Jerry and Janine Sprout's MAUI TRAILBLAZER does what the title promises.
They show you the out-of-the-way treasures of Maui--fabulous trails and
beaches, lagoons that invite kayaking and snorkeling, sapphire pools and
tall cascades, surfers' coves, and the best ridges for watching whales.
They plan trips by car to cultural sites and natural wonders. Both
newcomers to Maui and veteran Islanders will find their advice clear and
practical and their warnings about hazards and precautions helpful. This
is a reader-friendly book that introduces people to magical parts of Maui
that visitors rarely see. If you are going to Maui, or know someone who is, buy this book. You will not be disappointed.

Our scuba diving instructor in Anaheim recommended that we purchase this guidebook and we're thrilled we did. For snorkeling and hiking and body surfing and driving around a new place, it rules. The written directions include mile markers making it easy to prepare for sudden stops. Like when the whales all of a sudden start spouting and breaching and you lose track of where you are. It made navigating a no-brainer and our vacation alot more relaxing. We actually toasted our glasses to this book as the sun went down on our very last day.

Unique, innovative, entertaining and packed with hikes that blew our socks off. This is a really amazing book, one that we used before we even touched ground. All kinds of addresses and phone numbers are in the back that help with everything you can think of. Never having been there we didn't have the sightest notion of where to stay. We wanted oceanfront, sun, and central location and the book zeroed us right in supplying convenient 800 numbers. Bonuses include fascinating historical lore and budget friendly restaurants. It's a necessity, just as important as your sunscreeen, if you're going there.

Every year I tell my friends that *this* is the year I'm going to Hawaii - and every year they give me another travel book on the 50th state. This year I received Rum & Reggae's Hawaii and I've finally booked my trip. Thanks to Mr. Runge's thorough (and thoroughly entertaining) descriptions, I know exactly where to go, where to stay, and what to avoid. I've been waiting for a travel book to really tell me what's what for years. I can see I'm not the only one who appreciates an opinionated travel book - there are far too many dull ones out there. This book pushed me over the edge to finally go to Hawaii - quite an accomplishment. Buy it for a friend of yours!

Just returned from the Islands of Hawaii (Oahu, Maui, Lanai, and big island) - can't wait to go back and explore the other parts of such a wonderful part of the world. I will say that without my copy of Rum&Reggae's Hawaii travel guide - I would have been lost and probably would have had a much lessor experience. I bought the book well ahead of my departure and used it as the foundation for my trip - setting up an appropriate itinerary, logistics, great places to stay, authentic restaurants, and unique places to see not covered in any other guide books I looked at - The tourist scale rating system was really helpful and accurate - without a doubt this guide book is right on the mark. Not only was the book my best reference while I was traveling, but it also was fun to read about the history and cultural stuff I did not know along the way. As with the Rum&Reggae's Carribean guide book (which I used and would also highly recommend if headed there), I found this book very readable, no-bull, and colorfully different from other stuffy, flat guide books I have tried to use many times in the past. Thank you Rum&Reggae for this book - I will go back with your book in hand! My next trip is to South America - when is your travel Guide on Brazil coming out?

This is not my first encounter with Mr. Runge's work nor, I hope, will it be my last. I started with Rum & Reggae 2000, the definitive "inside scoop" on the caribbean, and I've been hooked on Runge ever since.

This is not your ordinary travel guide. It reads more like a converstation with a friend over cocktails. And what better way to plan your next trip than to chat with a friend who has 'been there and done that'?

Be it solitude or 'sauce' that you seek; deserted beaches or a little cha-cha-cha, you'll find it here.

This is hands down the best climbing guide I have ever purchased. Not only does McNamara replace the ambiguous beta from past books with straight-up ratings and tips, he also provides entertaining history and profiles to get you psyched. I also recommend "The Road to The Nose" book that Chris sells on his site ...

This is a great source for Yosemite Big Walls. It provides valuable information including strategies, ratings with relative comparisons to other big wall routes, approaches, precise topos, optimum belays and bivy locations, pitch-linking possibilities, weather/seasonal factors, and descent routes. For those interested in Yosemite Big Wall history, there is a section devoted to the pioneers of Yosemite Big Wall climbing that is quite interesting. All in all, a great book for Yosemite's Big Walls. Thumbs up!!

This book sets new standards for climbing guides. The production values are superb, and the information contained detailed and informative. If you're even thinking of climbing a big wall in Yosemite, buy this book. If you're a guidebook author, or thinking of becoming one, buy this and imitate it.

