2 comments about The Complete Sea Kayaker's Handbook.

1. Prior to getting this book I had one lesson and had paddled five or six times mostly in ocean harbors and estuaries. I have paddled several times since. I have done a fair amount of small boat sailing and canoeing before taking up kayaking.
   
   The Complete Sea Kayaker's Handbook did a great job helping to fill in my knowledge of kayaking in general and to help "remind" me of some of what I learned in my lesson. It is well put together and has a nice mix of anecdote and information, with more of the latter. The book is specific to sea kayaking which I also appreciated. I am not terribly interested in white water kayaking and didnt want a book that wasted my time with more then casual information on the subject.
   
   Hightlights for me:
   - Detailed and well presented information on kayak design and construction.
   - Nice explanations of paddle technique I was actually able to apply after I read the book (as a supplement to my lesson).
   - Informative chapters on navigation and logistics without belaboring the subjects.
   - Interesting side-bars going into more detail on one point or another throughout the book.
   
   I think the best thing about the book is Shelley's easy going yet informative writing style. The illustrations and photos were clear and useful. The tone of the book was that of a very well informed friend rather then some kind of uber-kayaker. This book worked for me. Good luck in your paddles!
   
   Regards,
   
   Chris



2. I like to browse the boating sections of outdoor stores and listen to the staff recommend equipment to people just getting started in kayaking. It can be a terrific learning experience and the best stores will always recommend good instructional manuals and the importance of taking lessons. The one book they always seem to suggest is Shelley Johnson's Sea Kayaker's Handbook. It covers all the basics but goes one step further. For instance; it is commonly explained that "the longer a boat is the faster it will go and the better it will track". There is a sidebar entitled "It isn't so simple" which carries the explanation a little further. Another section covers how to handle wind. Reading this section would be very helpful to a new paddler purchasing their first boat because one of the basic decisions is whether to have a rudder or skeg. A little knowledge here could save a lot of money and make the sport much more enjoyable. Read this book, ask questions of a knowledgeable salesman, buy a boat, take a lesson or two, have fun, see you on the water!!!

5 comments about Rowing Faster.

1. This book is the best source of information to increase boat speed.
   Xeno Muller
   www.gorow.com
   Olympic Medalist, men's single scull rowing.



2. 'Rowing Faster' is the best and most up-to-date textbook on rowing I know. Each chapter within segments such as physiology, psychology, technique etc. is written by a true expert and well edited by Volker Nolte.
   Buy this book.



3. This is the definitive book on the current state of the art in rowing both on the water and on the erg. But it won't teach you how to row. Only how to think about things to improve and how everything fits together. The only other product out there today that comes close to this, and is really an excellent companion piece, is Xeno Muller's interactive DVDs.



4. This book is not for novices, it's for the already advanced rower, who wants to significantly improve their speed, and technique. It goes into complete detail on every major subject pretaining to rowing, from race prep. months in advance, to the race itself, this book covers it all.



5. Unfortunately, I just returned this book because I didn't find it very useful to me personally. Despite what that says about me as a rower, I feel that the description of the book "great for beginners to the elite" is a bit misleading. While the book addresses some issues with beginners, it's really talking to beginners [who will eventually become elite rowers].
   
   The book reads a lot like a physics or math book. It has a ton of charts, graphs, and things dealing with physical fitness that you wouldn't know unless you saw a specialist to have testing done. It's a very dry read but makes for a good reference book.
   
   Many of the authors talk about "the ideal" rower, being so-many feet tall with 6% bodyfat, along with other ideals. While this is fine, the bulk of the text has an undertone that suggests "if you don't meet these ideals, you're going to suck at rowing." The book often refers to your first "years of training" as if you're wasting your time if you're only doing this for a year or two.
   
   Each chapter is written by a different person, so there's not really a lot of chronology. There's nothing really wrong with this, but it refers back to the book seeming a lot like a textbook.
   
   Rowing is a tough sport, and there's no "you can do it!" or "great job!" encouragement for beginners in this book. Think of it as a text version of a coach. In fact, the book seems to be geared more toward coaches, and less toward individual rowers.
   
