Best of
Outdoors

2019

Training for the Uphill Athlete: A Manual for Mountain Runners and Ski Mountaineers


Steve House - 2019
    Distance running, ski mountaineering, skimo, and skyrunning are becoming increasingly popular all over the world, and are often undertaken by the same person during a single year. This book collects the scientifically backed and athlete-tested wisdom and experience of three of the best uphill athletes and coaches and extrapolates both to educate outdoor athletes of all stripes to perform their best.RUNNING TIME ⇒ 9hrs. and 41mins.©2019 Patagonia Works (P)2020 Tantor

The Sun Is a Compass: A 4,000-Mile Journey into the Alaskan Wilds


Caroline Van Hemert - 2019
    Worried that she was losing her passion for the scientific research she once loved, she was compelled to experience wildness again, to be guided by the sounds of birds and to follow the trails of animals.In March of 2012, she and her husband set off on a 4,000-mile wilderness journey from the Pacific rainforest to the Alaskan Arctic, traveling by rowboat, ski, foot, raft, and canoe. Together, they survived harrowing dangers while also experiencing incredible moments of joy and grace -- migrating birds silhouetted against the moon, the steamy breath of caribou, and the bond that comes from sharing such experiences.A unique blend of science, adventure, and personal narrative, The Sun is a Compass explores the bounds of the physical body and the tenuousness of life in the company of the creatures who make their homes in the wildest places left in North America. Inspiring and beautifully written, this love letter to nature is a lyrical testament to the resilience of the human spirit.Winner of the 2019 Banff Mountain Book Competition: Adventure Travel

The Unlikely Thru-Hiker: An Appalachian Trail Journey


Derick Lugo - 2019
    He didn't even know if he liked being outside all that much. He certainly couldn't imagine going more than a day without manicuring his goatee. But with a job overseas cut short and no immediate plans, this fixture of the greater New York comedy circuit began to think about what he might do with months of free time and no commitments. He had heard of the Appalachian Trail and knew of its potential for danger and adventure, but he had never seriously considered attempting to hike all 2,190 miles of it. Until that summer left him with a wide-open schedule and a burning curiosity to know: Could he do it? The Unlikely Thru-Hiker is the story of how a young black man from the city, unfamiliar with both the outdoors and thru-hiking culture, sets off with an extremely overweight pack and a willfully can-do attitude to conquer the infamous trail. What follows are lessons on preparation, humility, and nature's wild unpredictability. But this isn't a hard-nosed memoir of discouragement. What sets Lugo apart from the typical walk in the woods is his refusal to let any challenge squash his inner Pollyanna. Through it all, Lugo perseveres with humor, tenacity, and an unshakeable commitment to grooming--earning him the trail name "Mr. Fabulous"--that sees him from Springer Mountain in Georgia to Katahdin in Maine.

The Impossible Climb: Alex Honnold, El Capitan, and the Climbing Life


Mark Synnott - 2019
    When Alex Honnold topped out at 9:28 am on June 3, 2017, having spent fewer than four hours on his historic ascent, the world gave a collective gasp. His friend Tommy Caldwell, who free climbed (with a rope) the nearby Dawn Wall in 2015, called Alex's ascent "the moon landing of free soloing." The New York Times described it as "one of the great athletic feats of any kind, ever." It was "almost unbearable to watch," writes Synnott.This majestic work of personal history delves into a raggedy culture that emerged decades earlier during Yosemite's Golden Age, when pioneering climbers like Royal Robbins and Warren Harding invented the sport that Honnold would turn on its ear. Synnott paints an authentic, wry portrait of climbing history, profiling Yosemite heroes John Bachar, Peter Croft, Dean Potter, and the harlequin tribe of climbers known as the Stonemasters. A veteran of the North Face climbing team and contributor to National Geographic, Synnott weaves in his own amateur and professional experiences with poignant insight and wit. Tensions burst on the mile-high northwest face of Pakistan's Great Trango Tower; photographer/climber Jimmy Chin miraculously persuades an intransigent official in the Borneo jungle to allow Honnold's first foreign expedition, led by Synnott, to continue; armed bandits accost the same trio at the foot of a tower in the Chad desert . . .The Impossible Climb is an emotional drama driven by people exploring the limits of human potential and seeking a perfect, dialed-in dance with nature. They dare beyond the ordinary, but this story of the sublime is really about all of us. Who doesn't need to face down fear and make the most of the time we have?

She Explores: Stories of Life-Changing Adventures on the Road and in the Wild


Gale Straub - 2019
    Beautiful, empowering and exhilarating: She Explores is a spirited celebration of female bravery and courage, and an inspirational companion for any woman who wants to travel the world on her own terms. Combining breathtaking travel photography with compelling personal narratives, She Explores shares the stories of 40 diverse women on unforgettable journeys in nature: women who live out of vans, trucks, and vintage trailers, hiking the wild, cooking meals over campfires, and sleeping under the stars. Women biking through the countryside, embarking on an unknown road trip, or backpacking through the outdoors with their young children in tow.Complementing the narratives are practical tips and advice for women planning their own trips, including preparing for a solo hike, must-haves for a road-trip kitchen, planning ahead for unknown territory, and telling your own story.A visually stunning and emotionally satisfying collection for any woman craving new landscapes and adventure.Gale Straub is the founder of She-Explores.com, a media platform for curious, creative women who love travel and outdoor adventure.For any woman who has ever been called outdoorsy... or who wants to be. Beautiful, empowering, and exhilarating, She Explores will inspire even the most outdoor-averse woman to connect with the landscape, take a leap of faith and find her tribe. Makes a wonderful birthday, graduation, or new going away gift for an adventurous woman.Great coffee table book to spark conversation about travel and exploration.

