I thought I knew the Monterey region fairly well until I was given this book as a present! It is packed with great "bites" of information: natural history, human history, and how to get to all the beaches and parks. The writing is easy to understand, friendly in a way, and even fun. The maps are very helpful, and the book even has resource sections with phone numbers, website urls, and directions. AND, the photographs are stunning. A great gift for visitors, home libraries, or the glove compartment of your car.

I received this book as a gift and was immediately taken by the depth and breadth of this book. If you are traveling from Ano Nuevo to Monterey get this book! The author and photograper bring this spectacular shoreline alive with great descriptive copy and super photos(you've got to see page 136). Hidden beaches and other great spots that I would never have known existed. Great information about how to get there, what to do and how it got there. Get the family together, pack a lunch and bring this book. Guaranteed great day!

I have lived in Santa Cruz County for 15 years and thought I knew the Monterey Bay coastal zone very well--that is, until I read Jerry Emory's Monterey Bay Shoreline Guide. This Guide is the best--it covers both familiar territory and less well-known aspects of the Monterey Bay and its coastal towns. I've found myself consulting it whenever I make any kind of shoreline jaunt, from discovering where one can walk one's dog on a beach in Carmel to locating the best on-shore whalewatching sites. The photos are beautiful as well as informative. The organization of the book, which includes sidebar articles on specific topics, lends itself to easy access for both the casual and serious reader.

BRO is the best friend of any discriminating wedding or party-planner in the Bay Area. This reference book contains invaluable tips, advice and reviews about the vendors and venues that can make your special day extra special. Its pages contain eye opening answers and anecdotes that will spare countless hours of research and worry for even the most seasoned host.

My wife and I were just married on May 13th, and this book provided us with a wealth of excellent information on wonderful vendors in the San Francisco bay area. We located our photographer (Glenn Jay Photography), DJ (Soundtrax), and many other resources here, and they were spectacular! This book not only saved us much time and work, but was also a link to some of the best wedding professionals in this area. If you're getting married within the next 2 years, please do yourself a favor and pick this book up!

I got engaged last month, and one of my engagement gifts was this wonderful book. When I first went to look for a book, I did not know what to look for. This book gives me access to all the vendors within the San Francisco Bay area. I feel a lot of all the hard part of the job is done for me, and I really can enjoy the engagement. So far I have found a wonderful band, photographer, and location. As a very nervous bride that wants everything to be perfect, this has really put my mind at ease. I highly recommend this book anyone getting party or even throwing a party.

This was a truly excellent read - if you are interested in how they make those impressive aquarium displays, how they catch the livestock, overcome the challenges of adapting them to aquarium life and lots of stories along the way, this is the book for you from the man widely acknowledged as being "it" when it comes to designing pioneering public aquaria.

Highly recommended for anyone out there fascinated by fish and the marvellous public aquariums around the world. Enjoy it!

David C. Powell provides the reader with an excellent insight into the life experiences of a dedicated biologist. His detailed descriptions and insights of all the efforts that went into sharing his exciting discoveries is a joy to read. For anyone who visits aquariums this is a must read book. It provides rare, behind the scenes, information about the enormous effort and dedication involved in providing public aquarium exhibits. Dave's style has the flavor of Ricketts and Stienbeck all in one.

If among the things you have to confess you know nothing about are designing, stocking, and running a public aquarium, you can change that and have a darned good time filling in these particular voids. David C. Powell, who knows more about running aquariums than just about anyone, has written a memoir, _A Fascination for Fish: Adventures of an Underwater Pioneer_ (University of California Press) that tells about his unusual career and has more than its share of pleasing anecdotes.

Powell took the first fish he caught as a kid and slept with it under his pillow. He maintained the lobster tank at a fancy Malibu restaurant. When he read Cousteau's first book, _The Silent World_, he knew he had to start diving. As he kept specimens in his home aquarium, he joined the Marine Aquarium Society of Los Angeles. A fellow member told him of a job opening as an aquarist at Marineland of the Pacific; it was just what he wanted to do, and from there he worked at various aquariums, directing the live exhibits at the Monterey Bay Aquarium until retiring four years ago. He now seems to be the most frequently consulted consultant whenever towns or nations want to set up aquariums.

Powell writes with admiration and affection about the creatures he has to capture and then keep in as home-like an environment as possible, including the wonderfully named sarcastic fringehead, the "thumbsplitter" mantis shrimp with its faster-than-the-eye claw, and many more. He tells about the process of capturing samples in many different ways, but diving and capturing fish is the easy part. Transporting them is hard. There are different gadgets and containers that have to be used, including the truck transport named the "Tunabago." It is planning the displays of the fish that obviously has given Powell the most satisfaction in his career. His description, for instance, of the responsibilities of putting up the largest window in the world, a gigantic acrylic pane fifty-five by fifteen feet, thirteen inches thick, and weighing thirty-eight tons, is completely engrossing.

