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Art of Living Dangerously: True Stories from a Life on the Edge
by Richard BangsIn 1973, Richard Bangs founded Sobek Expeditions, the original and now the largest adventure travel company in the world, with over a million clients guided since its beginning. But this is not just a story of an unusual company, one that profoundly transformed the way we travel and experience the world. It presents true stories, both perilous and awe-inspiring, from the full array of adventure travel: trekking, climbing, sailing, diving, adventure cruising, kayaking, back-country skiing, mountaineering, biking, cultural immersions, canyoneering, and more. Sobek pioneered scores of adventures, from trekking in the Himalayas, to cruising the Galapagos and Antarctica, to first descents of some eighty rivers around the world. The author personally led thirty-five first river descents, capsizing on six continents (a unique, albeit dubious, distinction), and organized and led the first trips into North Korea, Libya, Yemen, Djibouti, Saudi Arabia, Pakistan, New Guinea, Iran, and even China back in 1978. Sobek clients have included Bill Gates, Jeff Bezos, Mick Jagger, Barry Diller, and Daryl Hannah. It is the shadow company behind National Geographic Adventures, New York Times Active Journeys, and Smithsonian Expeditions. This book traces fifty years of adventure travel and how it has evolved through times of war and peace, terrorism, the rise of the internet, the pandemic, and the first virtual expeditions.
Austin Noir (Akashic Noir)
by Hopeton Hay, Scott Montgomery, and Molly OdintzAustin joins Dallas and Houston in Akashic's deep dive into the Lone Star State's darkest dimensions.“Seems like everybody comes to Austin, sooner or later, and now the Akashic Books series of original noir anthologies has finally arrived, its freshly inked pages strewn with shadows and ill intent.” —Austin ChronicleFrom the editors' introduction:"You've probably heard of Austin. You may have been here for South by Southwest. Your best friend may have recently relocated here from California. You might have thought about moving here yourself, then decided it wasn't worth it to live in Texas. You may have moved to Austin decades ago. You may even have been born and raised in Austin, and now you're on the outskirts of San Antonio or (God forbid) Waco because you can't afford to buy a house anywhere else. Or you may be living in a shiny new building downtown, watching the final stages of a sleepy town's transformation into modern metropolis. One thing you'll hear from almost any Austin resident: it was better when they got here . . . "As the city expands, construction never stops, struggling futilely to keep up with new demand. The running joke is that the city bird is the crane. Rents and property values keep climbing. We fear becoming Dallas . . . The writers contributing to this collection represent a kaleidoscopic view of the city—not just in where they set the stories, but in their different social, economic, and cultural perspectives."Featuring brand-new stories by: Gabino Iglesias, Ace Atkins, Amanda Moore, Jeff Abbott, Scott Montgomery, Richard Z. Santos, Alexandra Burt, Lee Thomas, Miriam Kuznets, Jacob Grovey, Chaitali Sen, Molly Odintz, Amy Gentry, and Andrew Hilbert.
Aven Green Soccer Machine (Aven Green #4)
by Dusti BowlingAven Green, the remarkable heroine of Dusti Bowling&’s Life of a Cactus series, marches to her own beat in this hilarious, upbeat, and unforgettable chapter book. Third-grader Aven Green is an expert soccer player. She even has her own top secret moves! But when her friend Sujata joins the team, Aven has a hard time learning to help the new player shine. When the time comes to choose a new team captain, will Aven learn to share the spotlight and understand what it means to be a team player?Praise for Aven Green Music Machine: "Realistic, affirming, and uplifting." —Kirkus Reviews, starred reviewPraise for Aven Green Sleuthing Machine:&“Bowling&’s beloved &“Life of a Cactus&” protagonist returns in a new series of chapter books that capture her life as third grader. . . . Young readers will laugh aloud at Aven&’s funny reactions . . . [and] they will be intrigued by the practical skills she has perfected. . . . This chapter book companion to Bowling&’s well-loved middle-grade series is a recommended purchase.&” —School Library Journal (Starred review)
Awesome Arizona: 200 Amazing Facts about the Grand Canyon State
by Roger NaylorWhich state has the most national monuments? Where in America can you find one of the Seven Natural Wonders of the World? Where is the largest contiguous forest of ponderosa pine? In Awesome Arizona, Roger Naylor, &“the Dean of Arizona Travel Writers,&” has amassed 200 amazing facts and fascinating commentary about his beloved state. This is the fast-paced, funny encyclopedia that lovers of Arizona have been craving.Awesome Arizona captures the essence of the sixth-largest state, from its rowdy past to its epic landscape bulging with mountains, slashed by canyons, and blown apart by volcanoes. Learn about trees that once shaded dinosaurs, the West&’s most legendary gunfight, the world&’s largest antique, the best-preserved meteor crater on earth, where the post office still delivers mail by mule, the longest poker game in history, how Arizona saved the unicorn, and so much more.
