Best of
Outdoors

2013

The Emerald Mile: The Epic Story of the Fastest Ride in History Through the Heart of the Grand Canyon


Kevin Fedarko - 2013
    In the winter of 1983, the largest El Niño event on record—a chain of “superstorms” that swept in from the Pacific Ocean—battered the entire West. That spring, a massive snowmelt sent runoff racing down the Colorado River toward the Glen Canyon Dam, a 710-foot-high wall of concrete that sat at the head of the most iconic landscape feature in America, the Grand Canyon. As the water clawed toward the parapet of the dam, worried federal officials desperately scrambled to avoid a worst-case scenario: one of the most dramatic dam failures in history. In the midst of this crisis, beneath the light of a full moon, a trio of river guides secretly launched a small, hand-built wooden boat, a dory named the Emerald Mile, into the Colorado just below the dam’s base and rocketed toward the dark chasm downstream, where the torrents of water released by the dam engineers had created a rock-walled maelstrom so powerful it shifted giant boulders and created bizarre hydraulic features never previously seen. The river was already choked with the wreckage of commercial rafting trips: injured passengers clung to the remnants of three-ton motorboats that had been turned upside down and torn to pieces. The chaos had claimed its first fatality, further launches were forbidden, and rangers were conducting the largest helicopter evacuation in the history of Grand Canyon National Park. An insurgent river run under such conditions seemed to border on the suicidal, but Kenton Grua, the captain of that dory, was on an unusual mission: a gesture of defiance unlike anything the river world had ever seen. His aim was to use the flood as a hydraulic slingshot that would hurl him and two companions through 277 miles of some of the most ferocious white water in North America and, if everything went as planned, catapult the Emerald Mile into legend as the fastest boat ever propelled—by oar, by motor, or by the grace of God—through the heart of the Grand Canyon. Grua himself was already something of a mythic figure, a fearless boatman obsessed with the mysteries of the canyon. His quest embraced not only the trials of the speed run itself but also the larger story of his predecessors: the men who had first discovered the canyon and pioneered its exploration, as well as those who waged a landmark battle to prevent it from being hog-tied by a series of massive hydroelectric dams—a conflict that continues to this day. A writer who has worked as a river guide himself and is intimately familiar with the canyon’s many secrets, Kevin Fedarko is the ideal narrator for this American epic. The saga of The Emerald Mile is a thrilling adventure, as well as a magisterial portrait of the hidden kingdom of white water at the bottom of the greatest river canyon on earth. This book announces Fedarko as a major writing talent and at last sets forth the full story of an American legend—the legend of The Emerald Mile.

How to Shoot Like a Navy SEAL: Combat Marksmanship Fundamentals


Chris Sajnog - 2013
    Is your aim good enough to guarantee your family’s safety? How to Shoot Like a Navy SEAL teaches gun owners and their families the same deadly effective techniques the author used to create the world’s deadliest snipers. The book is designed to give you the most powerful methods in easy-to-follow instructions. When the book temporarily went out of print, new paperback copies were selling for as much as $3495.00! Now you can save over $3,475.03 on this life-saving knowledge, with the security of knowing that it works -- for both Navy SEALs and responsible gun owners like you. A retired US Navy SEAL and bestselling author, Chris Sajnog was hand-selected to develop the entire US Navy SEAL Sniper training program. Now, you can use these world-class techniques to master your weapon and protect your family. How to Shoot Like a Navy SEAL also comes with exclusive access to 12 online instructional video lessons filmed just for this book – no other shooting book offers you this! Watch Chief Sajnog show you his proven methods, and read detailed explanations in this book packed with Navy SEAL training in just 114 easy pages packed with crucial weapons knowledge. Chief Sajnog doesn’t waste time showing you “cool moves” or “fancy footwork.” He gets down to the fundamental skills that separate US Navy SEALs from everyone else, and shows you how to use them in simple, step-by-step instructions. Here’s what you’ll learn: ● How to find the right positions for you -- not the cookie-cutter methods that only work for some people -- so you can maximize your aim with as little effort as possible. ● Simple training exercises you can do right now, at home, without having to spend 1,000’s of dollars at the shooting range. ● How to boost your accuracy by up to 95% -- using the “Navy SEAL focus” technique that you can master in just minutes. ● Chris Sajnog’s “SEAL 7”: 7 super-simple steps that will completely change the way you shoot… so you can hit your mark every time. ● The SEAL Sniper Trick that you can start using today, allowing you to instantly hit targets at twice the distance. ● Why the aiming technique you were taught is completely wrong -- and how you can fix it instantly. ● Plus… how to do all of this safely, without risking harm to your family. Protect your loved ones, your country, and yourself, with the firearms techniques developed by the mastermind behind the US Navy SEAL Sniper training program and one of the most respected firearms trainers in the world, Chris Sajnog.

Stumbling Thru: Keepin' On Keepin' On


A. Digger Stolz - 2013
    Despite struggling beneath the unresolved weight of his previous life and a too-heavy backpack, he still somehow manages to keep moving forward—step after step, mile after mile. Joining Bartleby on this journey is an ever-changing crew of oddballs and outsiders, the wandering men and women of the Appalachian Trail. With white blazes marking the way and little adventures around every corner, Bartleby & Company push through the Mid-Atlantic States and climb into the mountainous wilds of New England. Here concludes the story of a middle-aged man thru-hiking the Appalachian Trail against his will, against his better judgment and against all odds.

In the Temple of Wolves: A Winter's Immersion in Wild Yellowstone


Rick Lamplugh - 2013
    When Rick Lamplugh arrives at the historic Lamar Buffalo Ranch on New Year’s Eve, he has one goal: to learn as much as possible about the ecology of the Lamar Valley. All winter he will work and live in this remote corner of Yellowstone National Park, home to some of the best wildlife watching in the world. Winter-hungry elk and bison migrate there to graze. Wolves, coyotes, and mountain lions stalk the grazers while eagles, ravens, and magpies wait to scavenge. The snowy backdrop makes the saga of death and life easy to spot. He has three frigid months to explore on skis and snowshoes, observe with all his senses, listen to and talk with experts. A literary blend of facts and feelings, In the Temple of Wolves celebrates nature’s stark beauty and treacherous cruelty, while revealing Lamplugh’s inner battles with his own human nature.

The Esperanza Fire: Arson, Murder, and the Agony of Engine 57


John N. Maclean - 2013
    Spectators stop rustling in their seats; prosecution and defense lawyers and the accused stiffen into attitudes of wariness; and the judge looks on owlishly. In that atmosphere of heightened expectation the jury entered a Riverside County Superior Court room in southern California to render a decision in the trial of Raymond Oyler, charged with murder for setting the Esperanza Fire of 2006, which killed a five man Forest Service engine crew sent to fight the blaze.Today, wildland fire is everybody’s business, from the White House to the fireground. Wildfires have grown bigger, more intense, more destructive—and more expensive. Federal taxpayers, for example, footed most of the $16 million bill for fighting the Esperanza Fire. But the highest cost was the lives of the five-man crew of Engine 57, the first wildland engine crew ever to be wiped out by flames.

