Customer Reviews (17)

Best All-Inclusive Backpacking Guide!
Being a novice, I wanted ONE book that would answer all my questions and provide me with valuable information I would need. This book was the one! I read a lot of the "editorial reviews" on several backpacking books, but I used the "customer reviews" to make my final selection. Thanks to all the previous reviewers, I'm happy to say that I did indeed choose what is probably the best all-inclusive backpacking guide which I know would follow me from novice through experienced. If you don't want to be saddled with dozens of books just so you can have a wealth of information on an activity you'd like to try, than this is the ONE book to get!

One of the BEST general backpacking info books available.
This book is FULL of info. Chris gives you a run down of different types of backpacking gear. He also provides info so that you can decide what gear you will need and what gear you may not need. After the gear discusions he moves into discussion of general trail and trip knowlwdge. I have read this book twice and every time I plan to upgrade my backpacking equipment I consult this book for ideas. THIS IS A MUST FOR ANY OUTDOOR ADVENTURER!!!

Experiences teach valuable lessons
This book is all about experience. It takes you on an amazing ride through a concise drilldown of everything one needs to take their first walk. The author does a good job of giving not only his own perspective, but the perspective of other experienced backpackers that see things differently. This gives you more lessons than a single person could ever provide. Whenever you come to a junction point in the book where you might want more information about something he specificly states he's not going into (like power hiking vs. slackwalking, or gourmet trail cooking vs. survivial eating) he always gives references to other great books that give the extra details on those other subjects. Great must-read! ... Read more

Subjects:  1. Backpacking   2. Camping   3. Handbooks, manuals, etc   4. Hiking   5. Sports   6. Sports & Recreation   7. Walking   8. Sports & Recreation / Camping   

Customer Reviews (9)

Using dutch oven cookbooks
I found a couple of things in book I really liked but I have found a book that I like alot better.
It is a book by Dian Thomas and it is called Backyard Roughing It Easy.

Great for home cooking!
I am not necessarily interested in cooking outdoors but some friends said this book was full of easy, wonderful recipes. I bought it and use it all the time with great success. Now I am thinking of getting a dutch oven! I highly recommend it.

The Outddor Dutch Oven Cookbook
I just love this book! I gave it to several of my friends for Christmas and they are having a ball with it! Thank you Amazon for handling the book! It has the best, most interesting recipes of any Dutch oven cookbook with lots of helpful information. ... Read more

Subjects:  1. Camping   2. Cooking   3. Cooking / Wine   4. Dutch oven cookery   5. Hiking   6. Methods - Special Appliances   7. Outdoor cookery   8. Sports   9. Sports & Recreation / Camping   

Customer Reviews (3)

Rita says this book gets five stars....
My granddaughter Rita is helping me write this review. She says this is one of her favorite books, and she recommends it to other kids. Rita read this book when she was in first grade. She's in second grade this year.

Rita says the story starts when the familiy is going on a camping trip. She says Amelia's Dad says "Let's Hit the Road" and and Amelia picks up a stick and starts hitting the road. Amelia seems to always get things wrong. When they get to the campsite she falls in the river and her clothes are all wet.

But one day, Amelia's Dad forgets his own birthday, so Amelia Bedelia makes a cake and fancy dinner for him. And the family starts singing "Happy Birthday to You." And he thanks Amelia Bedelia for the cake. Amelia finally does something that pleases her Dad. The End.

A Great Book for Beginners
This is a great book for young children. There is no bad language just good, clean reading. It's funny and amusing and will keep your children laughing.

It is a good book.
It is about a funny camping trip. My favorite part is when Amelia Bedelia goes boating, and takes all the boats with her. I am seven years old. ... Read more

Subjects:  1. Camping   2. Children's 4-8 - Fiction - General   3. Children: Grades 2-3   4. Fiction   5. Humorous Stories   6. Juvenile Fiction   7. Parish, Peggy   8. Readers - Beginner   9. Sports & Recreation - General   10. Juvenile Fiction / Readers / Beginner   

Customer Reviews (11)

THE COMPLETE IDIOT'S GUIDE
The Complete Idiot's Guide to RVing
By Brent Peterson

"Complete" is the key word here. (The "Idiot's Guides" are what I always search for at bookstores when I need help with anything from computer programs to minor auto repairs.) I cannot think of one subject relating to RVing that has been left out of this book. Our very own Brent Peterson's new book covers ever so many topics regarding the RV lifestyle. Jody Schaeffer has illustrated The Complete Idiot's Guide to RVing with photographs being provided by Gary Bunzer. Peterson was generous in giving credit to those that double-checked and edited his information.