Backpacking Florida
by Johnny MolloyThe essential guide to Florida’s best overnight hiking trips From the coastal bluffs of the Panhandle to the wild Everglades, Backpacking Florida features 40 overnight trail adventures covering a total of 600 miles across the state. Expert outdoorsman Johnny Molloy provides readers with the tools and information they need to unplug and experience Florida’s amazing variety of ecosystems up close. Destinations in this guide range from well-known, “must-do” spots like Juniper Prairie Wilderness, Rice Creek Conservation Area, and the Blackwater River State Forest to undiscovered gems like Jennings State Forest, Ocklawaha Prairie Restoration Area, and Bonnet Pond. Trails are categorized by region, difficulty, and length, from 3-mile family treks to 50-mile larger-than-life excursions, resulting in a useful guide for both novice and experienced backpackers. For every trail, Molloy includes a map and mileage chart and explains how to get to the trailhead, where the campsites are, and what hikers will see along the way. Readers will also find helpful advice on topics such as selecting a campsite and food for the trail. Backpacking Florida is an invaluable resource for planning and enjoying the perfect Florida outdoor adventure.
Backroads & Byways of Georgia (Second): Drives, Day Trips And Weekend Excursions
by David B. JenkinsA road guide to the Peach State, revised and updated. Georgia’s varying but always lovely landscapes have long made its roads some of the most well-travelled and much-loved in the country. This second edition offers 25 revised and updated drives that provide the ultimate sampling of what the state has to offer. Take a ride down through historic Savannah and the Atlantic Coastal Plain in the south, cruise along the Appalachians in the northwest, or catch sight of the sublime Blue Ridge Mountains of Georgia’s northeast. Complete with detailed maps, itineraries, and photos to guide you through every route, be prepared for the best road trips of Georgia. Pack the car and be on your way to comfortable accommodations, great food, and southern charm.
Baltimore Monuments: A History (History & Guide)
by Thomas CotterTour the monuments of the Monumental City.From its beginning as a small town on the banks of the Patapsco River in 1729, Baltimore has played a significant role in the development of the United States. To commemorate those persons or events that have contributed to the city and the nation's history, Baltimore was the first American city to build public monuments. Persons honored by these monuments have included artists, entertainers, athletes, civic leaders, government officials, military veterans, public servants, religious leaders, social reformers, and war heroes. Local historian Thomas Cotter discusses the history of each monument, its origin, notable designers, funding methods, dedication ceremony, and a description of the monument itself.
Bassano del Grappa Pocket Guide
by Tania ZontaThe Bassano del Grappa Pocket Guide will help you discover the city, with its history and fine living. You will be able to organize your personal itinerary thanks to the following information found in the book: -Useful information for an all-round experience; -Localized route with short descriptions of museums and monuments to learn about its history; -Rooms and restaurants in the city centre; -Information about what to visit in the surroundings; -The people who made the city famous; -The role of Bassano in the First and Second World War.