The Survival Medicine Handbook: A Guide for When Help is Not on the Way


Joseph Alton - 2013
    This book is written by Joe Alton, M.D. and Amy Alton, A.R.N.P., the premiere Medical Preparedness Professionals from the top ten survival website www.doomandbloom.net. The expanded second edition of the 3 category Amazon bestseller (Survival Skills, Disaster Relief, Safety/First Aid) is geared to enable the non-medical professional to deal with all the likely issues they will encounter in catastrophic scenarios. The Survival Medicine Handbook (tm) is not your standard first aid book. It assumes that no hospital or doctor is available in the aftermath of a catastrophic event. This book will give you the tools to handle injuries and illness for when YOU might be the end of the line with regards to your family's medical well-being. In circumstances where medical personnel are overwhelmed and access to modern technology is limited or non-existent, The Survival Medicine Handbook(tm) is the essential reference book for every library. Written in plain English, you'll find step-by-step instructions on how to identify and treat over 100 different medical issues. The second edition also covers alternative remedies for almost every possible medical condition in situations where modern healthcare is inaccessible.

Humble by Nature


Kate Humble - 2013
    Three years later, now the owner of a Welsh smallholding, Kate hears that a nearby farm is to be broken up and sold off. Another farm lost; another opportunity for a young farmless farmer gone. Desperate to stop the sale, Kate contacts the council with an alternative plan - to keep the farm working and to run a rural skills and animal husbandry school alongside it. Against all odds, she succeeds. Here, in Humble By Nature, Kate shares with us a highly personal account of her journey from London town house to Welsh farm. Along the way we meet Bertie and Lawrence the donkeys, Myfanwy and Blackberry the pigs and goats Biscuit and Honey, not forgetting a dog called Badger and his unladylike sidekick Bella. And we are introduced to the tenant farmers Tim and Sarah, the locals who helped and some who didn't, and a whole host of newborn lambs. Full of the warmth and passion for the natural world that makes Kate such a sought after presenter, Humble By Nature is the story of two people prepared to follow their hearts and save a small part of Britain's farming heritage, whatever the consequences.

Scuba Confidential - An Insider's Guide to Becoming a Better Diver


Simon Pridmore - 2013
    With Scuba Confidential, you will learn how to master skills and techniques that will make you a more confident, capable and safe diver. It offers an informed, balanced view on some of scuba diving's most contentious issues like going solo, deep diving and rebreathers and includes a comprehensive analysis of how diving accidents happen and how to make sure you do not become a statistic. Scuba Confidential also gives you valuable insights on a vast range of topics such as what it is like to do a cave diving course, how to make sure you buy the right equipment, what to consider when choosing an instructor, things even the pros get wrong and where to find the best diving in the world. This is candid, no-nonsense practical advice from a professional who has been involved over the last three decades with virtually every aspect of the sport.Have you ever wondered?How to look as comfortable in the water as the professionals do?What it is like to dive inside shipwrecks?Which training courses are most worthwhile?If you would make a good technical diver? If you should be considering a rebreather?How you can improve your diving skills?How you can reduce your air consumption?Why diving accidents happen and how to prevent them?Whether you might sometimes actually be safer solo diving?How to dive deep safely? OrHow muck diving can possibly be any fun?Scuba Confidential has the answers to these questions and many more.

Desolation Point


Cari Hunter - 2013
    "He's going to find me before you do."One wrong step in Los Angeles leaves Alex Pascal scarred and traumatized, unable to continue the career she loves.In England, a drunk driver shatters Sarah Kent’s family.For Sarah, exploring the North Cascades is an opportunity to regain her health and her confidence, while Alex has already abandoned LA to make the mountains her home. Drawn to the beauty and history of Desolation Peak, Sarah is hiking alone when a storm leaves her stranded. Determined to track her down, Alex heads into the wilderness, never anticipating the terrible danger she will face. Because Sarah is already running for her life, fleeing from a ruthless criminal with a mission to complete and nothing left to lose. With everything stacked against them, neither woman expects to survive, let alone fall in love.All they have to do now is find a way out.

Paddling to Winter: A Couple's Wilderness Journey from Lake Superior to the Canadian North


Julie Buckles - 2013
    And that was just the beginning. This is their incredible true story.

Recipes for Adventure: Healthy, Hearty and Homemade Backpacking Recipes


Glenn McAllister - 2013
    Discover a scrumptious variety of light-weight options for meals, snacks and desserts.Whether you hit the trail with a backpack, kayak, bicycle, sailboat, RV or motorcycle, Chef Glenn's backpacking cookbook is guaranteed to make meal time as deeply satisfying as your adventures.Cook healthy and hearty trail meals as easily as freeze-dried meals - without the artificial ingredients. While absolutely delicious, the pre-assembled meals are easy to cook in camp with nothing more than a small pot, stove and spoon.Ensure your food stays safe and secure with Chef Glenn's dependable and well-organized food packing techniques. Comfortably carry a week's worth of dehydrated meals without stopping to resupply.Save money, too. Three or four homemade trail meals cost about the same as one freeze-dried meal.The first half of the book covers how to dehydrate fruits, vegetables, meats, scrambled eggs and more.Learn how to make bark by drying starchy root vegetables, Chef Glenn's innovative but simple technique for making flavorful and saucy backpacking meals.The second half of the book presents a wide variety of delicious recipes for breakfasts, lunches, dinners and desserts.

The Wild Guide: Secret Places, Great Adventures and the Good Life


Daniel Start - 2013
    

Wild Swimming: 300 Hidden Dips in the Rivers, Lakes and Waterfalls of Britain


Daniel Start - 2013
    This revised and expanded edition of Wild Swimming features the same winning formula of stunning photography, engaging travel writing and practical guidance, and is set to continue as the definitive guide to outdoor swimming in wild Britain.

The Cannabis Health Index: Combining the Science of Medical Marijuana with Mindfulness Techniques To Heal 100 Chronic Symptoms and Diseases


Uwe Blesching - 2013
    Written by a former paramedic with a PhD in alternative healthcare, this in-depth reference shows that the subtle shifts in awareness commonly observed in cannabis-using patients vastly contribute to these compounds' therapeutic potential. The Cannabis Health Index is organized into condition-specific chapters, with eye-catching ratings of cannabis efficacy for each symptom, along with recommendations for use, and sidebars that suggest related mindfulness-based practices that enhance the body's own ability to heal. Organized alphabetically from aging to wound care, with sections on a variety of conditions including infections, cancer, cardiovascular health, eye diseases, inflammatory diseases, neurological diseases, and much more, the Index reveals that the huge body of scientific studies focused on cannabis is a tremendously under-utilized repository of knowledge. In synthesizing the findings of these studies, Blesching brings clarity to the process of making informed decisions about cannabis as a valid treatment. Informative, user-friendly, and practical, The Cannabis Health Index presents striking evidence that cannabis is remarkable safe and effective when used within the proper therapeutic window, especially compared with the risks of managing chronic symptoms with pharmaceuticals.