   Nothing I've said is explicitly negative, just not what I was looking for in this book. I have to say it's jam packed with information, much of it technical, about this great sport. This would make a great reference book for a coach, team captain, or SERIOUS rower.
   
   If I were to sum it up in one sentence, the book says "This is what rowing is, this is what rowers have to do to be awesome, take it or leave it."

5 comments about Out There.

1. This book was the first time I have read Kerasote - I completed it in two sessions. I thought it was brilliantly written. It had an educated style, which means I enjoyed occasionally checking some less common words (but cleverly appropriate)in my dictionary. This was an enthralling account of two basically dissimilar friends undertaking a great canoe trip down the Horton River toward the Arctic Ocean. I just wasn't willing to put the book down until the trip was over - the reader was right there with them. At one stage, I hoped for some photographs to supplement the map in the book - but then again Kerasote's writing was so good that I had a clear word picture of the events. Perhaps this was in keeping with the general theme of making do without everything on a platter? I found the historical notes provided a fascinating context for the modern day adventure. The professionalism of their outdoor skills was evident, and important for such a remote adventure. The potential 'clash' of the satphone was very much secondary to the description of the wonderful river trip itself. Actually, I thought the satphone was skillfully considered from a philosophical viewpoint - it was an issue that is very relevant now to modern mans interaction with serious wilderness adventure. This book was just brilliant stuff.



2. Enjoyed this great little book as I always do Kerasote's writing. I wanted to read it because he had written an article in an outdoor magazine 15 years ago on "Camping Beyond Aid" and I wanted to compare his thoughts then and now.
   
   But no matter: while camping "beyond aid" in the wilderness two weeks later, I developed a life-threatening medical condition that required Air Force helicopter evacuation.
   
   That sat phone sure would have come in handy.



3. Ordered this because it was suggested by Amazon as a book that might be of interest. This because I am so very fond of David Petersen's writing. Kerasote can't hold a candle to Petersen! He does not enlarge his subject to include any of the larger insights or issues, of which there are many imbedded in the subject of man and nature. From Melville to Petersen, we have struggled to describe and comprehend our relationship to society and nature. Kerasote adds little to the discussion.



4. This book was chosen for our book discussion group which was a good choice because it was easy to finish in time for the discussion and enjoyable. It did read like an article in Outside magazine, which I believe is part of the author's background. It does take you "Out There" which is what I liked about the book.



5. Well it started with Merle's Door. After that wonderful book I wanted to read more about the writer and see what else he had up his sleeve. Well I was not dissappointed with this book. What a joy to read. Every sentence, every word was descriptive. He does not waste words. Very enjoyable and a pleaseure to read. It feels like you are right there with him enjoying the same visual treat, in the canoe, watching the wildlife or lying in the tent while the rain pours from the skys. I love the way this guy writes. I too used to camp and canoe until work and worries kept me with my nose to the computer or exhausted from work stretched out on the couch. He has inspired me to see nature and be apart of it again. I am going to plan another camp/canoe trip soon and enjoy it all over again.
   
   If you like nature, being a part of it or just reading about it, this book is for you. It takes you away. Breathes new life into you, inspires you to enjoy what God has given us and to take care of it. And also to realize it is up to us to protect it. This guy is a TRUE nature lover. I want more Ted Kerasote books. Merle's Door is still my favorite, but this book comes in second:)I think his next book will come in third:):):)

5 comments about Kayaks You Can Build: An Illustrated Guide to Plywood Construction.

1. Kayaking has become the latest popular fad, with many discovering them easier to transport than canoes, and lower-impact than motorboats: for those avid kayakers who would customize their own design, her comes Kayaks You Can Build: An Illustrated Guide To Plywood Construction, an illustrated guide to plywood- constructed kayaks. You don't have to start from scratch: kits are widely available, and KAYAKS YOU CAN BUILD assumes one of these kits is the starting point, providing the authors' expertise as kayak builders and boatbuilding instructors as it follows the process.



