2 comments about Wyoming Blue-Ribbon Fly Fishing Guide.

1. I am very disappointed given the author's work for Fly Fisherman Magazine which is excellent. The title should substitute the word "guide" to "overview with great photography". The only map in the book is a very pretty photograph of a topo map which shows only rivers and no roads. The ledgend next to the map lists two locations, a river and a lake, with numbers assigned to them. Go to the map and you discover that number 23 (Boundary Creek) and number 30 (Lewis Lake) are not depicted on the map. Both of these editing errors are in the Yellowstone National Park area of the map. With regard to other editing errors it appears that Wordperfect 7.0 or some similar program was the proof reader. It "seems" that "seam" is the word of choice when refering to "the fish seam to like...". Wordperfect 7.0 knows that "seem" is a legitimate word as is "seam" when used refering to the joining of two parts of breathable waders. The photography is outstanding. The author should have decided what he wanted to produce. The paper is very high quality glossy finish throughout. Perfect for high quality photographs. ... for text on a "guide" to flyfishing Wyoming. The book is short on photographs if that was the intent. The book is short on details about the rivers and streams if that was the intent. I will not return the book because I can afford it however I will be going back to ... for another try because I have a Wyoming trip scheduled for this coming September.



2. I bought this book and really liked it. I read the previous review, and I guess that it's different strokes for different folks. To me, this is a great guide to the fishing possibilities within the state. It gives you enough to get you stoked up to go try a new river, or gives you the info to consider some of the small rivers you crossed over to get to the big name rivers. This book will direct you to many of the hinterland locations, and that's what I really like in a fly fishing location type book. There are great photographs throughout. I felt like I was there.

5 comments about Moon Handbooks Wyoming: Including Yellowstone and Grand Teton National Parks, Fifth Edition.

1. By far the best guidebook to the entire state of Wyoming, with excellent detailed sections on Yellowstone and Grand Teton National Parks. The book, which is superior to some others in the Moon series, is a labor of love by the author for the land, people, and small towns of the state. Pitcher provides great detail on what to see everywhere; colorful local and regional histories; and affectionate, slightly tongue-in-cheek descriptions of small towns. Sure to enhance a visit of any length.



2. Most of the "name brand" travel guides are for fly-by tourists (though I do appreciate Frommer's guides much more than the rest of the big names). Well, if those books are for tourists, then Moon's handbooks (along with Lonely Planet's guides) are for TRAVELERS. And Moon's Wyoming Handbook is, as others here have said, one of their best. It's thick, it's juicy, it's meaty, it's expansive, it's authoritative and wry. So wherever you are in that great big "empty" terrain, it's got some practical information for and historical and cultural insight into places all around.

   Wyoming has fewer people than any other state (yes, fewer than Rhode Island and Alaska). But it's places of interest are many and varied, though scattered far and wide. You need a good guide and a GOOD READ to cover the miles and the days. I admire author Don Pitcher's efforts here.

   If you choose one guidebook, make it Moon's Wyoming Handbook. If you'd like to get a second general guide to the region for comparison and cross-reference (including more descriptive listings of selected accommodations), I'd add Frommer's guide to Wyoming, which includes Montana as well.




3. I happened on this book in the library and thought it was the best travel book I have ever used. This is nothing missed in this handbook. Great maps and advise.



4. An outstanding guide to a wonderful state. One book, of course, cannot cover all there is about any area this big, but this book does an outstanding job for Wyoming's history, lodging, attractions, background information, etc.

   As for any area, it's good to supplement with other specialized topic and / or area guides, but for a general guide to a large state, this one does a great job.

   Logically arranged, well-written, and very readable, you can almost read it straight through; it's one of the better travel guides available.




5. In preparation for our two-week trip to Wyoming, I purchased this book and read as much as I had time for beforehand. During our trip, I found it to be a handy reference for whatever area we were in (mostly Yellowstone/Grand Tetons). The detail is great and some of our lodging choices and attraction choices were made with reference to the book and it was always accurate. I highly recommend it for those heading to Wyoming.

2 comments about Scenic Driving Wyoming.

1. I've just spent some time driving all over the state of Wyoming. Before I went, I looked at every guide book I could find at local libraries and travel book stores. Laurence Parent's book is one of those that I chose to take with me, and I used it throughout the trip. Every chapter was filled with accurate, interesting information. Some of the best places to see in Wyoming are away from the major tourist areas and some are completely ignored by other (many larger) books that I had.



2. The author has researched the scenic drives described in this book thoroughly. There is information included for people of all ages to enjoy from scenic photography to hiking and fishing. Also included are listings of travel services on each scenic drive.