Battle of Ink and Ice: A Sensational Story of News Barons, North Pole Explorers, and the Making of Modern Media
by Darrell Hartman"Absolutely gripping… a perfectly splendid read—I highly, highly recommend it&” -- Douglas Preston, author of the #1 New York Times bestseller The Lost City of the Monkey GodA sixty-year saga of frostbite and fake news that follows the no-holds-barred battle between two legendary explorers to reach the North Pole, and the newspapers which stopped at nothing to get–and sell–the story.In the fall of 1909, a pair of bitter contests captured the world&’s attention. The American explorers Robert Peary and Frederick Cook both claimed to have discovered the North Pole, sparking a vicious feud that was unprecedented in international scientific and geographic circles. At the same time, the rivalry between two powerful New York City newspapers—the storied Herald and the ascendant Times—fanned the flames of the so-called polar controversy, as each paper financially and reputationally committed itself to an opposing explorer and fought desperately to defend him.The Herald was owned and edited by James Gordon Bennett, Jr., an eccentric playboy whose nose for news was matched only by his appetite for debauchery and champagne. The Times was published by Adolph Ochs, son of Jewish immigrants, who&’d improbably rescued the paper from extinction and turned it into an emerging powerhouse. The battle between Cook and Peary would have enormous consequences for both newspapers, and help to determine the future of corporate media. BATTLE OF INK AND ICE presents a frank portrayal of Arctic explorers, brave men who both inspired and deceived the public. It also sketches a vivid portrait of the newspapers that funded, promoted, narrated, and often distorted their exploits. It recounts a sixty-year saga of frostbite and fake news, one that culminates with an unjustly overlooked chapter in the origin story of the modern New York Times.By turns tragic and absurd, BATTLE OF INK AND ICE brims with contemporary relevance, touching as it does on themes of class, celebrity, the ever-quickening news cycle, and the benefits and pitfalls of an increasingly interconnected world. Above all, perhaps, its cast of characters testifies—colorfully and compellingly—to the ongoing role of personality and publicity in American cultural life as the Gilded Age gave way to the twentieth century—the American century.
Bay Curious: Exploring the Hidden True Stories of the San Francisco Bay Area
by Olivia Allen-PriceCurious about the San Francisco Bay Area? With explorations into unique local legends, interesting landmarks, and uncovered histories, Bay Curious is a fun, quirky guide to the secret stories of the Bay Area for visitors, newcomers, and California natives alike.Who was America's first and only Emperor? Why are there ships buried under the streets of San Francisco? Was the word "hella" really created in the East Bay? Bay Curious brings you the answers to these questions and much more through fun and fascinating illustrated deep-dives into hidden gems of Bay Area trivia, history, and culture.Based on the award-winning KQED podcast of the same name, Bay Curious brings a fresh eye to some of its most popular pieces and expands to cover stories unique to this book. With subjects ranging from Marin's redwood forests to the Winchester Mystery House, from the Black Panther Party's school program to the invention of the Mai Tai, Bay Curious gives you the entertaining and informative, weird and wonderful true stories of the San Francisco Bay Area.NOT YOUR AVERAGE GUIDEBOOK: Bay Curious takes a unique approach to exploring the Bay Area through its lesser known but just as fascinating stories, taking readers on a reportorial rather than literal tour.BEYOND THE PODCAST: With 49 entries—inspired by the famous 49-Mile Drive—Bay Curious includes a combination of updated popular episodes from the podcast and brand-new, never-before-heard stories researched for the book, plus fun illustrations and irresistible trivia sidebars.GIFT OR SELF-PURCHASE FOR SF ENTHUSIASTS: For anyone living in San Francisco or visiting with a goal of getting beyond the beaten tourist path, this volume holds a treasure trove of inspiration for an armchair adventure or self-guided tour.Perfect for:Bay Area locals and new arrivalsA fun and unique San Francisco reference book for tourists and visitorsFans of the KQED podcastHistory buffsAnyone who enjoys unexpected, quirky true stories
Best Bike Rides in New England: Backroad Routes For Cycling The Northeast States
by David SobelFrom Connecticut to Maine, 30 bike routes offer miles of New England charm and landscape views. The Northeast provides some of the most exciting cycling in the United States: sweeping vistas, seaside towns, fall colors, and more. With this comprehensive guide, New Hampshire local David Sobel offers up rides in Connecticut, Rhode Island, Massachusetts, New Hampshire, Vermont, and Maine. No matter the state, there’s a ride here for everyone, with a range of mileage and difficulty level so both beginner and experienced cyclists can enjoy. Take in the scenery and stop for surf and turf on a moderate 17-mile trip through Mystic, Connecticut. Challenge yourself on hilly vistas and cool off in Cold River while biking Walpole, New Hampshire. Or take it easy while travelling back in time through Concord, Massachusetts. In addition to detailed directions, each route features annotated maps, charming photography, elevation profiles, and suggestions for entertainment and dining along the way. This is a must-have guide to discovering New England’s hidden gems on two wheels.
