5 comments about Bicycling the Blue Ridge, 4th: A Guide to the Skyline Drive and the Blue Ridge Parkway.

1. It's so easy to pass facilities, accomodations and attractions along the Blue Ridge Parkway! This book lists them all, campings, B&Bs, country stores, and more, along with the best way to get there. A real must for anyone planning to have a great trip on the Blue Ridge and Skyline Drive. And the elevation maps are a great help too.



2. I just returned from a weekend riding the 105 mile Skyline Drive in VA. The Skinners' book was an invaluable resource to me in preparing for & executing my trip. The advice is practical, the information invaluable as you plot out your journey. I am already planning my next weekend trip (Afton Mt to Roanoke) using this as my Bible! If you have any interest in cycling all or part of the BRP/SLD, this book will first whet your appetite, then serve as your guidebook/Bible.



3. There are many cycling guides, but this is one of the most practical and well-organized. As other reviewers state, the real value of the book is its collection of information on camping, nearby hotels, access points, points of interest, etc. The authors also have a wonderful "you can do it" attitude in their narrative style. Their encouragement inspired me to ride the Skyline Drive last fall, to my great enjoyment. I would quibble, by the way, with their elevation profiles. I certainly discovered hills that they don't tell you about! Supplement your planning with one of the fine topographic map products for a better sense of what awaits you.



4. I have been a long distance cyclist for about 40 years on and off -
   since long before I could drive. Though I've lived in Virginia for
   20 of those years, for some reason I never thought about the Skline
   Drive and Blue Ridge Parkway! Amazing - since I've ridden up and
   down parts of the East and West coasts, to the midwest, and through
   parts of Europe and Australia.
   
   My brother suggested I ride the lengths of the two parkways, and I bought
   Riding the Blue Ridge, plus several other books, to help my planning.
   I just returned from riding 550 miles on those two roads.
   
   Though my riding style is different from
   the Skinners', I travel on a racing bike carrying minimal equipment
   plus credit cards, I found their book by far the most helpful, and
   its pages, which I tore out and then discarded after passing through
   various sections, became the Bible of my trip.
   
   The descriptions of the ride and places along the route were accurate
   and brief enough to fit into a portable and readable book. A good
   example of how the brief descriptions were so apt is the small hotel
   and store at Benge Gap: the book mentions it's easy to "zip by" -
   and given that the rain and wind were fierce as I approached, I
   really did not want to miss that stop. Those few words of caution
   did the trick - I found it no problem but otherwise would definitely
   have zipped by! Like all the places they mention, the description of
   what was there was 100% reliable and accurate.
   
   Besides my background in long distance riding, I have also raced and
   I am still a strong hill climber. I found the greatest inaccuracy of
   the book that it does not adequately describe the difficulty of this
   ride. I appreciate that the book is written by people who are
   accomplished riders, and that a mission of the book is to introduce
   this ride to a wider group of people. But, for instance, the book
   might leave the impression that riding from, say, Front Royal to Big
   Meadows is a reasonable stage on the bike for the average tourist who
   takes her time. While that may be true for some, I would suggest
   it mention explicitly that this ride includes over 5000 feet of total
   climbing, most of it at grades greater than 5%, and should be considered
   difficult.
   
   As another example, the ride going South from Volunteer Gap to Peaks
   of Otter is among the most challenging anywhere in the East including a single climb of over 3300 feet at a steady 6% grade. There is no mention in the book that this segment is difficult even for highly capable cyclists.
   
   I feel the book could be improved by, for example, adding a separate
   section describing the level of challenge involved in the rides, as
   is done in many hiking and cross-country ski guides. Not to scare
   the reader or create some elitist idea about riding, but so that
   people are prepared both in their training and in their daily
   planning. Any rider is advised to plan fewer daily miles along these roads than
   they are accustomed to.
   
   I used the book to engineer each day's ride, and to make reservations
   for each evening. It was immensely helpful and I'm truly grateful
   to the authors and for the book - it made my trip possible and
   enjoyable.



5. Two years ago, a staff writer for the Richmond Times-Dispatch wrote about biking the Skyline Drive in Virginia and my interest was peaked. My son turned 16 so I wanted to plan an unique summer trip for the two of us. We decided to bike the Blue Ridge from Afton Mountain (MP 0) to Blowing Rock NC (MP 302). We bought the Skinner book and searched the Internet for ideas.
   