3 comments about Fly Fishing the Madison.

1. Volume three in the oustanding Greycliff "River Books" series, Fly Fishing The Madison offers the aspiring angler a distillation of decades of experience, knowledge, and insight in this "user friendly" guide to fishing Montana's Madison river. Here is a wealth of information on the hatches, seasons, and reaches of the river, along with "tips, tricks & techniques" for unlocking the secrets of an surprisingly diverse river. The authors show how to fish the Madison with dry flies, nymphs, and streamers, as well as pointing out the right moments for each type of fly. Of special interest is Craig Mathews' contributions about fishing the Madison's two "stillwater" areas -- Hebgen Lake and Quake Lake. If you are planning an excursion to the Madison, begin by a thorough reading of Craig Mathews and Gary LaFontaine's Fly Fishing The Madison! Also very highly recommended for the angler's reference shelf are the other volumes in this outstanding series: Fly Fishing The Beaverkill; Fly Fishing The Henry's Fork; and Fly Fishing The Yellowstone In The Park.



2. If you're heading to the Madison for the first time, this book is a must. It gives you all the insight you need to prepare for the trip, the right flies to tie up in advance and proper line and tippets. Once you're there, you'll know where to be at what time of the day to get all the action you can handle.



3. An easy to read and understand book with a wealth of information for those planning a trip to this Montana jewell of a river. Broken down by seasons and hatches so you can key in on the time you plan on being on the river and disregard, if you like, the rest or save for another time. A great hip pocket reference for fishing the Madison River, where to fish it and what to bring. Perfect for the novice or expert alike.

2 comments about Travels in the Greater Yellowstone.

1. After an inordinate wait, I have begun 'Travels in Greater Yellowstone'. I have read Turner's other books and found them riveting, especially because he has a wonderful writing style. This reads as well if not better. Let's call it his 'smooth jazz tone' style. Very chill or hip, if you will. More when I finish the book...............



2. I'll begin by saying that Turner's The Abstract Wild is one of the very best books I have ever read. Based on this book's subject and my own interests, I expected this one to fall far short of that and it did while remaining an enjoyable enough read.
   
   This book consists of essays about Turner's experiences doing exactly what the title suggests. It occasionally gets repetitive, but there are some excellent moments. I believe Turner is at his best when exploring ideas and values, rather then writing travelogues, and my favorite essays here reflect that preference.
   
   The piece on wolves is one of the best I've read on the subject, predicting the slaughter now underway since control was returned from the federal government to states like Wyoming. Along with history, ecology, wolf-haters and wolf-watchers, Turner explores our relationship with the wild and the ethics of reintroducing a species to an area and then encouraging the killing of the animals. Though more of a hike description, some of the same issues are touched on in the essay on grizzlies. The concluding essay on spending Christmas at Old Faithful is another highlight, raising many questions and paradoxes.
   
   On the down side for me, three essays on fishing are three more than I needed even though they also raise ecological issues. Turner's rants against energy development destroying the area also got a little old. I'm against it too but that's why I'm not driving a truck all over the area for recreation like Turner is. Accusing Wyoming of wanting to have its cake and eat it too seems similar to what Turner's doing here with his choices. Maybe he thinks it would be OK to develop Alaska or someone else's favorite coastline to support his driving as long as it's not the area he considers more important.
   
   A pleasant casual read, especially if you're familiar with the area I imagine, but another reading of The Abstract Wild would probably be a better use of your time.

4 comments about The Guide to Yellowstone Waterfalls and Their Discovery.

1. It is remarkable that in the 1990s, in a place as frequently visited as Yellowstone Park, the authors could discover (and rediscover) nearly 300 waterfalls. And some of the discoveries are amazing: 400-foot-high flumes, waterfalls that begin at a cliff-face and disappear thirty feet later, cascades that twist 180 degrees in their descent.

   The photographs range from adequate to stunning, and the descriptions of locations--complete with UTM grid coordinates--make the guide useful to hikers. A summary description explains the place, type, and height of each waterfall, along with a quick evaluation of the effort involved to find each one. As a result, it's a useful guide for everyone from tourists to car campers to serious trekkers.

   But the main impact of The Guide to Yellowstone Waterfalls is to reinforce the majesty of Yellowstone Park. Anyone who has spent any time in Yellowstone knows its unique combination of serenity and wierdness: it is a land of oxymorons--and waterfalls.




