Best of
Outdoors

2012

Meat Eater: Adventures from the Life of an American Hunter


Steven Rinella - 2012
    As a child, Rinella devoured stories of the American wilderness, especially the exploits of his hero, Daniel Boone. He began fishing at the age of three and shot his first squirrel at eight and his first deer at thirteen. He chose the colleges he went to by their proximity to good hunting ground, and he experimented with living solely off wild meat. As an adult, he feeds his family from the food he hunts. Meat Eater chronicles Rinella’s lifelong relationship with nature and hunting through the lens of ten hunts, beginning when he was an aspiring mountain man at age ten and ending as a thirty-seven-year-old Brooklyn father who hunts in the remotest corners of North America. He tells of having a struggling career as a fur trapper just as fur prices were falling; of a dalliance with catch-and-release steelhead fishing; of canoeing in the Missouri Breaks in search of mule deer just as the Missouri River was freezing up one November; and of hunting the elusive Dall sheep in the glaciated mountains of Alaska.   Through each story, Rinella grapples with themes such as the role of the hunter in shaping America, the vanishing frontier, the ethics of killing, the allure of hunting trophies, the responsibilities that human predators have to their prey, and the disappearance of the hunter himself as Americans lose their connection with the way their food finds its way to their tables. Hunting, he argues, is intimately connected with our humanity; assuming responsibility for acquiring the meat that we eat, rather than entrusting it to proxy executioners, processors, packagers, and distributors, is one of the most respectful and exhilarating things a meat eater can do.   A thrilling storyteller with boundless interesting facts and historical information about the land, the natural world, and the history of hunting, Rinella also includes after each chapter a section of “Tasting Notes” that draws from his thirty-plus years of eating and cooking wild game, both at home and over a campfire. In Meat Eater he paints a loving portrait of a way of life that is part of who we are as humans and as Americans.“Chances are, Steven Rinella’s life is very different from yours or mine. He does not source his food at the local supermarket. Meat Eater is a unique and valuable alternate view of where our food comes from—and what can be involved. It’s a look both backward, at the way things used to be, and forward, to a time when every diner truly understands what’s on the end of the fork.”—Anthony Bourdain  “An engaging, sharp-eyed writer whose style fuses those of John McPhee and Hunter S. Thompson.”—Minneapolis Star Tribune

The Last Englishman


Keith Foskett - 2012
    A gruelling pan-American trek. Will one Englishman dare to face his fears? Short-listed for Outdoor Book of the Year by The Great Outdoors magazine. Born traveller Keith Foskett had thousands of miles of thru-hiking experience when he prepared for his toughest challenge yet: a gruelling 2,640-mile hike from Mexico to Canada. In a six-month journey along America’s Pacific Crest Trail, he crossed the arid expanses of California’s deserts, the towering peaks of Oregon’s volcanic landscape, and the dense forests of Washington.Battling phobias of bears, snakes, critters and camping in the woods after dark, can Foskett find new ways to achieve his ultimate goal when the worst winter in years bears down on the trail?Shortlisted for The Great Outdoors magazine Outdoor Personality of the Year and Book of the Year multiple times, veteran storyteller Keith Foskett lets you join him for a trek across the greatest long-distance hiking trail on Earth. With witty humour, astute observations, and a delightful cast of characters, you’ll discover a compelling narrative that turns the travelogue formula on its head.The Last Englishman is an extraordinary travel memoir by an experienced long-distance hiker. If you believe there’s more to life than work, yearn for new horizons and challenges, and believe in overcoming adversity, then you’ll love Keith Foskett’s tale of exploration.Discover The Last Englishman to embark on a journey of tenacity today!

Buried in the Sky: The Extraordinary Story of the Sherpa Climbers on K2's Deadliest Day


Peter Zuckerman - 2012
    Everest, Sherpa Tenzing Norgay was at his side. Indeed, for as long as Westerners have been climbing the Himalaya, Sherpas have been the unsung heroes in the background. In August 2008, when eleven climbers lost their lives on K2, the world’s most dangerous peak, two Sherpas survived. They had emerged from poverty and political turmoil to become two of the most skillful mountaineers on earth. Based on unprecedented access and interviews, Buried in the Sky reveals their astonishing story for the first time.Peter Zuckerman and Amanda Padoan explore the intersecting lives of Chhiring Dorje Sherpa and Pasang Lama, following them from their villages high in the Himalaya to the slums of Kathmandu, across the glaciers of Pakistan to K2 Base Camp. When disaster strikes in the Death Zone, Chhiring finds Pasang stranded on an ice wall, without an axe, waiting to die. The rescue that follows has become the stuff of mountaineering legend.At once a gripping, white-knuckled adventure and a rich exploration of Sherpa customs and culture, Buried in the Sky re-creates one of the most dramatic catastrophes in alpine history from a fascinating new perspective.

Your Guide to the National Parks


Michael Joseph Oswald - 2012
    This guide provides step-by-step itineraries, kid-friendly activities, and the most popular ranger programs to help plan your family vacation. Thousands of hotels, restaurants, and attractions beyond the parks and 11 suggested road trips make it the ultimate dashboard companion. Exhaustive activity information, including hiking tables, easy-to-find trailhead markers, outfitter details, and backpacking essentials, serves as blueprint for an adventure of a lifetime. With something from everyone this is "Your Guide to the National Parks."

Making Mavericks


Frosty Hesson - 2012
    Hesson, one of the first to conquer the huge waves off northern California known as Mavericks, recognized that the kid “had a vision.” Jay quickly demonstrated a resolve that reminded Frosty of his younger self, pursuing his goal with a seriousness far beyond his years. His attitude and work ethic earned Frosty’s respect and, eventually, his friendship. Making Mavericks is the inspiring story of their father-son bond and of the challenges that made each of them who they were—surf legends, and the subject of the upcoming film Chasing Mavericks.In Making Mavericks, Frosty talks about his turbulent youth spent under difficult circumstances, with parents who tried to find a positive way to handle a child with a passion for water and a disregard for his own safety. Throughout his life he developed principles to live by, principles that would become the core tenets of his teaching philosophy. Most significantly, Frosty talks about how one of his best students, Jay Moriarty, used his philosophy to become a surfing phenomenon, and whose life inspired the phrase, “Live like Jay.”Affecting and poignant, Making Mavericks is a celebration of Hesson’s determination to live with joy and purpose, and his desire to help others do the same.

