Sports Books

This book is very much worth reading. I am coming up on my twentieth year of training in Okinawan Shorin-Ryu under an Okinawan master who has practiced for nearly sixty years, and now more than ever I am gaining deeper insight into both myself, my sensei and the meaning of martial arts as they all relate to what we call "life's meaning". As I read Nintai, I was struck by the universality of Vellucci's points that he gained while training in Okinawa for several years: Training is about victory over one's self, Patience is learned only when you keep going through hardships, When you think you know, you do not know, A beginner's mind is a fertile mind, Having a strong ego is the surest way to defeat, Freedom is found through adherence to a form (kata). But how did I, and the author of this book, learn these lessons? Our teachers did not sit us down and give us a list of maxims to memorize. No. They were learned through sweat, frustration, misunderstanding, devoted friendship and the examples of our sensei.

These are the types of themes that I found delightfully reinforced in this book, and if you practice any martial art, but especially one with its roots in tradition, this book will surely be of great benefit and encouragement along the Way. It is heartwarming to be reminded that Okinawa is a type of repository for this old school approach to educating us in the Way of life. While reading Nintai I was also reminded of something that the late Eastern Orthodox theologian Jaroslav Pelikan once said: "Traditionalism is the dead faith of the living. Tradition is the living faith of the dead." As we train in the Okinawan tradition, the message and methods of our past teachers live on in us if we honor the teachings that have been handed down to us in sincerity of practice and attitude.

Other books of interest may include:
Sword and Brush: The Spirit of the Martial Arts, Traditions: Essays on the Japanese Martial Arts and Ways (Tuttle Martial Arts), Moving toward Stillness: Lessons in Daily Life from the Martial Ways of Japan, Autumn Lightning: The Education of an American Samurai and Persimmon Wind: A Martial Artist's Journey In Japan all by the superb writer Dave Lowry. Also, Living the Japanese Arts and Ways: 45 Paths to Meditation and Beauty (Michi: Japanese Arts and Ways) is a true gem of a book for anyone who seeks to understand the gift of the traditional Japanese Do, or ways, to one's own understanding of life.

Keep training!

Nintai offers readers another option in the martial arts memoirs arena. It proves an easy and interesting read from the prospective of someone who spent nearly a decade training in the budo in Okinawa. Although nothing contained in Mr. Vellucci's experience was dramatic or overly inspiring, if you're like me and can't get enough of reading about other's quests in the fighting arts, Nintai is worth the weekend it will take you to read it. It is a poor mans version of Moving Zen; still the benchmark on this genre of book.

Sensei Vellucci has captured in simple words and metphoric story presentation the essence of true karate-do training in a traditional Okinawan dojo. This is a great read, short and sweet. It can be read as a short chapter lesson when on the run or straight through if the time is allowed. Sensei Vellucci's insight is phenomenal. I have studied and taught alongside Sensei Vellucci and his stories of Sensei Oshiro's training methodologies are right on the money. Both men are a fascinating study into the inner training of Karate-do. Exceptional book, Exceptional author. Sensel Mike Tobin, 6th Degree, Matsubayashi Shorin-ryu stylist, Mendocino County California.

"Nintai" is a thought provoking account of a determined martial artist's challenges to overcome his most daunting opponent: himself. This author motivates the reader to join him on a spiritual journey, leave your ego at the door, and free your soul to change your attitude. This book is recommended to anyone looking to improve upon their own way of thinking.

Until reaading this book,as a student of Renshi Vellucci,I had never fully understood what he went through to achieve his karate goals. His personal experiences in Okinowa make me more determined then ever to improve in Shorin-Ryu. This is a must-read!

I enjoyed this book as much as Dairy Queen. I really like the fact that D.J. is such a down to earth girl. You can't help but like her. She really makes you think about what is really important in life...like family and having a good character. I think Dairy Queen and The Off Season would be great books for every teenage girl to read.

I have to hand it to Catherine Murdock for yet again crafting an excellent piece of literature. The character's voice in this story is incredibly strong! I listened to this book on c.d and whoever they hired to "be" D.J was made for the part.
This is a book I would give to a little sister or even best friend. It's inspiring and heartwarming and totally relatable (trust me girl playing football on a farm was not what I would've picked up first). Very Clean but also very honest. Perfect for your own personal library (I'm an adult teacher and I'm buying one for my home as well as my school). DJ is a positive a strong role model for young women. Loved the characters in this story. They were well crafted and complex, nobody was black and white which of course is what makes it so incredibly realistic. I can't wait for the 3rd and final book in this series!