2. There are so many tips and good ideas in this book. It is definetly worth it, Starting with building the ideal workbench, the ideas for using the templates to hold in the sides to fiberglass it as one piece instead of cutting it up to fit inbetween the bulkheads. Lots of nice color pictures, beautiful presentation. I'd definely recommend this book.



3. Great book. Invaluable tips. Great color pictures really help you understand things you might not get from just reading your instruction manual. If you have this book, you don't really need any others, as there is little in the rest of them that isn't in here. And this one is easier to read, and has useful full color pictures.



4. The title of this book implies that you will know how to build a plywood kayak after reading it. However; it only tells you how to proceed after buying a prefabricated kit from one of three suppliers. (One of which was founded by one of the authors)
   Nowhere does it give you the dimensions you need to start from scratch and build your own. If you have lots of money and don't mind buying a kit, this book is an excellent reference. But for builders on a budget like myself, I don't recommend buying this book.



5. I wish I had had this book the first time I built a stitch-and-glue boat. Loads of really good advice and neat tricks. I'm often approached by people after they've seem my boats asking me for advice. This is now the book I'll recommend first to someone who wants to build a kit. As another reviewer noted, this book is really for someone who plans to build from a kit, not from scratch. If its your first time building, I recommend you follow the author's advice and go with a kit - building from scratch, while exciting, is tough the first time around (unless, perhaps, you're a experienced woodworker). I've seen too many scratch built boats that ended up costing about the same as a quality kit - and looked like crap to boot.

5 comments about Kayak Fishing: The Ultimate Guide.

1. I love this book! I've been reading it over and over again. I'm just starting to fish from kayak. so i found almost ev'rything i was searching for. Great pics too! It gives very good info. Kayakfishing is not so popular in Finland yet. so i didn't get any info from my fishing friends!
   
   It really is an ultimate guide for the sport!
   
   five stars!
   
   Antti Matikainen



2. Had this book been entitled "Kayak Fishing: A Beginner's Guide" or "Kayak Fishing: A Pictorial" I would have easily given it 5 stars; however, when a book calls itself "The Ultimate Guide" it had better have more than pretty pictures and basic beginner information.
   
   Pretty much all of the information in this book is easily, almost unconsciously acquired by the neophyte kayak fisherman in the first couple of months in the sport, through talking to salesmen when buying the first kayak, and in the first few trips out in the kayak through common sense and trial and error - actually, much of this information is included in the free pamphlets that come with the gear.
   
   On the side of kayaking technique and safety, many other books and videos have stated the information more thoroughly and more correctly. The author is obviously a fisherman first and a kayaker a distant second. Even on the side of fishing, the information is fairly scant. There is basic information on techniques, again, things that can be learned fairly easily without spending another $15 on a book, but what is really needed is fishing strategies, and Null's scope is too broad, and therefore too shallow to get into this. Null has experience as a saltwater fishing guide on the Texas coast; he would have better served his readers by limiting the scope of his book to fishing from kayaks on the Texas coast.
   
   While the photography in the book was very pretty, I found the writing style to be fairly amatuerish - worthy of a self-published or regionally published book, but below the level one expects of a nationally distributed book.



3. Lot's of good information in this book. I am an experienced kayaker and have done some fishing but was looking for more information and ideas. This book provided it. I would highly recommend it.



4. this book was great for an intro to kayak fishing. lots of ideas and tips for rigging your boat. also a good source for all of the gear you may need. if you are an experienced kayak fisherman you will find little new info in this book.



5. Basically a well written and complete book on kayaking basics. Most of the book deals with the basics; approximately, the last 25% of the book gets into areas that aren't covered by many other kayak books. A good resource for the beginning to intermediate kayak fisherman.

3 comments about The Complete Kayak Fisherman.

1. Ric Burnley's book is fantastic! Throughout this well written book he carefully describes in detail all things relevant to choosing, rigging, paddling, and fishing with a heavy emphasis on safety. Clearly the best kayak book I've read and since I'm new to this sport I've read several that don't come close to explaining facets of the game that both beginners and advanced yak fishermen will need to know. My only criticism is that when describing regional differences, there is absolutely no mention of kayak fishing in Hawaii, which can be a different challenge althogether. We have a rapidly growing kayak fishing community out here and it was completly overlooked.