Seasons: Desert Sketches


Ellen Meloy - 2019
    Every few months, she would travel to their Salt Lake City studios from her red rock home of Bluff to read an essay or two. With understated humor and sharp insight, Meloy would illuminate facets of human connection to nature and challenge listeners to examine the world anew. Seasons: Desert Sketches is a compilation of these essays, transcribed from their original cassette tape recordings. Whether Meloy is pondering geese in Desolation Canyon or people at the local post office, readers will delight in her signature wit and charm—and feel the pull of the desert she loves and defends. With a foreword by Annie Proulx.

Free Outside: A Trek Against Time and Distance


Jeff Garmire - 2019
    Exhausted and emotionally ruined living the fast-paced life of a successful young professional it was all too easy to give up. The challenges came on the adventure of a lifetime. Months in the woods that would provide adversity, healing, and tranquility. Setting out to thru-hike the Pacific Crest Trail, Appalachian Trail, and Continental Divide Trail in a single calendar year was an audacious goal but the 8,000 mile Calendar Year Triple Crown would be the story of a lifetime. The journey was riddled with inclement weather, shady characters, wildlife attacks, and injuries. The trails crossed frozen rivers, were rerouted around wildfires, and packed with snow. The physical challenge was soon overshadowed by the mental toughness required. It became a mental battle. Free Outside is a captivating story of strength and courage. Hiking through remote areas in America, Jeff is continually overwhelmed by the kindness and generosity of strangers. Free Outside is the fascinating story of Jeff Garmire’s journey along the national scenic trails that define wild America.

That Wild Country: An Epic Journey through the Past, Present, and Future of America's Public Lands


Mark Kenyon - 2019
    These vast expanses provide a home to wildlife populations, a vital source of clean air and water, and a haven for recreation.Since its inception, however, America’s public land system has been embroiled in controversy—caught in the push and pull between the desire to develop the valuable resources the land holds or conserve them. Alarmed by rising tensions over the use of these lands, hunter, angler, and outdoor enthusiast Mark Kenyon set out to explore the spaces involved in this heated debate, and learn firsthand how they came to be and what their future might hold.Part travelogue and part historical examination, That Wild Country invites readers on an intimate tour of the wondrous wild and public places that are a uniquely profound and endangered part of the American landscape.

Thirst: 2600 Miles to Home


Heather Anish Anderson - 2019
    A few years later, she left her job, her marriage, and a dissatisfied life and walked back into those mountains.In her new memoir, Thirst: 2600 Miles to Home, Heather, whose trail name is "Anish," conveys not only her athleticism and wilderness adventures, but also shares her distinct message of courage--her willingness to turn away from the predictability of a more traditional life in an effort to seek out what most fulfills her. Amid the rigors of the trail--pain, fear, loneliness, and dangers--she discovers the greater rewards of community and of self, conquering her doubts and building confidence. Ultimately, she realizes that records are merely a catalyst, giving her purpose, focus, and a goal to strive toward. (Mountaineers Books)

Roaming America: Exploring the National Parks


Renee Hahnel - 2019
    a seven-month journey to every national park in the USA. Over the course of this epic road trip, they traveled through 39 states, two US territories, drove over 25,000 miles, took 26 flights, and hiked hundreds of miles across some of the most dramatic landscapes on the planet. Roaming America tells their story through breathtaking imagery and musings from the road that will set your wanderlust into overdrive. The Hahnels also share their personal experiences, and give away their insider tips to help you plan your own national parks adventure!“The picture-perfect pair have made a huge name for themselves in the social media world thanks to their jaw-droppingly beautiful travel photos from around the globe.” – Travel + Leisure

Grease Junkie: A book of moving parts


Edd China - 2019
    Think big. Think the unthinkable!' As you'll discover in his incomparable memoir, inventor, mechanic, TV presenter and walking tall as the definition of the British eccentric, Edd China sees things differently.An unstoppable enthusiast from an early age, Edd had 35 ongoing car projects while he was at university, not counting the double-decker bus he was living in. Now he's a man with not only a runaround sofa, but also a road-legal office, shed, bed and bathroom. His first car was a more conventional 1303 Texas yellow Beetle, the start of an ongoing love affair with VW, even though it got him arrested for attempted armed robbery.A human volcano of ideas and the ingenuity to make them happen, Edd is exhilarating company. Join him on his wild, wheeled adventures; see inside his engineering heroics; go behind the scenes on Wheeler Dealers.Climb aboard his giant motorised shopping trolley, and let him take you into his parallel universe of possibility.

How Not to Be a Professional Racing Driver


Jason Plato - 2019
    But he's also a rule breaker who has had more than his fair share of near-death experiences, drunken escapades and more. And yet he's still racing. There is nothing sensible, predictable or considered about Jason, but this is how he became a racing legend.

The Twenty-Ninth Day


Alex Messenger - 2019
    The story follows Alex and his five companions as they paddle north through harrowing rapids and stunning terrain. Twenty-nine days into the trip, while out hiking alone, Alex is attacked by a barren-ground grizzly. Left for dead, he wakes to find that his summer adventure has become a struggle to stay alive. Over the next hours and days, Alex and his companions tend his wounds and use their resilience, ingenuity, and dogged perseverance to reach help at a remote village a thousand miles north of the US-Canadian border.The Twenty-Ninth Day is a coming-of-age story like no other, filled with inspiring subarctic landscapes, thrilling riverine paddling, and a trial by fire of the human spirit.