AFTER TRAVELING OCEANS, CONTINENTS, MOUNTAINS, VALLEYS,
RIVERS AND SUCH, OUR INTREPIDS SUFFER LASSITUDES OF
EVERY MAGNITUDE AND OVERCOMING ALL, CELEBRATING EVERY
VICTORY IN GRAND STYLE, COME HOME WITHOUT A SINGLE
PHOTOGRAPH? VIVE'RUM DOODLE. BEWARE LEST YOU FALL OUT
OF YOUR FAVORITE READING CHAISE LOUNGE.
HAIL, RUM DOODLE! ALAS NO SINGLE HARDBACK IS TO BE
FOUND...THOSE TO WHOM I LOANED IT HAVE PASSED ON AND
HEIRS FAIL TO RECOGNIZE ITS VALUE. AS TO THE TITLE OF
THIS REVIEW, YOU WILL FIND THE LINE IN THE TEXT...
DON'T MISS THIS BOOK...AT ANY PRICE.

THE FISH...WELL, I ADMIT...I NEVER READ IT. TOO
EXHAUSED FROM, 'THE ASCENT...'

Mount Everest is a mere planetary pimple compared to Rum Doodle, the fictional 40,000 1/2 foot mountain in "The Ascent of Rum Doodle," a hilarious spoof of mountain climbing expeditions. Perhaps the reason why Rum Doodle was not previously conquered was "because it is there"--way out "there"--in the remote Central Asian Kingdom of Yogistan. The Yogistani language alone crippled many expeditions. The language, a branch of the aneroid-megalithic tongue, contains no verbs and is spoken entirely through the stomach. Over 95% of Yogistanis understandably suffer from gastritis. Altitude deafness often compounds the problem. The ascent begins inauspiciously enough with two great circles until Jungle, the route-finder, releases the safety catch on his compass. Risibility rises with altitude as the intrepid six Rum Doodle dandies and their 3,000 porters overcome one embarrassment after another in their quest for mountaineering immortality. No praise is too high for the men who could go no higher. Or could they have? Why are there no photographs at the top? What about the Atrocious Snowman? And then there's the question inquiring minds most want to know: "Can I see my house from there?" Read this book at your own risk--of laughing aloud! But "The Cruise of the Talking Fish" was a mediocre book at best.

TO ALL THOSE LOOKING FOR COPIES OF THIS MASTERPIECE!....I had the distinct opportunity to read all 40,000 1/2 feet of the book while in Nepal at THE Rum Doodle Restaurant! We'll be heading back in the near future and can likely get more copies. Space in my pack is very limited but I may be able to slip in an extra copy or two...let me know if you'd like one.

First, I'll admit I'm not an unbiased reviewer. My dad served in Enterprise for three hard years ('42-45), and I've made my own efforts to tell her story.

That said, "The Big E" is without peer, as both a history of the World War II-era carrier Enterprise, and as a record of what carrier warfare in the '40's was like. Stafford's prose is both elegant and -- given the records he had available in 1960 -- accurate. His descriptions are vivid: you can feel the decks whip violently at Santa Cruz, you can see the vibrant green of the Philippines at Leyte Gulf, you can sense the tension in the ready rooms at Midway. Her men are not just names on a page, but tangible characters: bold, fast-thinking, humble, optimistic, but sometimes very worried about their prospects.

There are a couple points about the book which the prospective reader should be aware of. Stafford's focus is primarily on the ship's squadrons, and less so on efforts of her crew. Originally published over 40 years ago, some of the language is a bit dated, though, again, overall the writing is superb.

The fact, however, that a 40-year old book about a ship that was decommissioned in 1947 is deemed fit to reprint in 2002 should tell you two things. The book is not a throwaway, but a genuine work of literature. And Enterprise was not just a warship, but a unique bonding of man and machine, that came through for her country when she was needed most.

I have had this book since it was first published and I can no longer keep the book together, so it is time to replace it. I'm was thriller to see it still in print.
My father was a plank owner of the BIG "E" and loved the ship with a special love that only someone who have faced death and servived can feel. It was a disgrace to have her scrapped and after readin Cdr Stafford's incredible story, I believe that everyone would agree she(and more importantly the men who seved on her) were and are national treasures

This was the first book I read about World War II and it inspired me regarding the selfless way these men who fought put themselves on the line everyday for 4 years. Cmdr Stafford brought the ship to life. I lost this book over the years and the copy I have now is precious to me. The sacrifice of those on board cannot ever be discounted nor will it ever cease to inspire.

I think it is a great book that I think everyone should read. It was a great story that had good detail and had awesome illustrations that go really good with the book. I also think that the railroad was a great Place for the two of the characters to work at all through the story.

I give this book 5 stars because it has beautiful illustrations. The pictures look life like.