2. A very well written book and a must have for anyone just starting out in the sport.All the subjects that appear on the various discussion boards are addressed with good illustrations and clear directions.



3. In my area, we don't have a local Kayak Shop to rely on for information, advice, and guidance. This book does all of that and more if you are interested in the sport of kayak fishing!
   
   Whether you are a novice or an experienced yak fisherman, this book is a great read to make you an even better kayaker. It reads as if you are talking with a pro inside a kayak shop. It was so informative and laid out in such a way, that I highlighted stuff in my personal copy! This will help me find key knowledge later after I am through reading it. My personal highlighting is also complimented by a great index by the author to find those "juicy" tid-bits.
   
   This book helped me choose gear, install accessories, and learn some great techniques & safety principles. Although he does not say this is the best kayak, piece of gear, etc., he guides you to some better brands and helps you make knowledgeable choices by imparting his own experience and expertise. He tells you what to look for, what to avoid, and encourages you to not make the mistakes he made (i.e. going cheap the first go around - only to buy more pricey (better) stuff later, thus costing you more.)
   
   He compliments this by brining in subject matter experts from companies that produce paddles, kayaks, GPS systems, etc. This is a BIG PLUS! Hear it from him.....hear it from those who make/develop this stuff!!!
   
   I love the underlying theme woven throughout the book - SAFETY & BEING PREPARED! Being a Boy Scout leader, these two principles are near and dear to my heart!
   
   I definitely give this book a 5 star rating - it is a must read for any kayak fisherman. My son will be obligated to read it before he assumes control of his new yak received at Christmas. In my area, we don't have a local Kayak Shop to rely on for information, advice, and guidance. This book does all of that and more if you are interested in the sport of kayak fishing!

5 comments about The Strip-Built Sea Kayak: Three Rugged, Beautiful Boats You Can Build.

1. I got the book on paddle constructon but the strip-built sea kayak book never arrived. I had forgotten ordering it and wish to have it now. thanks



2. With all the rave reviews already stated, I add my own.
   
   Mr. Schade will break your heart in the very introduction of the book; at this moment you will come to understand the true dedication of this author to his craft (and love for his wife). Then there is a descent into the inner secrets of this craft that he loves. As an accomplished gymnast, he will certainly make this kayak-building appear easy, almost too easy, and yet the details are in place to convince you that, yes, you can do it yourself.
   
   You have to pinch yourself to bring yourself back to the reality that you will spend many hours building this kayak, that it will cost you quite a bit, and that the process is not as easy as it looks. Then stop pinching yourself and start planning; the reality is that you can do it!
   
   There are a few gaps in the details that I had to think my way through, but none of these gaps are intentional. In fact, these opportunities are more exciting than aggravating.
   
   This is not the only good resource available for learning the strip-building technique. I am already modifying Mr. Schade's designs to include elements provided elsewhere, as he would even encourage himself. On the other hand, this book is all you need to make a great kayak, and the information in this book is superior to anything that I have seen elsewhere.
   
   I would recommend this book even to those who never plan on building a kayak if for no other reason than to appreciate this fine art of shipbuilding.



3. This is a very good book. Schade's style is very easygoing and informative. A pleasure to read and learn from.



4. Nick Shade is an artist, not a woodworker. He doesn't fret over minute details, or force you to make things perfect. But his designs are positively gorgeous. Since his book is a recent print, he covers many aspects of construction the older books do not cover, and many of the ideas are his own and are used professionally on the curent market. He does not cover everything, and if you want to find out the most recent developments as far as boatbuilding, you have to subscribe to the blogs online. (such as on Ted Moores' site). He is not as clear as Ted Moores in KayakCraft, but sometimes has more ideas. I suggest to buy both and visit all the websites.



5. I have learned all the needed information required to build a Strip kayak.
   
   Yet! the kayak plans in the book are not good enough for building a kayak. Purchase plans separately!