Powell's book, a mixture of autobiography, oceanography, ichthyology, museology, and funny stories, is a delight. In seemingly effortless style, he conveys the excitement even in the minor aspects of his career. He gives a final essay on the importance of aquariums (disdained by Cousteau as "fish prisons") in bringing people closer to nature and in promoting the conservation that could keep the oceans healthy. His book is a worthy summary of a lifetime's effort in that cause.

Missed the Monterey Festival, however this book almost takes you right there - amidst the audience, the performers -both in the crowd and onstage. In color and b+w. HIGHLY recommended for Dead, Who, & Hendrix fans !

Elaine Mayes has captured the exitement and nostalgia of the '60's "Summer of Love" with this excellent book about the 1967 Monterey Pop Festival. Packed with original and little seen photos of artists and audience, the book also has many quotations and comments that complement the narration throughout by the Author.
The book has introductions by Lou Adler and Derek Taylor, and covers the whole three days of events, with rare and candid pictures in each section. If you are a fan of genuine 'pop' and 'sixties underground', you will enjoy the close up sharp photos of such personalities as Jimi Hendrix, Janis Joplin, Ravi Shankar, Jefferson Airplane, The Who, Mamas and Papas, Country Joe and the Fish, along with Otis Redding, Simon and Garfunkel,Paul Butterfield Band, Steve Miller Band, Canned Heat, Quicksilver Messenger Service, Eric Burdon and the Animals, and many more that appeared on that special weekend in music history.
This 190 page book is beautifully printed in full color and also includes original artwork and posters by Tom Wilkes used in the Festival. Well worth the money for a keepsake book that immediately transports the reader back in time to that psychedelic, carefree era.

Elaine Mayes really brings the majesty and the momentous occasion that was the first ever rock music festival and soical happening, The Monterey Pop Festival, to the reader in photographs and in words. The book is beautifully designed and unfolds in a way that the reader can either perfectly recount those days in June of 1967 perfectly or for the novice, it is an accurate, historical journal.

I gave this book to a friend of mine that had attended Monterey Pop and she cried as she recalled the days of peace, love and rock & roll.

I'm an avid Monterey Area scuba diver who was on the verge of thinking I knew something about Monterey marine life. That was before I read this book. Despite my many hundreds of dives and many hours of time spent studying the things I'd seen this book opened my eyes to all sorts of things I'd never noticed before. Anybody interested in west coast marine life simply must have this book.

One of it's best features is the novel organization. It's broken up into habitat areas rather than by Phylum/Genus/Species etc. This really helps the reader understand the relationships between the various organisms. Also the photographs are truly exceptional.

Overall a real gem.

An exceptional book. Those tar spots on the beach, those yucky lumps of rotting kelp, those minor shellfish will all become fascinating interacting worlds for you. Beautiful photos that excite and succinct explanations that educate in a package that could well be an excellent coffee table book. We should all hope that this is what all nature books would become. I recommend this book to anyone interested in ocean life (not just Monterey Bay).

I am giving this book out as gifts to friends and relatives.

This book provides many many photographs of marine organisms found in Monterey Bay (California coast). The photographs are clear, well-reproduced, and organisms are identified by common and Latin name. This alone would be a good reason to buy the book. However, the authors went beyond excellent photography into detailed marine biology. For every organism, they provide fascinating details from the biology of the organism, often supplemented with additional photographs illustrating the phenomenon being described. I have taught chemistry, biology, and marine biology at the high school level, as well as being a SCUBA diver; I found this book to be full of new and fascinating information, well presented and carefully documented, with scientific sources cited (but not obnoxiously). I loaned this book to two high school students, one fascinated with marine biology, one not so fascinated, and they were both enthralled: "that book is so cool!" "did you know anemones fight?" One of the best books on the ocean environment I've ever seen; clearly a labor of love on the part of the authors.

Looking through this book is a magnificent journey through the beauty of California's magnificent Central Coast. Photographer Douglas Steakley has captured this beauty in an amazing way. I would strongly encourage locals, visitors, and those unable to visit this area to buy this book. This is not an ordinary photo book that you flip through in a few minutes! Although I am fortunate enough to live in this wonderful area I spent quite a bit of time looking at each page absorbing the fantastic photography Mr. Steakley has to offer. The poetry by Ric Masten and foreword by Jane Smiley were also delightful to read and are an important part of this beautiful book.

Over 20 years ago, I visited the Monterey Peninsula: I recall the splendor of land meeting sea, the power of the ocean and the majesty of the hillside. The images of the region remained dormant in my mind until revived by "Pacific Light." "Pacific Light" is a photography book that does not allow closure; it whispers and radiates to our senses to be viewed again and again. Essentially, it is not another table book: It demands one's focus and attention like an exceptional masterpiece. One is inspired by the pictures and poetry of the Monterey Peninsula, an area that explodes with natural beauty and color on every page. Laser sharp, technically and artistically captivating images charm the eye then the brain. Every photo tells a story about the land, its people, the light, the poet and the photographer. I delighted in the lush green landscapes with shades of emerald rivaling Ireland, rolling hills with a dusting of snow reminiscent of Eastern Washington and the ethereal splendor of Pfeiffer Beach that fittingly covers the dust jacket. Mr. Steakley shows us the unparalleled beauty of China Cove beach, brilliant in a warm Caribbean like light, the majesty of Garrapata Beach at sunset, and the breathtaking vista of a waterfall at McWay Creek. The photographs validate a dedicated and talented photographer who comprehends the area and is aware of its moods, artistry and verse. I applaud the photography of Doug Steakley and the poetry of Ric Masten whose synergy is palpable in this well designed book. I recommend this book to anyone who has visited the area or who savors a magnificent hardback of landscape photography and poetry.