Appalachian Trials: A Psychological and Emotional Guide to Successfully Thru-Hiking The Appalachian Trail


Zach Davis - 2012
    Given the countless number of how-to books and websites offering information about logistics, gear, and endurance training, one would think that more people would finish this 2,200 mile trek. Why then, do so many hikers quit prematurely?After successfully thru-hiking the AT in five months with zero prior backpacking experience, author, Zach Davis, is convinced he’s discovered the answer. Aspiring thru-hikers, Davis tells readers, are preparing the wrong way- sweating on the StairMaster, meticulously plotting each re-supply box, or obsessing over the perfect sleeping bag or pair of socks.

Hiking the Wonderland Trail: The Complete Guide to Mount Rainier's Premier Trail


Tami Asars - 2012
    Hiking the Wonderland Trail: The Complete Guide to Mount Rainier's Premier Trail is an authoritative guide penned by Washington native Tami Asars, a professional instructor on hiking the trail, a third-generation hiker of the Cascade mountains, and seven-time hiker of the entire Wonderland.

The Ultimate Hiker's Gear Guide: Tools and Techniques to Hit the Trail


Andrew Skurka - 2012
    Described by National Geographic as “one of the best traveled and fastest hikers on the planet,” and named “Adventurer of the Year” by Outside and “Person of the Year” by Backpacker, Skurka recounts what he’s learned from more than 30,000 miles of long-distance adventures, most recently a 4,700-mile 6-month loop around Alaska and Canada’s Yukon.Whether you’re a first-time backpacker, an occasional weekend warrior or a seasoned long-distance trekker, you’ll love this guide. Learn exactly what you need to carry – both on your back and between your ears – for all seasons and circumstances through a show-and-tell of clothing, footwear, backpacks, shelter and sleep systems, and more, as well as through detailed articles on foot care, campsite selection and hiking efficiency. Skurka’s practical and priceless recommendations give you all the tools and techniques you’ll need to hit the trail.

The Appalachian Trail: Celebrating America's Hiking Trail


Brian King - 2012
    Once inspired by this wonderful celebration of the A.T., readers can plan their own hike using the removable and full-size copy of the official National Park Service’s map of the entire Appalachian Trail included inside each book. In celebration of the Appalachian Trail’s seventy-fifth anniversary, this official book documents in text and photos the history, beauty, and significance of America’s most iconic hiking trail. With fascinating essays on topics ranging from the trail’s history to the day-by-day hiking experience, this book is perfect for anyone interested in conservation, outdoor recreation, or American history, and for all those who dream of one day becoming thru-hikers themselves.  Completed in 1937 by a small cadre of volunteers, the Appalachian Trail spans fourteen states, from Maine to Georgia, and is more than 2,000 miles long. Now, seventy-five years after its completion, the A.T. remains America’s premier hiking trail and is known as "the people’s path." Visitors from all over the world are drawn to the trail for a variety of reasons, whether to reconnect with nature and see its beauty and wildlife, or to challenge oneself—for two miles or 2,000. Out of three million annual visitors, almost 2,000 attempt each year to earn the distinction of "thru-hiker" by walking all five million footsteps in one continuous journey.

Forgotten Grasslands of the South: Natural History and Conservation


Reed F. Noss - 2012
    Eminent ecologist Reed Noss tells the story of how southern grasslands arose and persisted over time and addresses questions that are fundamental for conserving these vital yet poorly understood ecosystems. The author examines:the natural history of southern grasslandstheir origin and history (geologic, vegetation, and human)biological hotspots and endangered ecosystemsphysical determinants of grassland distribution, including ecology, soils, landform, and hydrology fire, herbivores, and ecological interactions.The final chapter presents a general conservation strategy for southern grasslands, including prioritization, protection, restoration, and management. Also included are examples of ongoing restoration projects, along with a prognosis for the future.In addition to offering fascinating new information about these little-studied ecosystems, Noss demonstrates how natural history is central to the practice of conservation. Natural history has been on a declining trajectory for decades, as theory and experimentation have dominated the field of ecology. Ecologists are coming to realize that these divergent approaches are in fact complementary, and that pursuing them together can bring greater knowledge and understanding of how the natural world works and how we can best conserve it.Forgotten Grasslands of the South explores the overarching importance of ecological processes in maintaining healthy ecosystems, and is the first book of its kind to apply natural history, in a modern, comprehensive sense, to the conservation of biodiversity across a broad region. It sets a new standard for scientific literature and is essential reading not only for those who study and work to conserve the grasslands of the South but also for everyone who is fascinated by the natural world.

Paddling North


Audrey Sutherland - 2012
    Paddling North is a compilation of Sutherland’s first two (of over 20) such annual trips and her day-by-day travels through the Inside Passage from Ketchikan to Skagway. With illustrations and the author’s recipes.

A Survival Guide for Life: How to Achieve Your Goals, Thrive in Adversity, and Grow in Character


Bear Grylls - 2012
    Encountering the wild forces us to plan and execute goals, face danger, push our “limits,” and sharpen our instincts. But our most important adventures don’t always happen in nature’s extremes. Living a purpose-driven, meaningful life can often be an even greater challenge. . . .In A Survival Guide for Life, Bear Grylls, globally renowned adventurer and television host, shares the hard-earned wisdom he’s gained in the harshest environments on earth, from the summit of Mt. Everest to the boot camps of the British Special Forces.Filled with exclusive, never-before-told tales from Bear’s globe-trekking expeditions, A Survival Guide for Life teaches every reader—no matter your age or experience—that we’re all capable of living life more boldly, of achieving our most daring dreams, and of having more fun along the way. Here’s to your own great adventure!