5 comments about Downriver.

1. Would you ride a raft with extreme water or would you climb a very slippery? Would you even any of them? This book is about kinds that think that they are so tough but have so many fears, and not even willing to tell anybody about it. Five kids go on an adventure that will leave them scarred for life. Some books are hard to come by, and this book is one of them. One of the characters on this book that pop out to me was a girl named Star. She is always joking, singing, and all other crazy stuff, but when it comes to helping others she is shy. So like I said before you can be very outgoing but have so many insecurities and not say anything to anybody. The more and more you read you see that star is getting over her shyness. This book is the one to when you feel stressed and insecure I give this book five stars. My recommendation is the best.



2. "Downriver!"
   Running the rapids of the Grand Canyon, seven kids find adventure, friendship, and themselves. Will Hobbs writes a thrilling survival book called Downriver, which is similar to Hatchet, by Gary Paulson, but with its own twists and turns. This book is similar to Hatchet, but there are seven kids who must work together, instead of one who must work alone. Eight kids are sent to Discovery Unlimited or as they call it "Hoods in the Woods," steal equipment and take a joy ride on the Colorado River. After one bails, it's down to them to overcome their fears and this obstacle. After getting tossed around like luggage in the Colorado River, these kids have to take it up a notch. Not only was the river a problem, but they were doing this illegally with people chasing after them. Will Hobbs uses dialogue and thoughts to bring out the life in the characters, and also uses sensory images.
   Will Hobbs is a tremendous author using descriptive language, and strong adjectives to get the reader really into the book. To show this, he has many awards in his trophy case. Some of these are the Notable Book Award, Best Book for Young Adults, Teachers' Choice Awards, and the Regional Book Award. But the only reason he has won this many awards is because his books are a captivating read. The idea for this book came out of Will Hobbs' own experiences. He got this idea because he has gone rafting in the Grand Canyon ten times and wanted to share his love of the Canyon with young readers. We recommend this book to anyone who loves a little excitement, adventure and suspense. Kids from ages 9 to 14 would enjoy this novel. Will Hobbs created a thrilling survival that will lead people to believe that good can come out of bad.



3. Down River
   Down River is a book about troubled decent teens going to a camp. The problem is a mean camp consoler who is giving the kids a hard time, and the kids are sick of it. So the teens steal the camp and are heading towards the Grand Canyon. When they get their, they sail the Colorado River. But soon in the adventure turns into a disaster. Bad weather comes while the kids are sailing and they are stranded in the middle of the river. I think the book was.



4. Outdoor action, adventure, thrills - reluctant readers will really like this book. Jesse and her new friends have decided to ditch the outdoor adventure trip they signed up for and strike out on their own. Helicopters and searchers are looking for the renegade group everywhere. Meanwhile, serious problems start to develop within the group. Will they make it back to safety or have their foolish choices doomed them? This is a great book to get teenagers hooked on because Will Hobbs has written many more great books for them to continue reading.



5. Reviewer- Michele Zander
   Title- Down River
   Author- Will Hobbs
   Publisher- Barton Double Dell Books for Young Readers
   Copyright- 1991
   Total # of pages- 204
   
   No adults, no permit, no river map, just some "borrowed" gear from Discovery Unlimited. That's how their adventure began. Seven different teens set out by themselves in the Grand Canyon not knowing what will happen. They all have their own different problems and learn many new things about themselves and about each other.
   I'd have to say that I don't have a favorite part of this book because I liked it all the same; it was really adventurous and exciting.
   The theme of this book I would say is be thankful for what you have. I think this because in the book one of the teens named Jesse goes to the summer camp Discovery Unlimited angry at her parents and she doesn't really care about anything.
   I really like how this book had a lot of adventure and action. I wouldn't have changed anything about this book. I think people who should read it are ones that really like adventure or action.

5 comments about Canoeing with the Cree.

