Active outdoor pursuits and activities Books

Book SynopsisThe Bushcraft Boxed Set brings together four titles from wilderness expert and New York Times bestselling author Dave Canterbury.The collection includes: Bushcraft 101: The primer to wilderness survival based on the author’s 5Cs of Survivability (cutting tools, covering, combustion devices, containers, and cordages) Advanced Bushcraft: Takes it to the next level with self-reliance skills that teach you how to survive with little to no equipment The Bushcraft Guide to Trapping, Gathering, and Cooking in the Wild: Provides everything you need to know about packing, finding, and preparing food while trekking Bushcraft First Aid: Written with Jason A. Hunt, PhD, it’s the go-to first aid resource for anyone headed into the woods With this boxed set, you’ll be prepped and ready for your next outdoor adventure—wherever it takes you!

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Book Synopsis''It''s like being given some sort of magical text... eye-opening and invaluable.'' India Knight, Sunday Times''Even the intrepid Bear Grylls could learn a trick or two from this book'' The TimesThe ultimate guide to what the land, sun, moon, stars, trees, plants, animals, sky and clouds can reveal - when you know what to look for. Includes over 850 outdoor clues and signs for you to enjoy the wonders of the outdoors from your living room. This top ten bestseller is the result of Tristan Gooley''s two decades of pioneering outdoors experience and six years of instructing, researching and writing. It includes lots of outdoor clues and signs that will not be found in any other book in the world. As well as the most comprehensive guide to natural navigation for walkers ever compiled, it also contains clues for weather forecasting, tracking, city walks, coast walks, night walks and dozens of other areas.Trade ReviewIt's like being given some sort of magical text... eye-opening and invaluable. -- India Knight * Sunday Times Magazine *In terms of sheer did-you-knows per page it is one of the richest, densest, most rewarding books on nature I have read in a long time...its joy in deduction is infectiously delightful. -- James McConnachie * Sunday Times *Learning so much in The Walker's Guide, the new book from Tristan Gooley, that I might have to take another long walk ... * Nicholas Crane *I for one will never look at the British countryside in quite the same way again. -- Stephen Moss * Countryfile Magazine *Gooley can show the most moonstruck how to interpret their surroundings. Even the intrepid Bear Grylls could learn a trick or two from this book. * The Times *Anyone interested in walking out of doors at any time would be well advised to read this excellent book. * The Royal Institute of Navigation *As with his earlier, equally important The Natural Navigator , this text is densely packed with information, engagingly and clearly written ... Every outdoor-lover should have at least one Tristan Gooley book in their library. He's attained national treasure status, as useful and educative as he is endearingly unique. -- Jim Perrin * The Great Outdoors magazine *

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Book SynopsisEnthusiastic, pleasingly madcap' GeographicalAdventure something that's new and exhilarating, outside your comfort zone. Adventures change you and how you see the world, and all you need is an open mind, bags of enthusiasm and boundless curiosity.So what's a microadventure? It's close to home, cheap, simple, short and 100% guaranteed to refresh your life. A microadventure takes the spirit of a big adventure and squeezes it into a day or even a few hours.The point of a microadventure is that you don't need lots of time and money to meet a new challenge. This practical guide is filled with ideas for microadventures for you to experience on your own or with friends and family and over 150 stunning photographs, plus tips and advice on safety and kit.Whether it's sleeping on a hilltop or going for a wild swim, cycling a lap of the Isle of Wight or walking home for Christmas, it's time you discovered something new about yourself and the world outside your window. Adventure is everywhere, Trade ReviewPraise for Alastair Humphreys: ‘Enthusiastic, pleasingly madcap’ Geographical ‘Enormous determination, lateral thinking, and a love for life and adventure’ Sir Ranulph Fiennes ‘I feel proud that our nation still produces nutters like you’ Major General G J Binns CBE DSO MC

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Book SynopsisThis first ever complete guide to Scottish bothies reveals the country's unique and often hidden network of bothy cabins and mountain huts. Scattered across Scotland's most beautiful landscapes, these evocative abandoned crofts and farmsteads are free to stay in and offer a chance to experience the ultimate in wild adventure living.

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Book SynopsisIncrease your strength, power, skill, and focus to maximize your climbing performance. Praise for Training for ClimbingTraining for Climbing is a great resource. Whether you're just starting out or already ticking 5.13, you'll find valuable information here to help you climb harder. This is the most complete and up-to-date training guide available.Rock and Ice magazineDrawing on the latest climbing research, this third edition of the international best-selling Training for Climbing presents a comprehensive, evidence-based program for improving climbing performance. With the unique perspective of a veteran climber, researcher, and coach, Eric Hörst blends leading edge sport science with his decades of climbing and coaching experience to create a content-rich text packed with practical how-to and what-to-do information.A few of the new topics explored include: Energy system training to develop greater strength, power-endurance, and aerobic endurance. Recalibrating the brain's central gov