The Ultimate Survival Manual (Outdoor Life): Urban Adventure - Wilderness Survival - Disaster Preparedness


Rich Johnson - 2012
    This book is the one you need if you want to protect your family, save yourself, and prevail over any danger.Your Go-To Guide for Surviving Anything GET READY, GET SET, SURVIVE!You're lost in the woods without food or water. Confronted by an armed assailant in the dead of night. Forced to outrun a deadly tornado. Don't worry - The Ultimate Survival Manual has you covered.Out in the Wild From navigating with a compass to fending off a mountain lion, learn to prevail in the forests, deserts, and open oceans like an expert outdoorsman.During a Disaster Whether it's a towering tsunami or a blazing wildfire, bad things happen every day. Know what to do when the going gets tough.In an Urban Crisis Arm yourself with the latest self-defense moves, weapons tips, and home-protection tactics, plus crucial strategies for handling bad guys and bad situations at home and abroad.

Partners


Melissa Good - 2012
    Human society on the planet is reduced to fighting for survival over seaweed and scraps. Jesslyn (Jess) Drake is a warrior for that time - an agent who works for one of two 'sides' (think cold war) and is sent into conflict to steal scientific secrets or otherwise prevent that 'side' from making advances that would let them prosper. There are no good or bad guys. Dev is Biological Alternative, set 0202-164812, instance NM-Dev-1 is a type of human being developed on a space station in orbit who can accept direct brain programming to suit them for a specific job and is the first of her kind to be made into an agent to join this side. Has a somewhat slave status and no one really wants them around but is given to Agent Drake who is arm twisted into giving it a try.

The Doom and Bloom(tm) Survival Medicine Handbook: Keep your loved ones healthy in every disaster, from wildfires to a complete societal collapse


Joseph Alton - 2012
    Integrative medical strategies abound for situations in which medical help is NOT on the way. This book will teach you how to deal with all the likely medical issues you will face in a disaster situation, and shows you strategies to keep your family healthy even in the worse scenarios. You'll learn skills like performing a physical exam, transporting the injured patient, and even how to suture a wound!

Canyons and Ice: The Wilderness Travels of Dick Griffith


Kaylene Johnson - 2012
    But for decades one especially daring traveler has set off into the wilderness with little more than a sense of adventure. Dick Griffith is an Alaska legend who made his name with a string of fearless fea: rafting down the Green and Colorado Rivers, skiing solo across the icy Northwest Passage, and being the first nonnative to drop into the treacherous Barranca Del Cobre in Mexico.  The first full biography of Griffith, Canyons and Ice offers a rare look at the man behind the soaring achievements and occasionally death-defying moments.  Both a grand tale of adventure and a reflection on what motivates a man to traverse some of the most remote places on earth, it will set fire to readers’ adventurous spirits.

White Mountain Guide, 29th: AMC's Comprehensive Guide to Hiking Trails in the White Mountain National Forest


Steven D. Smith - 2012
    The most trusted resource for the hiking trails of the magnificent White Mountains of New Hampshire and Maine, this new edition has been thoroughly updated and revised, with accurate descriptions of over 500 trails, topographic maps with trail segment mileage, trip planning and safety information, and a checklist of New England’s Four-Thousand Footers. With expert advice and trail coverage, this guide is the perfect companion for planning a hike, whether a day trip up Mount Washington, a backpacking adventure in the Pemigewasset Wilderness, or a hut-to-hut traverse.

How to Big Wall Climb


Chris McNamara - 2012
    Like anything worthwhile, big wall climbing requires hard work. That said, it's not that difficult to get to the top of Yosemite's El Capitan, the top prize of the world's rock climbers. To scale El Cap you only have to free climb 5.9 and know very basic aid climbing skills. The daunting challenge is to put those skills together efficiently, a trick most climbers never master. That is where this book comes in. It's the first How To big wall book specifically organized and clearly designed to address the process of building big wall skills, step by step. Author Chris McNamara has climbed El Cap more than 70 times and has set several speed records there. He has climbed more than 100 big walls, is a noted wingsuit BASE jumper and is the founder/CEO of SuperTopo, publisher of highly-regarded climbing guides for areas ranging from Alaska to Red Rocks with special attention to Yosemite. If you are a reasonably good climber psyched to do El Cap or a similar bad ass big wall, you probably can do it. Each week read a new chapter in this book and follow instructions and you will be on your way to the top of EL Cap!

Pilgrim Tips & Packing List Camino de Santiago: What you need to know beforehand, what you need to take, and what you can leave at home


S. Yates - 2012
    But you have questions, many questions: What does the daily life of a pilgrim actually look like? How big should your backpack be and do you need xyz? What is the best time to walk the Camino? Is it dangerous to walk alone, especially as a woman? What about the dangerous dogs you have heard so much about? Are there gender-separated showers and toilets in the pilgrim hostels? And when nature calls when you are on the trail, will there be outhouses or not? How can you prevent blisters and other health problems? Will you find enough places to buy food from or restaurants to eat in? And what about if you are vegetarian – will you find adequate food to keep you going? Do you need to speak Spanish to walk the Camino? Do you need to be religious and / or baptized to do The Way? Where does the Camino start and how long does it take to walk “The Whole Way”? And, and, and ... If these are your questions, then this book is for you. Read about what you need to know beforehand, what you need to take, and what you can leave at home - which is the most important bit! Read about how to prepare for the Camino de Santiago in a book written by two experienced pilgrims and hospitaleras that, between them, have walked more than 10,000 km / 6,000 mi on European pilgrimage routes in Spain, France and Italy and have looked after, over the years, ten thousands of pilgrims in over twenty different refugios (pilgrim hostels). Some of the many topics covered in this book are: Introduction into the daily pilgrim life – So that you know what to expect and what not. Movies like “The Way” are not always true to reality ;-) Which way and when? - Choosing the right Camino for you, and yes, there is a choice! And choosing the right time to go, plus many insider tips on how to experience a somewhat quieter Camino, even in the midst of the pilgrim season. A detailed explanation of the few things you need to take, where best to buy them and what to look out for when buying them. And a longer list of things you don't need to take and the reasons why. A lot of practical background information covering pretty much every aspect of the pilgrim life. Plus pilgrim stories out of our real life experience to make it a more entertaining read and a large appendix with many useful addresses and texts. Also included is a free download link to a template that will allow you to create your very own, personalized packing list for your very own Way. If you are still unsure if this is the book you are looking for – just use the “Click to look inside” function here on Amazon to get a good impression of it. In all cases, we want to wish you a ¡Buen Camino! - A Good Way! And yes, you will pick up a few essential Spanish pilgrim terms in this book also ...