1. Walter Port and (Arnold) Eric Sevareid took an amazing trip that they started by skipping some of their high school finals so they could get the boat they could afford. Though the project appeared to have been Port's pet, it was Sevareid who came up with the way to fund it: writing about it for the Minneapolis Star. It was clear that once the project began both of them were truly enthralled by it and could not be put off. The tale is told simply, but with a clear affection for all of the people who helped them try to reach their goal, even though few of the people who helped were confident that these young men could make it or were even very encouraging.
   
   The book is written from the journals that were kept along the trip. It is clear that this is a book of its times written by a man who was still quite young. While I would strongly encourage any teens to read this book to realize that they too can give themselves a goal that is worthwhile if only for being difficult, I would also encourage their parents to be ready to answer some questions about the wisdom and risks of such adventures and about some of the attitudes of the past. There is a casual acceptance of the bigotry against Native Americans that was common at the time and Sevareid was not yet the mature thoughtful man that we may remember from the CBS Evening News.
   
   Still, the fact that a reasonably literate student was able to take, and appreciate, such a grand adventure while trying his best to bring it alive for us was a remarkable feat. Twain, at his best, gave us better feel for river adventure, but he had the advantage that he could embroider the story whenever necessary, while Sevareid was already writing and thinking as a journalist. This is a quick read that almost anyone, from a child in middle school to an adult whose days of imagined adventure are long past, can enjoy.



2. There's really only two things worth doing in Minnesota: One, canoeing the Boundary Waters/Quetico during Spring, Summer, and Fall; Two, THINKING about canoeing the Boundary Waters/Quetico during Winter. For the latter, this book is the gateway to paradise. Sevareid and Port have the true spirit of adventurers, the love-bug for the North Woods and her bevy of streams, rivers, and lakes, and Sevareid effectively tells his now-classic tale of how he and his friend drank deeply of all her treasures--complete with the axiomatic mistakes, mishaps, surfiet of discomfitures, and, alas, irresistible beauty that she provides to all who avail themselves of her wonders. Like St. Augustine, let us "Take up and read."



3. Enough youthful daring and preparation on a wonderful journey which showed the better nature of people for the exploits of two tough and bright young men. A wonderful journey, with some historical photo's that help illustrate the accomplishment. A wonderful quick read.



4. 2250 miles in a canoe - a great adventure and a book worth reading. I can't add much that isn't already perfectly described in this book.
   
   At the start of the trip during a brief stay in Fargo, North Dakota, a friend and doctor named Frederick Gronvold sets the boys on their journey in a proper frame of mind. "Don't let anyone, no matter who he is, convince you that your trip can't be completed. You have youth and strength, and courage too, I hope, and with a little common sense you can do it."
   
   When the journey finally ends and the boys share their tale with the adults at York Factory, they are asked why? Bud responds simply, "Oh, for pleasure, I guess." A journey simply for the sake of the adventure. It is an idea lost on some of the adults listening to the boys. "Pleasure! What a jolly funny kind of pleasure!" Better yet, maybe the idea isn't lost. Colonel Reid continues, "Oh well, that's youth. Things look different when you're young, I suppose. My word, I almost believe I envy you."
   
   Enjoy the beginning and the end; enjoy the pineapples and everything in between. Enjoy the journey simply for the journey; it's an adventure that is perfect for any reader of any age!



5. "Eric Sevareid made his name as a CBS news correspondent. But at a young age, Sevareid experienced an adventure most only dream of. Sevareid detailed the journey in his book "Canoeing with the Cree". Now to mark the 75th anniversary of Sevareid's journey, two Minnesota men plan to make the same trip." Tim Post
   
   In 1930 two young men paddled their way from Minneapolis to Hudson Bay in Canada. A trip of 2200 miles. Everyone told them it could not be done. Eric Sevareid, then a 17 year old, fresh graduate of high school, and his best buddy, Walter Port, planned the entire trip. They garnered financial support, collected supplies and a canoe and paddles and off they went. Five months later after trials and tribulations, they made it to Hudson Bay. Their journey is documented by Eric Sevareid, who gathered the weekly diaries he sent to their local Minneapolis paper, and in 1935, he wrote this book.
   
