Grand Trees of America: Our State and Champion Trees

Customer Reviews:

A Grand Gift.......2001-07-27

This book is a delightful combination of a finely drawn coloring book, a "How to" book (how to identify trees and figure out their height), and a charmingly-written reference for the backyard or holiday excursions. The theme of the book is: What are the different state trees, and where and how large is the largest specimen of each type. I learned a lot about trees by reading this book while the younger generation enjoyed coloring in the leaves and trunks.

Customer Reviews:

Too much and too little.......2005-08-21

I think this book tries to be too many things. It aims at giving backpackers all they need. All they need won't fit into 240 or so pages. Most of it covers the same ground as do other, better, guidebooks: bus connections, hotels, restaurants, background and history, sightseeing descriptions, etc. Also, note that the book was printed in 1997 so the details are hopelessly outdated anyway.

Where it's different from the usual guidebooks (Lonely Planet, Moon, etc.) is in giving some information on hikes. Unfortunately, narrative directions like these are notoriously hard to follow. Trail maps are too much to hope for, but GPS coordinates would be a huge help, as another reviewer has already noted. In any case, there aren't enough trails included to justify calling it a hiking book.

There are some good things in it. The authors clearly know their flora and fauna and it shows up in the text. They're not afraid of expressing opinions as so many guidebook writers are. The essays give a personal feel to subjects travelers will want to know about.

My recommendation is that backpack travelers to Mexico should invest the low price and read the book through. That would enable them to plan a much better trip and the savings in money and time would easily repay the investment. I wouldn't carry it along on the trip because I'd want to reserve that space in the backpack for better guidebooks, but I'd tear out the few pages that didn't duplicate the same material and carry them along.

Not perfect but worth the price.......2000-03-07

Although the book had valuable information on remote areas of Mexico the "narrative" approach to giving directions was a little dated in the age of widely available GPS. Distances are often expressed in terms of time and landmarks are at times vague.

Even so I have used the book on several trips and found it better than my usual "inquire locally" approach. At least I don't feel that I'm going in totally ignorant of a location. The book is particularly valuable in picking a destination to your liking.

If you are at all a naturalist you will appreciate the detailed lists of flora and fauna. The general travel information was also quite detailed.

Average customer rating:

Mexico's Copper Canyon Country

Mexico's Copper Canyon Country: A Hiking and Backpacking Guide to Tarahumara-land
M. John Fayhee
Manufacturer: Cordillera Press
ProductGroup: Book
Binding: Paperback

General | Mexico | Latin America | Travel | Subjects | Books
North America | Travel | Subjects | Books
General | Sports | Subjects | Books
Similar Items:

The Copper Canyon Companion

Backpacking in Mexico

ASIN: 0917895282

Customer Reviews:

Mexico's Copper Canyon Country.......2007-03-27

An insightful personal narrative about the most spectacular canyon system in all of North America. Mexico's Copper Canyon Country features invaluable information on trip planning and traveling in Mexico; route descriptions of mellow day-hikes and strenuous multi-day backpacks; and John Fayhee's personal experiences with the Tarahumara Indians. An indespensible guide to a spectacular land and its people.
--- from book's back cover

An Odd Odyssey: California to Colombia by bus and boat, through Mexico and Central America

Average customer rating:

Interesting and different
THIS is the way to travel!

An Odd Odyssey: California to Colombia by bus and boat, through Mexico and Central America
Glen David Short
Manufacturer: Trafford Publishing
ProductGroup: Book
Binding: Paperback

Travel | Writing | Reference | Subjects | Books

Essays & Travelogues | Reference & Tips | Travel | Subjects | Books

General | Travel | Subjects | Books

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ASIN: 1552126021
Release Date: 2006-07-06

Product Description

This book is about the author\'s five and a half month journey through Mexico and Central America. It describes the places he visited, people he met, and his experiences through ten different countries during the time that Hurricane Mitch struck the region.

Customer Reviews:

Interesting and different.......2002-07-13

This book is several books in one. In addition to his varied personal experiences on the road, it includes some well researched history of the countries he visits, both ancient and contemporary. He talks about the big people in history, like Cortes, Clinton, Subcomandante Marcos, Leon Trotsky, Frida Kahlo and Manuel Noriega. He then gives equal attention to the little people he meets along the way, like the Mexican museum curator whose family had been guarding an ancient relic for several generations. He even travels to Paul Gauguin's house with a Playboy Bunny he met in a youth hostel. But he also engrosses the reader with his thoughts about his personal life, most interestingly, his romance with a Nicaraguan girl. Hurricane Mitch, which strikes when he is Guatemala and devastates the region, adds a sinister backdrop to his odd holiday, but in the end he achieves his goals despite numerous setbacks. It is a little bit like a collection of short stories, since it is written in diary form, so each day represents a new thought, and a new mini adventure. The stories about the crocodile and the monkey I almost wouldn't have believed except that he included photos in the book. I especially liked his description of his climbing of the volcano... and was left feeling it is much more enjoyable - and safer - to read his description of it than to attempt such a feat in real life.