Woodcut (The artwork of Bryan Nash Gill)


Bryan Nash Gill - 2012
    Creating large-scale relief prints from the cross sections of trees, the artist reveals the sublime power locked inside their arboreal rings. Gill creates patterns not only of great beauty but also year-by-year records of the life and times of fallen or damaged logs. He rescues the wood from the property surrounding his studio and neighboring land, extracts and prepares blocks of various species (including ash, maple, oak, spruce, and willow), then makes prints by carefully following and pressing the contours of rings and ridges until the intricate designs transfer from tree to paper. The results are colored, nuanced shapes—mesmerizing impressions of the structural integrity hidden inside each tree. These exquisitely detailed prints are collected and published here for the first time, with an introduction by esteemed nature writer Verlyn Klinkenborg and an interview with the artist describing his labor-intensive printmaking process. Also featured are Gill's series of printed lumber and offcuts, such as burls, branches, knots, and scrubs. Woodcut will appeal to anybody who appreciates the grandeur and mystery of trees, as well as those who work with wood and marvel at the rich history embedded in its growth.

Conifer Country


Michael Edward Kauffmann - 2012
    Educator, plant explorer, and author Michael Kauffmann introduces readers to the magic of this little known botanical wonderland through:-The most accurate range maps ever created for conifers in northwest California and southwest Oregon-Lively species descriptions-Color plates to assist in identifying 35 conifers-29 hike descriptions with maps to explore the conifer diversity-Stunning photos from across the Klamath Mountain region

The Total Gun Manual (Field & Stream): 271 Skills from Field & Stream’s Gun Nuts


Phil Bourjaily - 2012
    When Field & Stream needs expertise, they turn to Dave Petzal and Phil Bourjaily, better known as The Gun Nuts. Beloved F&S bloggers and the hosts of the popular Gun Nuts show on the Outdoor Channel (sponsored by Smith & Wesson), Petzal and Bourjaily know it all, and aren't afraid to tell you their unvarnished opinions are just about everything. In this book they share insider hints, amazing stories from the range and field, and hands-on guidance for the first-time gun owner and the seasoned veteran alike.

Call of the Mild: Learning to Hunt My Own Dinner


Lily Raff McCaulou - 2012
    She'd been raised as a gun-fearing environmentalist and an animal lover, and though a meat-eater, she'd always abided by the principle that harming animals is wrong. But Raff McCaulou's perspective shifted when she began spending weekends fly-fishing and weekdays interviewing hunters for her articles, realizing that many of them were more thoughtful about animals and the environment than she was. So she embarked upon the project of learning to hunt from square one. From attending a Hunter Safety course designed for children to field dressing an elk and serving it for dinner, she explores the sport of hunting and all it entails, and tackles the big questions surrounding one of the most misunderstood American practices and pastimes. Not just a personal memoir, this book also explores the role of the hunter in the twenty-first century, the tension (at times artificial) between hunters and environmentalists, and new models of sustainable and ethical food procurement.

Great Adventures


Lonely Planet - 2012
    Underwater chasms. Ice-clad peaks. Great Adventures showcase of the world's most thrilling adventures takes you by boot, pedal or paddle to awe-inspiring natural spectacles and on adrenalin-charged feats of endeavour. You don't need to be intrepid necessarily, but you will need to embrace the spirit of adventure!Authors: Written and researched by Lonely Planet, Andrew Bain, Sarah Gilbert, Luke Waterson, Ray Bartlett, Steve Waters, Jim DuFresne, Lucy Burningham, Kerry Christiani, Greg Benchwick, Gabi Mocatta, Abigail Blasi, Joe Bindloss, Scott Kennedy, Sarah Baxter, Bradley Mayhew, Ben Kozel, Caroline Veldhuis, Paul Bloomfeild, Ben Fogie, Craig Scutt, Gregor ClarkAbout Lonely Planet: Started in 1973, Lonely Planet has become the world's leading travel guide publisher with guidebooks to every destination on the planet, as well as an award-winning website, a suite of mobile and digital travel products, and a dedicated traveller community. Lonely Planet's mission is to enable curious travellers to experience the world and to truly get to the heart of the places where they travel.TripAdvisor Travellers' Choice Awards 2012 and 2013 winner in Favorite Travel Guide category'Lonely Planet guides are, quite simply, like no other.' - New York Times'Lonely Planet. It's on everyone's bookshelves; it's in every traveller's hands. It's on mobile phones. It's on the Internet. It's everywhere, and it's telling entire generations of people how to travel the world.' - Fairfax Media (Australia) *#1 in the world market share - source: Nielsen Bookscan. Australia, UK and USA. March 2012-January 2013

Wilderness Navigation: Finding Your Way Using Map, Compass, Altimeter, & GPS


Bob Burns - 2012
    Whether you are climbing a glacier, orienteering in the backcountry, or on an easy day hike, Mike and Bob Burns cover all the latest technology and time-tested methods to help you learn to navigate-from how to read a map to compasses and geomagnetism. Bob Burns is a long-time member of The Mountaineers. He has taught classes in the use of map and compass since the late 1970s. Mike Burns is an avid climber. He has instructed climbing and navigation classes, and written articles for Climbing magazine.Part of the The Mountaineers Outdoor Basics series! Created for beginning-to-intermediate enthusiasts, this series includes everything anyone would need to know about staying safe and having fun in the backcountry.