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Book SynopsisThe most impressive, thrilling and scenic ski runs from one of the world's leading ski experts.Long descents, big verts, challenging pistes and stunning scenery, Powder is the definitive guide to the best and most feared ski runs on the planet. Whether you're a serious off-piste skier or a novice with alpine ambitions, this visually stunning guide will undoubtedly inspire the winter Olympian in all of us. Along with classic runs in Chamonix, Whistler and Jackson Hole, Powder will also take you to offbeat and exotic locations such as the Himalayas, the Atlas Mountains and the 2014 Olympic destination of Sochi in Russia - places notable not only for the fantastic skiing and snowboarding, but also for their extraordinary scenery. Powder is the ultimate bucket list for any snowsports enthusiast, challenging beginners and experts alike to take on the most breathtaking runs the world has to offer. Contents include: Mt St Elias, Alaska; Whitehorn 2, Lake Louise, Canada; Inferno, Mürren, Switzerland; Tortin, Verbier, Switzerland; Aiguille Rouge, Les Arcs, France; Klein Matterhorn Descent, Cervinia, Italy; Lyngen Peninsula, Norway; Sochi Olympic Downhill, Rosa Khutor, Russia; Mizuno no Sawa, Niseko, Japan; Everest, Mt Everest, Nepal; The Motatapu Chutes, Treble Cone, New Zealand; Fast One, Mt Buller, Australia; Mt Vinson, Antarctica.Table of ContentsIntroduction. Foreword. NORTH AMERICA: McConkey's, Squaw Valley, USA; Gunbarrel, Heavenly, USA; Grizzly, Snowbasin, USA; Corbet's Couloir, Jackson Hole, USA; Walsh's, Aspen, USA; Goat, Stowe, USA; Mount St Elias, Canada/USA; Couloir Extreme, Whistler, Canada; North Bowl, Revelstoke, Canada; I Gully, Whitehorn III, Lake Louise, Canada; La Crete, Mont-Sainte-Anne, Canada. NORTHERN EUROPE: Revelation, Kangaamiut, Greenland; Lyngen Peninsula, Karlsoy, Norway; Lundsrappet, Are, Sweden; Coire Dubh, The Back Corries, Scotland. WESTERN EUROPE: Luis Arias, Baqueira Beret, Spain; Pic du Midi, Pyrenees, France; Bellecote, La Plagne, France; Sarenne, Alpe d'Huez, France; Face de Bellevarde, Val d'Isere, France; Aiguille Rouge, Les Arcs, France; La Vallee Blanche, Chamonix, France; Kandahar, Garmisch-Partenkirchen, Germany; Dammkar, Mittenwald, Germany; Valluga, Arlberg, Austria; Streif, Kitzbuhel, Austria; Olympia Run, Patscherkofel, Austria; Edelgriess, Dachstein, Austria; Wilde Grub'n, Stubai, Austria; Inferno, Murren, Switzerland; Backside, Verbier, Switzerland; Diavolezza Glacier, St Moritz, Switzerland; The Wall/Paradise, Champery, Switzerland; Parsenn to Kublis, Davos, Switzerland; Klein Matterhorn, Cervinia, Switzerland/Italy; Olympia, Cortina d'Ampezzo, Italy; Balma, Alagna, Italy; Val de Mesdi, Alta Badia, Italy; Mount Etna, Sicily; Italy. EASTERN EUROPE: Kanin to Sella Nevea, Slovenia/Italy; Goryczkowa, Zakopane, Poland; Itinerary 19, Palandoken, Turkey; Olympic Downhill, Sochi, Russia. ASIA: Southeast Shoulder to Drang, Sulmarg, India; Fishtail Base Camp Run, Annapurna, Nepal; Mizuno no Sawa, Niseko, Japan. SOUTHERN HEMISPHERE: Roca Jack, Portillo, Chile; Eduardo's, Las Lenas, Argentina; Mary's Slide, Hotham, Australia; Motatapu Chutes, Treble Cone, New Zealand. Index. Acknowledgements.

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Book SynopsisA guidebook to 60 day walks on the Portuguese island of Madeira and neighbouring Porto Santo. Covering mountains, coast, laurisilva cloud forest and levadas (irrigation channels), routes range from easy strolls to more strenuous mountain hikes, some calling for a good head for heights. Walks range from 4 to 27km (2–17 miles) with options to combine routes to create longer days out. Sketch maps are included for each walk Detailed information on planning, facilities and public transport Highlights include an ascent of Pico de Areeiro, Madeira’s highest peak Easy access from Funchal Table of ContentsOverview map Map key Preface Introduction Location Geology History Landscape Trees and flowers Birds Animals Parque Natural da Madeira Funchal and Monte Getting to Madeira Getting around Madeira Accommodation Porto Santo Currency Language Food and drink Weather Tourist information Health issues Emergencies Maps of Madeira Making multi-day trips Using this guide 1 Eastern Madeira Walk 1 Levada dos Tornos: Monte to Camacha Walk 2 Levada dos Tornos: Camacha to Quatro Estradas Walk 3 Levada da Serra: Campo do Pomar to Camacha Walk 4 Levada da Serra: Camacha to Santo da Serra Walk 5 Levada Nova from Santo da Serra Walk 6 Baia d'Abra and Ponta de São Lourenço Walk 7 Levada do Caniçal: Maroços to Caniçal Walk 8 Levada da Portela: Santo da Serra to Portela Walk 9 Vereda das Funduras: Portela to Maroços Walk 10 North Coast: Porto da Cruz to Ribeira Seca 2 Funchal to Santana Walk 11 Vereda da Penha d'Águia Walk 12 Levada do Furado: Portela to Ribeiro Frio Walk 13 Caminho Velha: Poiso to Porto da Cruz Walk 14 Fajã da Nogueira and Levada da Serra Walk 15 Caminho Velha: Poiso to Santana Walk 16 Levada do Barreiro: Poço da Neve to Monte Walk 17 Levada da Negra: Poço da Neve to Barreira Walk 18 Levada do Curral: Curral das Freiras to Funchal Walk 19 Levada dos Piornais: Lombada to Funchal 3 The high mountains Walk 20 Boca da Encumeada to Achada do Teixeira Walk 21 Boca da Encumeada to Curral das Freiras Walk 22 Pico do Cedro and Pico do Areeiro Walk 23 Pico do Areeiro to Pico Ruivo Walk 24 Pico Ruivo, Vale da Lapa and Ilha Walk 25 Pico Ruivo, Queimadas and Santana Walk 26 Levada do Caldeirão Verde from Pico das Pedras Walk 27 Levada do Rei from Quebradas Walk 28 Santana, Calhau and São Jorge Walk 29 Boca da Encumeada and Pico Grande Walk 30 Colmeal and Pico Grande Walk 31 Fajã dos Cardos to Fajã do Penedo Walk 32 Boca da Encumeada to Colmeal 4 Jardim da Serra Walk 33 Boca da Encumeada to Marco e Fonte Walk 34 Boca da Corrida and Curral das Freiras Walk 35 Boca dos Namorados and Curral das Freiras Walk 36 Marco e Fonte to Fontes Walk 37 Terreiros from Boca da Corrida Walk 38 Crista do Espigão from Fontes Walk 39 Fajã da Ribeira, Levada Norte and Boa Morte Walk 40 Levada do Norte: Boa Morte to Estreito de C#xe2;mara de Lobos 5 Paúl da Serra Walk 41 Pico Ruivo do Paúl da Serra from Estanquinhos Walk 42 Rabaçal, Levada do Risco and 25 Fontes Walk 43 Levada do Paúl: Rabaçal to Cristo Rei Walk 44 Levada das Rabaças and Cascalho Walk 45 Caminho do Pin#xe1;culo e Folhadal Walk 46 Levada dos Cedros: Fanal to Ribeira da Janela Walk 47 Levada da Janela: Fonte do Bispo to Porto Moniz 6 Western Madeira Walk 48 Ponta do Pargo to Fonte do Bispo Walk 49 Levada do Moinho: Tornadouro to Ribeira da Cruz Walk 50 Levada da Calheta - Ponta do Pargo to Ponta do Pargo Walk 51 Levada da Calheta - Ponta do Pargo to Praz#xe9;res Walk 52 Caminho Real: Praz#xe9;res to Paúl do Mar Walk 53 Levada da Calheta - Ponta do Pargo to Lombo dos Faias Walk 54 Levada da Calheta - Ponta do Sol to Ponta do Sol Walk 55 Levada Nova and Levada do Moinho from Ponta do Sol Walk 56 Levada Nova: Jangão to Ribeira Brava Walk 57 Lombo do Mouro to Ribeira Brava 7 Porto Santo Walk 58 Pico do Castelo, Pico do Facho and Pico Branco Walk 59 Campo de Baixo, B#xe1;rbara Gomes and Eiras Walk 60 Ponta, Pico de Ana Ferreira, Pico do Espigão and Calheta Cruise to the Ilhas Desertas Appendix A Route summary table Appendix B Language notes Appendix C Useful contacts