THIS is the way to travel!.......2002-05-18

Some years past, a colleague suggested a year of travel instead of my intended return to school. It took thirty years to fulfill that suggestion. David Short didn't require any more prompting than a dull, dirty and dangerous job. His destination, prompted by a world-traveling grandfather, became Central America, specifically, the Panama Canal. The journey lasted just short of six months and resulted in this account of his adventures. A spirited read, An Odd Odyssey should inspire anyone of nearly any age to pull up stakes at least once in a lifetime and venture somewhere distant. Short's account shows how richly rewarding travel can be to those willing to make the effort.

There are two kinds of travel books - the "guidebook" with sights, prices, accommodation ideally suited for those seeking comfort instead of adventure. Glossy photos, usually portraying conditions found on movie sets, detailed maps, prices listed. The other type is the personal journal, which, properly done, imparts a far better sense of "being there" than does the guidebook. Short's chronicle is the second type, a vivid sharing of his thoughts, experiences, disasters, even love. The means of travel was by bus. Just finding one was fraught with hazards - timing, crowding or even just running. Once boarded, there was the issue of finding the proper seat: "Sit in the rear. Bandits will shoot through the front window." On a limited budget the "guidebook" hotels were out of the question for Short. Many havens he found for a night's rest became adventures in their own right. Weather, ever a primary topic for travellers, added its own quirks - a major Caribbean hurricane being the most spectacular.

These minor discomforts aside, Short's recital of his travels points up the many benefits of journeying solo. One of these is that you don't remain alone for long. Not every acquaintance is a welcome companion, but none are dull. They bring their lives into his view, and to ours. Short meets former convicts, travellers from Europe, Canada and Australia. Not limiting himself to fellow "gringos" he deals well with the local residents. Although a few are not as friendly as he - he's robbed twice and has the usual tangles with bureaucrats, cheating taxi drivers and sullen hoteliers. Still, he maintains his equanimity, exhibiting strength in adverse circumstances. In this modern age he can turn to internet cafes, at one point spending more on email and 'net surfing than on accommodation and food.

Book Description

An insightful personal narrative about the most spectacular canyon system in all of North America. "Mexico's Copper Canyon Country" features invaluable information on trip planning and traveling in Mexico; route descriptions of mellow day hikes and strenuous multi-day backpacks; and John Fayhee's personal experiences with the Tarahumara Indians. An indispensable guide to a spectacular land and its people.

Customer Reviews:

Get topo maps instead.......2003-03-05

This book is more of a travelogue than a guidebook. I was expecting maps, trail lengths, phone numbers for hostels: the kind of things you get in a Lonely Planet or Falcon Books guide. Fayhee's book is a series of stories about his trips to Copper Canyon with a repetitious exhortation to "get a guide!" for most of the hikes he lists. If I wanted a guide I wouldn't have bought a guidebook. For anyone comfortable with some degree of self-reliance, go for topo maps and local contacts instead of this book.

entertaining but doubtfully useful as a trail guide.......2003-03-02

If you want to read interesting and funny adventures about foot travel in Copper Canyon, this is a great book. Fayhee is a a good writer, quite funny in a Dave Barry kind of way--especially with his use of exaggeration. In that respect, it's one of the best travel guide books I've read.

HOWEVER, I bought the book to get solid details on the trails of the area (including maps), and in this respect, the book is fatally lacking. After long essays on Fayhee's personal hiking experiences, the last 10% or less of each chapter is devoted specifics of the actual routes, and even that information is often none too specific. It seems to me that I am still stuck with buying topo maps and asking around for more detailed info on routes when I get down there. There's no way I would ever carry this book on a trip and attempt to navigate from it. I am returning it for this reason.

Very Inciteful on Copper Canyon Adventures.......2000-03-22

Fayhee's book was incredibly valuable during our recent 6 day adventure to the copper canyon. I read through four books on the subject, and found this book to be the most insightful of all. Some of the specifics are a little out of date since this place is changing so incredibly rapidly, but the stories and anecdotes were very inciteful. Best if used in conjunction with a more recent Guidebook. The suggestions and advice were most helpful in selecting the limited locations we could explore in our allotted time. Enjoyable to read and study in preparation, and the only book we took along with photocopied pages from other books.

When Fayhee says "impassable", it is impassable........1999-01-16

Informative and constantly entertaining, this book is an essential guide to visiting a truly magical place. I found the book accurate and useful in trip planning in addition to gaining a basic cultural education. Fayhee's attitude toward exploring an insulated and private culture is inspiring.