   I stepped back in time to the 1930's when life seemed to be more innocent and the world a safer place to be. Sevareid who went on to become one of the most revered journalists of our time, wrote in an unpretentious manner, and we can feel the excitement of their adventures. They traversed unknown land and water. No one, it seems, had ever accomplished this trek. Even the best canoeists in the country failed. How then, did these two young lads accomplish this journey? Intelligence and good luck, I'd say. They questioned everyone they met, took upon themselves to digest all of the information and made decisions based on their best judgement. And, most of the time they were correct. They had no radio, no maps( this was uncharted country), little preserved food except for hardtack, but they had their ingenuity and the assistance of all of the people they met.
   
   The North Country was mostly woods. Camps, small towns and two larger towns had been established for hunting and trapping. Most of the humans they met were Indians who were kind and generous. As a matter of fact, most of the people they met were in awe of their journey and shared whatever food, equipment and conversation they were capable. The trip was amazing when we look at the obstacles they faced. Water, roaring cold water, sometimes rapids, sometimes falls, no maps, only the word of mouth of strangers, and cold brutal weather at times. Or hot humid weather with flies and gnats. They discovered all sorts of wild animals but were never in real danger. They had their tent, two paddles, food, water, ponchos and several blankets. This seems like a story of new adventurers discovering a new world, and in fact this is what they were. Two 17 year old lads set out on an adventure and one day after another they found one. Extraordinary when you think about it.
   
   Since the time of Eric and Walter, several other duos have made the trip by canoe. However, they had maps, food that could be kept for months and the best of camping equipment. This is not to lessen these young men's courage, but to think 78 years ago, this was accomplished with such primitive arrangments and care.
   
   This was an exciting read and one page after another flew by. The book was difficult to put down. Easy, simplistic writing. but some of the most important writing I have found. The boys parents and friends did not hear from them often and at times, I am sure the parents were worried. But the two lads persevered and the trip was taken.
   
   Highly Recommended. prisrob 06-26-08
   
   Not So Wild a Dream
   
   The Eleanor Roosevelt Story

5 comments about Outdoor Navigation With GPS: Hiking, Geocaching, Canoeing, Kayaking, Fishing, Outdoor Photography, Backpacking, Mountain Biking.

1. This book was just what was needed to get going with a new geocaching device.



2. I've been a basic-feature gps user for several years, but decided it was time to figure out the 80% of the buttons/features which were greek to me. This book was perfect for the task. I read it cover to cover (simultaneous with testing features on my newly aquired rino) in just a few hours -- time well spent. Text is sufficiently technical and detailed to fully capture the information, but written in an interesting and simple manner. I especially appreciated the correlation with compass and paper mapping techniques and the information on what to do if/when the gps unit fails (batteries dead, dropped and broken, etc.). Also agree with the reminder to "put away the electronic toy" and watch where you're going! After all, we go into the wild in order to see the wild -- not view it on a 2 inch screen.
   
   Only suggestion for future editions: some of the illustrations were too small to be maximally helpful. Since "the big picture" plus small details are both necessary to truly follow the examples related to paper mapping techniques, I would have preferred seeing the full map view (as is) plus a "blow up" illustration of the details.



3. Just what I needed to get started with my Garmin 76csx. Good price and arrived on time.



4. Now in an updated second edition, Outdoor Navigation with GPS is a no-nonsense guide to basic GPS navigation skills, useful for all kinds of outdoor activities ranging from hiking, mountain biking, and fishing to geocaching, outdoor photography, canoeing/kayaking, and any other activity involving the negotiation of wild terrain. Written in a jargon-free style accessible to readers of all backgrounds, chapters cover how to program waypoint coordinates and reach them, prepare for and recover from disaster, read topographic maps, and much more. Black-and-white photographs and diagrams illustrate this "must-have" for outdoorsmen in the modern age.



5. As a newhbie to GPs, I found this book, Outdoor Navigation With GPS: Hiking, Geocaching,etc. easy to read and understand.
   All aspects of GPS useage are covered fully and concisely.