National Geographic Dawn to Dark Photographs: The Magic of Light


National Geographic Society - 2013
    Experience shimmering mornings and opaque nights through the eyes of National Geographic's finest photographers in this gloriously uplifting volume--the latest entry in National Geographic's best-selling annual photography collection. Daybreak whispers mauve over a long ocean horizon. The morning sun twinkles in a drop of dew. The broad heat of midday radiates over a beach strewn with sweat-baked sunbathers. A slender crescent moon caresses a gnarled tree standing alone on the heath.  Full of one-of-a-kind photographs, this breathtaking collection gives readers a front-row seat to the world's wonders, from its most imposing cityscapes to its most pristine landscapes.

Gaining Daylight: Life on Two Islands


Sara Loewen - 2013
    But for Sara Loewen it becomes her way of life each summer as her family settles into their remote cabin on Uyak Bay for the height of salmon season. With this connection to thousands of years of fishing and gathering at its core, Gaining Daylight explores what it means to balance lives on two islands, living within both an ancient way of life and the modern world. Her personal essays integrate natural and island history with her experiences of fishing and family life, as well as the challenges of living at the northern edge of the Pacific.Loewen’s writing is richly descriptive; readers can almost feel heat from wood stoves, smell smoking salmon, and spot the ways the ocean blues change with the season. With honesty and humor, Loewen easily draws readers into her world, sharing the rewards of subsistence living and the peace brought by miles of crisp solitude.

The Ranulph Fiennes Collection


Ranulph Fiennes - 2013
    Three of Sir Ranulph Fiennes acclaimed bestsellers in one eBook collection – his epic biography of CAPTAIN SCOTT (‘Fiennes own experiences allow him to write vividly and with empathy’ Daily Mail); his enthralling autobiography, MAD, BAD AND DANGEROUS TO KNOW (‘The memoir of a supreme sportsman, an uber-earthling who could show the Martians a thing or two about what the best of us can achieve’ Financial Times); and the story of his unconventional, extraordinary family, MAD DOGS AND ENGLISHMEN (‘History at its best and most approachable’ Country Life).

50 Things To See With A Small Telescope


John A. Read - 2013
    People of all ages frequently ask, “How did you find that so quickly?” Well, this book will explain just that! The planets in our solar system, the International Space Station, sunspots, birds, nebula, airplanes, and comets are just some of the items that his book will help you find!If you have been having difficulties enjoying your small telescope, this book is for you. There is something interesting about pretty much everything in outer space and it is exciting how many pop-culture references are derived from things in the night sky! Viewing the stars referenced in Star Trek, or talking about a character in Harry Potter named after a constellation, is just another way to make stargazing that much more fun! I am very excited to share my knowledge of astronomy and I am sure you will enjoy this book for years to come. By working through the 50 items in this book you will achieve a well-rounded understanding of amateur astronomy.

Whitetail Savvy: New Research and Observations about America's Most Popular Big Game Animal


Leonard Lee Rue III - 2013
    This book will appeal to anyone remotely interested in whitetails and other deer: nature buffs, deer lovers, deer haters, gardeners, farmers, photographers, biologists, mammalogists, highway troopers, and--not least--deer hunters, who will find a wealth of material that will improve their understanding and appreciation of their quarry. In spite of the manuscript's astounding thoroughness, Rue keeps the text short and clear to allow room for hundreds of his extraordinary photos, illustrating virtually every aspect of whitetail behavior, physiology, and more. Outdoors author Neil Soderstrom "[has] never encountered a manuscript as interesting and comprehensive on whitetails or any other species. Most information in this book is entirely new....This is a very good read, its factual material gracefully presented and richly enlivened by [Rue's] personal observations and good humor." Even if your bookshelf is already full of titles about whitetails, this new addition has breaking research that is necessary for anyone interested in whitetail deer. Skyhorse Publishing is proud to publish a broad range of books for hunters and firearms enthusiasts. We publish books about shotguns, rifles, handguns, target shooting, gun collecting, self-defense, archery, ammunition, knives, gunsmithing, gun repair, and wilderness survival. We publish books on deer hunting, big game hunting, small game hunting, wing shooting, turkey hunting, deer stands, duck blinds, bowhunting, wing shooting, hunting dogs, and more. While not every title we publish becomes a New York Times bestseller or a national bestseller, we are committed to publishing books on subjects that are sometimes overlooked by other publishers and to authors whose work might not otherwise find a home.

Principles of Ecological Landscape Design


Travis Beck - 2013
    With Principles of Ecological Landscape Design, Travis Beck gives professionals and students the first book to translate the science of ecology into design practice. This groundbreaking work explains key ecological concepts and their application to the design and management of sustainable landscapes. It covers topics from biogeography and plant selection to global change. Beck draws on real world cases where professionals have put ecological principles to use in the built landscape.For constructed landscapes to perform as we need them to, we must get their underlying ecology right. Principles of Ecological Landscape Design provides the tools to do just that.

Rags to Roses: The Rise of Stanford Football


Joseph Beyda - 2013
    In the era of the spread, a finesse offense reinvented itself as a physically imposing, run-first attack that used more tight ends and fullbacks on a single drive than most of its opponents had on their rosters. In the era of short college careers followed by lucrative professional ones, a once-in-a-generation quarterback stayed the course for a third shot at a conference title. And in the era of recruiting violations at USC, improper benefits at Ohio State, a lack of institutional control at Miami and altered grades at Auburn, a team at an elite university that had never gone to four consecutive bowls or won 11 games (and was on the heels of the worst season in school history) decided to become one of the most confident — and most successful — programs in the country. Stanford Daily beat writers Joseph Beyda, George Chen and Sam Fisher interviewed 30 current and former players and coaches to bring you that story, “Rags to Roses: The Rise of Stanford Football.”For more information, see http://www.stanforddaily.com/category...

The Oil Man and the Sea: A Modern Misadventure on the Pacific Tanker Route


Arno Kopecky - 2013
    This region is home to the largest tract of temperate rainforest on earth, First Nations who have lived there for millennia, and some of the world’s most biodiverse waters—one spill is all it will take to erase ten thousand years of evolution.Arno Kopecky and his companions travel aboard a forty-one-foot sailboat exploring the pristine route—a profoundly volatile marine environment that registered 1,275 marine vessel incidents—mechanical failures, collisions, explosions, groundings, and sinkings—between 1999 and 2009 alone. Neither Kopecky nor the boat’s owner have ever sailed before, yet they brave these waters alone when their captain leaves them part way through the journey.Written with Kopecky’s quick humor and deft touch, this is a rich evocation of a mythic place and the ecology, culture, and history of a legendary region with a knife at its throat.