The high adventure of Eric Ryback: Canada to Mexico on foot (Bantam pathfinder editions)

Average customer rating:

The high adventure of Eric Ryback: Canada to Mexico on foot (Bantam pathfinder editions)
Eric Ryback
Manufacturer: Bantam Books
ProductGroup: Book
Binding: Unknown Binding
ASIN: B0006WOOYU

Long walk to Mulegé: A true story of adventure and survival in Baja California

Average customer rating:

Long walk to MulegeÌ: A true story of adventure and survival in Baja California
Howard Hale
Manufacturer: Pinkerton Pub. Co
ProductGroup: Book
Binding: Unknown Binding

The People's Guide to Backpacking, Boating, and Camping in Mexico

Average customer rating:

I Was Just Joking (The Book Is Actually Worth Ten Stars)
My Highest Recommendation

The People's Guide to Backpacking, Boating, and Camping in Mexico
Carl Frans
Manufacturer: W W Norton & Co Inc
ProductGroup: Book
Binding: Paperback

Camping | Hiking & Camping | Outdoors & Nature | Subjects | Books

General | Travel | Subjects | Books

General | Sports | Subjects | Books
Similar Items:

ASIN: 0912528249

Customer Reviews:

I Was Just Joking (The Book Is Actually Worth Ten Stars).......2003-08-07

For all of you "The People's Guide to Mexico" aficionados, the "Camping Book" is not merely a re-hash of the PGTM. Inside you'll find camping and hiking stories that will leave you smiling. Besides trailside lore, there are a multitude of tips for making everything from a successful hammock hang to an adobe stove for banana nut bread.

And here is a bit of gossip: Carl and Lorena are (extremely)alive and well, and best of all there may be a brand new book coming out in the next year or two (or so). I can't tell you what it's about, except that over the years a lot of People's Guide fans have been clamoring for xxxx for a new book and (Drat! Carl is pelting me with bits of cyber fruit). Anyway you heard it (unofficially of course) here first.

My Highest Recommendation.......2001-11-25

Read this book if you enjoy Mexico, if you don't know Mexico, if you like to travel, if you hate travel but want the experience, if you like camping, or if you just want an easily-read travel book with a lot of humor. This is a companion book to Franz' "The People's Guide To Mexico", another book that I strongly recommend.

Customer Reviews:

An anecdotal history of the worst flood in U.S. history.......2002-04-27

The excellent Cornerstones of Freedom series provides more information about key events and people in American History book than students or teachers will find in their textbooks. The scope of the series has expanded as evidenced by this particular volume, which actually came out the year after "The Mississippi Flood of 1993." This book offers stories about the places flooded and the people affect during what was the worst flood in U.S. history. The book is filled with photographs of flooded homes and businesses as well as people trying to fight the river and help each other survive. I was surprised they did not include some of the satellite photos I remember showing the Mississippi before and during the flood; even from space the difference in the river was astonishing. Karin Luisa Badt provides a nice cross-section of what happened along the 2,340 miles of the river. Also, because the book came out so soon afterwards, young readers will not find complete statistics on all the damage caused by the flood.

Average customer rating:

The Mississippi River Flood of 1993
Karin Luisa Badt
Manufacturer: Childrens Press
ProductGroup: Book
Binding: Hardcover
ASIN: B000K1EO1U

Development in the Upper Mississippi Basin: 10 years after the Great Flood of 1993 [An article from: Landscape and Urban Planning]

Average customer rating:

Development in the Upper Mississippi Basin: 10 years after the Great Flood of 1993 [An article from: Landscape and Urban Planning]
J.D. Hipple , B. Drazkowski , and P.M. Thorsell
Manufacturer: Elsevier
ProductGroup: Book
Binding: Digital

Management | Management & Leadership | Business & Investing | Subjects | Books

Elsevier | By Publisher | e-Docs | Formats | Books
ASIN: B000RR1RG2

Book Description

This digital document is a journal article from Landscape and Urban Planning, published by Elsevier in 2005. The article is delivered in HTML format and is available in your Amazon.com Media Library immediately after purchase. You can view it with any web browser.

Description:
Flooding in the Upper Mississippi River Basin during the summer of 1993 caused between US$ 12 and 16 billion worth of damage. Since 1993, millions of dollars of new development have poured into the flood-impacted areas contrary to the recommendations of Interagency Floodplain Management Review Committee, among others. Tracking development has been difficult. A diverse set of regulations and land use controls have caused varying amounts of development in the Upper Mississippi River Basin, with Missouri leading the way with over 17.31km^2 of new development. This study documents the changes in the basin affected by the 1993 floods 10 years after the event by conducting an analysis to identify new development within the 500-year floodplain and in the floodwater inundated areas. This study used Landsat satellite data to identify areas experiencing development.