In Dairy Queen by Catherine Murdock, readers met a girl named D.J. who had to pick up the slack on her family's farm when her father's hip injury prevented him from doing the bulk of the work. She also had to help train Brian, the quarterback for the rival school's team. Her two older brothers were big hometown football stars - and now, unexpectedly, she might become one as well.

In the solid sequel, The Off-Season, D.J. continues to juggle her school life, her home life, and her sports life. Homework and farmwork just keep coming. Then she gets injured, which obviously and completely changes her athletic schedule. Further complicating matters are D.J.'s mixed feelings about Brian and her strained relationship with her best friend. When two other family members become hurt in debilitating ways, the Schwenks have to come together in a big way - and have to make even more sacrifices.

Give Dairy Queen and its sequel The Off-Season to girls you know who refuse to back down when coaches tell them girls shouldn't or can't play certain sports - and tell them that YES, THEY CAN!

Sometimes, after a successful first novel, its sequel may fall flat. This certainly is not true in the case of Catherine Gilbert Murdock's sequel to Dairy Queen. In The Off Season, we find D.J. Schwenk coping with even more challenges than ever, many of which could topple someone twice her age. While we know that D.J. has real style and substance, this time we find her to be more of a hero than ever. Once again, she rises to the occasion, providing the stability for her injured brother to move on with his life. A loyal friend, she stands behind her friend, Amber; and, because she believes in honesty, she refuses to look at her boyfriend through rose-colored glasses, realizing that he might not have the character she thought he had. Through it all, D.J. handles herself with the candor and composure her readers have come to love. Written with the same skill and intelligence as her first novel, this is another Murdock winner that you won't want to put down until the very last page.

When we last left D.J. Schwenk in Dairy Queen, she was trying to cope with her family's problems, the inclusion of Brian into her life, and surviving being on the Red Bend football team. You know, when most people thought girls shouldn't be on the team.

At first it seemed like she had found solutions to all of those problems. But all good things must come to an end, whether D.J. likes it or not.

With Brian being her sort of boyfriend, D.J. is pretty ecstatic, since not only is he hot and athletic, he is her first real boyfriend. But it sort of creates a problem since D.J. isn't so sure where there relationship is heading or if it is going at all. Brian isn't too sure, either, since it seems like D.J. would rather spend time with her family then hang out with him.

Her friend, Amber, is starting to get noticed, for all the wrong reasons, though. Now known as the girl with a girlfriend, Amber is beginning to change, once again, right in front of D.J.'s eyes, all because people in their town don't approve of that kind of relationship.

D.J.'s family is beginning to resolve their relationship problems. But when they think all is well, their financial problems come into play. Not only that, but D.J. herself and her brother, Win, suffer injuries that just might put an end to what they love the most.

While trying to control all of her problems, D.J. must be able to find her strength, the one that got her through her summer and the one that helped her get on the football team.

Once again, D.J. shines as a heroine who shows that everyone has the ability to get over any obstacle thrown their way.

Reviewed by: Randstostipher "tallnlankyrn" Nguyen

This is a wonderful book! The photographs are beautiful and the text is honest and touching. Each vignette makes you feel as if you are at the farm with the author that day. This is a must have for every horse lover. I recommend a full box of tissues every time you read this book. It is not a sad book but very moving and full of love an drespect for the wonderful horses represented here. As many of us horse savvy folks know...these are the lucky ones. I Just love it!

Barbara D. Livingston, Old Friends: Visits with My Favorite Thorougbreds (Eclipse Press, 2002)

Reviewing books of photography often makes me feel guilty. As brilliant as someone like Romain Slocombe or Joel-Peter Witkin (for example) is, and as good as his books are, it seems kind of cheating to put a big photography book on one's list of books read for a given year. After all, how long does it really take to get through a book of photography?

Not so with Old Friends. While it is, in fact, packed with the gorgeous photographs of horses for which Barbara Livingston is so deservedly well-known, every horse in here also has a small essay from Ms. Livingston, making this more a trip down memory lane than a photography book. Some of the horses in here are some of the best-known horses on the continent (Spectacular Bid, for example), some are well-known in their region of the States (Zuppardo's Prince, the leading stallion in Louisiana most years), and some even the most hardcore horseplayer has long forgotten, or never heard of in the first place. Livingston treats them all with equal dignity, and by the end of the book, we feel like we know these horses, too.