Trail Tested: A Thru-Hiker's Guide to Ultralight Hiking and Backpacking


Justin Lichter - 2013
    Trauma, divulges hundreds of valuable tips and advice based on his more than 35,000 miles of hiking across the country and beyond. Trail Tested is a comprehensive guide to hiking and backpacking. Whether you're a new hiker looking for expert advice, an experienced hiker looking to hone your skills, or a thru-hiker gearing up for a 6-month trip, this book is packed with priceless information to make your trip a successful and comfortable one.Vibrant images from Trauma's treks will entice all readers of all skill levels to get out and enjoy the backcountry. You'll learn why getting the right gear and learning outdoor skills are integral to making the most out of your next backpacking trip. Some topics included in this guide are:* Gear advice, including backpacks, sleeping bags, tents, ultralight shetlers, and clothing* Gear maintenance and repair* Ultralight tips for novices to gram-counters* Low-impact camping and hiking* Campsite selection* Hiking with dogs* Navigating the backcountry* Winter camping* First aid* Weather forecasting* Advanced techniques for creating routes, cross-country hiking, fording rivers, multi-sport adventures, and animal encounters

Elwha: A River Reborn


Lynda V. Mapes - 2013
    It was the beginning of the largest dam removal project ever undertaken in North America—one dam was 200 feet tall—and the start of an unprecedented attempt to restore an entire ecosystem. More than 70 miles of the Elwha and its tributaries course from the mountain headwaters to clamming beaches on the Strait of Juan de Fuca. Through interviews, field work, archival and historical research, and photojournalism, The Seattle Times has explored and reported on the dam removal, the Elwha ecosystem, its industrialization, and now its renewal. Elwha: A River Reborn is based on these feature articles. Richly illustrated with stunning photographs, as well as historic images, graphics, and a map, Elwha tells the interwoven stories of this region. Meet the Lower Elwha Klallam tribe, who anxiously await the return of renowned salmon runs savored over the generations in the stories of their elders. Discover the biologists and engineers who are bringing the dams down and laying the plan for renewal, including an unprecedented revegetation effort that will eventually cover more than 700 acres of mudflats. When the dam started to come down in Fall 2011—anticipated for more than 20 years since Congress passed the Elwha Restoration Act—it was the beginning of a $350 million project observed around the world. Elwha: A River Reborn is inspiring and instructive, a triumphant story of place, people, and environment striving to come together.

Sea Kayaker's More Deep Trouble


Christopher Cunningham - 2013
    Thousands heeded Deep Trouble's tales of tragedy; but even with the benefits of evolving technology and more safety options, kayakers still fall prey to human error. To renew the cautious attitude of seasoned paddlers and to instill safe practices in kayaking newbies, Sea Kayaker's More Deep Trouble presents more stories of kayaking trials, rescues, and tragedy.In these 29 stories collected from Sea Kayaker magazine, survivors and witnesses tell of their experiences with the dangers and risks of kayaking. You will feel the cold rush of water when paddlers fall in, the panic they feel when they do not know how to rescue themselves, and the anxiousness of loved ones waiting to hear any news. You will learn how whale watching could cost you your life, how life-saving electronics are only as good as the batteries you have in them, and how a float plan can initiate a timely search and rescue. End-of-story Lessons Learned summaries suggest what to do if you find yourself in similar unfortunate situations.Read these tales, understand the lessons learned in these incidents, and respect the advice given as you take your next kayaking adventure. This tome of danger and survival may ultimately save your life.

Basic Safe Travel and Boreal Survival Handbook


Mors Kochanski - 2013
    Basic Safe Travel and Boreal Survival Handbook-Gems from Wilderness Arts and Recreation Magazine This Manual Covers Clothing-Sleeping Bag-Axe-Saw-Knife-Fire-Shelter-Bush Bed-The Most Edible Boreal Plants and Mushrooms-Cooking-Signal Fires-Current Survival Knowledge-Survival Kits for pedestrian, vehicle and aircraft-Map and Compass-High Altitude Travel-Insects-Bear Safety-Lightning-Quicksand and finally Basic Ropework.

Majestic and Wild: True Stories of Faith and Adventure in the Great Outdoors


Murray Pura - 2013
    In Majestic and Wild, pastor, writer, and avid outdoorsman Murray Pura weaves his real-life adventures with spiritual inspiration and life lessons, capturing the majestic and wild creation that God has set before us all. From animal encounters to wildfires to raging rapids to Daniel Boone hunts and buffalo stampedes, the stories range from dramatic and suspenseful to light-hearted and whimsical. Each story is woven with spiritual lessons not easily learned from sitting in a pew. A great gift for wives to give to their husbands and kids to give to their dads, Majestic and Wild will entertain and inspire anyone with a sense of adventure and a love for the great outdoors.

Fifty Places to Ski and Snowboard Before You Die: Downhill Experts Share the World's Greatest Destinations


Chris Santella - 2013
    Based on interviews with leading experts, the book chronicles the rich history of these sports and the people who have mastered them, including Tommy Moe, Jonny Moseley, Billy Kidd, and Greg Harms. Above all, Santella provides readers with the gorgeous scenery, the glamorous ambiance, and the always thrilling experience of visiting mountains from the Alps to the Rockies, whether it’s après-ski in Cortina or helicopter rides into virgin Alaskan powder. Praise for Fifty Places to Ski and Snowboard Before You Die “Even the reader who gets no farther than the couch can feel transported to the snow-covered peaks, mogul fields, and sparkling expanses sculpted by the book’s avalanche of quirky nuggets, insider tips, and historical perspectives . . . After writing nine other Fifty Places guides, author Chris Santella has the drill down.”  —Reuters.com “Whether you’re an expert looking to hit the double diamond moguls or a beginner who wants a gentle slope just in case stopping is an issue, these spots have a little something for everyone.” —The Daily Beast “For powderhounds, Fifty Places to Ski & Snowboard Before You Die by Chris Santella ($25) looks at snow sports destinations around the world.” —Associated Press <!--?xml:namespace prefix = o ns = "urn:schemas-microsoft-com:office:office" /-->

Ducks, Geese, and Swans of North America


Guy A. Baldassarre - 2013
    A must-have for professional biologists, birders, waterfowl hunters, decoy collectors, and wildlife managers, this fully revised and updated edition provides definitive information on the continent's forty-six species. Maps of both winter and breeding ranges are presented with stunning images by top waterfowl photographers and the acclaimed original artwork of Robert W. (Bob) Hines.Originally authored by F. H. Kortright and later revised by Frank Bellrose, this latest edition, which has been meticulously updated by renowned waterfowl biologist Guy Baldassarre, continues the legacy of esteemed authors. Each species account contains in-depth sections on: - identification- distribution- migration behavior- habitat- population status- breeding biology- rearing of young- recruitment and survival- food habits and feeding ecology - molts and plumages- conservation and managementTo facilitate identification, the species accounts also include detailed illustrations of wings. An appendix contains comparative illustrations of ducklings, goslings, and cygnets.This edition of Ducks, Geese, and Swans consists of two volumes, printed in full color, and packaged in a slipcase, along with a CD containing references and additional maps.