Though Peterson had been taken on camping trips in his young years, he hadn't really been a true RVer until after he had been working for some time as a RV editor. This book has been written with humor and honesty, including many of the mistakes he made along the way, and how and what he learned from those mistakes.

The Complete Idiot's Guide to RVing opens with basic information regarding exactly what advantages RVing can offer you, such as freedom and choices during your trip, and what you can expect from RVing. With nearly 10 million RVs on the roads, it is not just older retirees enjoying the freedom a RV offers, but all types of travelers of all ages are enjoying even weekend getaways. There is an extremely useful pre-trip reference checklist at the beginning of the book that tells you what to check for, step by step, with the engine, exterior, interior, cockpit, towed vehicles and what to check for as you leave..

First you will learn of the various types of RVs and towables that are available and how to zero in on what will fit you and your expectations of a RV. Once you have narrowed your choices, Peterson walks you through the maize of what to look for on the inside and outside of your rig choices and explains what you need to watch out for when purchasing the vehicle. Topics include everything from pushy salesmen to plumbing systems.

Peterson then teaches you all about towing vehicles including information on the amount of weight and the various types of weight ratings, hitches, brakes, safety chains, mirrors, tow bars, tow dollies, trailers, fifth-wheels and how important checking all connections before leaving are. Included are many driving tips, the Seven Deadly Driving Sins, getting lost, navigation systems and the importance of weight limits. Also discussed are how to choose where you will be spending the night, hookups, weather conditions and staying in touch with civilization while traveling.

Throughout the book are listed many helpful hints that include classifications, such as "One for the Road" which has extremely helpful information on everything from weights, amps and volts to where fish are biting. "Road Scholar" which gives extra hints and information on all things concerning RVs and gives a bit of reassurance for the instances you might think you've really screwed up. "Pull Over" sections are the more important issues to look out for. "RVocabulary" covers the special language reserved for the RV crowd. Each chapter ends with "The Least You Need to Know" which boils down all chapter information to the more pertinent facts.

Whether you are a fulltime RVer or just entertaining the thought of buying a rig, this 372 page book is a must have. You can buy the book at any Barnes & Noble bookstore for $16.95, or directly on line at www.amazon.com or at www.idiotsguides.com. The day that I checked at Amazon they were having a sale and "The Complete Idiot's Guide to RVing" by Brent Peterson was on sale for $13.26.

Great Book for a newbie
We bought this book before we purchased our first new to us RV. Because we were new to the RV world, this book was perfect for us. The first half of the book explained types of RV, the second half the different systems in the RV. I found the book easy reading and informative and now that we have had our RV for a year, we still refer to this book from time to time. I think it's well written and worth buying and I highly recommend it!

Super Helpful
As a new RVer, I found the book extremely accessable and easy to understand. It has plain explanations on all systems, which is helpful for a non-techie like me. My first few times out I kept it at hand while trying to get a handle on the dump stations, and it made the experience a lot less stressful.
Not only is it informative, but it also is a good read, unlike many of the other books that are dry and boring. I only wish I had gotten it before I bought my RV, so I could have benifited from his advice on selecting and buying motorhomes. ... Read more

Subjects:  1. Automotive - General   2. Automotive - Miscellaneous Vehicles   3. Camping   4. Outdoor recreation   5. Parks & Campgrounds   6. Recreational vehicle living   7. Recreational vehicles   8. Sports   9. Sports & Recreation   10. Transportation   11. Use Of Recreational Vehicles   

Customer Reviews (8)

Adventure and charm!
The Swallows return to their favorite lake a year later, but things have changed slightly...the Amazons are dealing with a visit from a tyrannical great-aunt and can't go sailing with them! While sailing about on their own, the Swallows' boat experiences a wreck and their sailing adventures on the lake are in danger.

This book continues the adventures of the brave kids we first met in SWALLOWS AND AMAZONS, only they're a year older and a little nervier. The books' descriptions of camping and exploring are fun, fun, fun; I remember doing similar things as a child. The story also gives some good lessons to kids, although not in a preachy fashion...we see the importance of being calm in a crisis, and how an otherwise bad situation can be turned into a positive experience. Also, the boat-race scene at the end has a great scene of good sportsmanship, as the losers enthusiastically and sincerely congratulate the winners and compliment them on their sailing. And, as present in SWALLOWS AND AMAZONS, there is the element of using one's imagination.

The mountain-climbing scenes are good, with an unexpectedly poignant moment at the summit. The lost-in-the-fog scenes are actually quite atmospheric and memorable.