How To Compost: Everything You Need To Know To Start Composting, And Nothing You Don't!


Lars Hundley - 2012
    This guide is for those new to composting and the following topics are covered:* Types of compost bins and the pros and cons of each (as well as "no bin" options)* Composting accessories and which are essential (answer: none!)* What to put in your compost bin -- and what to avoid (sorry, dog poop is out)* An easy way to balance carbon- and nitrogen-rich materials (no math involved!)* Compost troubleshooting -- common problems and how to solve them (from sulfur to slime - it's covered)Whether you just want a pile in the backyard, or the latest in compost tumbler technology, this guide will get you off to a great start.

Worldwalk


Steven Newman - 2012
    Four years later, he had successfully walked the length or width of 21 countries on five continents and fulfilled a childhood dream. Nearly everywhere on the five continents he crossed, he found familes that invited this American stranger into their homes (sometimes for weeks), and new friends that put him in touch with their friends. In addition to lives of the everyday people that he wrote about in his bi-weekly newspaper dispatches, he had dozens of adventures straight out of a novel or a movie. Among those adventures were wars, a struggle with a blizzard in the Spanish Pyrenees, wild boars that treed him for an entire night in Algeria, bandits in Thailand that nearly chopped off his head, a circus in Greece he worked in for two weeks, a smalltown newspaper in Australia he ran for two months, a flash flood in Australia, and arrests and interrogations in Algeria, Yugoslavia and Turkey. Through it all, Newman proved himself willing to learn from other cultures and to become quickly adaptable to strange cultures and unforgiving natural settings such as jungles and deserts and even fires the size of American states. As the Oregonian newspaper succinctly put it: “Newman, irrepressible, indomitable, indefatigable…always fascinating, records his experience with poetrical eloquence.”

Hiking Kentucky's Red River Gorge: Your Definitive Guide to the Jewel of the Southeast


Sean Patrick Hill - 2012
    The book showcases 25 of the best hikes in the Gorge, as well as a back-of-book bonus on nearby trails. Distinguished from other Red River Gorge guides, this book provides readers not only with detailed maps, sharp photos, and individual-trail details, THIS guidebook outlines definitive hikes—ways to explore the area and enjoy its flora, fauna, and history.The easy-to-use layout treats each hike distinctly, as its own adventure. Because of this, the routes are detailed with photographs, maps, trail gradient information and, most importantly, ratings for key elements that make a trail appealing to a wide variety of people. This allows the reader to make informed decisions about which trails they will want to hike, which ones will be appropriate for children, and so on. Further, readers will discover how to combine trails and routes for a great hiking day or backpacking trip. This book is ideal for people who’ve never been to the Gorge, or even beginner hikers.

The U.S. Navy SEAL Survival Handbook: Learn the Survival Techniques and Strategies of America's Elite Warriors


Don Mann - 2012
    Navy SEALs know that they can be deployed anywhere in the world at a moment’s notice. Whether in a temperate, tropical, arctic, or subarctic region, they might find themselves alone in a remote area with little or no personal gear.In The U.S. Navy SEAL Survival Handbook, decorated Navy SEAL Team Six member and New York Times bestselling author Don Mann provides a definitive survival resource. From basic camp craft and navigation to fear management and strategies for coping with any type of disaster, it is an essential resource. It covers:WaterShelter and fireFood and huntingWeatherNavigationSurvival medicineSurvival kitsAnd much moreComplete with 150 color photographs, this comprehensive guide includes life-saving information for SEALs, for other special operations forces, or for anyone who might fight themselves in a life-threatening situation.

The Complete Dog Breed Book: Choose the Perfect Dog for You


D.K. Publishing - 2012
     Combining breeds, behavior, care, and training advice, this book contains everything you need to know to help you choose and look after a dog, from the tiny Chihuahua to the towering Great Dane. Find the perfect pet using Q&A selector charts that help you find the best breed to suit your lifestyle. Fully updated to reflect the latest dog breeds, The Complete Dog Breed Book contains a catalogue of more than 420 dogs. Each features stunning photographs of the dog from various angles, while popular breeds - including the Boxer, Labrador Retriever, and English Springer Spaniel - are given a special in-depth treatment. Clear and concise text explains the main features of the dog, as well as providing a historical overview of the breed. Annotation highlights physical characteristics of each breed, while panels provide an at-a-glance guide to key features, such as the dog's temperament, size, and color.A practical section on care covers the fundamental aspects of looking after a dog, from handling and grooming to exercise and health. Step-by-step photographic sequences, combined with expert-written advice, explain the essentials of basic obedience. The Complete Dog Breed Book is a one-stop manual to helping you become the owner of a happy, healthy, well-behaved dog.

The Legend of The Ghost Buck


Lane Walker - 2012
    He really does exist, he thought, as his left hand trembled on the bow. Thirty yards away was the biggest buck he'd ever seen. It was a moment he'd been waiting for all of his young life. Somehow, his quivering right hand found the bowstring. His heart hammered, and he struggled to slow his frantic breathing. Slowly, the enormous buck turned . . . and looked directly at him. Boone held his breath. He froze. Had the buck spotted him? He hadn't had time to raise the bow and aim before the buck had spotted him. Now, if we moved an inch, the deer most certainly would bolt, and Boone would miss the opportunity of a lifetime. Tense seconds ticked past. The buck looked away. It was Boone's only chance . . . the chance he'd been waiting for. Slowly, he raised the bow . . . Was the crazy old man right? Is Boone just going to blow it and ruin everything? Or will this be a hunt that rewrites the record books and a small town?