Best Easy Day Hikes Anchorage (Best Easy Day Hikes Series)
by John TysonFully updated and revised, Best Easy Day Hikes Anchorage includes concise descriptions and detailed maps for twenty favorite, easy-to-follow hikes within a short drive of Anchorage. Choose from a host of spectacular trails in Chugach State Park, including the Flattop Mountain Trail, or inviting urban trails for after-work jaunts in downtown Anchorage, such as the Tony Knowles Coastal Trail.Look inside to find:• Half-hour strolls and full-day adventures• Hikes for everyone, including families • GPS-compatible trail maps
Best Easy Day Hikes Birmingham (Best Easy Day Hikes Series)
by Joe CuhajBest Easy Day Hikes Birmingham presents approximately twenty easy-to-follow, accessible, and scenic trails in and around Birmingham, Alabama.Written by an expert local hiker, this guide describe the best hikes for those who have limited time or abilities, without missing out on the area&’s scenic splendors. Look inside to find:Half-hour strolls to full-day adventuresAccurate, easy-to-follow directions to the trailhead Hikes for everyone, including families with young children.Unique and compelling hike descriptionsClear, accurate, and concise mile-by-mile directions for each hikeTrailhead GPS coordinates and compatible trail maps
Best Easy Day Hikes Canyonlands and Arches National Parks (Best Easy Day Hikes Series)
by Bill SchneiderFully updated and revised, this edition includes trail descriptions and maps of the author's favorite short hikes in Canyonlands and Arches National Parks. All hikes included in this book are on well-defined, easy-to-follow trails, and take hikers into some of the most scenic sections of the park.
Best Easy Day Hikes Denver
by Tracy SalcedoBest Easy Day Hikes Denver includes detailed maps and concise descriptions for nineteen easy-to-follow hikes in the foothills of the Front Range in and around Denver, Colorado. Explore the red-rock towers of Roxborough State Park and Red Rocks Park, walk along the broad, peaceful shores of the South Platte River, or hike to the stone ruins of the Walker House atop Mount Falcon. Look inside for:• Casual hikes to longer adventures• Hikes for everyone, including families• Mile-by-mile directions and clear trail maps• Trail Finder for best hikes for views, lake and river lovers, children, and history lovers• GPS coordinates
Best Easy Day Hikes New River Gorge National Park and Preserve (Best Easy Day Hikes Series)
by Johnny MolloyThis book covers 20 of the best easy day hikes within the New River Gorge National Park and Preserve&’s 70,000 acres, along with immediately adjacent West Virginia state parks. Though named for the river, recreation at this national park is more than canoeing, rafting and fishing. The cliffs and depths of the gorge avail incredible hiking opportunities, whether you hike the Keenyes Creek Trail, with its trestles, grab a vista on Grandview Rim, or take the Glade Creek Trail to Kates Falls.Hikes in this guide cover the gamut of hiking opportunities at the New River Gorge, including parts of it within Hawks Nest State Park, Babcock State Park and Bluestone State Park. With this book in hand and willing feet you can explore the West Virginia&’s wildest and best known canyon. No matter where you go, the trails in this book will enhance your outdoor experience and leave you appreciating the natural splendors of the wild West Virginia.
Best Hikes Bend: Simple Strolls, Day Hikes, and Longer Adventures
by Lizann DuneganWho says you have to travel far from home to go on a great hike? In Best Hikes Bend,author Lizann Dunegan details the best hikes within an hour's drive of the greater Bend area perfect for the urban and suburbanite hard-pressed to find great outdoor activities close to home. Each featured hike includes detailed hike specs, a brief hike description, trailhead location, directional cues, a detailed map, and color photos.
Best Hikes Boston: Simple Strolls, Day Hikes, and Longer Adventures
by Steve MirskyWho says you have to travel far from home to go on a great hike? In Best Hikes Boston reviser James Buchanan details the best hikes within an hour's drive of the greater Boston area, perfect for the urban and suburbanite hard-pressed to find great outdoor activities close to home. Each featured hike includes detailed hike specs, a brief hike description, trailhead location, directional cues, a detailed map, and color photos.