The book's main problem is that it is rather dated, but for some readers, that's part of the charm. The great-aunt's insistance on Victorian-era manners may not click too much with modern readers, although they'll probably be able to think of their elders who they see as being too old-fashioned. The book takes place in a circa 1930 England, when charcoal-burners and horse-drawn wagons were still commonplace in rural areas; some might find the setting too alien, while others may become absorbed into it.

Despite those few flaws, this is still a 5-star book in my view. Great for parents and children, and a great inspiration for outdoor adventures.

Note: This book makes references to an imaginary character, "Peter Duck," who was the subject of a sort of collective fairy tale that the group made up over the winter holiday. That story is told in the next book in the series, PETER DUCK.

Peril and adventure on the Lakes
One year after the events of "Swallows and Amazons," the four Walkers return to the Lake to spend the summer holidays, looking forward to more thrilling adventures with the Blackett sisters and their uncle, Captain Flint. To their dismay, they discover that the Blacketts' Great-Aunt--a strait-laced and somewhat tyrannical person who brought their mother and uncle up--is staying at Beckfoot and badly cramping the two pirates' style. And then the Walkers' boat "Swallow" is wrecked on the far side of the lake, forcing them to find a new camp. In dealing with these challenges the six show their mettle once again--and even manage to get away for an overnight climb of Kanchenjunga, as they christen the tallest of the nearby hills. Along the way Roger and Titty get lost when a sea-fog rolls in over the moors, and the outwitting of Great-Aunt Maria furnishes a fair share of suspense. Once again Ransome tells his tale without talking down, seeming to assume a child's viewpoint with an ease matched by few writers. Another excellent family read-aloud that should be owned by every household even if they don't care for boats or camping.

An Outstanding Adventure story for any age!
Small boat or dinghy sailing, camping out, excitement, nice people and strong writing: what more could a reader ask for? I first read this book at the home of a boyhood friend about ten years after it was originally published, and I count the series (this is the second of 12) as responsible for my lifelong interest in camping and sailing. More than half a century later, I acquired a set and found to my absolute delight that they read as well and are as powerfully satisfying as ever.

Here, within the covers of a very well-written book, you'll find a group of charming children and a few adults, spanning a wide range of ages and character types. Swallowdale is by turns funny, thoughtful, insightful and so well written it is a distinct pleasure for readers of any age.

Did I mention the writing? It's better written than most current novels. ... Read more

Subjects:  1. Camping   2. Children's 9-12 - Fiction - General   3. Children: Young Adult (Gr. 7-9)   4. Fiction   5. General   6. Sailing   7. Shipwrecks   

Customer Reviews (10)

outragusly funny
This was a great book for anyone that likes fishing, hunting and or the great outdoors. I liked the book because I am one of those people. It was so funny it was hard to keep from laughing while reading it. I would recamend any of Patric McManus' books if you like a good laugh.

pretty funny
I didn't think this book was quite as funny as A Fine and Pleasant Misery, but I still enjoyed it. I get a kick out of reading humorous literature about the outdoors, however, I'm not really into hunting and fishing, two activities that McManus spends a lot of time on. I mostly enjoy the stories about camping, hiking, and general wilderness survival.

Funniest book I have ever read!!!!!
There is one part in this book that is so funny that both my husband and I had to put the book down so we could take a breath, we were laughing so hard. It hurts your head to read this book, it's so funny. I've read almost all of his other humor books, but this one wins the prize. I don't even hunt or fish. ... Read more

Subjects:  1. Camping   2. Fishing   3. General   4. Humor   5. Hunting   6. Outdoor Skills   7. Outdoor recreation   

Customer Reviews (1)

swimming pool details are missing
Woodall's are great campground directories. The only thing that is missing is important information about the swimmingpool; heated or not, indoor or outdoor. Maybe Woodall will add this information next year. ... Read more

Subjects:  1. Camp sites, facilities, etc.   2. Camping   3. Canada   4. Directories   5. Mexico   6. North America   7. Parks & Campgrounds   8. Reference - General   9. Travel   10. Travel - General   11. United States   12. United States - General   

Subjects:  1. Alternative Therapies   2. Camping   3. Emergency Medicine   4. Health & Fitness   5. Health/Fitness   6. Medical / Nursing   7. Outdoor Skills   8. Sports & Recreation / Outdoor Skills   

Customer Reviews (8)

A great story for the whole family
Our family listened to this book on tape in the car. Our 6- and 9-year-olds were entertained for hours in the car, as the whole family listened to the story. We thought the characters were interesting, and the last couple of chapters really held everyone's attention. I know my children were especially intrigued by how the main character dealt with his fears. It was a terrific way to pass the time on a long car trip.