   The Skinner book proved to be exceptional; every page was "dog-eared" by the trips' end. I discovered the book contained more information than the first couple readings revealed. A few things, the Skinners give detailed advice on the location of stores, and unfortunately, due to recent hurricane damage a couple shut down, so did a restaurant we relied on for a stop, but found a new one further down the road. I plan to offer the "findings" to the Skinners for the next edition. Second, reserve your lodging in advance. A motorcycle convention in the Meadows of Dan took up all the lodging for a 15 mile radius, ten days prior to our trip. Third, the Blue Ridge ride is extremely demanding. The Skinner's sound like seasoned riders, but it was a struggle for me. (I had to walk a portion of the steep grades.)
   
   Much can be said about the wonderful resource the Blue Ridge is. My best advice is to take a couple day trips to learn your limits and and develop realistic expectations. Then bring a good camera and enjoy!

3 comments about 50 Hikes in West Virginia: From the Allegheny Mountains to the Ohio River.

1. Great book. Well written, interesting background on the hikes--both human and natural history as well as detailed descriptions. All of the hikes I've done so far have been very accurately described. Has some well known hikes, but also many others that are just as good, or better. I've used many other guides to the Mountain State--this one is the best.



2. I agree--great book
   I live in Marlinton, almost in the center of hiking in West Virginia, and just bought this book about a month ago. I have found it to be helpful in learning about new places that I have never heard of (and I thought I was a well-seasoned WV hiker). I also like the author's style of writing in that it flows nicely from point to point as it gives the directions you need to find your way along with wonderful pieces of information about the place you are hiking through. Again, I agree with the previous review. This is the best WV hiking guide I have come across.



3. 50 hikes in West Virginia has provided me with information on places that I have been hiking for years, but never knew the background on them, such as the history of the place, why it looks like it does, what plants and animals make their homes there and what their lives are like. So many guidebooks just tell you how to get to a hike and how long it is, but 50 Hikes in West Virginia is so much more than that.
   
   I enjoy sitting down and reading the book before I go on the hike, so that I will know what to be looking for while I'm out there. Get this book and you will have a great time in the wilds of West Virginia.

4 comments about Thomas Jefferson's Monticello.

1. One of the clichés about Monticello is that few houses do so good a job revealing the personality of its builder. But clichés get to be such generally because there's truth to them, and that's definitely the case here. If Thomas Jefferson was one of the most interesting figures in American history (and I think that's unquestionably true), then Monticello may well be one of America's most interesting houses. And for this colorful book produced by the Thomas Jefferson Foundation, we are guided through the house and grounds by people who know their stuff.

   Specifically, the chapters of this title are written by Monticello's director of restoration, the curator, the director of gardens and grounds, and other experts associated with the Foundation. Large, colorful photos are accompanied by informed commentary and all the requisite history, as well as documentation of the decades of restoration work it has taken to get the house and grounds to its current condition. A book doesn't make up for a visit in person -- if anything, I wished for more photos of the interior, especially of the book room and "cabinet." But for a general overview of the house, grounds, and collection, and an insight into the man himself, this book is hard to beat. I recommend it as a souvenir, as well as a nice companion to a Jefferson biography.




2. This is a highly informative, well documented book covering all aspects of the design and building of Thomas Jefferson's home, plus insights into why things were done the way they were done, through Jefferson's own notes, sketches and correspondence. Plus,the photographs are exquisite.



3. This work successfully links the many unique qualities of Thomas Jefferson's personality to the unique qualities of the home that he designed and spent most of his life building and rebuilding. All of the intriguing features of this home are covered.
   Anyone interested in this remarkable man and his home who is unable to visit Monticello in person should strongly consider this work.



4. Thomas Jefferson's Monticello, an essay in architecture, takes readers on a historical tour of the third U.S. president's cherished home near Charlottesville, Virginia, through well-written text and gorgeous, full-color photography. The book includes floor plans and photographs of Jefferson's original architectual elevations, as well as drawings of the finished building that we are most familiar with today. It describes Jefferson as art collector and plantation life on Monticello's farms, and it explores the four seasons in Monticello's gardens. Published in 2002 by the Thomas Jefferson Foundation, Inc.