A number of the horses here, since (and in a few cases before) the book was published, have died, and any of the rest of them are going to succumb to the ravages of old age within the next few years. But while some of their names will live in the lore of horse racing forever, Livingston has here ensured that many of the others will also not be forgotten.

A fantastic book, and well worth having. **** ½

Old Friends sits right next to Hillebrand's Seabiscuit in my equine library. It is a modern day classic.

These noble horses get loving and magnificent treatment from Livingston's prose and photographic talent.

Old Friends is a joy; a treasure. No racing enthusiast should be without this incredible book.

I bought this book after hearing about the death of the great Ferdinand.
This book shows many of the great ones that have come along, many that are still breeding and many that are living out the rest of their days in quiet comfort. Livingston is a fan of all of these horses, writing as if each one is her own. I read this book in one sitting, crying and laughing all at the same time.

I can't help but think of all the horses that didn't make it, the horse that met the same end as Ferdinand. The one's that were bred for speed but couldn't quite turn it on at the right time. The horses in this book were and are all very, very lucky indeed.

I had the pleasure of meeting the author at Gulfstream Park . She was doing a book-signing at the Florida Derby and I was lucky enough to be in the right place at the right time. She is a kind and gracious lady. She took her time with everyone who approached her. I was already planning to purchase book and was so happy to get an autographed copy! The pictures are incredible and the grace and dignity she conveys with them is perfect for such beautiful animals as thoroughbred horses. I recommend this book to anyone who loves horses or horse racing. As Ms Livingston signed in my book : Track fever is a good thing!"

I laughed. I learned. I loved Open Net.

Plimpton summarizes (page 254) his experience with the Bruins to Junior Achievers in Edmonton, "I described some of my brief forays into sports as a participatory journalist, and what it was like, and how I envied the athletes their skills and the fellowship, but how I had always left their camps with a faint twinge of relief that I was returning to my own world..."

Plimpton is the vanguardist for creative-nonfiction/participatory journalism, and Open Net is the standard by which other hockey books should be measured. I envy not his weak ankles, for they're as instable as his writing is strong, but rather his wit and way of balancing humor and enlightenment.

I didn't grow up in New England, but I suspect those that have will still enjoy the way Plimpton brings back to life the boldness and brashness, the grit and the glory, of the Big Bad Bruins.

From Plimpton's interaction with the likes of "Grapes" and "Taz" and with goalies "Seaweed," and "Cheesy" to our hero's own moment in the crease, you'll want to stand up and cheer!

If you enjoy Ice Hockey, especially from a historical perspective, this is the book to read. Fans of Don Cherry will love this book.

THIS IS ONE OF PLIMPTON'S BEST. I REALLY ENJOYED HIS STORY PLAYING GOAL FOR THE BRUINS. HIS CONVERSATIONS WITH VARIOUS PLAYERS AND COACHES ARE EXCELLENT. HIS DESCRIPTIONS OF THE EVENTS MAKE YOU FEEL LIKE YOU ARE RIGHT THERE ON THE ICE WITH HIM. PLIMPTON DOESN'T WASTE TOO MUCH TIME DESCRIBING HIS SURROUNDINGS LIKE HE DOES IN OTHER BOOKS. HE GOES STRAIGHT TO THE POINT. SOME HIGHLIGHTS ARE DESCRIBING HOW HE PUTS HIS UNIFORM ON IN A DETAILED ORDER, OLD STORIES ABOUT EDDIE SHORE, AND HIS ACTUAL TIME ON THE ICE PLAYING GOAL DURING A COUPLE OF EXHIBITION GAMES MAKE THIS A GREAT READ.

As a big hockey fan, and a goaltender, this was just required reading. Yet, it turned out to be more. This well written, quick read was a gas to enjoy and quote. I will be glad to read others by George Plimpton, and I'm already on the hunt for PAPER LION.
I guess thats my ringing endorcement. If I'm looking to read a book on football, the author must be wonderful. Quick, funny, well written, and vastly enjoyable, you wont regret buying this book, no matter what the price.