A Week in the Woods
A week in the Woods is a great book. It is about a 11 year old boy who has everything in the world. Rich parents, a cool house, great friends, and a great life. Then they have to move. This is common for them becasue his parents find better buisness elswhere. This time they move, Mark is really crushed. This was the first place he really loved and now they have to move to a small town in New Hampshire. The first week he gets there he goes to a small public school. He never pays attention in class and is always melancholy and grumpy. Then one day the science teacher, Mr. Maxwell hands out the information packet for a week long, camping trip in the woods. The whole 5th grade is going, but Mark doesnt want to go at all. Then one night he slept outside in his barn. He loved it so he wanted to try sleeping outside in the woods. His parent wouldnt let him so he had to sleep outside with his nanny. Leo, (nanny), also taught him how to snowshoe. Mark loved this. After about a week Mark loved the woods. So Mark gave his teacher his packet and got everything he needed. Finally it was the day. On the first day Mark's friend Jason got out his knife he had brought. He let Mark hold it and the next thing he knew Mark was in the back of Mr.Maxwell's truck about to be driven home! While Mr. Maxwell was talking to the ranger Mark jumped out of the truck and ran into the woods. For all day and all night Mr. Maxwell looked for Mark who was doing great with his food and he had also built a fire. They found each other in the middle of the night. Mr. Maxwell was in a lot of pain. When he was looking for Mark, a bolder had fallen on his leg and he was stuck. By the end Mark and Mr. Maxwell had become great friends and Mark had become much happier. If you want to read about a great adventure, some laughs, and a great story you should read this book.

A Week in the Woods
Title:A Week in the Woods
By:Andrew Clements
Reviewed by: S. Chan
Period: 1

In A Weeks in the Woods, it is about a rich boy named Mark. He moves to a new town, new city, and even a new school. The original neighborhood was rich like him, but his new neighborhood were not so lucky. They weren't poor, but they didn't havew that much spending money. Mark felt kind of wierd, being one of the only people who rode in a very expensive car, wearing fancy clothes, and being so spoiled. One of his teachers, Mr. Maxwell, doesn't like Mark and his bad ways, like being rich, spoiled, and a slacker. However, Mr. Maxwell soon changes his mind about Mark when their class went out camping in the woods for a week. Mark gets lost, but Mr. Maxwell knew that it was important to find Mark, whether he liked him or not. When Mr. Maxwell does find Mark, they got to know each other better, and that ws when Mr. Maxwell cahnged his mind about his student. Mark gets used to his school and neighborhood, and from then on, he was like any other student in his school.

In the beginning, I thought the book was a little boring, since it just introduced the characters and the background of the story, like the setting. It didn't have much interesting actions in the first few chapters. One quote in the book that described Mark's move was,"Next stop, New Hampshire". It tells you where Mark moved and what happened during his move. The following quote describes how MR. Maxwell felt about Mark in the beginning when Mark was still a new student. "Because the only kind of people Mr. Maxwell dislike more then slackers were environmentally insensittive, buy-the-whole-world rich folks". That desribed Mr. Maxwell's first impression of Mark, which was not a good one. Another quote that described Mr. Maxwell's fellings was,"And the only people he disliked more than rich folks were their lazy, spoiled kids".

After the first few chapters, I started to enjoy the book a little. Mark was getting ready for the one-week camping trip with his class. On the second day of the trip, Mark gets kicked out for getting caught holding a pocket knife that was actually his frind's, but Mr. Maxwell didn't know that. Because of that, Mark decides to run away into the forests. After spending one night and one and a half day there, Mr. Maxwell finally finds him. I enjoyed that part because it had more suspense than the first few intorductory chapters.

My favorite part of the book was the end because it had a satisfying ending. It answered all my questions about the book, and I found out that once Mark got used to his new town, he actually enjoyed living there. I was glad that Mark got found, but it would be interesting to know what will happen if he didn't. Would Mark survive in the wild with a limited supply of food and water? Overall, I think it is a very interesting book, and I would recommend this book to readers that like nature and being outdoors. ... Read more

Subjects:  1. Action & Adventure   2. Camping   3. Children's 9-12 - Fiction - General   4. Children: Grades 2-3   5. Fiction   6. Juvenile Nonfiction   7. School & Education   8. Social Situations - General   9. Social Situations - Values   10. Survival   11. Teacher-student relationships   12. Juvenile Nonfiction / Social Situations / Values   

Customer Reviews (6)

Simple, perfect book for basic dutch oven cooking
I just ordered this book and found it to be perfect for just starting out with the dutch oven. The recipes and instructions are simple. Although I like more gourmet meals in the kitchen, I'm still learning at the dutch oven. This book filled with tons of recipes that offer room for experimenting and encourage the cook to be creative. I'm glad I purchased this book for learning how to start dutch oven cooking.