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Book SynopsisVenture out to your local greenspace or just into your back yard, and try the amazing array of outdoor activities – from building a hidden sheet den to creating watering stations for bees. While you are there, scavenge and forage for raw materials and then extend the fun with creative makes and recipes to do back at home such as leaf printing, stick boats and stinging nettle crisps. Get to know the wild parts of your city or town with handy bug, plant and tree ID sections, plus a scavenger hunt and cloud-spotting game that can be done when out and about. Games to play with organised groups or with your family and friends adds another dimension to this book that is bursting with ideas for urban outdoor adventures. AUTHORS: Dan Westall and Naomi Walmsley run Outback2Basics from their patch of woodland in Shropshire, UK. Specialising in bushcraft and Stone Age skills, they provide unique experiences for school children and teachers to connect to nature. Dan has been a bushcraft teacher for many years and has also acted as a medic and survival consultant on various TV shows. Naomi is a qualified bushcraft instructor and Forest School Leader and believes that every child should be able to safely light a fire and have at least ten uses for a stick by the age of ten. She has also written about bushcraft and parenting for many magazines, including Bushcraft & Survival Skills, Living Woods and Juno. Together, they undertook a five-month Stone Age immersion experience in the US, living in the wilderness without any modern equipment, profoundly influencing their lives and teaching. SELLING POINTS: . Playing and learning outside in nature has been shown to benefit children in many ways, such as improving moods, concentration & confidence . Story spreads dotted throughout the book bring together experiences and memories of urban nature interactions . The main sections cover: home crafts, in the park or garden and around the city or town . Aimed at children, parents, outdoor teachers or anyone passionate about engaging with nature.

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Book SynopsisThe most detailed and accurate book on tracking animals in the UKTrade Review"If you want a reference book for when you are out in the field and see tracks/signs you can’t identify, or are simply fascinated by the subject matter, then look no further.""By FAR the best tracking book in my library."THE book for British trackers."

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Book SynopsisWouldn't it be useful to be able to come up with an accurate weather forecast simply by reading the clouds? Well, with this book, you can!TV forecasts, online predictions and smartphone apps are all based on the same data a number-crunched overview of how air pressure and temperature affects the weather over a large geographical area. But to get an idea of how the weather will develop for the precise spot where you're standing (or walking, sailing, golfing, fishing, etc) you don't need any equipment or a wifi connection you just need to look up. This book will give you a great understanding of why clouds are symptoms of weather patterns, not causes. Highly practical, it shows you how by reading these signs in the sky and referring to the explanatory colour photos and diagrams, you will be able to tell exactly what those signs mean. After its very well received first edition, this second edition is revised and expanded, including plenty of new photos to cover every possible view oTrade ReviewWell researched - practical information in an easy to assimilate form * Professor Richard Collier, former President of the Royal Meteorological Society *So good that my Yachtmaster candidates would do well to read it. I learned something from this book. I bet you do too * Tom Cunliffe, author of The Complete Day Skipper and The Complete Yachtmaster *Absolutely brilliant; a must for anyone who does anything outside and for whom the weather might be important. Everyone, wherever they are in the world, will get something from this book * Duncan Wells, author of Stress-Free Sailing *If you've ever wanted to forecast the weather by analysing clouds, you'll love this book. * People's Friend *Table of ContentsForeword by Tom Cunliffe Foreword by Duncan Wells 1. Getting to know the basics 2. Reading the high clouds 3. Reading the middle clouds 4. Reading the low clouds 5. Clouds with vertical growth 6. Weather forecasting rules 7. Local conditions 8. Weather lore 9. Quiz - what did you learn? Appendix 1 - Logging your observations Appendix 2 - The Beaufort scale of wind speed Bibliography Glossary Quick reference guide

