad. This book has almost become a devotional for me. The depth of the writing is stunning.... My prayers are with you Bill and Nicki. Thank you for letting us glimpse enough of your pain so that we can better treasure all that it means to Live.



2. I felt like I was along for the ride with Bill Hancock in "Riding With the Blue Moth", experiencing the emotional highs and lows, chuckling at the amusing experiences he had along the way, and shedding more than a few tears. Nothing strikes fear into the heart of a parent more than the prospect of losing a child. The Hancocks experienced every parent's nightmare and the healing of the cross-country bicycle ride was great both for the reader and, I suspect, for the author as well. I highly recommend this book to anyone, but especially to anyone who has lost an offspring or is close to someone who has.



3. Ooops; that is the title of another book out there; but it's still true and I think this is a fairly good book to accompany the book by Lance Armstrong which details Lance's fight with cancer. Both of these fellows having to deal with tragic situations.
   
   The author goes through my home town; so I was fairly bent on not giving him 5 stars just because he did that in his journey from the Pacific Ocean to the Atlantic; but I am a cyclist; and I came to think after reading it, this is rather darn good; although, just like some characters that Bill describes, I've gone through some hardship, to the point that it was not easy to concentrate and read this; but I did.
   
   March Madness; the NCAA tournament also, is underway as I write this for the year 2007; you know, it is in a tiny bit of a way a basketball book, seeing how Hancock is involved and connected with the NCAA; and it's things like that, that make this a good book to read. Now, I say this, because I believe the basketball fan could well find this entertaining too; but of course, not a basketball book like say, for example; the book "Pistol" that is currently in the stores.
   
   But I'll keep this short and to the point; I like Dean Karnazes book, The UltraMarathon Man; but I read that and think, I wish Dean gave out more info on his running, diet, etc.
   
   Bill Hancock for some reason, gives a lot of detail, the basic facts of his road trip on a daily basis; I mean saying part of his diet was on any given day, "17 Fritos or 12 Cheezits, 2 gallons of water and a gallon of gatorade" is detail I've never seen anyone relate about before; some of the chapters even has a bit of a question and answer session via email where Bill is asked questions and he gives back answers about his trip. So, it definitely has a real diary quality about it and it is the attention to detail that makes me give it the high ranking; cycling detail but of course the book is much more.
   
   A solid enough book, I like his descriptions of many geographic locales; such as Yarnell hill; I had to look up that mountain on the internet I was so curious; or the Wichita Mountains of Oklahoma.
   
   Glad to see the positive reviews for this book; but most of them are rather short to gather people's impressions. I decided to make mine a bit longer. A fine contribution to cycling literature.



4. I originally bought this book for friends who lost their 16 year old son in an accident. This last year I bought it for myself and read it. If you have recently suffered the loss of a loved one it is very difficult to get through the first chapter where the author details the loss of his son and the immediate reactions of the family and friends. After the first chapter the book moves into the difficult ups and downs of getting on with every day life with while being gripped by overwhelming grief. There are so many places in this book where the author is able to put incredible perspective on what most people would consider ordinary events. Whether you've suffered the loss of a loved one or not, you will read this book and look at people and things differently than you did before. I hope that I am a better friend to people who suffered a loss because of the understanding this book gives the reader. I found myself disappointed as I was nearing the end, because the book was so well written that I wanted to keep on going with Bill Hancock beyond his cross country bike ride. I "googled" the author and contacted him by e-mail to tell him why I had bought 2 copies of the book and how much it meant to me after reading it. He responded the next day with a very thoughtful e-mail. I highly recommend reading Riding With the Blue Moth by Bill Hancock.



5. This is one of the most inspirational books I have ever read--in part b/c it was not written to be that. Bill Hancock's message is so simple...appreciate life. Appreciate the good times because they are good. Appreciate the bad times, because they alone can help you realize the good, and both are part of who you are. He should be commended for his tenacity to stay the course, both his journey in life and cross country biking!! I wish I could thank him in person for sharing his story.