Good info, but missing a certain something...
Overall this book is just fine for someone interested in cooking with a DO. The mix of recipes is fine, but they just seemed to be missing something. They were all more or less of the "huck a good sized hen into the pot and cook for a while until done" variety. All of the recipes look tasty, though I would have liked to have seen a few more meat dishes, especially some more creative ones. Let's be honest, when you pay for a book you'd like to see more than "...put a 5 lb beef roast into a preheated Dutch oven, salt and pepper to taste, cook until done." Give me a little something to work with here! Inspire me! I can already cook a roast like this in the oven. Having said all of that, I would still reccommend this book. The vegetable dishes and desserts look fantastic and I can't wait to try some of them. As an aside, this is the only Dutch oven book I've seen with heart-healthy recipes as well as more traditional fare. Given that the average DO book requires the use of a metric ton of lard, this will probably appeal to a wider range of cooks.

Packed with quick recipes for busy cooks
The third edition of this guide is packed with quick recipes for busy cooks, showing how to make meals without a lot of fuss at either campsite or back yard. All that's needed is a Dutch oven: Woodruff provides beginners with the rest of the basics, from the oven's care and storage to using it to cook meals and wild game. ... Read more

Subjects:  1. Camping   2. Cooking / Wine   3. Dutch oven cookery   4. Methods - Special Appliances   5. Sports   6. Sports & Recreation   7. Cooking / General   

Customer Reviews (16)

Complete and Understandable
This is truly an important book for everyone to read at least once in their life. Given, most people will never end up in a situation where skills described in the SAS Survival Book will be required, but don't be cocky...learn the skills from this book and rest easy knowing that you have the background knowledge to make it in the outdoors without modern conveniences. This book covers it all -forest, desert, ocean, island, artic/arctic, mountain, tropical, temperate- you name it, this book will get through the hard times with no problem. This book HAS saved lives in the past, but many have also died in unexpected situations where the knowledge found in these pages could have saved them. I don't think anyone wants to end up classified in the latter. Get the SAS Survival Guide and read up. Someday you may look back at purchasing this book and realize it was the most important decision you ever made in your life!

I love this book!!! .
I couldn't put it down. This book is filled with all sorts of useful information. This is a must have for anyone. What i liked best about it was it had alot of information you could actually use, most survival books have situations your average joe will never find himself in. Not the case with this one. The first aid chapter alone is worth the price if the whole book. I highly reccomend it to anyone interested.

Hmmm, So This is the SAS, Sorry All Wrong!
This book is awful, to assume the British SAS operate and work in this manner is complete rubbish, and a further insult to my experience, to use the title "SAS" I find insulting. This book is junk.

I would not recommend this book, absolute rubbish (trash), junk and totally inaccurate, so the SAS operate like this?? Hmmmm, I think not!!

Mike ... Read more

Subjects:  1. Camping   2. Handbooks & Manuals   3. Handbooks, manuals, etc   4. Outdoor Skills   5. Outdoor Survival Techniques   6. Reference - General   7. Sports   8. Sports & Recreation   9. Survival skills   10. Wilderness survival   11. Sports & Recreation / Camping   

Subjects:  1. Camping   2. Directories   3. Parks & Campgrounds   4. Recreational Areas   5. Reference - General   6. Travel   7. Travel - General   

Nan Jeffrey's classic guide to adventure travel is not to be missed by any family interested in--or even curious about--traveling off the beaten path. Jeffrey, who has traveled with twin boys and a baby, covers every possible aspect of adventure travel: hiking, biking, sailing, canoeing, and basic world roaming. You'll get down-and-dirty tips (ways to calculate how many diapers to take to a tropical island--and how to wash them), good preparation advice (learn to live in small places, study another language, take practice hikes, turn off the television), and suggestions for great family destinations.No, Jeffrey doesn't mean Club Med or Disneyland--she suggests instead Nepal, the Alps, Alaska, Guatemala, or Turkey. Adventuring with Children is not only fascinating and informative, as its subtitle promises, it's inspirational as well. Whether you're off to Bali, Chile, or Morocco, you can now be sure to have a bon voyage!--Ericka Lutz ... Read more

Customer Reviews (2)

Inspirational and also very practical
I still haven't had a chance to use the tips from this book, since our trip to Greece with our one-year-old is planned for a few months from now. I can say that reading so many real-life, much more complicated examples of Ms. Jeffrey's family's own travels have made planning a few weeks in Greece seem like no big deal, though.