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Book Synopsis** SHORTLISTED FOR THE WAINWRIGHT PRIZE**** SHORTLISTED FOR THE EDWARD STANFORD TRAVEL WRITING AWARD - TRAVEL MEMOIR OF THE YEAR **'A beautiful and magnificent book. A paean to a simple act. I defy you to read this book and not be inspired to walk, march or hike - and as a result live a better life more connected with nature and the world around you.' - Simon Reeve'A lovely book, fast-flowing yet at every turn giving the reader pause for thought. Kate Humble makes a delightful companion, her words full of sunshine and the raw pleasure she radiates as she encounters life in its many unexpected forms.' - Benedict Allen'A lovely, civilised and transporting read, that should have all of us stepping out to meet the world with fresh eyes.' - Hugh Fearnley-Whittingstall'An enticing read that makes every walk Humble describes an adventure' - Ranulph Fiennes'I've discovered that going for a daily walk has become as essential to me feeling good for the rest of the day as that first cup of tea. But I would argue that all I am doing is responding to a natural need we all have. Humans have always been migrants, the physiological urge to be nomadic is deep-rooted in all of us and perhaps because of that our brains are stimulated by walking. I solve all sorts of problems, formulate ideas, work things out to that gentle rhythm of self-propelled movement.' - Kate HumbleThinking on My Feet tells the story of Kate's walking year - shining a light on the benefits of this simple activity. Kate's inspiring narrative not only records her walks (and runs) throughout a single year, but also charts her feelings and impressions throughout - capturing the perspectives that only a journey on foot allows - and shares the outcomes: a problem solved, a mood lifted, an idea or opportunity borne. As she explores the reasons why we walk, whether for creative energy, challenge and pleasure, or therapeutic benefits, Kate's reflections and insights will encourage, motivate and spur readers into action.Also featured are Kate's walks with others who have discovered the magical, soothing effect of putting one foot in front of the other - the artist who walks to find inspiration for his next painting; the man who takes people battling with addiction to climb mountains; the woman who walked every footpath in Wales (3,700 miles) when she discovered she had cancer.This book will inspire you to change your perspective by applying walking to your daily endeavours. *PRAISE FOR THINKING ON MY FEET * 'A diary of sorts, charting a year of wonderful walks through the sun, wind and rain...each entry builds an image of her life in the great out

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Book SynopsisA combination of botanical beauty and practical advice in The Kew Gardener’s Guide to Growing Orchids will inspire beginners and experienced growers to love and grow 60 beautiful orchids.Table of ContentsINTRODUCTION TO GROWING ORCHIDS PLANTS Angraecum magdalenae Tulip orchid Barkeria spectabilis Hyacinth orchid PROJECT 1: CREATING AN ORCHID MINI-MEADOW Brassavola perrinii Spider orchid Bulbophyllum comosum Bulbophyllum echinolabium PROJECT 2: GROWING TROPICAL ORCHIDS FROM A FLASK OF SEEDLINGS Evergreen calanthe Tropical calanthe Cambria Cattleya cernua Cattleya trianae PROJECT 3: COMPANION PLANTING ON A WINDOWSILL Coelia bella Coelogyne cristata Cuitlauzina pendula Cymbidium lowianum PROJECT 4: REPOTTING A CYMBIDIUM Showy orchid Dancing lady PROJECT 5: REPOTTING A CYPRIPEDIUM Cyrtochilum macranthum Common spotted orchid PROJECT 6: GROWING A DACTYLORHIZA FROM SEED Dendrobium bigibbum Dendrobium cuthbertsonii Dendrobium kingianum Noble orchid Dendrobium speciosum Pride of Table Mountain Vampire orchid Chatterbox orchid Guaria morada Habenaria medusa PROJECT 7: GROWING ORCHIDS IN A BASKET Laelia anceps Lepanthes calodictyon Leptotes bicolor Jewel orchid Lycaste aromatica Masdevallia hybrids Masdevallia rosea Maxillaria tenuifolia PROJECT 8: MOUNTING ORCHIDS ON BARK Pansy orchid Columbian pink pansy orchid Princess Alexandra’s oncidium Oncidium ornithorhynchum Bee orchid Asian slipper orchid PROJECT 9: TRAINING FLOWER SPIKES Moth orchid Phalaenopsis schilleriana South American slipper orchid PROJECT 10: MAKING A CORSAGE Pleione formosana Cockleshell orchid Butterfly orchid Blunt greenhood Restrepia striata Foxtail orchid PROJECT 11: PLANTING UP A TERRARIUM Sarcochilus hartmannii Sobralia macrantha Stanhopea tigrina Stelis emarginata Stenoglottis fimbriata Vanda ampullacea PROJECT 12: POLLINATING ORCHIDS Blue vanda Wind orchid Vanilla orchid Zygopetalum mackayi Where to see orchids Orchid conservation Troubleshooting What to do when Index Acknowledgments

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Book SynopsisFor anyone who has ever dreamed of leaving it all behind and heading for the hills, survival expert and three-time New York Times bestselling author, Tim MacWelch, makes that a reality with How to Survive Off the Grid. Concrete, useful hints cover everything from raising chickens in your urban backyard to going totally off the grid in your all-solar log cabin.A guide for the modern homesteader, this covers energy efficiency, finding and pumping your own water, keeping chickens, goats, bees, and other critters, and much more from a practical hands-on perspective. GET THERE Decide how far off the grid you want to get, choose your spot, and take the plunge (or adapt these hints to a more suburban or even urban lifestyle) Stake Your Claim Gimme Shelter Water or Life The Heat Is On Power Up LIVE THERE  Ensure you have enough to eat on a daily basis, and all year round. More than Meals Veggies for All Fruits and Nuts Amber Waves of Grain Backyard Critters Get Your Goat Have a Cow, Man Fish & Bugs   SURVIVE THERE Eat nature's bounty, build a safe house, and nurse yourself back to health  The Long Haul Hunt & Fish Level Up Safe as Houses Be Your own Doctor  Bug Out!  Into the Wild With high-quality design, amazing illustrations—this comprehensive lifestyle book is the perfect gift!