Trudge: A Midlife Crisis on the John Muir Trail


Lori Oliver-Tierney - 2019
    She is fifty, asthmatic, overweight, with arthritic knees. And like so many married women with children, she’s lost herself.When she decides to hike the John Muir Trail, considered by many to be the most challenging and beautiful part of the 2,650-mile Pacific Crest Trail, she’s sure it will help her reconnect with the adventurous girl inside.But by the end of the first day, Lori realizes she may have made a huge mistake.Monstrous bleeding blisters oozing with pus line the backs of her heels. It soon becomes painfully apparent her hiking partner, Debra, can hardly stand her. She can’t breathe and is using her asthma inhaler with alarming frequency. Trudging along, Lori walks most of the trail alone, and eventually loses her way.Lost on the trail Lori is forced to dig deep into her soul to find the strength to go on. But will inner strength be enough? Given her grim circumstances, she chooses to believe her husband’s words: even ordinary people can do extraordinary things.

Training For Ultra: Ultra Running Stories From the Middle of the Pack


Rob Steger - 2019
    After my dad's major health scare, it was time for me to change everything. Little did I know how much I would learn after taking on some physical exercise. A radical diet change allowed me to lose a forth of my body weight and it gave me boundless energy to get outside and explore. It’s not clear to me why I chose running ultra marathons of all forms of exercise, since I was unable to run beyond 1 mile just a few years prior. But since that fateful day, I’ve never looked back. I was finding that sometimes the experiences of training for ultra could be just as rich and fulfilling as the ultra event itself.

Hangdog Days: Conflict, Change, and the Race for 5.14


Jeff Smoot - 2019
    This contentious, often entertaining period gave rise to sport climbing, climbing gyms, and competitive climbing--indelibly transforming the sport.Jeff Smoot was one of those brash young climbers, and here he traces the development of traditional climbing “rules,” enforced first through peer pressure, then later through intimidation and sabotage. In the late ’70s, several climbers began introducing new tactics including “hangdogging,” hanging on gear to practice moves, that the old guard considered cheating. As more climbers broke ranks with traditional style, the new gymnastic approach pushed the limits of climbing from 5.12 to 5.13. When French climber Jean-Baptiste Tribout ascended To Bolt or Not to Be, 5.14a, at Smith Rock in 1986, he cracked a barrier many people had considered impenetrable.In his lively, fast-paced history enriched with insightful firsthand experience, Smoot focuses on the climbing achievements of three of the era’s superstars: John Bachar, Todd Skinner, and Alan Watts, while not neglecting the likes of Ray Jardine, Lynn Hill, Mark Hudon, Tony Yaniro, and Peter Croft. He deftly brings to life the characters and events of this raucous, revolutionary time in rock climbing, exploring, as he says, “what happened and why it mattered, not only to me but to the people involved and those who have followed.”

100 Dives of a Lifetime: The World's Ultimate Underwater Destinations


Carrie Miller - 2019
    From diving with manta rays at night in Kona, Hawaii, and swimming with hammerheads of Cocos Island in Costa Rica to exploring caves in Belize's Lighthouse Atoll and diving beneath the ice floes of Antarctica, this exquisite inspirational book is filled with beautiful imagery, marine life guides, trusted travel tips, and expert diving advice from world-famous National Geographic divers and explorers like Brian Skerry, Jessica Cramp, and David Doubilet. Organized by diving experience and certification level--from beginner open water and wreck dives to expert cold water and cave dives--each location offers a once-in-a-lifetime opportunity to explore the magic of our world's oceans--from your armchair or with your scuba gear in tow.

Fodor's The Complete Guide to the National Parks of the West (Full-color Travel Guide)


Fodor's Travel Publications Inc. - 2019
    Fodor’s Complete Guide to the National Parks of the West travel guide is packed with customizable itineraries with top recommendations, detailed maps of each National Park, and exclusive tips from locals. Whether you want to hike through jaw-dropping landscapes of Yosemite, see rare wildlife and natural wonders in Yellowstone, or go river-rafting in the Grand Canyon, this up-to-date guidebook will help you plan it all out. This new edition has been FULLY-REDESIGNED with a new layout and beautiful images for more intuitive travel planning! Fodor’s Complete Guide to the National Parks of the West includes: ● AN ULTIMATE EXPERIENCE GUIDE that visually captures the top highlights of each National Park. ● SPECTACULAR COLOR PHOTOS AND FEATURES throughout, including special features on the geothermal wonders of Yellowstone, tips for stargazing, and identifying rock formations and ancient petroglyphs. ● INSPIRATIONAL “BEST OF” LISTS identify the best things to see, do, eat, drink, and more. ● MULTIPLE ITINERARIES for various trip lengths help you maximize your time. ● MORE THAN 70 DETAILED MAPS help you plot your itinerary and navigate confidently. ● EXPERT RECOMMENDATIONS ON HOTELS AND RESTAURANTS offer options for every taste. ● TRIP PLANNING TOOLS AND PRACTICAL TIPS include: guides to getting around, saving money and time, and beating the crowds. ● LOCAL INSIDER ADVICE tells you where to find under-the-radar gems, along with the best campsites and lodges in each park. ● HISTORICAL AND CULTURAL OVERVIEWS add perspective and enrich your travels. ● NEW FEATURES like the best site in each National Park; A SPECIAL GUIDE to river-rafting in the Colorado River. ● COVERS: Yellowstone, Glacier and Waterton Lakes, Grand Teton, Zion, Olympic National Park, Yosemite, Grand Canyon, Bryce Canyon, Carlsbad Caverns, Rocky Mountain National Park, Mesa Verde, Badlands National Park, Great Basin, Crater Lake, and more. ABOUT FODOR'S AUTHORS: Each Fodor's Travel Guide is researched and written by local experts. Fodor’s has been offering expert advice for all tastes and budgets for over 80 years. Planning on visiting more of the West? Check out Fodor’s California, Fodor's Utah, Fodor's Colorado, and more.