George Plimpton once again dons a uniform and plays a game. This time he tackles hockey while training with the Boston Bruins.
Plimpton does a wonderful job of painting a realistic view of life as a goalie. He uses the voices of other players to help the story along, rather than as just filler from big names. He also tells his tale without a lot of false excitement. You can tell he totally loves the experience, yet at times, you can see the effort does drain him (naturally).
His comments about and conversations with the likes of 'Seaweed' Pettie, Garry Cheevers and Don Cheery really add a lot of depth to the book. In conversations I have had with some of these men, I clearly got the point that they enjoyed this as much as Plimpton did and as much as I did as a reader.
This is a great read for the unfulfilled athlete in all of us.

Our Life On the Run is the triumph of the American Family. Marlin Keesler ran marathons in all 50 states. He ran through extreme fatigue and excruciating pain. Keesler admits that he doesn't even like running. What kept him going? Teaching his special needs children to never give up, no matter what your challenges are. This book is not about marathons. It's about connecting deeply with your family and leaving a legacy.

You have to read this book. I have to admit, when "a little bird" recommended that I read it, I was not at all interested in the subject matter. Marathons? People actually write books about running? But I gave this book a try, and I have to say this....I was hooked from the first sentence. This book was about so much more then running, and I would find myself laughing out loud at times, and with tears streaming down my cheeks a few minutes later. This book, in one word, is about commitment. Commitment to meeting the goals you set, but even more importantly, commitment to your family. That is the aspect of the book that truly tugged at my heartstrings.

This book deals with so many issues we are faced with: being raised in a dysfunctional family, employment issues, the loss of loved ones, and the struggles of raising children. What touched me the most though, about this book, is how much the author truly loves his wife. Several times throughout the book he refers to her as "his best friend", and
that is what really spoke to me in volumes. Here is a man not afraid to say how he feels about his wife and family. Now, although there were times he would not admit he was wrong about something (thank goodness for AAA), you never doubted his commitment to his wife and children. This book is a quick read about the importance of family, and it will leave you with that "warm fuzzy feel good" kinda feeling. Definitely worth reading!

Marlin Keesler has written a compelling story of endurance and family togetherness. See, Keesler is The Running Man, running 50 marathons, one in each of the fifty states. Sustaining him is not only a great cardiovascular system and stamina but a devoted family. The accomplishment was a family affair.

Keesler's story reminds us that the journey is the reward. He will win no gold medals perhaps in the marathon, break no world records, but show that determination, will, grit and a family's support can raise us above our limitations.

An excellent read!!

Here's a great story of a guy that had his share of adversity while growing up and as a family man. But he does not give in into fatalism, like most of us would do in similar circumstances.
Read this book and you will find out why.
Meet marlin and his family you won't regret it.

I once ran 14 miles with this guy as a teenager, and he told me on the run he planned on completing a marathon someday. I never doubted him, but I also never knew he'd run one in every single state! Mix that physical challenge with his tale of love for his family and you have a great motivational story that would make a great gift.

There is a lot of good information in this book, but most of it can be found toward the beginning. The tips on predicting the weather alone could be worth the price of the book. However, the maps of the various waterways were absolutely terrible. I would recommend this book for a general overview and lots of tips and tricks for paddlers, and the two "Canoeing and Kayaking the Streams of Florida" guides for detailed information on specific waterways.

Well, I've typed this twice, I think. Anyway, the writer has a good sense of humor, and I'd like to paddle with her sometime. Each chapter has a story to go with it, from Indian history to digging fossils to fishing to how NOT to cook on a week long canoe camping trip.

I'll use this book often.

I found the book "Paddler's Guide" easy to find ones way around in through a well organized index. The locations that I looked up i.e. Chassahowitzka and Weeki Wachie rivers had all the info that one could possible need to set off on a paddle.
Very important though is to read first the initial chapters on Tips for Paddling. Their is a wealth of information in this book. Congratulations.

After much looking around, this is the first book I actually bought. Its got very detailed, practical information on most of the waterways, but doesn't even mention some beautiful rivers that I've paddled in the central area of the state. While the text was excellent, I found the maps to be confusing and lacking in detail about ramps and access roads, compared to my personal knowledge of the roads and waterways of some areas. Its one of the most recently written books on this subject, so the information is probably the most current. It is not just a dry info book, but includes humorous stories about paddling and camping, altho the author writes as if she would enjoy the outdoors much more without all that pesky wildlife! Still, I highly recommend this book for planning your next outing.

