This writing offers information and advice for any horseperson contemplating interstate trail riding. It provides helpful insights when preparing and planning for expansion of the reader’s own adventures. Almost every aspect of the traveling, camping, and trail-riding experience is addressed. Anecdotal stories shared about wrecks and other events on the trails give life and realism to this author’s fourteen-year odyssey. Some accounts will make the reader chuckle while others will give rise to somber reflection on the struggles. Reviews of trails, parks, trail rides, etc. are subjective assessments from the author’s firsthand experiences and offer insights on what a trail rider may anticipate.
Having children doesn’t mean that you can’t enjoy every season in the great outdoors—even if you happen to live in the middle of Alaska. Whether you’re biking eighty miles into the heart of Denali National Park, cross-country skiing to a remote cabin, or merely enjoying the mud on the banks of the Chena River in downtown Fairbanks, fun for all ages abounds, with a little preparation and the right mindset. Using a deft mixture of storytelling and practical pointers, this guidebook offers advice and encouragement to families—those who live in Alaska, as well as those in less extreme climates and locales. Organized by the age of the young adventures, from days-old infants to independent teens, each section invites readers to learn from the humorous real-life adventures and misadventures of the author, her husband, and their twin girls. Weaving in the kids’ advice in their own words, this guide covers challenges ranging from unexpected hailstorms to very-much-expected mosquitoes. Tips include everything from how to avoid moose, to how to get out in the rain, to the benefits of setting big kids free to explore. This family’s enthusiastic, joyful, and often hilarious tales offer the impetus and the tools to encourage new parents—or more experienced parents, or anyone who loves kids —to go play outside.
'I am already planning the next adventure. The wanderlust that infected me has no cure.' It all started in Fishguard in the mid-1970s when, aged fifteen, Martyn Howe and a friend set off on the Pembrokeshire Coast Path armed with big rucksacks, borrowed boots, a Primus stove and a pint of paraffin, and a thirst for adventure. After repeating the route almost thirty years later, Martyn was inspired to walk every National Trail in England and Wales, plus the four Long-Distance Routes (now among the Great Trails) in Scotland. His 3,000-mile journey included treks along the South West Coast Path, the Pennine Way, the Cotswold Way and the West Highland Way. He finally achieved his ambition in 2016 when he arrived in Cromer in Norfolk, only to set a new goal of walking the England and Wales Coast Paths and the Scottish National Trail. In Tales from the Big Trails, Martyn vividly describes the diverse landscapes, wildlife, culture and heritage he encounters around the British Isles, and the physical and mental health benefits he derives from walking. He also celebrates the people who enrich his travels, including fellow long-distance hikers, tourists discovering Britain's charm, farmers working the land, and the friendly and eccentric owners of hostels, campsites and B&Bs. And when he is asked 'Why do you do it?', the answer is as simple as placing one foot in front of the other: 'It makes me happy.'
An avid outdoorsman shares twenty-six mostly true stories of wilderness adventure in the mountains of Colorado and across the American West. Whether it’s camping, fishing, hiking, desert trail trekking, or “bagging” peaks, T. Duren Jones loves the wilderness—and he sure has the stories to prove it! He’s completed the nearly 500 miles of the Colorado Trail and reached the summit of all fifty-four of Colorado’s 14,000-ft peaks. He’s even dragged friends and family along on his escapades . . . most of whom have survived to corroborate his tales. In Tales from the Trails, he combines elements of adventure journal and travelogue with motivational encouragement and plenty of humor. This book is for anyone who loves spending time in the outdoors, who wish they could be outdoors more, or who simply enjoy reading about other nuts with an insatiable thirst for reaching the next peak.
Everything you need to know to complete your thru-hike. The AT is a life changing experience and an amazing accomplishment. Half of the battle is proper preparation. This book is everything I wish I would have known before setting off on my thru-hike. Complete with personal tips and experiences. Learn how to budget wisely, save money and not waste cash. Know how to allocate 6 months of your time and plan your exit. Master your gear with a massive guide on everything from your spork to your tent. Understand clothing, layering and materials. Hear about what life is really like on the trail. Know which direction to go, when and why. Familiarize yourself with a state by state breakdown of the trail. Learn how to mentally prepare an optimistic framework for the "I-wanna-quit-days". Understand the physical demands and methods to prevent injury. Prepare yourself for the nutritional needs with food ideas and favorite meal plans. Know the REAL dangers on the AT. "Female Needs" section from AT record-holder Heather 'Anish' Anderson. And a whole lot more...