The Man Behind The Maps Hardcover


James Niehues - 2019
    Eight geographically themed chapters form the heart of the book, offering you full-page images of the world’s most iconic ski areas including Alta, Arapahoe Basin, Aspen, Breckenridge, Big Sky, Deer Valley, Heavenly, Jackson Hole, Jay Peak, Killington, Kirkwood, Lake Louise, Mammoth, Mont Tremblant, Mt. Bachelor, Park City, Revelstoke, Snowbird, Squaw Valley, Stowe, Sugarloaf, Sun Valley, Taos, Telluride, Whistler Blackcomb and other renowned resorts. In engaging narrative that complements the maps, Niehues reveals his exacting technique, which demands up to six weeks to complete a single painting. He then walks you through the step-by-step process for mapping Breckenridge, sharing everything from aerial photographs, to numerous pencil sketches, to in-progress builds, to the final trail map illustration. The magic of the finished product is captured in both a foreword by pioneering big-mountain skier Chris Davenport and the perspectives of other ski industry insiders. Every detail was taken into consideration: Italian art-quality printing, heavier weight matte coated paper and a lay-flat binding. A pencil sketch of Big Sky, Montana, graces the cover and features anti-scratch protection. The book is 11.5” tall and opens to a spread of 24” wide, the perfect size to showcase the biggest ski mountains in the world.

Miracle in the Cave: The 12 Lost Boys, Their Coach, and the Heroes Who Rescued Them


Liam Cochrane - 2019
    With no food or drinking water except the condensation found on the cave walls, their survival seemed unlikely. Yet against the odds, a team of determined divers traversed monsoon floodwaters and narrow passageways to find Coach Ek, a stateless orphan devoted to Buddhism, and his young players alive and hopeful.Liam Cochrane spent more than two weeks on the scene, and was stationed outside of the cave entrance in daily contact with divers and other key members of the rescue team, reporting the story for the Australian Broadcast Corporation. In this mesmerizing and inspiring book, he recounts this ultimate race-against-the-clock event. Filled with never-before-reported details based on exclusive access to both the rescue team, Coach Ek, and members of the soccer team and their families, Daring to Hope chronicles the Wild Boars’ ordeal in the cave, and the rescue plan that unfolded outside—including the contentious political negotiations, the early misadventure that halted the operation for crucial hours, and the death of Thai Navy SEAL diver Saman Kunan.Going deep inside the area between the Thai and Myanmar border, better known for methamphetamines and illegal wildlife trade, Cochrane guides us through every aspect of the adventure-turned-nightmare-turned miracle: the team’s agonizing wait in the darkness; the rescuers’ battle against the forces of nature; the work of international experts who pooled their skills to help. Chochrane evokes the rollercoaster of emotions every step of the way—the terror, optimism, sadness, and joy of this indelible experience.Filled with a spirit of true grit, Daring to Hope is a courageous tale of perseverance and a celebration of an inspiring moment when the world came together in hope.

Some Stories: Lessons from the Edge of Business and Sport


Yvon Chouinard - 2019
    

How I Fish


Jeremy Wade - 2019
    Now "the greatest angling explorer of his generation" (Independent on Sunday) returns to delight readers with a book of an entirely different sort, the book he was always destined to write--the distillation of a life spent fishing. Thoughtful and funny, brimming with wisdom and above all, adventure, these are pitch-perfect reflections that anyone who has ever fished will identify with, for ultimately it touches on what fishing teaches us all about life.

Fishing Through the Apocalypse: An Angler's Adventures in the 21st Century


Matthew L. Miller - 2019
    Matthew Miller (director of science communications for The Nature Conservancy) explores fishing that might be considered dystopian: joining anglers as they stick their lines into trash-filled urban canals, or visiting farm ponds where you can catch giant, endangered fish for a fee. But it isn't all bleak. When it comes to fishing, the other part of the story is this: a cadre of anglers is looking to right past wrongs, to return native species, to remove dams, to appreciate the unappreciated fish, to clean our waters and protect public lands. As an angler and conservationist, Matt removes any and all preconceived notions about what it means to fish in the 21st century in order to see the different visions of the future that exist right here, right now. Fishing Through the Apocalypse offers one of the widest-ranging looks at fish conservation in the United States, and also includes some of the more unusual adventures ever featured in a fishing book. Features fishing adventures in: Idaho Colorado Wyoming New Mexico Utah Texas Florida Iowa Minnesota Illinois Washington DC Virginia Pennsylvania

The Plant-Based Cyclist


Nigel Mitchell - 2019
     Written by the acclaimed cycling WorldTour nutritionist, Nigel Mitchell – the nutrition brains behind historic Olympic gold medals and multiple GrandTour wins – this coffee table-style book’s 244-pages cover everything to do with being a plant-based cyclist: from diet, sports and cycling nutrition, micro and macronutrients, and gut health, to how to set up a plant-based kitchen, essential equipment and know-how, supplementation, travelling on a plant-based diet, fuelling for cycling races and events, and beyond – together with 23 great tasting and easy to make recipes for on and off the bike. “Nigel’s approach takes the guesswork out of riding on a plant-based diet” – Si Richardson, GCN Presenter Whether you’re just starting out on your cycling journey or are already an accomplished gran fondo or road racer, The Plant-Based Cyclist’s recipes are all designed to deliver you the perfect balance of taste and nutrition from every day, easy-to-source ingredients: from pre-ride breakfasts, smoothies, and light snacks, on-the-bike DIY energy drinks, energy bars/balls, post-ride meals, deserts, and many more. Nigel’s many, many years of experience at the highest levels of elite sport have gone into the creation of this book – all with the hope that you won’t need to invest anywhere near as much time yourself, instead taking its shortcuts to reap the benefits of being a plant-based cyclist. After all, the less time faffing with the minutiae of diet plans, macronutrients, or trying to track down obscure ingredients is more time spent doing what we all love: riding bikes – purely and simply.