2 comments about Lonely Planet Miami & the Keys.

1. Compared to other LP's I've read, this one is really small for such a large area as Miami and the Keys. The options offered for sleeping in the Keys are really limited in scope so they were of no use to me. I did better on price than the few places they mentioned by going to the web (got better places for less money). The history section was the only part of the book I enjoyed.



2. I use LP guides religiously, so you could imagine my disappointment when I found that over half of the eating establishments listed no longer existed! 2 years apparently is a long lag in Miami. I would very much like to see a "Best Of/Encounter/Condensed" version released for Miami.

3 comments about Cruising Guide To Coastal North Carolina.

1. I've used the previous edition of this guide and have found it to be very useful in preparing a trip. The guide appears written from the perspective of a small powerboat, thus encouraging quite a few surprizes if taken too literally. It is not clear how "updated" the new edition is. I've found I got tired before I could find substantial changes or cruising insights.



2. Good publication. Could benefit from MANY more detailed maps and pictures as well as MUCH more anchorage information. For the true sailing voyager that won't afford a Marina this may NOT be the right guide for you. Well articulated, but ambiguous prose, can prove a bit misleading. I prefer the dry hard facts outlined in easily referenced, numbered sequences.



3. My family and I recently took a three day sailboat cruise in the Albemarle sound. This was covered in Chapter 2 of this book. FANTASTIC resource. The text gave exact lat. and long. of protected anchorages, restaurant recommendations, location of public showers and pump-out stations, local attractions, etc. This is a MUST HAVE if you are planning a vacation on a boat in this region.
   
   Thanks for a great book.

5 comments about New Mexico Campgrounds: The Statewide Guide.

1. Excellent review of campgrounds on public lands (Forest Service, BLM, National Parks, and State Parks..) in New Mexico. I've visited many of these sites and her information is very accurate. This book is a must for those interested in camping in New Mexico.



2. This guidebook is a model for all camping guidebooks to follow. The book divides the state into a dozen regions, and lists the campgrounds in a logical order within each region. The campgrounds are rated with objective criteria on scenery, facilities, etc, and good descriptions are given. There is even advice about which campgrounds are likely to be late-night hangouts. From Forest Service to BLM to state parks, the book is a comprehensive resource.
   
   My minor complaint is that there is limited advice about which campgrounds are more popular. Last summer, we found some campgrounds to be jammed while others were quiet, and it would have been helpful to know to to go for a peaceful campsite.
   
   I give 5 stars for the logical presentation, the objective & accurate reviews and the comprehensive listings.



3. Good info, we take it on every trip. The only gripe, it leaves out a lot of places.



4. New Mexico has long been one of our favorite camping/RVing destinations. We consider "New Mexico Campgrounds: The Statewide Guide" to be the "MUST HAVE" reference to the state's wonderfully varied non-commercial campgrounds (Corps of Engineers, BLM, Forest Service, State and National Parks, New Mexico Department of Game and Fish, and various Indian reservations).
   
   "New Mexico Campgrounds" divides the state into 12 regions and provides detailed information on 175 campgrounds. For most of these campgrounds, you will find a color photo (there are 216 photos in the book). The book also provides a list rating each campground on scenery, desirability as a destination for RVers and for tenters, shade, privacy, facilities, campground activities, area activities and wheelchair accessibility. (The ratings are on a scale of 1 to 5 stars.) A convenient summary at each listing gives the campground's general location, elevation, number of sites, recommended RV length, season, nearest supply center, access road information, map references, and directions. Additionally, each listing includes a narrative description, a note as to whether or not the campground accepts reservations and phone numbers.
   
   Admittedly, this is not the campground guide for the RVer seeking the sorts of facilities available only in commercial campgrounds. If swimming pools and full hookups are at the top of your list of campground priorities, you will be better served by other guide books. For the rest of us, this one is a MUST HAVE reference!



5. This is a great guide. I can't vouch for its accuracy yet, but I was very pleased with the presentation and the level of information. Not too much info and not too little. Great photographs. It's a great help

No comments about Zagat 2008 Miami/So. Florida Restaurants.