No comments about Fodor's Virginia and Maryland, 9th Edition (Fodor's Gold Guides).

4 comments about Hiking Virginia, 2nd: A Guide to Virginia's Greatest Hiking Adventures.

1. For anyone looking for great hikes in VA, this is a great place to start. The book contains detailed descriptions of 35 of the best hikes in VA and also list 64 honorable mention hikes. The length of the hikes vary from short day hikes, to 3 day backpacking trips.
   
   What is nice about the book is that for the featured hikes, there is a brief description. Then a ton of information: difficulty rating, available maps, trail contacts, and fees or permits required, available camping etc etc. The book then goes on to describe in detail what you will see on each hike. Each hike contains not only a map, but an 'elavation profile' so you can gauge just how hard the hike will be.
   
   I would recommend buying this book, and when you choose a hike, make a copy of the corresponding pages and laminate them. It will save wear and tear on your book as well as give you a water proof map.. Besides, it's also a lot lighter to carry 3 pages rather then a whole book!!!!
   
   My favorite hikes in the book have been Mount Pleasant, 3 Ridges (a difficult hike) and the hikes around Mount Rogers and Grayson Highlands.
   
   UPDATE: I recently did a few more of the hikes in this book(14, 18, 19). DO NOT, I REPEAT, DO NOT follow the authors' advice for the Old Rag hike, #14. Instead of their route, either 1) Hike the fire road up and down (this is the easiest way) or take the rock scramble up and the fire road down. There are two problems with the route suggested by the authors. First, on crowded summer days you will have a hard time getting down as the trail is jammed with people going up. Second, I went during the week when it wasn't as packed and ran into a gentleman going up the scramble as I was going down. He told me that 90% of the people they carry off of the mountain with broken bones are trying to descend using the 'rock scramble' route. So if you are going to climb Old Rag (and YOU REALLY NEED TO, it is amazing) then PLEASE, use the routes I recommended above, and if it's a weekend during the summer, be prepared for a long climb up if you take the rock scramble, as people get jammed up in the narrow crevices.
   
   Good hiking everyone!!!!!!



2. This book is by far the best hiking guide you can buy for Virginia. This edition picks off from the original "Hike America Virginia"



3. This book is your complete hiking guide to Virginia, whether you're a novice or a pro. There are maps, detailed descriptions of every step of the trails, elevation guides, and even colorful anecdotes from the authors that give each hike an emotional feel. We've brought their step-by-step guides to great fruition on several of the hikes, and hope to do more.
   
   One word of caution: while crowded Northern Virginia is well represented, the best hikes fall along Virginia's spine, from the northernmost part of Shenandoah National Park, down the Appalachian trail, into Washington and Jefferson National Forests and then southwestern Virginia and Mt. Rogers. Residents of Front Royal, Harrisonburg, Staunton, Lexington, Roanoke and Blacksburg will be able to access the best hikes the easiest. As residents of a DC suburb, it's an hour to Shenandoah National Park, 2 hours to some of the great hikes further south, and 6 hours to Mt. Rogers National Recreation Area.



4. I have used this guide twice so far for short hikes. Directions to both the parking areas and on the trail were missing crucial details [e.g. I had problems with both for the Scott's Run Nature Preserve in the DC area]. Unless you have extra time and food and water, it is best to have a topo for even the shortest routes. This guide also lacks the grouping section that the VA Mtn Biking guide has [Best Short Hikes, Waterfalls, Views, Weekenders, Multi-day treks] and is grouped only by geography.

4 comments about Newcomer's Handbook for Moving to and Living in Washington, DC Including Northern Virginia and Suburban Maryland.

1. If you are relocating to DC, don't do it until you've read (or at least skimmed) this book. I haven't even moved yet and it's been helpful. First it explains different neighborhoods and why you may or may not want to move to that location. It also gives you helpful hints and good questions to ask regarding a place to rent or buying a home. Included are the daily life information such as where to buy a couch, find a veternarian, or the location of the closest park. All in all the book covers many issues that I would not have thought about before moving to a new place.



2. This book is devoid of any of the information I really needed, like where to get my car inspetected (and the whole process of getting a DC driver license) or even where the good playgrounds are.