How to Think Like a Fish: And Other Lessons from a Lifetime in Angling


Jeremy Wade - 2019
    Now the greatest angling explorer of his generation (Independent on Sunday) returns to delight readers with a book of an entirely different sort, the book he was always destined to write--the distillation of a life spent fishing. Thoughtful and funny, brimming with wisdom and above all, adventure, these are pitch-perfect reflections that anyone who has ever fished will identify with, for ultimately it touches on what fishing teaches us all about life.

Man and Dog: Through the Newfoundland Wilderness


Justin Barbour - 2019
    A late winter lingers as they push over the Long Range Mountains to the interior of the island, where they hope thawed lakes and rivers will allow them to continue by inflatable raft. From sunrise to sunset, follow the companions as they battle the dangerous and unforgiving elements to reach Cape Broyle, some 700 kilometres away.Here you will see the island in a unique way, learn about outdoor life, and gain awareness of Newfoundland’s natural history. Complete with colour photos, maps, and interesting facts about the journey, Man and Dog will offer you the heat of a campfire against your cheeks, the tug of a trout on your line, and the breath of a curious black bear that has wandered into your camp. It’s a journey for nature lovers, explorers, and adventurers of all ages.“Man and Dog is a must-read for everyone who feels the pulse of the wild, especially Newfoundlanders who love the land and waters. Justin Barbour has that spirit of adventure and self-reliance that is becoming much more rare in modern society. This book gives us all a glimpse into wilderness travel that most of us will never experience ourselves.” — Paul Smith, Educator, Outdoor Writer and Photographer“Justin and his story are truly the essence of what it means to be an adventurer. His love for Newfoundland and Labrador, his passion for exploration, and his dedication to challenging himself form a recipe for inspiration, and an example for what human beings can achieve.” — Ray Zahab, Adventurer, Explorer: Royal Canadian Geographic Society, Founder: impossible2Possible

Run Wild and Be: A Collection of Poems & Stories Inspired by Wild Spaces & Endurance Running.


Sydney Zester - 2019
    

If I Were a Park Ranger


Catherine Stier - 2019
    You'd have an amazing job protecting animals, the environment, and our country's natural and historical heritage, from the wilds of Denali to the Statue of Liberty!

Wild Awakening: How a Raging Grizzly Healed My Wounded Heart


Greg J. Matthews - 2019
    Greg Matthews was the ultimate poster-boy for masculinity. Avid hunter and outdoorsman, Air Force and civilian firefighter, EMT, rescue helicopter pilot, fugitive recovery agent, Ground Zero volunteer and more, Greg had spent his whole life striving to serve others but for all the wrong reasons. After his parents’ divorce when he was young, Greg believed deep down that the only way he could be loved and valued—by his father, by his family, and by God—was if he earned it through daring, high-stakes, high-risk—what society commonly refers to as “manly”—achievements. But everything changed when an idyllic hunting trip through the backwoods of Alaska turned into a harrowing fight for his life. Greg was attacked by a grizzly bear—but the gruesome, nearly fatal conflict offered an unexpected encounter with God. Greg’s eyes, and more importantly, his heart, were finally opened to the lie that he’d internalized as a child: that his dangerously high-risk achievements were the sole signifiers of his worth. The road to recovery was long and painful, but it forced Greg to come face-to-face with the long-held view of manhood he had absorbed as his own identity. The relentless grizzly uncovered something in Greg’s heart: that he was being pursued by an equally persistent God, who loved him unconditionally. A gripping tale of survival and a rebuttal to outmoded notions about masculinity, Wild Awakening offers an alternative way of living in the world, allowing them to finally see their value in God’s eyes.

Divided: A Walk on the Continental Divide Trail


Brian Cornell - 2019
    However, trail life is not always as rewarding and romantic as the pictures you see or second-hand stories you hear. "Divided" provides an accurate account of life on trail: what hikers ponder, eat, love, loathe, and the questions they tire of answering. Some moments are too short, some are painfully long while others are whisked away unceremoniously with the wind. Follow along on the journey as Brian navigates difficulties, successes and everything between while attempting to walk from Mexico to Canada. “The greatest challenge of being a long-distance backpacker is learning how to live fully on - and off - the trail. In 'Divided,' Brian shares the rugged beauty and grueling challenges of the Continental Divide Trail along with thought-provoking insights which encourage the reader to reassess his or her own path and consider new alternatives.” Jennifer Pharr Davis, "The Pursuit of Endurance" “If you’ve ever wondered what it is like to wander along the entire length of the multi-thousand mile Continental Divide Trail, Brian Cornell’s 'Divided' will take you on a journey from Mexico to Canada that just may have you planning your own hike of this magnificent trail!” Lawton Grinter, "I Hike Again" " 'Divided' is unlike any hiking memoir I've read. Cornell is undeniably talented and his unique prose vividly conveys the hypnotic nature of long-distance hiking without leaving the reader in a trance. A modern-day 'Desert Solitaire.' " Gary Sizer, "Where’s the Next Shelter?" "An honest look at what life on the Divide is truly like." Heather Anderson, "Thirst: 2600 Miles to Home"