The Wisdom of John Muir: 100+ Selections from the Letters, Journals, and Essays of the Great Naturalist


Anne Rowthorn - 2012
    The fact that it is neither, and yet it is both, distinguishes this book from the many extant books on John Muir. Building on her lifelong passion for the work and philosophy of John Muir, author Anne Rowthorn has created this entirely new treatment for showcasing the great naturalist's philosophy and writings. By pairing carefully selected material from various stages of Muir's life, Rowthorn's book provides a view into the experiences, places, and people that inspired and informed Muir's words and beliefs. The reader feels able to join in with Muir's own discoveries and transformations over the arc of his life. Rowthorn is careful not to overstep her role: she stands back and lets Muir's words speak for themselves.

Walking Distance: Extraordinary Hikes for Ordinary People


Robert E. Manning - 2012
    But most of all, walking is a joyful celebration of life and the diverse, beautiful, and curious world in which we live.” —from the IntroductionWalking is simple, but it can also be profound. In an increasingly complex and frantic world, walking can simplify our lives. It encourages intimate contact with places and people, promotes health, and is one of the most sustainable forms of recreation. Robert and Martha Manning invite readers to explore the pleasures of long-distance walking in their inspiring new book, Walking Distance.At the heart of Walking Distance are firsthand descriptions of thirty of the world’s great long-distance hikes, spanning six continents and ranging from inn-to-inn to backpacking trips. Each entry—from Turkey’s Lycian Way to Vermont’s Long Trail—features personal anecdotes, natural and cultural history, and useful tips, including suggestions for preparing for hikes and for additional reading. Each trail narrative is richly illustrated with color photographs and maps. The WalksAlta Via 1 (Italy)C&O Canal (Maryland, U.S.)Camino de Santiago (Spain)Cape Winelands Walk (South Africa)Chilkoot Trail (Alaska, U.S. and B.C., Canada)Cinque Terre (Italy) Coast to Coast Trail (England)Colorado Trail (Colorado, U.S.)Cotswold Way (England)Great Ocean Walk (Australia)Inca Trail (Peru)John Muir Trail (California, U.S.)Kaibab Trail (Arizona, U.S.) Kalalua Trail (Hawaii, U.S.)King Ludwig’s Way (Germany)Kungsleden (Sweden)Long Trail (Vermont, U.S.)Lost Coast Trail (California, U.S.)Lycian Way (Turkey) Milford Track (New Zealand)Ocala Trail (Florida, U.S.)Overland Track (Australia)Paria River Canyon (Utah and Arizona, U.S.)South Downs Way (England)Superior Hiking Trail (Minnesota, U.S.)Tahoe Rim Trail (California and Nevada, U.S.)Tour du Mont Blanc (France, Italy, Switzerland) Walker’s Haute Route (France, Switzerland) West Coast Trail (B.C., Canada)West Highland Way (Scotland)

Phoenix from the Ashes: The Boat that Rebuilt Our Lives


Justin Tyers - 2012
    introducing you to strangers by the shore. Justin and Linda spent seven years traveling between France, Ireland, Scotland, and their much-loved Cornwall. They lived on board a classic boat which they built themselves, as amateurs - starting with the trees - having lost their house in an uninsured fire. Brilliantly written, and laugh-out-loud funny - follow them as they forage the low-water shores meeting the strange, quirky, but always entertaining folk who make their living by the sea; voyage with them through the bumps and breakages of learning to handle their craft; and meet the unusual folk who live on board boats frugally at the top of creeks, or lavishly - sailing the seven seas.Its vividly drawn characters, and descriptions of places you thought you knew will have you turning pages well into the wee hours.

Born-Again Dirt: Farming to the Glory of God


Noah Sanders - 2012
    This book looks at various Biblical principles related to agriculture and provides examples of practical application. Topics covered include: -Designing farms as beautiful, fruitful homes. -Honoring God's design in farm production -Growing crops that honor the Lord -Marketing as ministry -The idolatry of modern agriculture -Advantages of the farming lifestyle -Starting a farm and making a living. Without claiming to have all the answers, Born Again Dirt seeks to inspire you to develop a vision for God-glorifying agriculture . This book is a must read for any Christian who is a full time farmer, backyard gardener, or for anyone who desires a more Biblical view of agriculture.

The Narrows Escape


Brad Allred - 2012
    Caught by surprise, the Allreds find themselves scrambling for their lives.After losing one of their own, the stakes rise even higher. Searching for the missing family member means traveling through stronger, swifter currents, while avoiding the natural traps and dangers strewn behind in the flood's wake.It also places them squarely in the path of an even greater danger. Of the nine Allreds that start the hike, how many will finish?

Life on the Brink: Environmentalists Confront Overpopulation


Philip Cafaro - 2012
    Some of the leading voices in the American environmental movement restate the case that population growth is a major force behind many of our most serious ecological problems, including global climate change, habitat loss and species extinctions, air and water pollution, and food and water scarcity. As we surpass seven billion world inhabitants, contributors argue that ending population growth worldwide and in the United States is a moral imperative that deserves renewed commitment.Hailing from a range of disciplines and offering varied perspectives, these essays hold in common a commitment to sharing resources with other species and a willingness to consider what will be necessary to do so. In defense of nature and of a vibrant human future, contributors confront hard issues regarding contraception, abortion, immigration, and limits to growth that many environmentalists have become too timid or politically correct to address in recent years.Ending population growth will not happen easily. Creating genuinely sustainable societies requires major change to economic systems and ethical values coupled with clear thinking and hard work. Life on the Brink is an invitation to join the discussion about the great work of building a better future.Contributors: Albert Bartlett, Joseph Bish, Lester Brown, Tom Butler, Philip Cafaro, Martha Campbell, William R. Catton Jr., Eileen Crist, Anne Ehrlich, Paul Ehrlich, Robert Engelman, Dave Foreman, Amy Gulick, Ronnie Hawkins, Leon Kolankiewicz, Richard Lamm, Jeffrey McKee, Stephanie Mills, Roderick Nash, Tim Palmer, Charmayne Palomba, William Ryerson, Winthrop Staples III, Captain Paul Watson, Don Weeden, George Wuerthner.