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Book SynopsisThere’s never been a better time to be prepared. "This book is an indispensable basic manual for the real-life issues that await us in the decades to come. . . [A] treasure trove of practical wisdom."—James Howard Kunstler, author of The Geography of Nowhere Matthew Stein’s comprehensive primer on sustainable living skills—from food and water to shelter and energy to first-aid and crisis-management skills—prepares you to embark on the path toward sustainability. But unlike any other book, Stein not only shows you how to live green in seemingly stable times, but to live in the face of potential disasters, lasting days or years, coming in the form of social upheaval, economic meltdown, or environmental catastrophe. When Technology Fails covers the gamut. Inside, you’ll learn: The basics of installing a renewable energy system for your home or business How to find and sterilize water in the face of utility failure How to keep warm if you’ve been left temporarily homeless Practical information for dealing with water-quality issues Alternative health and first-aid techniques Each chapter describes skills for self-reliance in good times and bad. Chapters Include: A survey of the risks to the status quo Supplies and preparation for short- and long-term emergencies Emergency measures for survival Prepping water, food, shelter, and clothing First aid, low-tech medicine, and healing Securing energy, heat, and power Metalworking Utensils and storage Low-tech chemistry engineering, machines, and materials Fully revised and expanded, When Technology Fails ends on a positive, proactive note with a chapter on “Making the Shift to Sustainability,” which offers practical suggestions for changing our world on personal, community and global levels.Trade ReviewReview From John Egan, proprietor of the website SurvivalistBooks.com- Matthew Stein has written a clear, concise book on the subject of survival that, while educating, also does what few others have managed to do - entertain and engage the reader. Throughout the book you'll find personal stories accompanying the text to further illustrate or drive home a point. The use of these asides brings you into Matthew Stein's life, as he recounts personal stories of survival and tells the stories of others who have managed to overcome the odds to survive. Not just a survival book, Matthew also covers topics like alternative therapies; how to create a survival mindset; survival strategies; renewable energy; companion gardening; prophecies etc. as well as all the regular topics found in such books - edible plants; first aid; making a survival kit; growing, hunting and foraging; making tools; creating shelters; spinning/weaving/tanning etc. The book has some great illustrations that make plant identification and first aid that much easier to understand and each chapter finishes with a reference section listing books (along with a short review) and resources (with web addresses where available). "If you've been wondering about how to respond to the twin dangers of peak oil and global warming, one of your best choices would be to read this book."--Greg Pahl, author of The Citizen-Powered Energy Handbook: Community Solutions to a Global Crisis"We imagine that we live in the age of information, but this engrossing book reminds us of how comparatively little we know. Most human communities used to know how to provide water and food and energy for themselves, but most of the tips in this comprehensive account will come as news to most Americans. You may never need to put them into practice (or you may need them this winter when home heating prices soar) but at the very least they illuminate the state of our comparative ignorance."--Bill McKibben, author of Deep Economy "You don't need to be a survivalist to appreciate this book. If you are thoughtful. If you seek a simpler, more sustainable life or if you feel as though technology has already failed us in the ways that matter, this is a book you want in your personal library."--Kathy Harrison, author of Just In Case: How to Be Self-Sufficient When the Unexpected Happens "This book is an indispensable basic manual for the real-life issues that await us in the decades to come. Those who read it, and pay attention to its treasure trove of practical wisdom, will enjoy a huge advantage as the cheap oil fiesta winds down and circumstances compel us to live differently."--James Howard Kunstler, author of The Long Emergency "A fascinating collection of concepts and skills that will satisfy everyone from the casual do-it-yourself enthusiast to someone who wants to attempt self-reliance and the ultimate emergency preparedness."--Howard Backer, MD, author of Wilderness First Aid: Emergency Care for Wilderness Locations and past president of the Wilderness Medical Society "I have no children because I read M. King Hubbert's analyses on the future of oil and other fossil fuels in 1969, and Limits to Growth shortly thereafter. It was clear to me then and in every year since that our whole economy, and all of our economic principles, were based on cheap oil that would not last. The reason that economists could get away with criticizing Hubbert and LTG as well promoting their basically absurd theories that often disregarded and even belittled natural resources was that, in fact, more oil could be pulled out of the ground to make ANY economic theory or policy work, no matter how stupid. Now that the oil spigot is sputtering the economists' theories and policies are increasingly shown to be failures. We need a whole new way to think about how we do our economies. In the spirit of the old Whole Earth Catalogues Matt Stein does a marvelous and diverse job of helping us to think about how we might go about generating an approach to our economies that can make sense. This is a great book to have on your bookshelf as we enter the post-peak second half of the age of oil."--Professor Charles A.S. Hall, SUNY College of Environmental Science and Forestry "When Technology Fails is the roadmap that you want and need to navigate whatever may lie ahead."--John L. Chunta, PeakOilResources.com "We may all need a survival reference when technology fails. Matthew provides one--fact-filled, with useful tips on all aspects of survival, clothing, food, shelter, water, etc., including such vital subjects as grazing and the green pharmacy."--James A. Duke, economic botanist, USDA (ret.), and author of The Green Pharmacy "A marvelous guidebook for helping us through the worst of times, and even improving on the best of times."--Thom Hartmann, syndicated radio host and author of The Last Hours of Ancient Sunlight"When the grid goes down, having this book with you could be the difference between life and death."--Matt Savinar, author of Life After the Oil Crash"Stein's excellent guide to simplifying your life, reducing your environmental impact, and pulling yourself out of a jam is sure to gather no dust on your bookshelf... This book is a personal and planetary empowerment tool."--Richard Heede, Ph.D., author, Homemade Money: How to Save Energy and Dollars in Your Home "I liked this book. It's carefully researched, comprehensive, well illustrated, and readable. It presents much needed alternate information, for, in my opinion, technology has already 'failed' ...So replacement of polluting 'high' technologies with non-polluting 'low' ones is urgent, and Matthew Stein's handbook systematically and accurately surveys a wide array of possible low-tech options. Much hard work, time, and talent went into the building of this basic reference survey of low-tech options."--Carla Emery, author, The Encyclopedia of Country Living: An Old-Fashioned Recipe Book "When Technology Fails is a massive project done well. First the book gives a superb presentation of WHY one should be more aware and prepared--and then HOW one should go about this. The scope of this book... is thorough. Not only is the information presented well, but a solid bibliography can carry the student as far as he desires in any particular area of interest."--John McPherson, author, Primitive Wilderness Living and Survival Skills "Matthew Stein has done us all a tremendous favor by searching far and wide for useful knowledge. In this era of specialization, personal and social viability depend on expansive thinking. When Technology Fails is itself a powerful expression of the technology of sustainable living. It teaches more skills than I thought possible in just one book and rightly combines the immediacy of an emergency escape plan with the urgency for long-term thinking."--Mathis Wackernagel, Executive Director of the Global Footprint Network "When Technology Fails is a comprehensive guide and compendium of the tools society will require as it reaches the convergence of hyper-inflation, oil depletion, and environmental limitations; in other words, at the point where technology fails."--William Kemp, author of The Renewable Energy Handbook"When Technology Fails. . . Like that's some sort of unlikely future possibility! Technology is always failing while people stand around befuddled about what to do. With Mat Stein's book, when push comes to shove, you can be your own veritable MacGyver. Not only does it provide us with the information we need to plan for, and deal with, potential emergencies and disasters, it also shows us how we can live more sustainably and self-reliantly in today's world of climate change and gas prices that are going through the ceiling. This is the sort of ingenuity for which Americans have been famous. When Technology Fails is to the mechanical world what Joy of Cooking is to the world of cooking. In other words, the encyclopedia every home should have on hand. Keep it right next to the emergency flashlight and your Swiss Army knife."--David Blume, permaculturist and author of Alcohol Can Be A Gas!"Whether you are seeking self-reliance and a simpler life or fear the collapse of social services, this compendium of practical information for sustainable living belongs on your bookshelf..."--Fred C. Walters, editor, Acres U.S.A. magazine "The depth of this book, covering everything from building materials to spiritual healing, is astounding. It is a one-stop source... to create a self-sufficient, earth-friendly lifestyle. I highly recommend it for anyone interested in preserving the health of themselves and the planet--and moving toward a sustainable, sane way of living."--Robyn Griggs Lawrence, editor-in-chief, Natural Home magazine "Matthew Stein gives us a readable, updated wake-up call for sustainability practices in the best tradition of Paul Ehrlich, Lester Brown, and Jared Diamond."--Stephen Schneider, Ph.D., Melvin and Joan Lane Professor for Interdisciplinary Environmental Studies at Stanford University and coordinating lead author in IPCC summary papers on climate change "In this age of over-consumption, truth is lost in a myriad of commercialized details. Matthew Stein picks up and assembles these shattered shards, and by examining each in the meticulous manner of a crime scene investigator, offers valuable insight and practical tools to survive in a world at the brink of chaos. In doing so, he helps maintain sanity in a time of hardening denial about the state of the world--and helps throw open the door to Plato's Cave where so many of us remain uncomfortably shackled."--Peter Droege, author of The Renewable City and Urban Energy TransitionTable of ContentsForeword by Richard Heinberg. An Introduction to Self-Reliance. Present Trends, Possible Futures. Supplies and Preparations. Emergency Measures for Survival. Water. Food: Growing, Foraging, Hunting and Storing. Shelter and Buildings. First Aid. When High-Tech Medicine Fails. Clothing and Textiles. Energy, Heat and Power. Metalworking. Utensils and Storage. Better Living Through Not-So-Modern Chemistry. Engineering, Machines and Materials. Making the Shift to Sustainability.