Rising: Becoming the First Canadian Woman to Summit Everest, A Memoir


Sharon Wood - 2019
    But it’s how she got there that is truly compelling.In Rising, the personal motivation that drove Wood to reach further and further heights are detailed through the years leading up to the career-defining climb. Often the only woman on expeditions, Wood was an outlier in a predominantly male bastion of high altitude alpine climbing. Against the backdrop of the stunning Himalayan mountains in the days before Everest became as commercialized as it is today, Wood explores the camaraderie and rivalry, the relatable challenges of falling in and out of love, and how she kept her drive to persevere. Subsequently, she recounts how she struggled with unexpected acclaim and expectations following her ascent of Everest, but ultimately found fulfilment and her place in the world.As she tells her story today, her perspective is steeped in six decades of life experience rich with adrenalin, change, reflection and humility. It is a tale that still feels poignantly relevant—a testament to the strength of the human spirit to overcome all obstacles, whether mountain peaks, social expectations or self-imposed barriers.

Taking the Plunge: The Healing Power of Wild Swimming for Mind, Body and Soul


Anna Deacon - 2019
    

Uncharted: A Couple's Epic Empty-Nest Adventure Sailing from One Life to Another


Kim Brown Seely - 2019
    This is an adventure story about a voyage from one life chapter to another that involves a too-big sailboat, a narrow and unknown sea, and an appetite to witness a mythical blonde bear that inhabits a remote rainforest.Kim Brown Seely and her husband had been damn good parents for more than 20 years. That was coming to an end as their youngest son was about to move across the country. The economy was in freefall and their jobs stagnant, so they impulsively decided to buy a big broken sailboat, learn how to sail it, and head up through the Salish Sea and the Inside Passage to an expanse of untamed wilderness in search of the elusive blonde Kermode bear that only lives in a secluded Northwest forest. Theirs was a voyage of discovery into who they were as individuals and as a couple at an axial moment in their lives. Wise and lyrical, this heartfelt memoir unfolds amid the stunningly wild archipelago on the far edge of the continent.

Wanderlust USA


Gestalten - 2019
    Whether aiming to conquer epic expeditions or simply complete a day hike to recharge, paths of every size await the intrepid wayfarer in Wanderlust USA, a book that serves as a blueprint for adventurous souls in search of new summits. Stunning photography and insightful tips from veteran long-distance hiker Cam Honan bring many bucolic treks to life, including the unmissable California ancient redwoods and misty waterfalls of Yosemite Park, as well as Utah's dramatic canyons and the Atlantic cliffs of Maine.

Fantastic Female Adventurers: Truly amazing tales of women exploring the world


Lily Dyu - 2019
    Follow them on their incredible journeys around the globe.Ski to the North Pole with Ann Daniels while watching out for polar bears and lethal cracks in the ice. Feel the air beneath your feet as you climb high on a cliff face with Gwen Moffat. Experience the thrill of racing down rocky Himalayan trails with champion runner Mira Rai. Sail the oceans with Ellen MacArthur, the girl who saved up her lunch money to buy her first boat. You’ll even fly into space with Britain’s first astronaut, Helen Sharman. And join Lily on other awesome adventures with Anna McNuff, Sarah Outen, Misba Khan and more – taking you from Everest to the South Pole and all the places in between.Beautifully illustrated by artist and adventurer Chellie Carroll, Fantastic Female Adventurers will leave you thinking: I can do that, too!

Foraging Pocket Guide: Food for all seasons from Britain's woods, meadows and riversides


Wild Food UK: Marlow Renton & Eric Biggane - 2019
    Perfect for the beginner and an invaluable reference for the more experienced forager, this book covers more than 120 species of trees, plants and mushrooms. Guided by the clear, consice text and over 500 photos, anyone can learn to identify the tastiest edible species - and recognise the most important poisonous ones to avoid. The Wild Food UK Foraging Pocket Guide has 345 pages covering over 120 different species of tree, plant and mushroom that grow wild in the UK. Authors Marlow Renton and Eric Biggane are co-founders of Wild Food UK, which operates nationwide foraging courses throughout the year. Since they began in 2012 they have taught more than 10,000 people how to forage safely and with confidence. Features: Paperback, 352 pages, quick lookup index, handy pocket size (approx. 185x120x24mm) allows you take it out with you while foraging, weighs approx. 520g

Hermit: The Mysterious Life of Jim Whyte


Jeffrey H. Ryan - 2019
    Almost 130 years later, we still don't. A world traveler who spoke six languages fluently, Whyte came to town with sacks full of money and a fierce desire to keep to himself. It was clear that Whyte was hiding from something--enough to make the FBI come looking. But even the Feds couldn't imagine how Whyte, who lost every penny he had when WWI broke out, amassed another fortune before he died. Based on the true story, Hermit follows one man's quest to discover all he can about Whyte's secret life before it's too late.

Parks


Brian Kelley - 2019
    The book showcases nearly a century of art, cartography, and printed materials in a compelling visual history of America’s national parks and evolving graphic design styles culminating in Massimo Vignelli’s iconic design system, the Unigrid.