Survivalist Magazine Issue #1


Ed CorcoranJohn Milandred - 2012
    Special Premier Issue Reprint Features: The Only True Currency in a Post-Collapse World, Surviving in the Free State, Down to Nothing: Finding Food When You're Desperate, On Survivalism - Preparedness - and Self-Reliance, Homeschooling: A Family Matter, What Are You Gonna Do About a Nuclear Threat or Device, Antibiotics: Why You Should Store Them and How to Get Them Without a Prescription, Lone Wolf Syndrome, plus Book Review: American Apocalypse; The Beginning, and more!

John Clarke: Explorer of the Coast Mountains


Lisa Baile - 2012
    On the other hand, he explored more virgin territory and racked up more first ascents than any other climber--perhaps more than any climber who ever lived.Although he came to be honoured far and wide and is one of the few mountaineers to be awarded the Order of Canada, he was a modest man who pursued his passion without fanfare, frequently embarking on gruelling expeditions into unknown territory by himself. His reputation spread and grew to legendary proportions, not just owing to the prodigious scale of his achievements, but because of the way he carried them out--he travelled light and scorned technology, wearing cotton long johns and eating homemade granola.He dedicated his life to exploring the numberless, nameless peaks of the Coast Range and worked at odd jobs just long enough to pay for the next season's climbing. He was charismatic and famously attractive to women, but none were able to compete with his first love and he didn't marry until he was almost fifty. Always a popular lecturer, in his later years he devoted his considerable energies to the cause of environmental education. After he succumbed to cancer in 2003, the BC government named Mount John Clarke in his honour--fitting recognition for the man who had himself named many BC mountains.John Clarke: Explorer of the Coast Mountains covers this remarkable life from beginning to end, examining Clarke through his own words and pictures as well as through the words of his many friends. All agree it was an honour to have known him, and readers will find it equally inspiring to meet him through these pages.

Best Tent Camping: Minnesota: Your Car-Camping Guide to Scenic Beauty, the Sounds of Nature, and an Escape from Civilization


Tom Watson - 2012
    This updated edition includes campground layout maps, directions to each campground, and descriptive profiles. Unlike other guides which merely list all campgrounds, Best Tent Camping: Minnesota profiles in detail the best sites in the state for campers who seek the serene and secluded.You’ll find essential information about each campground (including season, facilities, rates, directions, GPS coordinates, and Web sites), as well as a description of the campground, the best sites, and nearby activities such as hiking, canoeing, fishing, and mountain biking.Whether you are a native Minnesotan in search of new territory or a vacationer on the lookout for that dream campground, this book unlocks the secrets to the best tent camping that Minnesota has to offer.

There Must Have Been an Angel: The Cross-Country Odyssey from Badwater, Death Valley, to the Summit of Mount Whitney


Lee Bergthold - 2012
    Whitney (14,495 feet). It was October, 1989, with temperatures ranging from 110 degrees to 50 degrees below (windchill); across some of the most hostile, treacherous and desolate terrain in the land....

Navigation in the Mountains: The Definitive Guide for Hill Walkers, Mountaineers & Leaders: The Official Navigation Book for All Mountain Training Schemes


Carlo Forte - 2012
    It covers every aspect of mountain navigation using traditional map and compass as well as devices such as GPS and digital software applications.

Your Guide to Yellowstone and Grand Teton National Parks: A Different Perspective


John Hergenrather - 2012
    Since 1872, 150 million visitors have been awed by the sights and sounds of this abundant and untamed wilderness spanning over 3.400 square miles. With hundreds of color photos and travel tips, this unique guide celebrates the profound and biblical history revealed within the dramatic landscapes. This is an absolute "must have" resource for Christians visiting the park who want to learn of God's handiwork! Enjoy other companion books of the True North Series - Your Guide to the Grand Canyon, and Your Guide to Zion and Bryce Canyon National Parks.

Snow Fall: The Avalanche at Tunnel Creek


John Branch - 2012
    Still, they took the deadly gamble—and lost. As acclaimed "New York Times" reporter and Pulitzer Prize finalist John Branch writes in this harrowing tale of disaster and survival, "the very thing the skiers and snowboarders had sought—fresh, soft snow—instantly became the enemy." In less than a minute, Tunnel Creek turned from a playground into an icy tomb.

Shoot: Your Guide to Shooting and Competition


Julie Golob - 2012
    This book provides an introduction to a wide variety of shooting sports through detailed descriptions that relate each type of competition to everyday activities and interests. High-quality photography from actual competitions and step-bystep instructional images augment the clearly written descriptions of both basic and advanced shooting skills. Throughout the book, Julie shares beneficial tips, explains sportspecific lingo, and stresses vital safety concerns. Going beyond just a skill-building manual for those new to firearms and shooting, Shoot addresses competition stress, goal setting, logging, and beneficial practice techniques to help all shooters, from novices to champions, excel and take their skills to the next level.

Big Jungle Mix Up


Gareth Edwards - 2012
    Little Bear's dad tries to teach him all the jungle animals he ought to know, but the problem is they are a little mixed up! What would happen if a monkey was mixed up with a parrot? Would it have feathers? Would you teach it to speak? Turn the pages and discover the hilarious results!