5 comments about Reaching Climax: And Other Towns Along the American Highway.

1. Gary Gladstone has done it again; "Reaching Climax" is a fantastic read! I just bought 4 more copies to give as gifts to some family friends and they all loved it!
   
   Gary's talents as a storyteller are equal or better then his creative eye. The images created by Gary to enhance the experience of visiting each town are truly enchanting.
   
   Gary's first book in the series, "Passing Gas" and his newest edition, "Reaching Climax" are both testimonials to his love for all things Americana.



2. This book is a great comical read about small town America.I really enjoyed it and it make a great conversation piece.



3. One day, my husband and I, when we retire will most likely use these 2 books as our "bibles" when we buy our RV and travel the country. I really am enjoying reading both books and will keep this author in mind.
   I would recommend this book to others just as a way to see how different people live. Can you imagine living in a place where the population is 4??? Great books!!!!



4. There he goes again!
   
   Armed only with a camera and quick wit, Gary Gladstone guides us through this fascinating country of ours. I dare you to read this book and not come away with a smile on your face. Simply put...it is just plain fun. No matter who you have in mind, this is the perfect gift.



5. I really enjoyed this book, the stories and the pictures. A great book to have on the coffee table. It was in excellent condition and highly recommend this seller.

1 comments about Retirement on a Budget, 6th (Retirement on a Shoestring).

1. Reviewed by Debra Gaynor for Reader Views (3/07)
   
   When we think of retirement we think of being rewarded for all those years of loyalty and hard work. We call our senior years "The Golden Years." But the years aren't golden for everyone; we question whether social security will still be there for us. Have we saved enough? What about inflation? Can we continue to live in the lifestyle we've become accustomed to? What about life insurance and health care? Many will have a lower income once they retire.
   
   The information contained in "Retirement on a Budget" is presented in a simple, straightforward manner. You don't have to have an accounting degree to understand what the author is explaining. Among other things, John Howells discusses budgeting and presents an example of a bare-bones budget for the reader to study. He offers suggestions on how you can save money on common expenses: clothing, groceries, transportation, etc. He discusses relocating to a community that is lower-cost or looking for a lower cost area in the community you live in now.
   
   One of the key issues John Howells discusses is being single and retirement. Most "retirement ads focus on couples," but "what happens if your spouse dies unexpectedly?" "What about the homemaker who spends her productive years raising a family only to find herself divorced once the children are on their own?"
   
   I've always thought the idea of living on the road in an RV to be both romantic and adventurous. Howells addresses this option in a logical manner. After reading the chapter "RVS and Retirement," I know I'd love it but my husband would hate it.
   
   "Retirement on a Budget" by John Howells is a must read for all of us facing retirement. Rather than going into this new period of our life with dreams we need to face it with reality also. The reality is that we will need a budget, we will need activities, and we will need planning. While my husband and I together will not have to relocate, I know that if I were to lose him I would have to. Mr. Howells has given me much to think about. Thank you Mr. Howells! I highly recommend this book to those looking to retire in the next fifteen years. You can never plan to early.

2 comments about Insiders' Guide to Phoenix, 5th (Insiders' Guide Series).

1. If you plan to visit or relocate to Phoenix, you won't find a better guide than the Insider's Guide to Phoenix (Fifth edition). Written in a clear and friendly style, it thoroughly covers all the basics and then some. Not only does it offer appealing descriptions of hundreds of places to see and things to do, it dispenses lots of valuable advice, such as how to safely hike in the desert (One tip: don't go alone).
   
   This book by a trio of savvy insiders is the only one you'll need for your next trip to Phoenix.



2. I bought an older version of this book at a used books bookstore. We are consindering a move to Phoenix and had an upcoming preview trip. This books was amazingly helpful and thorough. It covers history, nature, attractions, events, places to eat, etc. It has a section on kids activities, relocating to the Phoenix area, retiring to the Phoenix area and lots of other useful info. If we decide to move there, I will definitely order the newer version.