The lady who wrote this book must be a lot of fun to paddle with. Her dry humor shows up in every chapter. I'd like to meet her in person.
Besides a great deal of advice about problems specific to Florida, she gives a number of safety tips. I almost felt like I was being mothered.
Obviously an experienced writer, Sandy Huff has a story to tell about each destination, ranging from history to botany to birding to how NOT to cook while camping. I also intend to put a stick of hot glue and a book of matches in my emergency kit from now on.
Very enjoyable reading, and probably the most comprehensive where-to book ever pubished for canoers and kayakers about Florida waters. I'll go back to this book often

This book both saved my life and changed my life. It's interesting that I've been reading it, off and on, since 1990 and in all these years different phrases, paragraphs and chapters keep "jumping out at me," sentences that I bypassed so many years ago, because I did not begin to understand those concepts. Now I am beginning to, as I see and understand more and more of what this book & the author is saying. I guess that means "progress!"

This is the book which told me that "the spiritual world is the world of EMOTIONS." I had never had it presented to in this way, especially growing up where "emotions" - all except anger - were completely "verboten." Finally, I can begin to understand just what this means. Peace, patience, tranquility = "heaven," anger and resentment = "hell."

I actually allow myself to write in the margins and date my observations and questions, so it's like a diary of sorts, and I am able to see the changes over the last - gasp! - 18 years. Every time I think I don't need this book anymore, and might as well give it away, poof... here comes something else, and I pull it down from my "reference" shelf. Now I'm going to order the rest of the books by Eva Pierrakos, who gets 5 star reviews every time.

One of the most important messages and insights I got from this book was the connection between "states of being."

The "spiritual world" IS our "emotional world. That is the difference between "Heaven" and "Hell." It is all in the way we FEEL.

I have heard that "our state of mind" created heaven or hell, but it isn't my mind that does me in, it is my EMOTIONS. It's not my attitude, it's not my thoughts; my mind is sharp as a tack and very well disciplined; it's my emotions that knock me for a loop every time. They control my thoughts and come first in the arena I live in. They are wild horses that take me for a ride, I am not a master in that area.

When I read the correlation between "emotions" and "spiritual world" something clicked! One door flew open while another one shut, and I have never been the same since. Not to say that I've made all the "changes" necessary as yet, but at least I am on the right path. I have tons of books that I read all the time, but this one stays on my shelf.

As people used to say, and I still mean it: "Thanks for sharing!" You have made my day!

I find that this book and mainly the "Lectures" that I purchased additionally (listed in the back of the book) helped to transform my life to what is true freedom and our purpose for existence. The material is truly profound and rich with guidance and insight that will last for life and cannot be replaced. This is my favorite spiritual literature and is such a gift left by a very courageous and talented woman. The book and the Lectures are channeled material by a "Guide" who comes through Eva. The Lectures begin around the 1950s with material that will always be timely. If you discover this book with the Lectures you are blessed and if you can manage to stay with the Lectures this Pathwork is for you.

I bought this book 20 years ago and even now when I read it I come to new realizations about myself. The material present in the lectures goes so deep that you can read the lectures again and again and continue to get insight from them. It is the best guidebook for life and for understanding our shadow selves that I have ever seen. If you want a true change of self and freedom from your compulsions this is the best place to start. Mind you, it is a slow process but the book is just the thing to turn to when you feel stuck and hopeless. It has the keys that will lead you to just the understanding you need to free your mind.

This book totally answered almost all of my questions about life. It CHANGED my life. I introduced it to my roommate, and we kept stealing it back and forth from each other. It is the single most important book I've ever read. It seriously changed my life- how I saw things, how I lived. It's background may make people a little skeptical, but I swear, if you read it, you will know... I don't care what the circumstances were for it's being written, it combed my soul and lifted me PERMANENTLY from the depression that was always lurking somewhere in my life.

This is a profound book that delves into the essence of what it means to be a human being. Everything is covered - from advice on efforts to face our own inner gremlins, letting them go, to advice on how to start relaxing and creating with one's consciousness.

"Creating is pure fascination" (p. 218)

This is also a book that talks about dissolving structures, entering the chaos consciously, and formulating a will to happiness so strong, so unyielding, so determined that the intent becomes creating power itself. And that is where we truly start living. A great book.

This book was a favorite of my two daughters, and now my 18 month old son loves it as well. The rhythm of the text, and the realistic illustrations, are very appealing to toddlers. Although my son can't say the words yet, he tries to "sing" along. This is one of those books that a child will consistently bring back to you again and again!