Learning to Fly: An Uncommon Memoir of Human Flight, Unexpected Love, and One Amazing Dog


Steph Davis - 2013
    That coincidence of timing really wasn’t.”Steph Davis is a superstar in the climbing community and has ascended some of the world’s most awe-inspiring peaks. But when her husband makes a controversial climb in a national park, the media fallout—and the toll it takes on her marriage—suddenly leaves her without a partner, a career, a source of income...or a purpose.In the company of only her beloved dog, Fletch, Davis sets off on a search for a new identity and discovers skydiving. Though falling out of an airplane is completely antithetical to the climber’s control she’d practiced for so long, she turns each daring jump into an opportunity to fly, first as a skydiver, then as a base jumper, and finds herself indelibly changed. As she opens herself to falling, she also finds the strength to open herself to love again, even in the wake of heartbreak. And before too long, she fortuitously meets someone who shares her passions.Learning to Fly is Davis’s fascinating account of her transformation. From her early tentative skydives, to zipping into her first wingsuit, to surviving devastating accidents against the background of breathtaking cliffs, to soaring beyond her past limits, she discovers new hope and joy in letting go. Learning to Fly isn’t just an adventure but a woman’s story of risk-taking and self-discovery, with love at its heart.

North America: The Rich Diversity of a World in One Continent


Huw Cordey - 2013
    With 150,000 miles of coastline, North America also has the longest and most abundant shores of any continent on Earth.In the stunning eight-part series from Discovery Channel, renowned nature producer Huw Cordey travels from the Arctic to the Tropics, revealing the wonders of the most dynamic continent on Earth—from the stunning glow of the Aura Borealis in Alaska to the thousands of tornadoes that batter the Great Plains each year to the 55-ton crystals in Mexico’s Crystal Cave.North America, the companion book to the television series, follows the producers as they tell the story of this rich and eclectic land through more than 250 gorgeous full-color photographs and engaging essays. Chock-full of interesting facts about the various ecology and wildlife of the many regions of the continent— Prairies, Coasts, Mountains, Freshwater, Deserts, and Forests— North America exposes the continent as you’ve never seen it before.

A Survival Kit Shelter, The Super Shelter and Some of It's Variants


Mors Kochanski - 2013
    To some, shelter simply means a roof over one's head, a place to get in out of the rain or more generally, something that provides protection from the various discomforts imposed by the environment. This article covers the physics behind shelter design and useage and the super shelter and some of it's variants.

The Devil's Cormorant: A Natural History


Richard J. King - 2013
    Evolution has crafted the only creature on Earth that can migrate the length of a continent, dive and hunt deep underwater, perch comfortably on a branch or a wire, walk on land, climb up cliff faces, feed on thousands of different species, and live beside both fresh and salt water in a vast global range of temperatures and altitudes, often in close proximity to man. Long a symbol of gluttony, greed, bad luck, and evil, the cormorant has led a troubled existence in human history, myth, and literature. The birds have been prized as a source of mineral wealth in Peru, hunted to extinction in the Arctic, trained by the Japanese to catch fish, demonized by Milton in Paradise Lost, and reviled, despised, and exterminated by sport and commercial fishermen from Israel to Indianapolis, Toronto to Tierra del Fuego. In The Devil s Cormorant, Richard King takes us back in time and around the world to show us the history, nature, ecology, and economy of the world s most misunderstood waterfowl."

Longdistance Hiking PB


Dan Feldman - 2013
    The how-to book for long-distance hikers who want to finishTips to help aspiring long-distance hikers succeed, from determining nutrition of trail foods to dealing with the elements and medical challengesThe first book to catalog the on-trail skills essential to long-distance hiking--setting up camp, dealing with blisters and chafing, avoiding repetitive stress injuryInstructive feedback from thru-hikers on the AT and PCT on gear, food, and more

Plants and Habitats An Introduction to Common Plants and Their


Ben Averis - 2013
    Most of it is an identification guide to 700 plant species selected as those which are common, conspicuous or useful ecological indicators; species which collectively make up most of the vegetation in Britain and Ireland. There is also a separate Habitats section describing the flora, ecology and management of habitats. With this combination of approaches Plants and Habitats aims to help people understand our vegetation at all scales, from individual plants to whole landscapes. The structure and plain English writing style are designed to help with species identification by non-specialists.Plants and Habitats is illustrated throughout with colour photos and some line drawings. For those working with habitat classifications, National Vegetation Classification (NVC) codes are incorporated throughout and there are summary tables cross-referencing various classifications. The book is written for a wide readership including those working or training in subjects connected with ecology, conservation, land management, and other environmental matters.

Landscapes & Cycles: An Environmentalist's Journey to Climate Skepticism


Jim Steele - 2013
    His first book, Landscapes and Cycles, An Environmentalist's Journey to Climate Skepticism will likewise open your minds. It compares the effects of landscape changes, natural cycles and climate change on polar bears, whales, walruses, penguins, frogs, pika, butterflies and marine ecosystems. Although it is wise to think globally, all wildlife reacts locally and all regions of the earth have been behaving very differently from what a globally averaged statistic might suggest. Despite media horror stories, many species have benefitted from recent climate change. Those species that are struggling have invariably been affected by issues other than climate change and require very different remedies. Controlling our carbon footprints will never address the most pressing issues of habitat loss and watershed degradation. Landscapes and Cycles juxtaposes environmental optimism and with concern. It celebrates the work of conservationists and scientists whose tireless efforts have enabled the full recovery of a great many species. On the other hand it presents withering criticism against the politicization of climate change and those who have hijacked key environmental issues to the detriment of good environmental stewardship. Steele highlights how faulty science and bad models have misguided critical conservation efforts and misrepresented conservation success. Most distressing Landscapes and Cycles reveals how global warming advocates have opposed appropriate conservation efforts simply because the concerned scientists did not blame climate change. Landscapes and Cycles demystifies both climate science and conservation science in a manner easily understood by everyone. In easily grasped terms Steele explains how natural cycles can cause abrupt climate change and extreme weather events and how those events affect wildlife. If we want to be good stewards of the environment, understanding those natural cycles are essential. Landscapes and Cycles outlines how we can build a more resilient environment and provides a much-needed perspective from which we can better separate sincere concerns from the overzealous catastrophic predictions that dominate the media. Landscapes and Cycles highlights what we need to look for during the next 10 years in order to determine if the "control knob" of global climate change is natural cycles or the rising concentration of carbon dioxide. Until then Steele argues now more than ever, we need to have more transparent and respectful debates to move the science forward. Landscapes and Cycles will enlighten anyone concerned with climate change and the fate of endangered species. Not only is it fascinating reading for the general public, it should required reading for every high school and college environmental studies class.

Outward Bound Backpacker's Handbook, 3rd


Glenn Randall - 2013
    A comprehensive guidebook, backed by the renowned program Outward Bound, to aid outdoors lovers into the area of backpacking.