Flood Discharges in the Upper Mississippi River Basin, 1993 (U.S. Geological Survey Circular ; 1120-a)

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Flood Discharges in the Upper Mississippi River Basin, 1993 (U.S. Geological Survey Circular ; 1120-a)
Charles Parrett , N. B. Melcher , and R. W. James
ProductGroup: Book
Binding: Hardcover
ASIN: 9993850012

Flood Volumes in the Upper Mississippi River Basin, April 1 Through September 30, 1993 (Floods in the Upper Mississippi River Basin, 1993 ; H)

Average customer rating:

Flood Volumes in the Upper Mississippi River Basin, April 1 Through September 30, 1993 (Floods in the Upper Mississippi River Basin, 1993 ; H)
Rodney E. Southard
ProductGroup: Book
Binding: Hardcover
ASIN: 9995785560

Average customer rating:

Qualitative Fund Raising

Great book for dedicated people.

The definitive resource for fundraisers

Fabulous

A MUST HAVE FOR ANY CHARITY EVENT

The Fine Art of Fundraising: Secrets for Successful Volunteers
Carolyn Farb
Manufacturer: Emmis Books
ProductGroup: Book
Binding: Paperback

General | Business & Investing | Subjects | Books
Nonprofit Organizations & Charities | Industries & Professions | Business & Investing | Subjects | Books
Raising Capital | Small Business & Entrepreneurship | Business & Investing | Subjects | Books
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How to Write Successful Fundraising Letters

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Effective Fundraising For Nonprofits: Real World Strategies That Work

How to Raise Millions: Helping Others and Having a Ball! : A Guide to Fundraising

Benefit Auctions: A Fresh Formula for Grassroots Fundraising

ASIN: 1578601800

Book Description

Carolyn Farb's tried-and-true tips will motivate longtime fundraisers to continue in their endeavors and draw new fundraisers into the fold.
Carolyn Farb knows the world of fundraising from the bottom floor to the executive suites — and in The Fine Art of Fundraising, she gives readers the complete tour. This book caters to volunteers who want to make things happen, whether they're raising funds for charities, nonprofits, or political campaigns. Farb shares her experiences from more than twenty-five years of successful fundraising, telling readers what works and what doesn't, and providing countless tried-and-true tips. Her book is also full of light-bulb moments for long-time fundraisers who need new motivation.

Customer Reviews:

Qualitative Fund Raising.......2007-05-26

This is very focused in helping a novice or experienced fund raiser to maintain and develop their passion for contributing their goals to help a charity organization achieve their mission.

Great book for dedicated people........2006-02-17

We already had a good process for giving a fundraiser. But Carolyn's book made all the difference. We tweaked and polished what we were already doing using her ideas and upped our net by 30%.

The definitive resource for fundraisers.......2005-11-28

THE FINE ART OF FUNDRAISING is the definitive resource for organizations and individuals involved in fundraising. Every aspect of successful fundraising is covered in this step-by-step guide that focuses on a variety of events ranging from bake sales and carwashes to large scale fashion shows and charity balls. Volunteers new to fundraising as well as seasoned volunteers, committee chairpersons, and organization staff persons will benefit from reading this comprehensive book before beginning any new fundraising project. As a volunteer involved in fundraising events for over 25 years I find this resource to be well organized, thorough, and always on target with practical advice that addresses the needs of volunteers at all levels.

Attracting and handling benefactors and in-kind donors, reaching corporate supporters, and applying for grants are some of the topics discussed by Dr. Carolyn Farb. Anyone who chairs an auction will find the two chapters devoted to the nitty-gritty of planning and executing silent and live auctions immensely valuable. Choosing entertainment, selecting a menu, decorating, public relations--they are all covered in this work. Of particular interest to volunteers are the samples from Dr. Farb's own fundraising successes: invitations, response forms, benefactor letters, menus, seating charts, media releases and many more.

Every organization involved in fundraising should have multiple copies of this book available for staff and volunteers. Fundraisers at all levels will benefit from the valuable tips and wealth of ideas shared in this extraordinary resource.

Fabulous.......2005-04-23

Dr. Farbs book is fantastic. I recommend this book for anyone just beginning in fundraising or charity events. Dr. Farbs book guides the amateur through promoting a cause, assembling committees, strategic planning, PR and so much more! The only complaint I have is that I did not buy it sooner!

A MUST HAVE FOR ANY CHARITY EVENT.......2005-04-20

I had the good fortune of meeting Dr.Farb at a book signing, 2 weeks before I was asked to chair the 40th annual Lunar Rendezvous Festival which celebrates the accomplishments of NASA and the community that surrounds it. Using her book as the basis for my organizational structure, we have implemented the "zero budget" principle and have enjoyed early successes. I highly recommend this book to anyone planning a charity fund raiser. It truly shows you how to avoid the expense pitfalls of throwing a major venue.

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