Endless October: Short stories from a traveling bird hunter


Randy Schultz - 2019
    It's Randy's favorite month. He is a story-teller, dog trainer, wingshooter, and wandering bird dog man. Every fall, he turns his truck north and west to match wits with grouse, pheasant, quail, and Chukar. He takes us through the years and the dogs. He tells the stories of coveys flushing, roosters cackling, quail running, shotguns, family, and even one unlucky yard chicken. He will take you west to Montana and Arizona, north to Michigan and Wisconsin, and south to Georgia. Puppies grow up, and old dogs die, but the yearning and restlessness never leaves until that glorious month of October.

Wild Flower Walker: A Pilgrimage to Nature on the Bibbulmun Track


Heidi Wedd - 2019
    To wander alone on a path through a beauty filled, wildflower abundant and varied landscape of forest, plains and ocean. Imagine the bliss of walking for weeks on end, deepening into the silence, communing with the nature spirits - a pilgrimage into the heart of nature.Of course, dreams are never quite like the grounded reality of life. But even with endurance challenges, freezing conditions, food shortages, snakes and a few pairs of walking boots, the indescribable beauty and magic of the heart’s path shines through. This is the story of a pilgrimage into nature, a gentle reweaving and reconnection of Self within the tapestry of Nature itself.“This engaging travel narrative unfolds as a genuine quest, filled with both humour and pathos. I found myself cheering for Heidi, and left with the most lovely of gifts, the inspiration to one day walk these beautiful landscapes for myself.” Karin Lindgaard PhD, author of Nature, Consciousness and Feeling“Heidi traverses an ancient pilgrimage path, which mirrors in a myriad of ways a deeply felt inner odyssey. This story is a reminder that every moment can hold the deepest of teachings if the mind is ripe.” Sharon Shostak, award winning filmmaker.“There is a gentleness and clarity in the way Heidi writes, and it is this honesty and her wonderful humour that shines through the pages. Her love of nature and flowers fills the book with exotic colours and fragrances of the beauty and wisdom which she connects with so well.” Niki Kirstin, BBC Film editor; Findhorn facilitator.

Base Camp Denver: 101 Hikes in Colorado's Front Range


Pete K.J. - 2019
    Four national forests, a national grassland, scores of regional and city parks and preserves, and Rocky Mountain National Park offer hundreds of hiking and walking trails--all within one to three hours of downtown Denver. Base Camp Denver offers you 101 of the best of these great hiking destinations to choose from. Take a day to explore an alpine meadow, walk to a waterfall, hike through a forest, or stroll suburban parklands. Enjoy a spectacular day of spring wildflowers or fall foliage, and still be home by dinnertime. Scramble to the top of a mountain to enjoy a sunrise and still make it to work by eight. With Pete KJ as your guide and Denver as your base camp, the splendor of Colorado's Front Range is yours to enjoy one day--or even just a few hours--at a time.History, geology, flora, and fauna for each hike Best hikes for each season, and where to enjoy spring wildflowers & fall foliage Ratings from 1 to 5 for trail conditions, difficulty, suitability for children, and more Detailed driving directions to trailheads and info about elevation, hiking time, parking, and restrooms Regional maps showing all trails in each chapter; route map for each hike Best hikes for dogs, kids, and teens Hikes that offer solitude ... or plenty of company! Hikes by interest: birdwatching, stargazing, wetlands, wildlife, and more How to prepare & what to take 101 great hikes to choose from!

Camp: Stories and Itineraries for Sleeping Under the Stars


Luc Gesell - 2019
    With tales from the trail, arresting images, and helpful instruction, this wild guide reveals what calls people to camp: under all the gear, it's as much about living off the grid as it is about the thrill of staying alive. Whether you love car camping with kids, rock climbing with friends, or roughing it solo in a lean-to, you'll find there's always somewhere new to explore--even if it's just in your backyard.Inside you'll find:- Interviews with expert campers, adventurers, basecampers, and alpinists- Hundreds of captivating photographs of sites and set-ups around the world- How-tos that cover choosing a tent, building a fire, making coffee, and more.

101 Skills You Need to Survive in the Woods: The Most Effective Wilderness Know-How on Fire-Making, Knife Work, Navigation, Shelter, Food and More


Kevin Estela - 2019
    It is an optimistic outlook that reframes any situation as a learning experience. Kevin Estela teaches survival skills from this feeder-based perspective, which is what separates his teaching style from other wilderness instructors. Kevin has written the quintessential guide for an outdoor enthusiast’s “bucket list” of skills—how to make a fire, build a shelter, gather food, find water, use a knife correctly and make cordage. These skills will keep you safe and better prepare you to deal with emergencies in the field, when you’ll need the additional skills of signaling and communication, navigation and crisis first aid taught in this book. Each chapter concludes with more advanced techniques to build your skills in various challenging situations, with tips that even seasoned survival enthusiasts haven’t thought of. 101 Skills You Need to Survive in the Woods is not a onetime read but a lifetime reference you will turn to over and over again. It will become the first thing you pack for any adventure and just might save your— or someone else’s—life. kevin estela, a bushcraft and survival expert, is an avid world traveler and martial arts instructor.

100 Great Wildlife Experiences: What to See and Where


James D Fair - 2019
    100 Great Wildlife Experiences really takes in all the amazing things to see and do in the UK, in all seasons - because winter, of course, can be just as good as summer or spring.The 100 experiences to be had here in the UK are placed in categories such as "Best for families," "Best for Couples," "Best on a budget" and so on.Covering every county in the country, this book is useful for people who want to explore their local area and surrounding counties, and for those in need of an insightful guide to take on their travels.