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Book SynopsisFernhurst Books' Waterproof Notebook Pocket-sized fits in the pocket. It is printed on plastic paper that is totally waterproof. It can be written on using most writing and drawing tools. The pages can be re-used if writing with a pencil or chinagraph. The spiral binding allows the book to be opened flat or folded back on itself. It is great for sailors, canoeists, fishermen and indeed anyone needing to make notes near water or when it might rain. It is even used for underwater drawing classes!Trade Review“These are just about what they say on the cover - waterproof notebooks. The pages are plastic paper, I can write on them dry or wet! The pages seem to take pencil, ballpoint and felt-tip well.” (flyfishing-and-flytying.co.uk) “The convenient size of the smaller version is ideal for note-taking and sketches. Printed on plastic waterproof paper which can be written on using most writing tools, the pages can be re-used if writing with a pencil or chinograph. The spiral binding allows the book to be opened flat / folded back. The book is great for making notes near water or when it might rain.” (Towpath Talk) “great for pilotage notes, on-the-go log entries or sketches.” (Sailing Today)

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Book SynopsisThe ultimate guide to family woodland fun!Forest School is founded on a philosophy of nature-based play encouraging children to develop confidence and self-esteem through hands-on learning experiences in a natural environment. This book will get your children outside, making and building for real (instead of on a computer screen!). Whether your local woodland is a forest or a strip of trees along the edge of an urban park, these activities provide fantastic opportunities for family time and will encourage your children to fall in love with outdoor play again. This is the first book to share Forest School games, crafts and skill-building activities with families, its magical illustrations and simple instructions drawing children easily into a world of wonder. * Be a fox tracking its prey, a moth evading a bat, a rabbit fleeing a forest fire!* Make a working bow and arrow, spectacular headdresses, beautiful woodland jewellery, magic wands - all with materials gathered from the forest floor.* Learn wilderness survival skills: build a shelter, make fire, forage and cook wild food.Trade Review"Forest School, a grassroots global maximization of children's social, emotional, and developmental potential." -Retailing Insight

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Book SynopsisPerfect for inspiring kids to step away from screens and get out in the fresh air, this brilliant book is crammed full of outdoor activities and fun for children. As well as gaining some simple survival skills, children will learn more about the world around them and their place within it. Practical, creative and educational, the tasks concentrate on leaving only a positive trace, while promoting a feeling of wellbeing. AUTHOR: Richard Irvine is a qualified teacher with a love of the outdoors and over 20 years' experience in the field of outdoor learning. An accomplished greenwood carver, he brings woodcraft into his work wherever possible through progressing children's skills at Forest School and running professional development workshops and recreational carving days for adults. His books include the award-winning Forest Craft, and he lives in Devon. 400 photographs, 10 illustrations

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Book SynopsisThese fine-quality sheets feature 6 prints inspired by stylish succulents!These papers are suitable for craft projects as well as for gift wrapping. The variety of designs means they are useful for any occasionwhether a holiday, birthday, anniversary or just because.Designed in a folder-style to prevent the sheets from tearing or bending, this gift wrapping set includes:24 sheets of 18 x 24 inch (45 x 61 cm) paper6 unique patternsThe tradition of gift wrapping originated in Asia, with the first documented use in China in the 2nd century BC. Japanese furoshiki, reusable wrapping cloth, is still in use four centuries after it was first created. Gift wrapping is one custom that has prevailed through the ages and across the worldit should be special for both the gift giver and recipient.