2. This is a truly amazing book on Yellowstone. I have not seen one like it. Although much of the book is devoted to newly discovered waterfalls, all the famous ones are in here too. Like Lower Falls, Tower Falls, and the Gibbon Falls. It makes this a great book for any lover of Yellowstone. Whether you've been to the park for a day or visited every year since childhood like myself you will enjoy this book. Even if you just want information on a beautiful part of America.

   It has so much information. Waterfall heights, locations, streams and much much more. The hundreds of photos, which are all color, are beautiful; and the numerous maps are very helpful.

   If you love Yellowstone, waterfalls, or just great natural scenery you'll want to add this classic to your collection.




3. 

   Waterfalls are one of natures natural high producers. Do a search on negative ions and you will find that falling water creates an abundance of negative ions in the air. Breathing in this charged air mixture gives a body a natural, invigorating, temporary high. In their book, the authors have obviously been infected by this condition as evidenced by there irrepressible quest to seek out more and more sources of the negative ion producing waterfalls.

   This book scores high marks on many fronts. With three different authors contributing, the book does a marvelous job of providing a general education on waterfalls. By clarifying the terms and classes of the waterfalls described, author Rubenstein helps to give personality and color to each individual plume.

   Author Whittlesey's extensive historic perspective of the park gives each of the known waterfalls a vivid background description. When the authors caution you not to lean over the trail barrier too far to view a particular waterfall, they then follow up with the details of the tourist that died falling down that very cliff at the same site. As a drive guide to Yellowstones' waterfalls this book cannot be beat. All of the easily accessed falls are covered and described in detail including seasonal variations. For the typical tourist driving through the park, this book will appeal immediately because of the revelation that many more falls are visible with just a short car stop and walk to a viewpoint.

   As a hikers guide to the Parks waterfalls this book will have even more appeal. Having spent over 15 years researching the back country for this book, author Mike Stevens has been to many of the falls on repeat occasions under a variety of conditions. In this aspect the book becomes a must for anyone hiking in the back country of Yellowstone. All of the standard trail recommendations are detailed along with accurate descriptions of how to find the falls and experience them in their best display. There are so many falls in the Yellowstone region that this book will certainly add color to almost any hike in the park.

   Yellowstone Park is like a huge treasure chest of wild gems. By revealing and putting names to some of the previously `unknown' falls the authors have dug a little deeper into the treasures and helped us realize there is a lot more value in this park than any of us realize. For the experienced Yellowstone back country explorers this book is a must. The authors even give GPS coordinates to many falls that have previously not been written about. Many of the falls have no trails and require at least an overnight stay in the back country. Others are so inaccessible that the authors honestly suggest that the strenuous hike is not worth the effort. The authors even give suggested locations for other waterfalls that have yet to be discovered.

   Being a Yellowstone park fan myself I give this book my highest rating and only wish it would have been available when I was employed in the park. The authors show a true enthusiasm for the whole park not just the waterfalls. This book will make you want to get out and get some of those negative ions from the cascading waters. From the text and photos it is apparent that the authors have already had a healthy dose of their own!




4. The authors of this book have tracked down, and provided color photos, of no less than 250 waterfalls in Yellowstone. While some were previously well known, many are new discoveries or re-discoveries of falls not seen in many years. That so many notable falls could occur in one area (even as large as Yellowstone)is remarkable; that so many significant falls could have remained to be discovered is downright ming-boggling. The authors provide interesting histories and excellent photos of each fall, and the book will be a joy to read and look at for any waterfall lover. My slight quibble is that while they provide coordinates and category of access for each fall, they don't provide directions or hiking distance. (In fairness, it can well be argued that if the information isn't readily available elsewhere for a given fall then the trek is one that should only be undertaken by a hardcore hiker.) Despite the quibble, this is a great book for any waterfall lover, and especially for one planning a trip to Yellowstone.

5 comments about The Ultimate Wyoming Atlas and Travel Encyclopedia.

1. This book does have a lot of information. I was hoping to find out what each town was like today, not back in the 1800's. I was interested in finding out what each town offered as far as shopping, schools, hospitals, etc... Instead it is more of a history lesson.



2. This book has all the information you could possibly need if you were travelling to Wyoming and my husband is thrilled we bought it. The maps inside are great, but since we prefer the larger ones, we will get them for free from the Wyoming visitor's bureau. If you're travelling to Wyoming, this is a definite must have and a one-stop source for all your information and travel needs.



3. I shall be visiting Wyoming later this year, and this book (and its accompanying website) has proved to be invaluable in planning my trip. Everything you'll ever need to know about the state is here - maps, accommodation, restaurants, shopping and much more. I particularly like the detailed histories of the various Wyoming towns that are included - not something that you'll find in the usual guide books.
   I'd definitely recommend this book to anybody planning to visit Wyoming, and even if you're not planning a visit but are just interested in the state it is still well worth reading.