I was also pleasantly surprised to read so much about the things her children learned through travel at different ages, as well as through the homeschooling done on the road. (Ms. Jeffries also provides very useful homeschooling references.) Our daughter is much too young for a lot of this, but I found it all inspirational. It's amazing how much more children can learn from travel, plus reading, rather than from reading alone.

I started reading just to find the basics of how to travel with a child (what to take, how to keep entertained, etc.), but ended knowing so much about how traveling with a child will actually be more beneficial to the whole family than I ever imagined.

World class book for world class adventures...with children
There are many travel books on the market, and there are many travel books for those who have children. This books stands out because the author actually took her kids on wonderful, real "adventures," not just tame camping trips in the U.S. She and her husband traveled to remote places (Morocco, Spain, Bali, Nepal, New Zealand...), kids in tow, and share the experience with us through text and photos. They sailed, biked, hiked, and drove about, and lived for several weeks in different countries.

While most books of this sort will list things to bring along, the author gives us real explanations for each of the things she brings--and she doesn't bring much--and tells us how to make do with less. Invaluable are her personal stories of medical needs, literary needs (her boys brought a few books and exchanged books with other travelers), laundry and social needs. There is even a terrific discussion of diapering while traveling!

Perhaps my favorite section, as a homeschooling mom, is her chapter on education while on the road. The author truly sees the educational value of travel. No doubt her boys were very well educated by their many adventures. They learned foreign languages and the differences between many cultures. Thinking of adventuring?Buy it, and you'll want to try it! ... Read more

Subjects:  1. Activities   2. Special Interest - Adventure   3. Special Interest - Family   4. Travel   5. Travel - General   6. Backpacking   7.  Handbooks   8. Manuals   9. Camping   10. Tourism   11. Outdoor Life   12. Sports   13. Recreation   14. Canoeing   

Customer Reviews (1)

Handbook for raising Tom Sawyer
I hardly know where to begin. Like the Boys' and Girls' Handybooks, this hefty little book is full of ideas from a bygone era. Written in 1906, the activities are not always the kind of things our kids can do today...but this is a book of IDEAS! While you might not want to camp in a swamp, this book will tell you how. That information might come in useful for another project someday. The book also has historical value--the vocabulary is sometimes quite dated--but that's part of the fun!

Other ideas from the book, which is organized by season: Kites, herbarium, quail farming, bird houses, cages, aquaria, carts, rafts, boats, camping, indoor ideas, outdoor cooking, sleds, packs, and so much more. Oh, and DO learn how to cook a muskrat! ... Read more

Subjects:  1. Camping   2. Children's 9-12 - Sports / Recreation / Outdoors   3. Children: Young Adult (Gr. 7-9)   4. Handbooks, manuals, etc   5. Juvenile Nonfiction   6. Outdoor Skills   7. Outdoor recreation   8. Sports & Recreation - Camping & Outdoor Activities   

Customer Reviews (16)

Great Book! Just wish it came in a spiral version!
I have used and used this book. I live in Alaska and this is the handiest darned book I think I have ever bought. I just wish it came in a spiral version with laminated pages. It is a MUST for anyone who likes to be outdoors...even in your backyard. It has emergency information on survival shelters, how to build fires and cook, and how to keep your head in case of an emergency. This book doesn't just cover the skills or info needed in the Northwest, it has information on how to survive in tropical areas, desert areas, and even on the open seas. It has some historical info about Native American habitats, and information about game animals that could be used for food. It has lots of great tidbits to digest whenever you have a few minutes to pick up the book. I recommend getting two copies...one for the back of the toilet and one for your nightstand!

A very Good Book
I also believe that the reviewers are being a bit too critical of the book; it is a guide to outdoor survival. It is not a textbook on magnetism nor the science of burning wood. What this book offers is sound advice that covers a broad and diverse range of topics. Using illustrations rather than vast amounts of text, I believe the author has provided more information than I need. This is, I believe, I positive attribute in comparison to most texts of the "survival" genre.I do agree, though, that the editing is the poorest aspect of this book. It seems, at times, that the book was edited too hastely. Verb tenses are often in disagreement and the text seems just end mid-sentence. Although I find this is often the case in these types of books, it is nonetheless bothersome.

I would, however, reccomend this book for both individuals who are recently interested in camping and wilderness activities and those who are more experienced in camping. It is, I believe, one of the best in the area of survival and cmping.

The Ultimate Outdoors Book - Really !
This book contains a little bit of everything for the camper & camp site. No, it's not the see all end all with total detail on every subject, but it is a great overall camping book, touching nearly every subject a camper might be interested in. It is a great book to carry on a family trip, taking the place of multiple books.