Best Hikes with Dogs: San Francisco Bay Area and Beyond


Jason Fator - 2013
    From the sun-kissed hills of Marin to the grassy knolls of the East Bay or wide open spaces of the South Bay, Best Hikes with Dogs: San Francisco Bay Area and Beyond, 2nd Edition, is your guide to the very best trails, most of which do not require leashes (except in parks as noted). More than two-thirds of the hikes are on lesser known trails where travel is light and where you're unlikely to meet horses, bicycles, or motorized vehicles. Beyond the Bay Area, you'll find additional dog friendly routes in the Sacramento area, the hills of Gold Country, in and around Tahoe, and in the Mount Shasta region.

Everest - The First Ascent: How a Champion of Science Helped to Conquer the Mountain


Harriet Tuckey - 2013
    Everest in 1953 and a biography of her father, Dr Griffith Pugh, whose role was absolutely pivotal, yet mostly untold. As the expedition’s physiological consultant, Pugh designed almost every aspect of the survival strategy for the expedition, the acclimatization program, the oxygen- and fluid-intake regime, the diet, the clothing and the high altitude boots. Without him and his work, the ascent of Everest would have been impossible.

Hiking Waterfalls in Colorado: A Guide to the State's Best Waterfall Hikes


Susan Joy Paul - 2013
    Hiking Waterfalls in Colorado includes detailed hike descriptions, maps, and color photos for more than 125 of the most scenic waterfall hikes in the state. Hike descriptions also include history, local trivia, and GPS coordinates. From Crestone to Telluride, Grand Junction to Steamboat Springs, Walden to Westcliffe, Hiking Waterfalls in Colorado will take you through state and national parks, forests, monuments and wilderness areas, and from popular city parks to the most remote and secluded corners of the state to view the most spectacular waterfalls.

The Natural Communities of Georgia


Leslie Edwards - 2013
    This guide makes the case that identifying these distinctive communities and the factors that determine their distribution are central to understanding Georgia’s ecological diversity and the steps necessary for its conservation.Within Georgia’s five major ecoregions the editors identify and describe a total of sixty-six natural communities, such as the expansive salt marshes of the barrier islands in the Maritime ecoregion, the fire-driven longleaf pine woodlands of the Coastal Plain, the beautiful granite outcrops of the Piedmont, the rare prairies of the Ridge and Valley, and the diverse coves of the Blue Ridge.The description of each natural community includesTraits that make it interesting and significant Physical factors and ecological processes that determine the distribution and characteristics of each community Typical plant communities Representative or noteworthy animals Sidebars that discuss particularly interesting featuresWith contributions from scientists who have managed, researched, and written about Georgia landscapes for decades, the guide features more than four hundred color photographs that reveal the stunning natural beauty and diversity of the state. The book also explores conservation issues, including rare or declining species, current and future threats to specific areas, and research needs, and provides land management strategies for preserving, restoring, and maintaining biotic communities.The Natural Communities of Georgia is an essential reference for ecologists and other scientists, as well as a rich resource for Georgians interested in the region’s natural heritage.Major support for this project was provided by the AGL Resources Foundation. Additional support was provided by the Georgia Department of Natural Resources, Wildlife Resources Division. In-kind support was provided by the Joseph W. Jones Ecological Research Center at Ichauway and Georgia State University.

Beyond Survivorman


Les Stroud - 2013
    He has survived for weeks at a time in harsh situations and in isolated, challenging environments. Offering us a rare glimpse of some of the world's most remote cultures—such as the Sea Gypsies in Malaysia and the San Bushmen in Africa—Beyond Survivorman covers Stroud's most challenging journey of all: learning not only how to survive, but also how to connect spiritually to the earth.

Changing Gears: A Family Odyssey to the End of the World,


Nancy Sathre-Vogel - 2013
    What followed was a family journey of epic proportions – a journey of physical challenge, emotional endurance, teamwork, perseverance, and tremendous learning opportunities. It was a discovery of self, of priorities, of accepting hardships, of appreciating blessings, and of contrasting a comfortable past life with the extreme hardship and poverty of those they met.

Cycling the Great Divide: From Canada to Mexico on North America's Premier Long-Distance Mountain Bike Route


Mike McCoy - 2013
    The only guidebook to one of the world's premier long-distance mountain bike trails

Alaskan Wilderness Adventure


Duane Arthur Ose - 2013
    Not interested in renting or owning a small portion of what I could only afford in Minnesota. I see that here in the last frontier on Earth in Alaska, I could make a new life with the freedoms to breath, to make a new life untethered or restricted of movement. A person can be free in Minnesota as well but I was not ready for a rocking chair for having a gainful employment job was not an option. I could foresee I soon would become bored but here in Alaska I could live again on my fixed income, remotely, live off the land build my own house, trap, hunt and fish. There was only one more thing to do. That was to find the place or piece of land I would own and live. I looked at State land sale openings but soon there would be many people around me. I could clearly see the future of expansion into the rural areas. It would not be for me in the long term. Not that I do not like people but for my plans I needed room. Then one day a friend informed me there were two Federal Land openings open for Homesteading. The next day I found my way into the Federal Land Office in Anchorage. BLM “Bureau of Land Management.” At the reception desk I told the Women what I was interested in learning more about. I picked up every folder, brochure and a form for filing a Homestead. A staking application or packet they called it. named lakes. Two shallow to be worth anything or dependable, save for the mosquitoes that loved the low lands. Being of Norwegian decent I loved the hills. A good lake would have been nice but in this settlement area there were no decent lakes. This flying service was a small air taxi service that had scheduled flights two times a week to this lake. Lake Mininchumina is the largest inland lake in Alaska. The lake is only about 25 feet deep but the fishing is great. At one time about 42 people lived on the shores of the Lake, they once had a school, now (2013) less than nine live there. The lakes air field has a weather cam automated station that anyone can pull up on the computer and it used quite regular for pilots. The airstrip itself was made for B-29 bombers during World War 2 at that point we ferried planes by air to Russia and very soon I was to find myself standing at the ticket coubte bookin gpassage for myself and my son, Daniel to the lake. he young lady at the ticket counter asked us if we were going to the Lake for trophy fishing. Then she went on to tell us that a lot of people go there for the big fish. I then made the mistake of telling her that we were going on a hike to the “Federal Land Settlement Area” to find land to stake. The look on her face was telling me she thought me to be a crazy person. I said nothing more and so began our Alaskan wilderness adventure, - July 4th 1985, Homesteading in the Alaskan wilderness... Our day of Independence.