Exmoor & North Devon Coast Path: (SW Coast Path Part 1) British Walking Guide with 53 large-scale walking maps, places to stay, places to eat


Henry Stedman - 2012
    This spectacular route passes through the Exmoor National Park following the highest coastline in England (over 800ft), through numerous idyllic villages such as Lynton and Clovelly, around Barnstaple Bay and Hartland Point to the seaside resort of Bude just over the border with Cornwall. ·        5 town plans and 53 large-scale walking maps – at just under 1:20,000 – showing route times, places to stay, places to eat, points of interest and much more. These are not general-purpose maps but fully-edited maps drawn by walkers for walkers. ·        Itineraries for all walkers – whether walking the route in its entirety over a week to 10 days or sampling the highlights on day walks and short breaks ·        Practical information for all budgets – camping, bunkhouses, hostels, B&Bs, pubs and hotels; where to stay, where to eat, what to see, plus detailed street plans ·        Comprehensive public transport information – for all access points on the coast ·        Flora and fauna – four page full color flower guide, plus an illustrated section on local wildlife ·        Full information on the Exmoor National Park ·        Green hiking – understanding the local environment and minimizing our impact on it ·        Downloadable GPS waypoints

Top Trails: Great Smoky Mountains National Park: Must-Do Hikes for Everyone


Johnny Molloy - 2012
    But with the overwhelming mileage of trails, an uninformed hiker in the park is faced with a hit or miss choice of hikes. Weather, season, and day of the week can make a trail alluring or as overcrowded as Newfound Gap Road on a weekend summer day. Why take a chance on a hike that might not suit your needs? That’s what this book is for -- to help you make the most of your precious time while in the Smokies.Day hiking is the best and most popular way to break into the Smokies backcountry, which is where you want to be. Information at the beginning of each hike includes trail use, length, vertical feet, a rating system for difficulty, as well as a list of hike features and nearby facilities. “Best time” tells when to enjoy the hike, finding the trail gives concise directions. A running narrative follows, telling hikers what they will see along the hike. A photo, trail map, quick glance hiker milestones, elevation profile and are outlined for each hike, making this a user friendly guide.One-way hikes take you to a particular rewarding destination and back on the same trail. Going over the same trail twice can have its advantages, though. The return trip allows you to see everything from the opposite vantage point. Loop day hikes go to a destination as well, but return you to your point of origin without having to retrace your steps. Some hikers just can’t stand the thought of covering the same ground twice with the hundreds of untrodden Smokies trail miles that await them. Loop hikes are generally longer and harder than the there and back hikes, but a bigger challenge can reap bigger rewards.For those with the inclination, the several overnight hikes offer yet another great way to explore the Smokies. These overnight loops take you into the backcountry for 3 days and two nights, offering the best backpacking in the park.This book will help you make every step count, whether you are leading the family on a brief day hike or undertaking a challenging backpack into the remote reaches of the Smokies. With your precious time and the knowledge herein imparted to you, your outdoor experience will be realized to its fullest.

Lake Chelan The Greatest Lake In The World


John Fahey - 2012
    

The Art of Modern Gunfighting


Scott Reitz - 2012
    co-founder and Head Instructor, Scott Reitz and co-founder and Director of Training, Brett McQueen. In a very short time it has become an overwhelming success and best seller because of its uniqueness and nonconformity to other gun books.The “Art of Modern Gunfighting” is really two books in one. It covers all the elements of the Pistol in great detail with accompanying photographs as well as the aspects of gunfighting as it relates to the modern day. The book is a result of 35 years of Scott’s real life experience behind the gun. The “Art of Modern Gunfighting” covers each of his 5 Officer involved shootings in detail and shares the lessons derived from each of these. The mechanics of gunfighting, the mindset, safety, deadly force and the experiences of others are also included. The “Art of Modern Gunfighting” provides a solid, grounded, fundamental use of the pistol in an engaging and informative narrative.Brett shares her experiences of over 21 years training individuals from all walks of life, including a special section on training women.Retired. LAPD Chief Darryl Gates, who was the pioneer of the SWAT concept, wrote a foreward to the book and calls it “a must read for anyone using deadly force”.

Eurisko Sails West: A Year in Panama


Connie McBride - 2012
    Beneath the nervousness was a bit of heartache, too. Leaving home is never easy, even when it is what you want most in the world.”After exploring the Eastern Caribbean for several years on their 34-foot Creekmore, Connie McBride, her husband, and their 16-year-old son sailed away from their adopted home of St. Croix, west across the Caribbean to Bocas del Toro, Panama. What they found there will delight the reader as the archipelago comes alive in Eurisko Sails West: A Year in Panama. Howler monkeys, red frogs, and sloths in the jungle are accompanied by a symphony of parrots, oro pendula, toucans, and macaws. But Panama has more to offer this family than jungle.Coral reefs, deserted beaches, and surf are all within an easy daysail. Local Indians in dugout canoes paddle or sail past, offering fish and lobster. A group of Indian children admire their Christmas tree, and in exchange for an impromptu Spanish lesson, the McBride’s share their fish catch with the children’s 13 family members. After a few months of exploring Bocas del Toro, the family travels inland. Costa Rica offers not only adventure, cloud forest, and black sand beaches, but also unforeseen complications. The Panamanian mountain town of Boquete becomes their base for climbing the country’s highest point: Volcan Baru. And David, Panama’s third largest city, is both an escape from the outpost town of Bocas and the family’s salvation during an emergency.But it is the people they meet during their stay in Panama that enrich their lives. Removed from his friends, girlfriend, and island he calls home, their guitar-playing surfer son, struggling to grow up in a country whose language he barely speaks, becomes a favorite playmate of the Indians from the local village. He teaches them sports and card games; they teach him how to open a coconut with a machete, the importance of cultural differences, and tolerance. Far from a cruising guide or a travel log, Eurisko Sails West: A Year in Panama is an experience, a family adventure that allows the reader to explore the beauty and challenges of sailing and living in rural Panama. When a medical emergency prevents them from leaving the country, decisions become more difficult and have shocking consequences. Neighbors who had become friends transform into rescuers, and in the end, we are all reminded of the importance of appreciating life and those we share it with, wherever we may be. With over 30 color pictures, Eurisko Sails West is a delight to the eyes, and the story of this family’s adventures and struggles in response to the unexpected is a treat for the soul.