The part I like about Coolies was when they went to put the dynamite on the edge of the cliff. Chris Sentpient is my favorite Illustrator because he writes good book. I gave you 5 stars.

Good book, with great photos, as is to be expected. Generally does a good job of depicting LA's expanse, and its widely varying areas, with one exception; oddly, there is absolutely nothing about the beach towns: Manhattan Beach and Hermosa Beach. The book skips from Venice and LAX to Palos Verdes, omitting what arguably is the section of LA most representative of Soithern California. Very good nonetheless.

Robert Cameron presents a place and its' character in this "above" book (as well as in the other ones). Some people fly over the Los Angeles area, gagging and shaking their heads. Mammoth highways, concrete, smog, track housing, and monster burbs. These qualities do exist. But Cameron's photos also allow you to see the different personalities and idiosyncrasies of the many communities that make up what we call Los Angeles, from the Southbay beaches to the hills. (Where LA begins and ends we're not always sure). The area of Los Angeles (like other places) is different from other major metropolitan American areas for a variety of reasons. For one, most of the topography is flat, and it's a coastal desert paved with transplants with ambition and liking for the sun. These pictures allow the City of Angels to be more intriguing and have more of its' personality exude itself, as the reader gets a closer look at it through these pictures.

Mental pictures.

Yes, there are those who state Los Angeles County is an area with few landmarks. First you've got have a good disposition to this place, and second you've got to get close. Cameron's shots provide plenty of pockets of beauty and character, and plenty of quintessential "LA" landmarks. One must close enough to observe and experience them. "Above Los Angeles" lets us. Photos that highlight the interesting and beautiful icons of this city's architecture and natural character.

Another book for LA-philes and those interested in its' history and growth is: "LA Lost & Found: An Architectural History of Los Angeles (California Architecture and Architects, No 21)." by Sam Hall Kaplan, and Julius Shulman (Photographer).

Los Angeles is a wonderful city so full of interesting things. This book has it all. All the areas are greatly photographed and look clear. LA's smog problem seems to be subsiding as the photos show clear days (most of them) and LA is only getting better. Every part of the city is showned. If you like photos from the air, you'll like this book. Also, the Library tower is shown (this is the first building to get blown up in the movie "Independence Day") in several photos. The older printings of this book didn't have them in it. I highly recommend this book.

A bush pilot reminisces a life time of seat-of-the-pants flying over the "Big Empty" (Alaska). Flying single engine super cubs, landing on frozen lakes, sand bars, mountain ridges ...makes a couch potato want to get out and go. Writen from a pilots point of view, with lots of pilots lingo. Makes an entertaining read, for wana-bee pilots like me. For those that dream of adventure, the wild places are within the pages of this book.

Mort Mason is a Alaskan bush pilot (a real one) and an extremely good pilot.
I probably can be regarded as a opinionated reviewer as I can relate firsthand (been there) to some of Mort's many places during the 60's,70's,80's. None of Mort's stories are the least bit exagerated as some readers might think.
When he says 20 feet, he means just that, 20 feet.
If anything he ho-hums situations like flying in darkness, mountains,snow,rain,fog,wind, etc. or all of the above.
Things that get us mortels attention real quick. If you read this book,my statement would be, "Believe every word, it's all true" !!
Mort Mason is not a reckless risk taker nor uses less than perfect equipment, as one might be lead to think. The opposite.
His stories point out the very few mistakes he did make and the many ever changing weather/terrain problems he encountered. He always learned from them, no repeats. He explains the many mechanical problems and how he prevented or corrected them, sometimes jury-rigging some strange 'bush' repairs.
He used up his 'lucky-factor' or luck as some would call it, making the right moves when it counted. More skill than luck.

Must have worked, he pulled it off, survived. So, we get to read his book.

HINTS: The reader should get a somewhat detailed map of Alaska as Mort takes you many places. Alaska is, in a word,'HUMONGOUS',
as he describes it, like 3 states of Texas would fit inside but some of us don't realize how HUGE Texas really is, so a map will help.
Mort starts book out kind of 'stiff',(pilot-talk) like "flying the N2029Y etc. etc." but that's just his way to identify airplanes. He loosens up and gets less technical as book progresses.

The picture Illustrations are extrodinary. You will page back and forth over and over again. The pictures of rescues of broken airplanes were eye opening and special. the photo of a wingless Piper Cub being hoisted by a helicopter is imaginable but I especially liked that one of a cub airplane body, lashed to the float struts of an even bigger float plane (Beaver) defies imagination. That has to be the most un-aerodyamic, lopsided, unflyable, etc. setup I've ever seen ! Amazing.
Mort describes and explains, from a pilots reasoning, why flying Alaska can be a 'different-ball-game'.
The FAA, (our sky cops) who make our airways the safest in the world, can't very well say, "O.K., here's the rules everyone, (except Alaska)" Mort tells how they make it work.