I have just purchased my third copy to give as a gift & I highly recommend it, especially for family campers! ... Read more

Subjects:  1. Camping   2. Outdoor Skills   3. Safety   4. Sports   5. Sports & Recreation   

Customer Reviews (24)

Imagine Mark Twain and Dave Barry on a fishing trip!
WARNING: DO NOT READ THIS BOOK IF YOU'VE HAD RECENT SURGERY! (Or else you're bound to rip your stitches.)

I'm not sure why I ever picked up a Patrick F. McManus book in the first place, as I am not an outdoorsman, but now that I have, I can't put him down. McManus writes broad, slapstick humor of which he is invariably the foil. My favorite gut-buster involves having the preacher over for lunch when his dog, Strange, develops an itch in his hindquarters. I don't remember if it was in this or another of McManus' books, so you'll need to read them all until you find it.

First is not Best
Even though this was Pat's first book, it is definitely not his best. It is funny, but his more recent work shows a mastery of anecdote writing and his love of it. I recommend How I got this Way and The Good Samaritan Strikes Again over A Fine and Pleasant Misery because they are more well written and funnier. This is still not a bad book, McManus just has better.

A Fine and Pleasant Misery
A Fine and Pleasant Misery written by Patrick F. McManus was a good book. He used Humor in it, which made it more interesting. He wrote of the adventures he had when he was younger, along with the adventures that he still enjoys today. The book has its dull times, but over all it is an exciting book. Many times through out the book I was confused only because I didn't know what some of the terminology meant in such subjects as fishing. If you are interested in camping, fishing, hiking, rafting, or anything to do with the outdoors, I would recommend this book! ... Read more

Subjects:  1. Camping   2. Fishing   3. Form - Essays   4. General   5. Humor   6. Hunting   7. Hunting - General   8. Outdoor life   

Customer Reviews (1)

Buildings and sites of the WPA and CCC era.
This is the best source book for the architectural projects and site concepts produced during the 1930's for the Works Projects Administration (WPA)and Civilian Conservation Corps (CCC). Albert Good's narrative provides insight into the motivating forces that employed thousands of out of work architects, engineers, skilled craftsmen and laborers to produce projects that now form the core of our national and state park systems.

Most of the work produced under this program is enjoyed by today's tourist as the premier and most desirable destinations for outdoor experiences. Few new park facilities can duplicate the environments created by these dedicated workers on superbly selected and planned sites during the darkest days of the "Great Depression". The hand crafted, and sometimes intricately decorated, architecture and natural landscape planning evolved from talented designers and often unskilled laborers who lavished their work with love that only the lack of deadlines, the motivation of an empty stomach, a belief in the benefit for their fellow countrymen and the need to build with on site materials can produce. These buildings are truly "green buildings" before the term and recent politically correct notion became fasionable.

Any architect, engineer, conservation and environmental supporter or depression era historian can benefit from this publication which brings one in contact with a nation faced with financial ruin and the effect on the hopes and spirit of its citizens. It demonstrates that when given a chance, the work ethic that has and hopefully will always exist in this nation produces fantastic results..........that we can roll up our shirt sleeves and pull on our boots to produce marvelous and lasting accomplishments even under great adversity.

I recommend this book not just for the professionals whose vocations it represents but also for those who wish to understand the mountains that can be moved with a little sweat and perseverance. ... Read more

Subjects:  1. Architecture   2. Camping   3. Decoration & Ornament   4. Design & Drafting   5. Design and construction   6. Landscape   7. Landscape Architecture And Design   8. Park buildings   9. Public Buildings Architecture   10. Public, Commercial, or Industrial Buildings   11. Recreation areas   12. Sports   13. Sports & Recreation   14. United States   

Customer Reviews (4)

straightforward drying advice
I've had this book for a few years now, and have read it cover to cover several times.It gives good advice on how to dry everything from plain vegetables to your leftover dinner.I even started to dehydrate my own eggs,and let me tell you they come back wonderfully.Great book that will have you tossing aside those $6.00 nasty premade meals.

More helpful than a barrel of jerky...
This is an excellent, concise guide to the process of drying as well as impetus to get the canoe onto the top of the car. While Kesselheim does give instructions detailed enough for the most persnickity among us, he also describes method, allowing the use of the imagination. Good tips, good recipes, wonderful guidelines -- and some memories to start the inner loon calling. Very glad I have this book.

Wonderful Book
Time was, drying food was a real pain and involved an old stove and a lot of attention. Now, with the proliferation of dryers on the market, anyone can dry, meat, fish, fruit and veg. The problem is that, in a lot of places, The how of drying is still a closely guarded secret.