Best Little Book of Birds The Cascade Range and Columbia River Gorge (Best Little Book Of Birds Ser.)
by Sarah SwansonEnter the amazing world of birding with this practical, pocket-sized, and beginner-friendly guide to the must-see species found in the Pacific Northwest. From the Olive-sided Flycatcher and Clark&’s Nutcracker to Barrow&’s Goldeneye and more, this easy-to-use book will help you identify the commonly occurring birds that help make the Cascades and Columbia River Gorge natural wonders. While following hiking trails and scenic byways, exploring riverside shorelines or remote forests, you&’ll learn where and when to find the most beautiful birds by their sound, appearance, habitats, and migration habits. Perfect for experienced and budding birders alike, this sleek, compact guide is the ideal travel companion for every trip to the mountains.
Best Rail Trails Illinois: Accessible and Car-free Routes for Walking, Running, and Biking
by Ted VillaireBest Rail Trails Illinois is the complete guide to walking, jogging, biking, and cross-country skiing more than forty of the most popular rail trails in Illinois. Written by an author with expert knowledge of the Prairie State, this easy-to-use book provides mile-by-mile descriptions of the top rural and urban rail trails—from the Chicago area&’s Prairie Path, one of America&’s first rail trails, to trails in the St. Louis area and those set in the breathtaking beauty of the Shawnee National Forest, as well as numerous other urban, suburban, and rural rail trails statewide. Look inside to find:• Full trail profiles, including length, access points, difficulty rating, and surface type• Detailed trail maps• At-a-glance icons for easy identification of rail trails that best suit one&’s interests• Information on wheelchair accessibility, parking, restrooms, where to rent bikes, and points of interest along the trail• Location of ranger stations, visitor centers, and depot museums• Local trail support organizations and how to get involved• Directions to each trailhead including public transportation access
Best Rail Trails Pacific Northwest: More Than 60 Rail Trails in Washington, Oregon, and Idaho
by Natalie BartleyFully updated and revised, Best Rail Trails Pacific Northwest is the complete guide to walking, jogging, biking, and cross-country skiing more than sixty of the best rail trails in one of the most beautiful and geographically varied reaches of America. Written by a local author with expert knowledge of the region, this easy-to-use book provides mile-by-mile descriptions of the most popular rural and urban rail trails in Washington, Oregon, and Idaho, plus complete listings of the region&’s other rail trails—from Washington&’s Burke Gilman Trail that passes above the old sand point naval base, to Idaho&’s Route of the Hiawatha Trail, renowned for its tunnels.Look inside to find:Full trail profiles, including length, access points, difficulty rating, and surface typeDetailed trail mapsFull-color photosGPS coordinatesAt-a-glance icons for easy identification of rail trails that best suit one&’s interestsInformation on wheelchair accessibility; availability of parking, restrooms, and places to eat along the trail; locations of ranger stations, visitor&’s centers, and depot museums; and where to rent bikes
Between the Chalk and the Sea: A journey on foot into the past
by Gail SimmonsRAYNOR WINN: 'I loved this memoir - centuries of stories captured in the chalk, all told through the prism of one life.'An old map.A lost pilgrimage route. A journey in search of our walking heritage.When Henry VIII banned pilgrimage in 1538, he ended not only a centuries-old tradition of walking as an act of faith, but a valuable chance to discover the joy of walking as an escape from the burdens of everyday life.Much was lost when these journeys faded from our collective memory, but clues to our past remain. On an antique map in Oxford's Bodleian Library, a faint red line threading through towns and villages between Southampton and Canterbury suggests a significant, though long-forgotten, road. Renamed the Old Way, medieval pilgrims are thought to have travelled this route to reach the celebrated shrine of Thomas Becket.Described as England's Camino, this long-distance footpath carves through one of the nation's most iconic landscapes - one that links prehistoric earthworks, abandoned monasteries, Saxon churches, ruined castles and historic seaports.Over four seasons, travel writer Gail Simmons walks the Old Way to rediscover what a long journey on foot offers us today. In the age of the car, what does it mean to embrace 'slow travel'? Why does being a woman walking alone still feel like a radical act? In an age when walking connects the nation, can we now reclaim pilgrimage as a secular act?Winding 240 miles between the chalk hills and shifting seascapes of the south coast, Gail ventures deep into our past, exploring this lost path and telling a story of kings and knights, peasants and pilgrims, of ancient folklore and modern politics. Blending history, anthropology, etymology and geology, Gail's walk along the Old Way reveals the rich natural and cultural heritage found on our own doorstep.