3. THE NEWCOMER'S HANDBOOK FOR MOVING TO AND LIVING IN WASHINGTON DC is a great book for people relocating to the area, but even people who are not moving there can enjoy it. It talks about where the best neighborhoods and schools are in the District itself, as well as in Maryland and Virginia, mentions where the shopping malls and other stores are, and it even goes into detail about the town of Columbia, Maryland, which other books about the Baltimore-Washington DC area fail to do. I strongly recommend this book to anyone who is proud to say "I'm an American."



4. For all you hear about the benefit of living near a metro, I expected the metro locations to be shown on street maps. They weren't, and the other maps were of little use as well. For guidance on finding a safe area, they suggest asking local police.
   
   If you don't care about either of those, most of the other info was okay.

1 comments about Out and About with Kids: Seattle: The Ultimate Family Guide for Fun and Learning.

1. We are headed to Seattle to "scope it out" for a possible relocation and I just received this book. It is simply laid out and obviously written by a parent who knows what kids enjoy. It focuses on non-"commercial", quality family time which I love!

No comments about 60 Hikes within 60 Miles: Washington, DC: Including Suburban and Outlying Areas of Maryland and Virginia (2nd Edition) (60 Hikes - Menasha Ridge).

5 comments about Weird Virginia (Weird).

1. This is a fun book. It did not have a couple of things I was looking for, but it DID have many things I hadn't thought about in Virginia.
   I ordered the book to give to my son in college for Christmas as a laugh, but I ended up reading almost the whole thing myself! I am going to order another copy to give as yet another gift for someone else.



2. Weird Pennsylvania (Weird)
   I purchased the 'Weird' book for my 10 year old grandson, Jacob, who enjoys weird things and reading about them. I looked through the book before I gave it to him and was pleased that it was full of colorful pictures and illustrations and was easy to read. After giving it to him, I asked him if he had read it, and he indicated 'from cover to cover'. I have since purchased several more. I think this series of books are educational for him because it links his curiosity about 'weird' things with different places in different states.



3. I got this book for my husband for Christmas- and I read it first! I really found it interesting- as we have been in VA for 22 years and didn't even know some of this stuff existed. And my son is in the book in the section on wrestling-which I didn't know! I'd like to read other states by this author.
   
   A fun read- interesting facts.



4. This book is great it taught me myths and history in my own state worth buying to learn about where you are from and things that go on... I only wished they had more stuff that was directly in my area.



5. Growing up in Virginia, I never knew all the fascinating myths, legends and folklore that existed in this area as well as the real and unusual that this book explores. Truly an entertaining book - one that you would want to keep on your coffee table for others to enjoy! Before I vacation this summer, I will probably pick up a corresponding book on the State I visit for unique sights and attractions along the way. Highly recommend to all just for the entertainment factor!

5 comments about West Virginia Atlas & Gazetteer.

1. I bought the Atlas and Gazetter for WV and MD. These books are essential equipment for getting out and enjoying the back roads. The topo info tells you if it will be flat and sunny or hilly and shady. I am really impressed with the detail of the maps. If they could make it in a water proof edition it would be perfect.



2. I bought this West Virginia Map and Gazetteer in order to help my husband and I find our way through WV. We're most interested in the topography - elevations, rivers, creeks, etc. I would recommend using this book map in conjunction with a regular road map, because there isn't quite enough detail for smaller roads, but it's a great place to start.



3. This atlas fills a void because it gives a very clear picture of the terrain as well as roads. I like having these atlases along to give the context for hiking excursions, as well as showing the back road ways to get there. The section on special sights to see in WV is very helpful as well. There is no substitute for more detailed topographical maps for actual hiking trails, but this atlas is a necessart intermediate step between topos and road maps.



4. This book provides complete and thurough topographical maps for the entire state of West Virginia. If you enjoy hiking, fishing, camping, exploring in this great state, you need this atlas. At first I was surprised at the details provided in this book. I was able to find even the smallest of streams and geographical features. Now, after using it so many times, I would be surprised if a stream is not on this map.
   
   The bottom line is that you need this atlas if you enjoy the West Virginia outdoors.



5. Once again this series of maps has been outstanding. The ease in reading and applying the info to the road is way above par. And for railroad enthusiasts, this is the only map published with railroad details that are current and precise.