The word 'super' became popular during 50's-60's (Super-Bowl)etc.
meaning the best, ultimate, whatever.
Mort's statement: " Whatever you've heard, seen, before about a SUPER-CUB airplane, BELIEVE IT" !
He goes on to write about some hair raising experiences using that airplane.

Mort describes/shows the modern Alaskan airplane. The words 'flimsy' or 'fragile' would best apply to the 'where' the airplanes are being used. Rather BEEFED-UP, Alaskan-style is a better description. Mort tells of the many airplane customized
changes. Reinforced landing supports, larger horsepower engines,
tires,retractable ski's, etc.etc.
Compare 'off-road-vehicles', to 'all-terrain-airplanes' and Alaska is the undesputed king.
The lakes Hood & Spenard, that Mort repeatedly refers to, is
exactly as he describes.They are adjacent to Anchorage International airport and the parking lot of the worlds wildest airplanes. The planes are stacked in there like cordwood, a sight to behold. If your ever in Anchorage, Alaska, and would like to see some of the (Mort-type) airplanes, rent a cab or take a drive around the lakes and you'll see all the variations, from Big Foots to Turbocharged X-perimentals.

On the lighter-side, Mort has many 'rookie' (him) stories and adventures, which will tickle the reader. A few of my favorites were:
* The German customers, HERR SCHMIDT, ("Sprecken-Nein-English")
or
* Mort drank too much coffee and HAD to pee with nowhere to land.

Lots of laughs for the reader. Mort tells it like it is/was. ........

Whether you're a pilot or you don't know anything about flying, you'll love this book. His stories will keep you on the edge of your seat and reading for hours. I usually don't read for fun, but I just couldn't put this book down! Bottom line, you will not regret reading this book!

I used this book recently in my travels to the South Pacific. Although alot of the prices are outdated(which is difficult to keep up with as travel books are concerned , 4 stars insted of 5)it still makes an excellent REFERENCE. I recommend this travel book over the Lonely Planet version.

This is by far the best South Pacific guide. Stanley has an engaging writing voice and it is clear that he feels very passionate about this special part of the world. You get the feeling that this book was actually written by a person, instead of by a committee (Lonely Planet). This book succeeds in being appropriate for a wide audience--from backpackers to honeymooners to yachties to scuba divers. Although the prices and some of the businesses are out-of-date (the book was published in 2000), it is still a great read, even if only for arm chair travellers.

This book is your bible to the South Pacific. If you have special (return)feelings about the South Pacific like we have, you must read this book. If you buy this book after your trip you will find out that every spot you have travelled to is described the way YOU would do it. Buy it before you travel and the South Pacific Handbook will guide you for the best holiday you have ever made. Thank you David Stanley!

Arthur Zeeuw and Jane Toredjo

Robert L. Wood is the recognized expert on the trails of the Olympic Mountains. I don't think a backpacker will find a better guide, but the real beauty of this book is Wood's descriptions of the trails, which can put even armchair hikers in the middle of the mountains.
I guess the only reason I didn't give it 5 stars is that the maps are terrible and you've got to buy a separate guide if you want to hike the beautiful, wild beaches of the Olympic Peninsula.
A very minor quibble, considering the fine, lyric writing, is the way the trails are organized. For example, many of the named trails don't begin at trailheads, but rather from junctions at other trails. Thus if you want to plan a short hike, you must make certain the named trail does not begin 15 miles up the path of another trail.

Recentley, one of my older customers at my work gave me some old topo maps of the Olympic Pennisula-with Wood's book I was able to match up trails on the maps with waytrails in his book(trails that are no longer on the new topos). The history he writes about is fun to read and he is through with his descriptions of the NF trails, which many books ignore. I also love how he gives elevation at every trail junction, not just at the start & end. A definte must have book if you would like to hike in the Olympics.

I have done about 80 hikes or climbs in the Olympics in the past two years. I think every description I have used in this book has been accurate. It includes some handy small scale maps as well. The Olympics is one of the best places to hike, winter or summer, and Woods is certainly the expert on the hikes and the history. A must for anyone who is even considering a hike of any length in the Olympics. Like one other reviewer implied, this book is way beyond the simple hike books that simply describe the popular hikes.
Add this book to "Climber's Guide to the Olympic Mountains" by the Olympic Mountain Rescue and you will have everything you need to explore the Olympic Mountains on foot.