Justin Lichter, a.k.a. Trauma, divulges hundreds of valuable tips and advice based on his more than 35,000 miles of hiking across the country and beyond. Trail Tested is a comprehensive guide to hiking and backpacking. Whether you're a new hiker looking for expert advice, an experienced hiker looking to hone your skills, or a thru-hiker gearing up for a 6-month trip, this book is packed with priceless information to make your trip a successful and comfortable one. Vibrant images from Trauma's treks will entice all readers of all skill levels to get out and enjoy the backcountry. You'll learn why getting the right gear and learning outdoor skills are integral to making the most out of your next backpacking trip. Some topics included in this guide are: * Gear advice, including backpacks, sleeping bags, tents, ultralight shetlers, and clothing * Gear maintenance and repair * Ultralight tips for novices to gram-counters * Low-impact camping and hiking * Campsite selection * Hiking with dogs * Navigating the backcountry * Winter camping * First aid * Weather forecasting * Advanced techniques for creating routes, cross-country hiking, fording rivers, multi-sport adventures, and animal encounters
Campers can count on a lifetime of inspiration and instruction from this compilation of classic wilderness poetry, short prose, and essential outdoor survival information. Classics such as "The Cremation of Sam McGee," "The Gettysburg Address," and "Paul Revere's Ride" provide a thought-provoking complement to superb short works by Jack London and excerpts from Ernest Shackleton's Antarctic saga. Outdoor enthusiasts will further benefit from a host of wilderness survival tips, including information on avoiding avalanches, tying different kinds of knots, confronting bears and mountain lions, navigating using the sun and stars, and collecting water in an emergency. Full star maps and Leave No Trace camping guidelines are also included.
Hit the trails with naturalist and raconteur Bob Henderson in this four-book bundle! From folklore to heritage, with a hefty dose of the Scandinavian outdoor-living ethos of friluftsliv, Henderson fires the imagination, urging Ontarians to reignite their relationship with nature. Includes: Every Trail Has a Story More Trails More Tales Nature First Pike’s Portage
Everyone loves a good ghost story, and Haunted Trail Tales will make the hairs on your neck stand on edge. A collection of beloved contemporary and classic ghostly tales, this anthology is sure to spoke even the most unrattled. Featuring twelve stories from a variety of well-known authors, this is the perfect book to read aloud from by the campfire. Contributors include H. G. Wells, Victor Sawdon Pritchett, T.V. Olsen, Ambrose Bierce, and more.
Step aside, group trekkers! The lone wolves are taking the trail. If the idea of solo hiking has ever tickled your fancy, or if you’ve just had enough of Tom from work stealing your trail mix, this guide is about to become your new wilderness bestie. Ah, solo hiking. It's where serene introspection meets grit, and where Mother Nature serves up lessons with a side of "did I just hear a bear or was that my stomach?" This guide? Think of it as your trusty manual to navigate the beautiful chaos of it all. A trail veteran or a rookie, there's a nugget (or a boulder) of wisdom in here for you. Begin with your wardrobe (and no, flannel isn’t the only option). Dive deep into the world of gear. Ever considered that your backpack could be akin to a mobile man-cave? Or that your boots, when chosen right, could feel like foot-hugging clouds even on the rockiest terrains? Discover how to layer like a pro. Because while we appreciate a rugged look, no one's impressed by hypothermia. Speaking of gear, this book has a whole section dedicated to it. No more overpacking till you're mistaken for a mule. This guide ensures you're equipped without feeling like you're lugging around your entire garage. Solo doesn’t mean “solo meals,” by the way. Unearth the secrets of dining alone and find out why chocolate isn’t just for dessert. Or breakfast. Or lunch. Return from the wild, and no amount of fancy restaurant meals will beat the sheer joy of post-hike food delivery. Trust us. Hey gents, ever heard of the pee funnel? Well, there’s a chapter dedicated just for the lovely trail goddesses, but who's to say you won’t find it intriguing? Chronicle your escapades, and we're not just talking about the “I conquered this peak” selfies. Learn the ancient art of campfire storytelling. Just you, the whispering trees, and perhaps a captivated squirrel or two. Find your tribe of fellow lone rangers to swap stories and experiences. Spoiler: they’re out there, cherishing their solitude and the mutual disdain for unsolicited trail “tips.” By the end, you won’t just have memories of the trail, but tales fit for legends. (P.S. Every mysterious rustling isn’t a bear, sometimes it’s just Tom from work trying solo hiking.) So, whether you're looking to temporarily escape society, prove a point, or simply find out if trees are really the best listeners, this guide has your back. Ready to flex those calves, grow that beard (or not), and take on nature like the solo champ you were born to be? Let’s hit the trail, one introspectively step at a time. Adventure awaits, and it looks darn good on you!