My 7 month old LOVES this book. The pictures are beautiful and the words are lyrical. They really keep him captivated!

This is a favorite of my daughter's! When we sit to read, it is one she reaches for again & again! The rhyme makes the book a joy to read & my daughter gets into the "beat"! Now that her vocabularly is expanding (2 yrs old) she loves to "read" the book herself, exclaiming in excited tones the "boom, boom, bang" clatter of pans! A "must-have for a toddlers library, you won't be sorry about this purchase!

This book can be read very quickly for the impatient baby, or savored for the older toddler. The pictures are cute, and the main adult in the story is the father. My toddler liked the presence of the dog and cat. She enjoyed the book since she was 8 months old. It is not one of her favorites now at 2 1/2 but we still read it occasionally since it only takes about 2 minutes to get through. The rhythm and rhyme flow well.

This would make a great baby gift!

Jennifer Clauson

We just received this book as a gift a few days ago and my 2-year old son has asked Mommy to read it no fewer than twenty times already! The sing-song rhyme pattern is lots of fun, somewhat similar to Boynton in Barnyard Dance, another of our favorites. We get loud and crazy when we read this one! The illustrations are lovely and provide lots of scope for discussion and I Spy games. This is a terrific book and I would be surprised if your child didn't enjoy it tremendously!

Very easy to read and well laid out. A brilliant book for beginners like me, keen to learn not just the right techniques, but also the theory behind them.

I think this book shows you the art and science of fly fishing. this one was best among the books I read for flyfishing. It changed what I see at the stream. After this book, the streams were not the same as I had seen before..

A great guide to approaching the river in a strategic way with methods that can be adapted to whatever conditions you face on the water. I think it's the most useful book on the subject, and is great for anglers of any level of skill.

Once you've figured out what rod, reel, line, leader, tippett, etc, to buy and you've learned to cast half way decently then this is THE book to buy. After you've finished reading it, go back and STUDY it. Excellent advice in a very readable straight forward manner.

If you want to learn to catch trout in almost any situation you will encounter then this is the book for you. Written in Tom's low-key style. Solid information. I have been trout fishing, and reading trout fishing books for forty years. I learned more from this book than anything else I ever read. Another must have is Rosenbauer's "Reading Trout Streams.

This guide was a birthday gift along with "Yellowstone and Grand Teton National Parks Road Guide." We used the two of these books nonstop during our nine days in the park. This book offers acurate information regarding the trails and rankings. Understand that not ALL trails are listed. I picked up "Best Easy Day Hikes Yellowstone" but it's trail rankings were not as acurate. If you are purchasing one book on trail hiking in Yellowstone, use this one.

We have been hiking the National Parks in the West for almost 20 years and this is the most valuable trail book I own. The information on each trail is completely accurate with respect to distances, maps, directions, etc., and the naturalist notes are very informational. We have completed 75% of the hikes in this book and have enjoyed every single one - some have even been done two or more times. The book is small enough to carry in a fanny pack. I have thrown away all of my other Yellowstone hiking books as this has become affectionately known as "The Bible".

We bought this book before a trip to Yellowstone with our family. The book was very helpful in helping us find trails that our whole family could do. The pictures and discriptions were very helpful in the planning and telling our kids what to look for.

This is an excellent guide to relatively short day hikes in Yellowstone. Provides good descriptions on what you will see on the trails and it's small enough to take along on your hike.

As a veteran of more than 35 years of wilderness backpacking in all kinds of weather and every season of the year my brother-in-law and I decided to shoot HD video in Yellowstone.

We did not want to do a wilderness trek on the first time out with all new video gear so decided day hikes were best. We did 20 of 29 of the hikes in "A Ranger's Guide to Yellowstone Day Hikes" in 7 days and covered 70 miles on foot.

This is a great book, one of the best I have seen in my years of hiking and backpacking. Each trail is unique and amazing. Some are tough but even the steepest trail was not so bad for a 54 year old with 35 pounds of video gear on his back. Trail ratings are true, so you will NOT be surprised by a gargantuan climb that is rated as moderate. Strenuous ratings wisely reflect both length and elevation change.

If you have room for only one day hike book in your travel gear this IS the book. If you are a seasoned backcountry expert or a beginner you will not be dissapointed.