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Book SynopsisUltralight Bike Touring and Bikepacking is the result of over 100,000 miles of lightweight human-powered travel undertaken domestically and internationally by Justin Lichter and Justin Kline. Together they detail backcountry skills, bikepacking gear, and lightweight traveling techniques for self-supported cycling adventures, whether you're planning an overnighter or multi-month adventure. Whether you are a beginner or a veteran, this is the most comprehensive book yet on traveling further and lighter.

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Book SynopsisThis wonderfully appealing and practical gift book features step-by-step instructions on how to tie over 50 knots and when and where to use them. The beautiful two colour illustrations and clear instructions quickly teach you how to tie classic knots, such as the Reef Knot and Bowline, through to more specialist knots such as the Alpine Butterfly and the Taut Line Hitch. The knots are clearly organised for safe application across a range of activities including sailing, climbing, fishing, camping or for decoration. The useful introduction and reference section tells you all you need to know about knot work; including an explanation of the key terms, recommended techniques and a complexity rating for tying each knot. So, if you want to make a rope ladder with your kids, sail the oceans, be safe climbing in the mountains or make a True Lovers' knot then this book has every knot you should know how to tie, plus many more. The perfect gift for craftsmen and women alike and the adventurer in all of us. Featuring an exclusive foreword from Tim Treloar of TT Adventures, co-presenter of the BAFTA-winning Survival School with Bear Grylls.Trade ReviewA great book. I've recently started fishing and knew nothing about knots but this book covers all the basics and much more, definitely recommend to anyone wanting to pick up some knots quickly. -- Aaron RBeautiful illustrations and clear instructions. A lovely gift for anybody searching for a new hobby. -- Debbie48speedy delivery nice book -- JOCKOMOJOTable of Contents1 Foreword by Tim Treloar 7 2 Introduction 9 3 Understanding the basics of ropework 12 4 Bowline Knot 14 5 Bowline on a Bight 16 6 Clove Hitch 18 7 Figure of Eight Knot 20 8 Overhand Knot 22 9 Reef Knot 24 10 Rolling Hitch 26 11 Round Turn and Two Half Hitches 28 12 Sheet Bend 30 13 Double Sheet Bend 32 14 Heaving Line Knot 34 15 Monkey's Fist Knot 36 16 Double Overhand Knot 38 17 Stevedore Knot 40 18 Alpine Butterfly 42 19 Figure of Eight Loop 44 20 Overhand Loop 46 21 Perfection Loop 48 22 Portuguese Bowline 50 23 Clove Hitch on a Bight 52 24 Gripping Sailor's Hitch 54 25 Ground-Line Hitch 56 26 Snuggle Hitch 58 27 Square Lashing 60 28 Boom Hitch 62 29 Cat's Paw Knot 64 30 Constrictor Knot 66 31 Fisherman's Bend 68 32 Prusik Loop 70 33 French Prusik Loop 72 34 Taut Line Hitch 74 35 Timber Hitch 76 36 Blood Knot 78 37 Double Bowline 80 38 Carrick Bend 82 39 Fisherman's Knot 84 40 Double Fisherman's Knot 86 41 Rigger's Knot 88 42 Running Bowline 90 43 Surgeon's Knot 92 44 Tape Knot 94 45 Zeppelin Bend 96 46 Chain Sennit 98 47 Chinese Button Knot 100 48 Jury Mast Knot 104 49 Plait Sennit 106 50 Square Knot 108 51 True Lovers' Knot 110 52 Turk's Head Knot 112 53 Bottle Sling 114 54 Cow Hitch 116 55 Eye Splice 118 56 Sheepshank Knot 122 57 Tom Fool's Knot 124 58 Index 126 59 Bibliography 127

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Book SynopsisThe best-selling Wild Swimming Walks series visits the delights of Cornwall's coasts, estuaries, rivers and moors. Discover secret coves, sandy beaches, blue grottoes and moorland pools with 28 magical days out. Combining stunning photography, engaging stories and natural history, with all the practical information you need - detailed directions, route maps, practical ideas and downloadable guides. Perfect for adventurers and family explorers alike. Swim in sheltered azure coves on the Lizard Find fairy pools and coral sands in Penwith Explore rugged cliffs and sea caves near Padstow Dive into mysterious pools on Bodmin Moor swoosh down with the tide in the West Looe River Glide under the willows in dappled valleys of the Fal Float in the emerald waters of Daphne du Maurier's Frenchman's Creek Swim among hidden harbours and ancient quays of Cotehele Follow in the footsteps of pirates and smugglers at Prussia CoveTable of ContentsContents & Areas Bossiney & St Nectan's Glen Cadgwith Cove Circular Carn Marth Circular Chapelporth Circular Charlestown Circular Cotehele Circular Fowey Circular Frenchman's Creek Cardinham Moor Lakes Goldiggins Circular Gorran Haven Circular Holywell Bay Circular Lanhydrock Circular Looe Swoosh Mabe Quarry Circular Mullion Figure of Eight Northcott Mouth & Bude Circular Pentire & Lundy Circular Porthgwarra Nanjizal Circular Portreath Circular Porthwrinkle & Sheviock Cicular Prussia Cove St Anthony's Head St Ives Steam & Swim St Just Circular Trescore Islands Circular Truro & Fal Estuary Little Petherick Creek

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Book SynopsisTop five Best Books About Running, Runner's World Magazine Top three Best Books About Running, readers of Runner's World Magazine (December 2009)A phenomenal portrait of courage and desire that will do for college cross-country what John Feinstein's A Season on the Brink did for college basketball.Trade Review“Lear's tale of the 1998 Colorado cross country season is part tragedy, part biography and part training window to one of the country's best programs. It deserves its cult-classic status and is worthy of another read every few years.” --Running Times

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Book SynopsisThe essential manual on how to find your way anywhere in any situation.