Over 20 years ago, I visited the Monterey Peninsula: I recall the splendor of land meeting sea, the power of the ocean and the majesty of the hillside. The images of the region remained dormant in my mind until revived by "Pacific Light." "Pacific Light" is a photography book that does not allow closure; it whispers and radiates to our senses to be viewed again and again. Essentially, it is not another table book: It demands one's focus and attention like an exceptional masterpiece. One is inspired by the pictures and poetry of the Monterey Peninsula, an area that explodes with natural beauty and color on every page. Laser sharp, technically and artistically captivating images charm the eye then the brain. Every photo tells a story about the land, its people, the light, the poet and the photographer. I delighted in the lush green landscapes with shades of emerald rivaling Ireland, rolling hills with a dusting of snow reminiscent of Eastern Washington and the ethereal splendor of Pfeiffer Beach that fittingly covers the dust jacket. Mr. Steakley shows us the unparalleled beauty of China Cove beach, brilliant in a warm Caribbean like light, the majesty of Garrapata Beach at sunset, and the breathtaking vista of a waterfall at McWay Creek. The photographs validate a dedicated and talented photographer who comprehends the area and is aware of its moods, artistry and verse. I applaud the photography of Doug Steakley and the poetry of Ric Masten whose synergy is palpable in this well designed book. I recommend this book to anyone who has visited the area or who savors a magnificent hardback of landscape photography and poetry.

This book is a great resource for anyone. The calendar of events makes it a breeze to find dates and times of your favorite things to do on the Monterey Peninsula.

This is the "ultimate" tour guide to beautiful Monterey County, CA (referred to by the locals as Paradise). It truly is invaluable as a resource for locals and tourists alike. I've lived here for 15 years and can't believe there are so many wonderful things to do and see...for FREE! Unlike any other tour guide.

The Ultimate Field Guide to Monterey County this beautifully organized book is a must for visitors and residents of central California's most acclaimed region. From the famous shoreline of the Monterey Peninsula to Steinbeck's Pastures of Heaven and the nation's great salad bowl in the Salinas Valley this edition covers it all. Easy to read, clearly indexed and well designed this book defines the phrase "essential reference" and I especially recommend it for families.

If you've never been to the sites listed in Adventure Kayaking, Jenner gives the info a kayaker wants to know to make an informed selection: Clear accurate directions to the put-in sites . Comments on winds, tides. Suggested paddle routes. Maps. Notes on the presence or absence of power-boats and picnickers. Where to camp. What a joy to read a guide book, go to a place and experience no major surprises!

Jeneid's writes beautifully of natural features and wildlife encountered. Clearly he has a love for birding. If you are a kayaker and a birder, then I highly recommend this book before you plan your next outing.

I checked this book out at the local library and thought it was so valuable that I bought my own copy. My only complaint is that I wish the book could of been bigger so more trips could be included. I had already done some of the trips in the book and I found the book to give not only a fair representation of the area, but I learned a few new things.

If you have ever been to the Monterey Peninsula and played just even one or two of the famous courses there, this book will be that stimulus to allow you to relive those rounds or to think ahead to new ones on those most famous (and exclusive) courses.
Nearly every hole at Pebble Beach, Spyglass Hill and Cypress Point are pictured and a good amount of the holes at Poppy Hills, Monterey Pennisula CC, Spanish Bay and Pacific Grove are included as well. You can practically feel the damp and crisp morning air or hear the seals barking offshore through the pine forests as you flip through the pages of this book. If ever there was a great bedtime book for golfers who want to have pleasant dreams about one of the world's best (if not the best) golfing venues, this would be that book.

A beautiul book although the first copy I ordered had a defect from the publisher. Half of the pages in the book were upside down.

This is an excellent book, not only for tourists and visitors to the Monterey Peninsula, but also for those considering relocating there (like me). I wanted a book about the region that describes the neighborhoods and towns in order to get a general feel for the area (information pertinent to those contemplating a move), and this book does just that. It is amazing how much information the authors have managed to jam into each page, and they have included a good deal of local history. The book is written in a witty, engaging, almost conversational style. Unlike many books of this genre, the blurbs about restaurants, inns, and everything else are written descriptively, rather than subjectively or from the authors' personal points of view (which may differ from the reader). In short, this is a very well-written book from two people who clearly love the peninsula on which they live!

This book was invaluable to our trip to this beautiful area. A very informative, fun read and a great way to learn about where to go, what to see, and what's available. I highly recommend this book.