A Walk Through Nature: A Clover Robin Peek-Through Book


Libby Walden - 2019
    

Lonely Planet Great Smoky Mountains National Park


Lonely Planet - 2019
    Hike on the mother of all footpaths, the Appalachian Trail, cycle through the beautiful, historic valley of Cades Cove, and learn how early settlers made ends meet at the Mountain Farm Museum – all with your trusted travel companion. Get to the heart of Great Smoky Mountains National Park and begin your journey now! Inside Lonely Planet’s Great Smoky Mountains National Park: Colour maps and images throughout Highlights and itineraries help you tailor your trip to your personal needs and interests Insider tips to save time and money and get around like a local, avoiding crowds and trouble spots Essential info at your fingertips - hours of operation, phone numbers, websites, transit tips, prices Honest reviews for all budgets - eating, sleeping, sightseeing, going out, shopping, hidden gems that most guidebooks miss Cultural insights provide a richer, more rewarding travel experience - history, people, music, landscapes, wildlife, cuisine, politics Covers Great Smoky Mountains National Park, around the park: Tennessee, North Carolina, Georgia, and more The Perfect Choice: Lonely Planet’s Great Smoky Mountains National Park is our most comprehensive guide to the national park, and is perfect for discovering both popular and offbeat experiences. Looking for more extensive coverage? Check out Lonely Planet’s USA’s National Parks guide for an in-depth look at all the country has to offer. About Lonely Planet: Lonely Planet is a leading travel media company and the world’s number one travel guidebook brand, providing both inspiring and trustworthy information for every kind of traveler since 1973. Over the past four decades, we’ve printed over 145 million guidebooks and grown a dedicated, passionate global community of travelers. You’ll also find our content online, and in mobile apps, video, 14 languages, nine international magazines, armchair and lifestyle books, ebooks, and more. ‘Lonely Planet guides are, quite simply, like no other.’ – New York Times ‘Lonely Planet. It's on everyone's bookshelves; it's in every traveler'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) *Source: Nielsen BookScan: Australia, UK, USA, 5/2016-4/2017Important Notice: The digital edition of this book may not contain all of the images found in the physical edition.

How to Survive Your First Trip in the Wild: Backpacking for Beginners


Paul Magnanti - 2019
    How to Survive Your First Trip in the Wild bundles up everything you need to prep for your first-ever backpacking adventure—so you can explore the backcountry with confidence.Start strong with an essential equipment guide geared toward beginners. Discover how to choose a campsite and follow along with camp setup and breakdown directions. Water treatment info, outdoor cooking basics, snacking suggestions, and a sample three-day backpacking food plan supply you with vital knowledge to survive in the wilderness.This beginners’ backpacking handbook includes: Expert tips—Learn how to “Leave No Trace,” navigate rough terrain, deal with wildlife, and other practical backpacking advice. Gear checklists—Track down the right gear with guides to clothing, footwear, backpacks, and shelters—even on a budget. Plan ahead—Handy cheat sheets help you pick the best time of year and the perfect starter trail for backpacking in your state. Start your backpacking experience now with How to Survive Your First Trip in the Wild.

Downriver: Into the Future of Water in the West


Heather Hansman - 2019
    The Green River, the most significant tributary of the Colorado River, runs 730 miles from the glaciers of Wyoming to the desert canyons of Utah. Over its course, it meanders through ranches, cities, national parks, endangered fish habitats, and some of the most significant natural gas fields in the country, as it provides water for 33 million people. Stopped up by dams, slaked off by irrigation, and dried up by cities, the Green is crucial, overused, and at-risk, now more than ever.   Fights over the river’s water, and what’s going to happen to it in the future, are longstanding, intractable, and only getting worse as the West gets hotter and drier and more people depend on the river with each passing year. As a former raft guide and an environmental reporter, Heather Hansman knew these fights were happening, but she felt driven to see them from a different perspective—from the river itself. So she set out on a journey, in a one-person inflatable pack raft, to paddle the river from source to confluence and see what the experience might teach her. Mixing lyrical accounts of quiet paddling through breathtaking beauty with nights spent camping solo and lively discussions with farmers, city officials, and other people met along the way, Downriver is the story of that journey, a foray into the present—and future—of water in the West.

America's Best Day Hikes: Spectacular Single-Day Hikes Across the States


Derek Dellinger - 2019
    All of the hikes are doable during daylight hours and none require camping.America’s Best Day Hikes comes with all the information anyone would need to experience these unique locations, including details about the hike itself—difficulty, duration, seasonal hazards, and more.—as well as traveling, planning, and packing suggestions. All this paired with Derek Dellinger’s stunning photography makes this incredible volume a must-have for any lover of the outdoors.

50 Hikes in Michigan


Jim Dufresne - 2019
    Readers will learn the best way to access the trail, tips and suggestions, and key features to look out for along the way (scenic views, drinking water, rest stops, waterfalls, and old growth trees). Whether readers are setting out in the Sleeping Bear region to observe shipwrecks, open dunes, and beach walking on the South Manitou Island trail, 50 Hikes in Michigan (with 10 bonus hikes!) is the perfect companion.

Purpose on the Colorado Trail


David Ashley - 2019
    This is a story like so many who hike long distance trails to satisfy the spirit of adventure and self-discovery, except this story explores the deeper question of purpose. We all are meant to be complete and fulfilled. Be it long-distance hiking or any other activity, this author believes in and demonstrates why it is so important for everyone to pursue and exist in their purpose. This book is also a great primer for thru-hiking with preparation tips, a chronology of life on the Colorado Trail, dozens of pro-tips, and thoughts about gear selection.

Wild Girl: How to have INCREDIBLE OUTDOOR ADVENTURES


Helen Skelton - 2019
    Alongside her inspirational tales are ideas for where readers can find their own wild adventures closer to home and accounts of the real-life wild girls who inspire her.