The New York Times. 36 Hours. USA & Canada. Southwest & Rocky Mountains


Barbara Ireland - 2013
    The many expert contributors have brought careful research, insider's knowledge, and a sense of fun to hundreds of cities and destinations, always with an eye to getting the most out of a short trip. Based on the best-selling book 36 Hours: 150 Weekends in the USA & Canada, the Times and TASCHEN now bring together the best of the Southwest and Rocky Mountains. From the great urban centers on everyone’s travel list to surprising locales with undiscovered character and charm, the paths lead from museum hopping in Fort Worth and soul-seeking in Sedona, to the ski slopes of Aspen and Vail, and well beyond.Featured destinations: Albuquerque, New Mexico • Aspen, Colorado • Austin, Texas • Boise, Idaho • Dallas, Texas • Denver, Colorado • Fort Worth, Texas • Houston, Texas • Jackson, Wyoming • Las Vegas, Nevada • Leadville, Colorado • Moab, Utah • Park City, Utah • Phoenix, Arizona • Salt Lake City, Utah • San Antonio, Texas • Santa Fe, New Mexico • Scottsdale, Arizona • Sedona, Arizona • Sun Valley, Idaho • Telluride, Colorado • The Grand Canyon, Arizona • Tucson, Arizona • Vail, Colorado.Also available in this series:Northeast • Southeast • Midwest & Great Lakes • West Coast

AMC Guide to Outdoor Leadership: Trip Planning * Group Dynamics * Decision Making * Leading Youth * Risk Management


Alex Kosseff - 2013
    Through easy-to-remember leadership models, case studies, and his own extensive leadership experience, author Alex Kosseff explores such topics as effective decision-making, group dynamics and communication, self-awareness and evaluation, backcountry ethics, and more. Also included are a new chapter on techniques for leading and motivating youth and expanded coverage of risk and crisis management.INSIDE YOU’LL FIND:■ Accessible techniques for new and experienced leaders■ Comprehensive coverage of leadership concepts■ Case studies, advice, and anecdotes from experts on trip planning, decision making, leadership styles, teaching, and communication■ Essential reading lists for further studyALEX KOSSEFF is director of the Outdoor Safety Institute, where he advises outdoor education and recreation organizations on risk management, staff training, and volunteer-based programs. He has twenty years of outdoor leadership experience, having worked as an Outward Bound chief instructor and staff trainer, backpacking and canoeing trip leader, environmental educator, and wilderness medicine instructor. He lives in Bozeman, Montana.REVIEWS“A thorough, field-tested examination of what makes the best outdoor leaders . . . and how one of them could be you.”—Robert Birkby, author of the Boy Scout Handbook, Mountain Madness, and Lightly on the Land"An outstanding resource for both leaders and followers . . . Vignettes from a wide variety of outdoor trips effectively illustrate Kosseff's points."—Trail & Timberline, Colorado Mountain Club magazine"An excellent resource for leaders new and old. . . . This is a well-written, enjoyable leadership resource that will be valuable to anyone responsible for leading trips . . ."—Dan Garvey, President, Prescott College (1st edition review)"Whether you are an aspiring or experienced outdoor leader, this work should be in your library--where you can reach it."—Jed Williamson, Editor of Accidents in North American Mountaineering (1st edition review)". . . tackles a complex topic in a clear & engaging manner. Stories of real leadership situations help develop critical-thinking skills . . . ."—Ian Wade, Executive Director, Outward Bound International, Inc (1st edition review)TABLE OF CONTENTSAcknowledgmentsIntroduction1 Foundations2 Getting Started3 Awareness4 Decision Making5 Leadership Styles6 Teaching and Facilitation7 Field Safety8 Crisis9 Leading Youth10 Participants11 Expedition Behavior12 Group Behavior and Development13 Communication14 Trip Planning15 Organizational Risk Management16 Environmental Stewardship17 Don't Forget to Have FunAppendix: Further ReadingIndex

Foraging the Rocky Mountains: Finding, Identifying, and Preparing Edible Wild Foods in the Rockies


Lizbeth Morgan - 2013
    From salsify to pearly everlasting, currants to pine nuts, Foraging the Rocky Mountains guides you to 85 edible wild foods and healthful herbs of the region. This valuable reference guide will help you identify and appreciate the wild bounty of the Rocky Mountain states. This guide also includes::detailed descriptions of edible plants and animalstips on finding, preparing, and using foraged foodsrecipes suitable for the trail and at homedetailed, full-color photosa glossary of botanical terms

Food Drying vol. 1: How to Dry Fruit


Rachel Jones - 2013
    1: How to Dry Fruit covers exactly that, giving detailed information on how to prepare and dry more than 35 different types of fruit. From popular dried fruits like apricots, bananas, prunes and raisins to surprise entries like watermelon and cantaloupe, this handy food dehydration guide has you covered. The following topics are covered in this fruit drying guide: Why you should learn how to dry fruit and how fruit drying can save you money. What happens to fruit as it dries. The nutrients that are lost during drying and what you can do minimize loss. 10 different ways to pretreat fruit to prevent enzymatic browning. How to dry fruit using the oven, the power of the sun and a dedicated dehydrator. Conditioning and pasteurizing dried fruit after drying is complete. How to safely store dried fruit to ensure it lasts as long as possible. Here's a sampling of the fruits that are covered in-depth in this book: Apples. Apricots. Bananas. Bilberries. Blackberries. Citrus fruits. Blueberries. Cantaloupe. Cherries. Coconut. Dates. Figs. Dragon fruit. Grapes. Kiwi. Mangoes. Peaches. Pineapple. Plums. Watermelon. and more . . . Detailed drying information is provided for each fruit, and includes the following information: A brief description of the fruit and its health benefits. How to select the best fruits of that type for drying. How to prepare the fruit for drying. Whether pretreatment is necessary, and if so, what pretreatment techniques work best. The drying temperature range that works best. Approximate drying time ranges for the oven, the dehydrator and sun-drying the fruit. How to tell when the fruit is dry. Conditioning, pasteurizing and storing the dried fruit. How to rehydrate the dried fruit before use, if applicable. Buy this book today and learn to preserve your harvest by drying fruit.

The Unofficial Hunger Games Wilderness Survival Guide


Creek Stewart - 2013
    This book will contain practical and easy-to-understand real-life survival instructions--from building shelter to finding and collecting water to making fire to hunting and gathering food to field first aid--while capitalizing on the Hunger Games storyline. Specific survival skills mentioned and used by Katniss and her fellow citizens of Panem are brought to life through the use of expert instruction and step-by-step photography. In addition, the book lists many other survival skills that one would need to survive living in District 12, a trip to the Hunger Games or an invasion by the Capitol. Readers will feel like they've entered the Training Center and are receiving instruction from Haymitch.

Denali National Park: The Complete Visitors Guide to the Mountain, Wildlife, and Year-Round Outdoor Activities


Bill Sherwonit - 2013
    This authoritative reference to Denali National Park and adjacent lands details all the information a traveler needs for a great Alaska experience, whether by bus, car, train, bike, boat, or foot. With this guide in hand you can explore the park's visitor facilities, raft whitewater rapids, pick berries, climb the continent's highest mountain, backpack through forest and tundra, watch grizzlies dig for ground squirrels, share a ridgetop with Dall sheep, attend sled-dog demonstrations, go on ranger-guided hikes, camp in solitude within glacially carved valleys, and much more. From the natural history of the region to the human history of the mountain and the park, Alaskan author Bill Sherwonit captures the mystique of this fascinating place. Even casual travelers to Denali National Park will appreciate his in-depth information about the park's popular entrance area and traveling the Park Road, and the helpful checklists for mammals, birds, and plants.