Between the Chalk and the Sea: A journey on foot into the past
by Gail SimmonsRAYNOR WINN: 'I loved this memoir - centuries of stories captured in the chalk, all told through the prism of one life.'An old map.A lost pilgrimage route. A journey in search of our walking heritage.When Henry VIII banned pilgrimage in 1538, he ended not only a centuries-old tradition of walking as an act of faith, but a valuable chance to discover the joy of walking as an escape from the burdens of everyday life.Much was lost when these journeys faded from our collective memory, but clues to our past remain. On an antique map in Oxford's Bodleian Library, a faint red line threading through towns and villages between Southampton and Canterbury suggests a significant, though long-forgotten, road. Renamed the Old Way, medieval pilgrims are thought to have travelled this route to reach the celebrated shrine of Thomas Becket.Described as England's Camino, this long-distance footpath carves through one of the nation's most iconic landscapes - one that links prehistoric earthworks, abandoned monasteries, Saxon churches, ruined castles and historic seaports.Over four seasons, travel writer Gail Simmons walks the Old Way to rediscover what a long journey on foot offers us today. In the age of the car, what does it mean to embrace 'slow travel'? Why does being a woman walking alone still feel like a radical act? In an age when walking connects the nation, can we now reclaim pilgrimage as a secular act?Winding 240 miles between the chalk hills and shifting seascapes of the south coast, Gail ventures deep into our past, exploring this lost path and telling a story of kings and knights, peasants and pilgrims, of ancient folklore and modern politics. Blending history, anthropology, etymology and geology, Gail's walk along the Old Way reveals the rich natural and cultural heritage found on our own doorstep.
Between the Chalk and the Sea: A journey on foot into the past
by Gail SimmonsAn old map. A lost pilgrimage route. A journey in search of our walking heritage.When Henry VIII banned pilgrimage in 1538, he ended not only a centuries-old tradition of walking as an act of faith, but a valuable chance to discover the joy of walking as an escape from the burdens of everyday life.Much was lost when these journeys faded from our collective memory, but clues to our past remain. On an antique map in Oxford's Bodleian Library, a faint red line threading through towns and villages between Southampton and Canterbury suggests a significant, though long-forgotten, road. Renamed the Old Way, medieval pilgrims are thought to have travelled this route to reach the celebrated shrine of Thomas Becket.Described as England's Camino, this long-distance footpath carves through one of the nation's most iconic landscapes - one that links prehistoric earthworks, abandoned monasteries, Saxon churches, ruined castles and historic seaports.Over four seasons, travel writer Gail Simmons walks the Old Way to rediscover what a long journey on foot offers us today. In the age of the car, what does it mean to embrace 'slow travel'? Why does being a woman walking alone still feel like a radical act? In an age when walking connects the nation, can we now reclaim pilgrimage as a secular act?Winding 250 miles between the chalk hills and shifting seascapes of the south coast, Gail ventures deep into our past, exploring this lost path and telling a story of kings and knights, peasants and pilgrims, of ancient folklore and modern politics. Blending history, anthropology, etymology and geology, Gail's walk along the Old Way reveals the rich natural and cultural heritage found on our own doorstep.(P) 2023 Headline Publishing Group Ltd
Big Little Hotel: Small Hotels Designed by Architects
by Donna KacmarThis book showcases small hotels, all located in the United States, designed by architects who use light and materials in interesting and intentional ways. The designs also deliberately connect to their local history, context, or land – in many cases all three. Both the architecture and the operations harmonize with the place, whether that is a bustling city, small town, or natural area. Many are new buildings but some are adaptive reuse projects or renovations of historic properties, extending the connectivity of the place into the future. A condensed history of lodging helps to place the many typologies and histories of hospitality in relationship to world events and includes the many factors that influence hotel development such as business practices, technology, and even politics. Hotels are influenced by larger trends and innovations in hospitality such as the emergence of a variety of creative possibilities for future travel. A final chapter includes speculation on travel trends and encourages us all to wander more intentionally.