A certain mixture of whimsy and derring-do is required to shove off down (or up) the New or Gauley River with scant protection aside from a helmet, life vest and ones compatriots. Its a choice that could be so easily avoided, but that wouldnt make sense to the proud and colorful characters who have long been shooting these rapids, some of the most popular and treacherous in the country. Here, Jay Young, a raft guide turned writer, leads readers through the local lore and history of the rivers, wheremuch to the delight of those brave enough to face these rapidsthe ordinary almost never occurs.
The Whitewater Wars is an entertaining and at times funny story about the twists and turns in the battle with two federal agencies to save the Ocoee and Gauley Rivers. These were not conventional environmental battles. Living close to the edge at times with relatively little money, raftering and kayaking pioneers in river shorts and sandals were seemingly no match against powerful federal agencies. They were grossly underestimated. Here is what Marc Hunt, one of the first Ocoee River paddlers, has to say about The Whitewater Wars.Successful advocacy efforts for the environment are always uphill battles, and winning them requires leaders with vision, grit, and integrity. David Brown brought those qualities in spades to the efforts to save the Ocoee and Gauley rivers. Anyone with passion for protecting America's rivers, and for that matter anyone who just enjoys hearing about political brawls with powerful federal bureaucracies, will love the quick read that The Whitewater Wars delivers through David's gifted storytelling. David Arnold, a cofounder of Class VI River Runners, in Lansing, WV said, "This book does much more than describe how an industry started and grew in the mountains of Appalachia. It is the behind-the-scenes account of the power of passion to make change happen. This "David and Goliath" story gives hope to anyone committed to changing the way we do things."
The New River is neither new nor a river but a 400-year-old man-made waterway between Ware and Stoke Newington. This book should be of interest to local historians and those who wish to walk the canal.
More than half of the country's population lives within a day's drive of West Virginia, and savvy travelers have known that it is the playground of the East. Whether you’d like to visit historic sites; take scenic drives or walking tours; go hiking, biking, whitewater rafting, or fishing; or take in museums small and large, author Leonard Adkins steers you to the best that West Virginia has to offer. The locals know where to find hidden swimmin’ holes, waterfalls, and the best barbecue joints, and now you will too! Features detailed, opinionated reviews of dining and lodging places as well as tools to help you plan and make the most of your trip.
This book relates the history and describes the geographic features, places of interest, government, industry, environmental concerns, and life of the people of this largely rural state.
Cincinnati Magazine taps into the DNA of the city, exploring shopping, dining, living, and culture and giving readers a ringside seat on the issues shaping the region.
This lavish volume reveals National Geographic's top picks for the world's most fabulous journeys, along with practical tips for your own travels. Compiled from the favorite trips of National Geographic's travel writers, this inspirational book spans the globe to highlight the best of the world's most famous and lesser known sojourns. It presents an incredible diversity of possibilities, from ocean cruises around Antarctica to horse treks in the Andes. Every continent and every possible form of transport is covered. A timely resource for the burgeoning ranks of active travelers who crave adventurous and far-flung trips, Journeys of a Lifetime provides scores of creative ideas: trekking the heights of Mt. Kilimanjaro in Tanzania... mountain biking in Transylvania... driving through the scenic highlands of Scotland... or rolling through the outback on Australia's famous Ghan train... and dozens of other intriguing options all over the world. Journeys of a Lifetime also features 22 fun Top 10 lists in all sorts of categories. What are the world's top 10 elevator rides, bridges to walk across, trolley rides, ancient highways, or underground walking adventures? Readers will love evaluating and debating the selections. Each chapter showcases stunning photography, full-color maps, evocative text, and expert advice—including how to get there, when to visit, and how to make the most of the journey—all packaged in a luxurious oversize volume to treasure for years to come.
A comprehensive guide to Virginia and West Virginia’s best paddling trips with routes for every type of paddler, including access points, difficulty ratings, special points of interest, history and more.