No more. This is an excellent introduction to drying, and you don't need to be an expert to start either. Wanna dry? Get this book. ... Read more

Subjects:  1. Camping   2. Cookery (Dried foods)   3. Cooking / Wine   4. Drying   5. Food   6. General   7. Hiking   8. Methods - Canning & Preserving   9. Outdoor Skills   10. Outdoor cookery   11. Outdoor recreation   12. Sports   13. Sports & Recreation   14. Sports & Recreation / Camping   

Customer Reviews (5)

Learing how to catch fish as a kid is easier than I thought
I went fishing once when I was a kid, but I certainly did not know what I was doing. I caught a couple of fish, which we released, but had trouble getting the hooks out without really damaging the fish (yes, I have guilt over this; the reason for killing a fish would be to eat it). My kids have gone a couple of times with Granddad Nelson in the mountains of California and have all enjoyed success, but they were pretty much told where to stand and what to do and the only thing that mattered in the end was that my son was ticked that his younger sister caught the biggest fish (we have the photo to prove it). So we know virtually nothing about the art of fishing. Enter "The Barefoot Fisherman: A Fishing Book for Kids."

Books trying to teach kids how to do things are tricky, especially when it comes to providing the proper balance between breadth and depth. Paul Amdahl covers a lot of ground quickly and proficiently. The tone is authoritative without condescending into juvenile humor as a way of enticing readers. Clearly fishing is serious business, which is why "The Barefoot Fisherman" keeps the focus on what to do and why. If Amdahl is talking about equipment then that means reels, rods, and line; not only defining each but explaining when and why you would use each along with their strengths and weaknesses. There are photographs (B&W) throughout the book to illustrate key concepts and to show the young readers lots of different types of fish. Amdahl covers a bunch of different types of fish, focusing on where to find them and how to catch them (Just plan on getting your hands dirty).

There is also a key philosophy at work throughout "The Barefoot Fisherman." The main thing is that fishing is fun and that while catching fish does have an element of luck to it there are certain things you can do to make it more likely that you will be lucky. What Amdahl offers are not rules (i.e., no guarantees), but rather good, practical advice to help young readers to become young fishermen. At the end of the book he tells his readers to never step on wet rocks, be careful when you are by yourself, and to have fun. By the time neophyte fishermen get to that point they should feel pretty confident about going out and trying to catch some fish. Now, chances are that I am never going to do a whole lot of fishing in the future, mainly because this book does not talk about how to cut through the ice that covers out lakes this time of the year, but someday I might have some grandchildren that could benefit from taking this book down from my shelf. Hey, it could happen.

Very well done!
This "how to" book targets young kids; however, even adults who read it learn new things.

My father and teenage son fish often. Though my son is still learning the basics, my father has spent his life fishing in every pond, lake, river, and body of water he could find. In fact, every year he teaches the kids at the local fairs how to tie flies and cast. yet even he learned one or two new tricks from this book. I kept yelling through the house, "Hey Dad! Did you know..." The instant I finished and set the book down, he picked it up and began.

Author Paul Amdahl wrote out all the basics of fishing, the equipment, and some very helpful tips in a simple, easy to follow, dialogue. If you are age eight or have never touched a fishing rod before, this book is for you! Excellent!

Reviewed by Detra Fitch.

For preparing the neophyte fisherman
The Barefoot Fisherman: A Fishing Book For Kids by experienced fishing enthusiast Paul Amdahl is an excellent and "reader friendly" introduction to the sport of fishing for aspiring young anglers of all ages and backgrounds. Individual chapters address catching a variety of different fish, from catfish to bass and walleyes, as well as lures, fly fishing, bait fishing and much more. The Barefoot Fisherman is an enthusiastically recommended "how to" guide for preparing the neophyte fisherman on how to get them most out of their fishing trip! ... Read more

Subjects:  1. Children's 9-12 - Sports / Recreation / Outdoors   2. Children: Grades 4-6   3. Fishing   4. Juvenile Nonfiction   5. Juvenile literature   6. Sports & Recreation - Water Sports   7. Sports & Recreation - Camping & Outdoor Activities   8. Health - Safety   

Subjects:  1. Automobile travel   2. Camp sites, facilities, etc.   3. Camping   4. Guidebooks   5. Parks & Campgrounds   6. Recreational vehicle living   7. Travel   8. Travel - General   9. Travel Guides - U.S.   10. United States   11. United States - General   12. TRAVEL & HOLIDAY   13. Travel / Parks & Campgrounds   14. USA