Backcountry Lawman: True Stories from a Florida Game Warden


Bob H. Lee - 2013
    Follow dedicated wildlife officers as they use their wits and skills in the pursuit of poachers and wildlife law violators.”—Tom Mastin, forester and managing broker, Mossy Oak Properties Legacy Realty Services “Lee recounts his amazing and challenging career as a Florida game warden with wit, wisdom, and careful attention to detail. You will travel with him as he boats the St. Johns River, walk beside him as he wades past resting alligators, and listen for that gunshot on a cold Putnam County night.”—Jeff Hahr, former patrol supervisor, Florida Fish and Wildlife Conservation Commission In the underbelly of Florida, hardened poachers operate in the dark, out of sight and away from residents who sleep soundly through the night. But poachers are not the only midnight hunters. In the state’s public wilderness tracts, cattle ranches, and water courses, wildlife thieves are stealthily and silently tracked. Most people have never imagined the often dicey, comical, and sometimes bizarre job of a Florida game warden. Backcountry Lawman tells what it’s like to catch an armed poacher in the act—alone, at night, without backup or a decent radio to call for help. These stories describe the cat-and-mouse games often played between game wardens and poachers of ducks, turkeys, hogs, deer, gators, and other species. Few people realize that “monkey fishing”—electrocution of catfish—had the same outlaw mystique in the rivers of Florida as moonshining once did in the hills of Georgia and Tennessee. With thirty years of backcountry patrol experience in Florida, Bob Lee has lived through incidents of legend, including one of the biggest environmental busts in Florida history. His fascinating memoir reveals the danger and the humor in the unsung exploits of game wardens.Bob H. Lee spent over three decades as a water patrol officer on the St. Johns River and a land patrol lieutenant in Putnam, St. Johns, and Flagler counties. Before retiring in 2007, he taught man-tracking classes through the Florida Fish and Wildlife Conservation Commission.

Hot Springs and Hot Pools of the Northwest


Marjorie Gersh-Young - 2013
    Includes written directions, photographs of each site, GPS coordinates, handicap access, clothing optional or required, nearby campground and facilities, description of surroundings, pools and tubs for both commercial resorts and natural wilderness springs.

Finding Jim


Susan Oakey-Baker - 2013
    For fifteen years they had spent time adventuring together around the world: skiing the Himalaya, rafting in Nepal and mountaineering in North America. In time, they got married, solidified a home for themselves in Whistler, British Columbia, and planned on starting a family. But the future Susan had imagined was not meant to be, and when Jim was killed in an avalanche in the University Range of Wrangell-St. Elias National Park in Alaska, she was faced with a loss greater than anything she ever could have expected.After Jim’s death, Susan spent time retracing the adventures they took together, in a desperate and obsessive attempt to gather and hold on to as many memories of him as she could. She travelled to the place in Alaska where he lost his life; searched the Queen Charlotte Islands where they had first met; trekked to the top of Mount Kilimanjaro where they had journeyed the year before his death; and scoured the hills around their Whistler home for traces of the man she had expected to spend the rest of her life with.In the spirit of books like Joan Didion’sThe Year of Magical Thinking and Maria Coffey’s Fragile Edge, Susan Oakey-Baker writes eloquently of her efforts to relive and reanalyze her husband's death, to defy the pain that such a loss causes and embrace the healing power of mountains, adventure and wilderness as she reimagines her new life.

The Quest for the Golden Trout: Environmental Loss and America’s Iconic Fish


Douglas M. Thompson - 2013
    It is a manufactured experience—much to the detriment of our rivers and streams. Americans’ love of trout has reached a level of fervor that borders on the religious. Federal and state agencies, as well as nongovernmental lobbying groups, invest billions of dollars on river restoration projects and fish-stocking programs. Yet, their decisions are based on faulty logic and risk destroying species they are tasked with protecting. River ecosystems are modified with engineered structures to improve fishing, native species that compete with trout are eradicated, and nonnative invasive game fish are indiscriminately introduced, genetically modified, and selectively bred to produce more appealing targets for anglers—including the freakishly contrived “golden trout.” The Quest for the Golden Trout is about looking at our nation’s rivers with a more critical eye—and asking more questions about both historic and current practices in fisheries management.

Northern California Hiking (Moon Outdoors)


Tom Stienstra - 2013
    This brand-new guidebook leads beginner and expert hikers alike to the best trails the northern part of the state has to offer. Complete with detailed regional maps, hiking tips, difficulty and quality ratings for each hike, Moon Northern California Hiking provides hikers with all the necessary tools to head outdoors.

Living Ready Pocket Manual - First Aid: Fundamentals for Survival


James Hubbard - 2013
    This book will help you take quick, effective action to stabilize the situation.The easy-to-follow, step-by-step instruction in this book will help you prevent or respond to:- Dehydration - Hypothermia, frostbite and heatstroke - Skin wounds including burns, cuts, bites and gunshots - Anaphylaxis, allergic reactions and rashes - Broken bones and injured jointsPlus you'll find detailed packing lists for survival first aid kits of all sizes. This pocket-sized manual is perfect for packing in first aid kits, bug out bags, day-hiking packs and vehicle kits. Medical emergencies are unplanned and unpredictable, but you can be prepared. Arm yourself with knowledge that can save a life.

Troutsmith: An Angler's Tales and Travels


Kevin Searock - 2013
    Here, in this evocative collection of fishing essays, he takes readers under the surface of this ancient sport, casting a spell of water-magic. Although trout are central to many of the stories, bluegills, bass, and other warm-water fish also grace these pages. Telling stories in thoughtful prose, Searock writes about fly-tying, collecting fishing literature, journaling, and traveling in a way that makes "Troutsmith" a rich and varied meditation on fishing and the outdoors.

The Gardener's Guide to Common-Sense Pest Control


William Olkowski - 2013
    Many people are concerned about exposure to pesticides in food and the environment, but at the same time gardeners feel they can’t get a good crop (or any crop at all) unless they spray their plants with “laboratory-synthesized materials.” While in certain situations the use of a pesticide may be the only cost- and labor-effective solution, in most cases there are less-toxic alternatives.In this revision of the 1995 original, the authors provide updated information on the control of all pests (insects and diseases) that can afflict lawns, food and ornamental gardens, and shade trees. For each pest, treatments are offered ranging from indirect strategies (such as pruning), through direct physical and biological controls, to least-toxic chemical controls. Easy-to-access finding guides make it a snap to find out what’s bugging your plant.

How to Shoot a Handgun: Step-by-Step Pictorial Guide for Beginners


Jake Maloney - 2013
    Only what you need to know to be ready for shooting a handgun.After reading this little e-book, you will look like a pro at shooting handguns. Best of all, you will have all the information you need to protect yourself and your family! But this information is useless if you don’t practice it! Please read it several times and practice these techniques. You won’t be sorry later.Hope you enjoy this newbie friendly guide!