3 comments about 50 Hikes in Southern Virginia: From the Blue Ridge Mountains to the Atlantic Ocean, First Edition.

1. The local Roanoke paper poublished a review of this book, calling Leonard a "Great Hiking Writer." I agree. Yes, he tells you how to get to a hike, how difficult and long it is (he walked all of them with a surveyor's measuring wheel; how many other guidebook writer's do that!), and how much vertical rise you will need to negotiate. But, he also informs you of the history of the area you will be walking through and of the lives of the plants and animals that make their homes there.
   I thought I was well-versed on the places to hike--and he covers those--but he also pointed me to some places I had never heard of. All in all, it beats any other book I've used for hiking around the southern part of the state. There are hikes as short as a half-mile to multi-day treks. And there's even a bit of humor thrown in from time to time.



2. I live in Southern Virginia and hike often, but have to admit I never knew about many of the places the author writes about. I wish I had had this book years ago as it's great being able to discover all of these new places. I also like the way he writes. Hike descriptions are easy to follow and there is a ton of information on what you are going to see, why you should go there, and sometimes almost poetic phrases about the beauty and natural world of the place. The book cover says the author has won several writing awards and it's easy to see why. This is not just a dull "turn left, ascend 300-feet, turn right" kind of guidebook. I look forward to many happy outings using the book.



3. If only this book was laid out like Hiking In VA. The maps are not as good, and there are no elevation profiles, but the hikes and their descriptions are wonderful..
   
   I have utilized this book with the Hiking VA book to come up with some exceptional hikes.. I recommend the triple crown hike #33, But do Dragon's Tooth as a day hike. Park on 624 and do the 5 mile round trip. If you have 2 cars, park the other one on 220 (near Roanoke). After doing Dragon's Tooth, grab your backpack and head North on the AT, to get to 220.. Plan a good 2-3 days.
   
   Other great hikes are the day hike to Buzzard Rock, as well as the hikes around Mount Rogers. Combine the info in this book with that in Hiking VA and create your own trip. But whatever you do, you have to hike the Pine Mountain trail.. It is awesome..
   
   The Appomattox hike is also great as you see some things the everyday visitor misses..
   
   Over all an exellent book. The hikes are super, and while the maps could be slightly improved it is still a great guide.

2 comments about Gem Guides Guide to Highway 395: Los Angeles to Reno (Travel and Local Interest).

1. We purchased this book in preparation for a vacation in the area of Reno, Tahoe and eastern California, and it was a gem. We visited many sites we would not have known about except for this book, and had a great time. Out thanks to the author for writing this very useful book. We recommend it to anyone.



2. This book is one of the best travel guides that I have ever used. There are so many historical landmarks and places of interest along Highway 395. This book encourages the reader to stop and visit. If time doesn't permit, it stimulates your curiosity and imagination. Ginny Clark uses her many years of travel on Hwy 395 to pass on her love of this unique area. This book has been loaned out to more people than any other book that we own. In fact, I am thrilled to find it on Amazon so that I can order it as a gift. Highly recommend!

No comments about Rand McNally Northern Virginia Virginia.

No comments about Rand McNally Washington, D.C.: D.C., Virginia & Maryland : Local Street Detail.

No comments about Journal of a Visit to the Georgia Islands of St. Catherines, Green, Ossabaw, Sapelo, St. Simons, Jekyll, and Cumberland: With Comments on the Florida Islands of Amelia, Talbot, and St. George, in 1753.

No comments about A Guide to Historic Coal Towns of the Big Sandy River Valley.

No comments about Trails in Southwest Virginia: James River to New River (Paperback).

No comments about The story of Old Town & "Gentry Row" in Alexandria, Virginia.

No comments about Santa Fe Impressions (Impressions (Farcountry Press)).

2 comments about The Great Dismal: A Carolinian's Swamp Memoir.

1. To those who love American History will love the realistic and descriptive view of the Dismal Swamp. It is rich with events of African Americans as well, the connections the early settlers had with the Spanish, Native Indians, French, Dutch and Britsh. It describes the Dismal Swamp so well, I visualised being there myself and sharing the feelings of those worked, struggled and lived and died in the Swamp.

   It is the story of a man who shared his love for the Swamp and the history behind it. I have made plans to visit there this Spring.

   Take some time over coffee or tea and start enjoying your journey to the Dismal Swamp from the begining of George Washington personal interest in the Swamp to the 20th Century.

   For anyone who has any roots to the Southwest region of Virginia, you will be pleasantly surprised. I found one of my husband's ancestors qouted in the book.

   Holga Reyes




2. Very interesting book. I enjoyed it immensely.
   I was reared in that area and knew some of the people mentioned in the book. Now reside on the other coast.
   It was like a trip home.