4. This book is filled with lots of information that will be useful to our many visitors.



5. Bought this book for a recent trip from Boulder, CO to Yellowstone. Thought I would want to find something to look at along the way. There is nothing there.
   
   Ok, almost nothing. There was a nice Thai restaurant in Rawlins, which we found by driving around in Rawlins, but that is pretty much it between the entrance to Grand Teton park and the Colorado border.
   
   The Grand Tetons, Jackson, and Yellowstone are great. The red rock vistas are pretty. But there is nothing worth seeing on the way.
   
   So, if you are visiting those parks in the west, get some books on those, but don't bother with this.

5 comments about Fishing the Beartooths.

1. Mr. Marcuson clearly has an encyclopedic knowledge of his subject, and communicates it well. Even if you're not planning to fish the area, you'll easily get your money's worth from his descriptions of scenic attractions, camping possibilities, trails, routes, wildlife, and other background information - as well as an assurance of where the fishermen and outfitters won't be if you're looking for the most in wilderness solitude.
   
   My caveats are minor:
   1. The index follows the same scheme as the book (organized by drainage), which I found to be a nuisance when looking for a lake by name.
   2. You may need a magnifying glass for the maps showing the lake index numbers.
   3. Restarting the lake index numbers at 1 for each drainage makes it easier find the wrong description; this could easily be addressed by numbering all of the lakes sequentially, or using a drainage prefix character.
   4. A couple of additional indexes organizing the lakes by size, species habitation, abundance, most recent stocking year, and so forth wouldn't have cost too much and would have made the book much easier to use as a reference. Maybe Mr. Marcuson was trying to keep it from being too easy to find his favorite fishing holes, though.



2. The author managed the fisheries and fish stocking program in the Beartooths for many years, and provides enormous detail in this book about every lake that has fish. There have been some changes since he wrote the first edition, and not all of them are noted in this latest edition (1997) but, overall, the info is great. I don't know of a similarly complete and authoritative fishing guide to any other wilderness area. One small gripe: this book talks solely about the lakes of the Beartooths without mentioning that some of the best fishing is in the feeder and outlet streams, some of them a long way from the nearest lakes.



3. This is the best fishing guide that I have ever read. When I first purchased the book, I had little experience or success with fishing for trout in mountain lakes. I had taken an earlier backpacking trip to the Beartooth Mountains, but only caught 4-5 fish in 9 days. Then I purchased and studied this book in detail and during my next two 9-day backpacking trips to the Beartooth Mountains, I caught fish for dinner almost every night. Where once I had to settle for catching small brook trout, I now could plan trip routes to catch big fat Cutthroat trout for dinner. It was a true joy to read the detailed descriptions of each mountain lake and to understand Pat's reasoning behind stocking each lake with specific trout species. Not only that, but Pat gives you details on what years are the best to fish each lake based on their individual stocking schedules. Finally, Pat gives invaluable fishing tips such as how to locate and catch fish in these remote mountain lakes. I thank Pat for what has become a lifelong joy of trout fishing throughout the west.



4. Pat Marcuson knows the beartooths. If you are planning a trip into the Absaroka/Beartooth wilderness area you need two things a good map and this book. After a few trips into the Montana wilderness especially the Beartooths you will quickly find out you need to know what your up against and what going to be there when you get there. Pat's book will give you the best fishing advice because he's been there and fished the lakes for a decade working for Montana's Department of Fish, Wildlife and Parks. So again if you're a fisherman looking for trout in the Beartooths you have to get this book.



5. Good guide to all the lakes in the Beartooth Mountains. Ever wonder if all those lakes have fish in them. This book tells you. Tells you depths and last time they were stocked and other useful information.

1 comments about Wildflowers of Wyoming.

1. Wildflowers Of Wyoming by botantists, naturalists, and wildflower enthusiasts Jack and Diantha States is a no-nonsense wildflower reference and identification guide. A brief introduction gives way to a straightforward listing of wildflowers any Wyoming nature hiker can view, complete with extensive descriptions, ecology and history notes, and gorgeous full color photographs on every other page. A thumbnail photograph section up-front, sorting small-sized pictures of Wyoming wildflowers by color and flower shape, makes identifying a given species of flower an extremely simple task. Highly recommended for wildflower gardening enthusiasts.

No comments about Spectacular Yellowstone and Grand Teton National Parks (Spectacular National Parks).