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Book Synopsis'An anthology to treasure and return to' ELINOR CLEGHORN'Uniquely compelling, dynamic and powerful' LUCY JONES'Deeply affecting' TOM SHAKESPEARE'Promises to change the landscape of nature writing' LIZZIE HUXLEY-JONESA first-of-its-kind anthology of nature writing by authors living with chronic illness and physical disabilityWITH A FOREWORD BY SAMANTHA WALTONThrough twenty-five pieces, the writers of Moving Mountains offer a vision of nature that encompasses the close up, the microscopic, and the vast. From a single falling raindrop to the enormity of the north wind, this is nature experienced wholly and acutely, written from the perspective of disabled and chronically ill authors. Moving Mountains is not about overcoming or conquering, but about living with and connecting, shifting the reader's attention to the things easily overlooked by those who move through the world untroubled by the body that carries them. Contributors: Isobel Anderson, Kerri Andrews, Polly Atkin, Khairani Barokka, Victoria Bennett, Feline Charpentier, Cat Chong, Eli Clare, Dawn Cole, Lorna Crabbe, Kate Davis, Carol Donaldson, Alec Finlay, Jamie Hale, Jane Hartshorn, Hannah Hodgson, Sally Huband, Rowan Jaines, Dillon Jaxx, Louise Kenward, Abi Palmer, Louisa Adjoa Parker, Alice Tarbuck, Nic Wilson

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Book SynopsisThe Utah Recreation Map is a folded map version of the Recreation Guide pages within Benchmark's Utah Road & Recreation Atlas. The Utah Recreation Map is the ideal planning tool for everything outdoors, from a nearby day-hike to a vacation adventure in one of Utah's rugged parks and wilderness areas.

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Book SynopsisGuidebook to the best mountain alternative routes deviating from Scotland's iconic West Highland Way. Includes 14 variants/side loops plus trail extensions, with options to bag nearby Munros. For intrepid walkers with an affinity for hills.

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Book SynopsisDiscover the best runs and races around the globe with this beautifully illustrated, expertly curated collection from National Geographic. Runners of all skill levelseven those going from couch to 5kwill find something unforgettable among these 100 runs and races, including all six of the iconic World Marathon Majors to courses that traverse Hawaii, Iceland, and Italy's stunning Amalfi Coast. See you at the starting line! This extraordinary guidebook contains 100 of the best running routes around the globe. With one-of-a-kind experiences for every type of runner, from novices to seasoned marathoners, runners will find the best routes for scenic views, on-course entertainment, and new PRs. Including tried-and-true favorites, such as the Boston Marathon and a race through the Colorado's Gardens of the Gods, you'll also discover a variety of hidden gems and more, including:The Lewa Safari Marathon, an epic run through a conservation area in Kenya where you may spot the Big FiveThe A

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Book SynopsisAs a follow-up to his hugely popular 2016 autobiography Trailblazer; Ryan Sandes' new book explores the gripping and often life-threatening adventures this extraordinary ultra-trail runner has experienced around the globe since then.

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Book SynopsisThe only conditioning book a rock climber needs!Rock climbing is one of the most physically challenging sports, testing strength, endurance, flexibility, and stamina. Good climbers have to build and maintain each of these assets. This revised and updated edition of the classic book, Conditioning for Climbers, provides climbers of all ages and experience with the knowledge and tools to design and follow a comprehensive, personalized exercise program.

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Book SynopsisOutward Bound Backcountry Cooking is a handy resource on the fundamentals of great trail food, including information about food preparation and storage, cooking tips for different weather, keeping food fresh, and planning and packing meals plus recipes for great outdoor meals. In partnership with outdoor leader Outward Bound, this book combines expert instruction with practical tips to ensure a fun and a satisfying meal for your next outdoor adventure.

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Book SynopsisAn adventurous best mate in book form, The Girl Outdoors is a rip-roaring guide to the wider, wilder world. Whether you’re going on a physically demanding expedition or making cordial from foraged berries, this beautiful book is packed with inspiring and attainable ideas and advice. Follow Sian’s guide to getting active outdoors, from mountain biking to climbing, surfing, kayaking and more. Planning a wild adventure? You’ll find chapters on everything from wild camping and cycle touring to holding mini festivals and scrumptious campfire recipes. Then we’re off round the world with trip-planning advice, essential kit lists and tips on long-term backpacking and working abroad. Scattered throughout are enticing ideas for global adventures, from swimming on Scottish islands to canoe camping in Canada. The Girl Outdoors warmly welcomes you to a wilder way of life and ensures you’ll never again have to experience FOMA (Fear Of Missing Adventures).Trade ReviewAll about finding happiness outside and championing easy adventures that we can all try. Sian covers it all from how to travel solo to specific suggestions for active women's holidays, plus advice on how to forage and cook in the wild, travel in a campervan, create a shelter, rock climb and take the perfect outdoor photo. * Project Calm *Lewis is as enthusiastic about campfire cooking as cliff jumping and cross-country skiing, and will inspire you to do whatever you fancy ... [her] chatty, can-do attitude and her intolerance of posers of all stripes is refreshing. -- Stephanie Cross * BBC Countryfile *

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Book SynopsisHow to Rock Climb!, now in its fifth edition, is the most thorough instructional rock climbing book in the world. All the fundamentalsfrom ethics to getting up the rockare presented in John Long''s classic style. Thoroughly revised and updated to reflect the modern standards of equipment, technique, and training methods, this guide includes sections on face climbing; crack climbing; ropes, anchors, and belays; getting off the rock; sport climbing; and much more. It is the essential how-to book for rock climbers everywhere.Now with more than 300 color photographs and illustrations, this is the most thorough and complete upgrade this best-selling title has seen since first publishing more than a decade ago.

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Book SynopsisNorway has long been an insider tip among road lovers. The Trollstigen is often mentioned in the same breath as legendary passes all over the world. It's important to know that whether you move on two wheels or four, there is so much more to discover here. Curves has set out in search of the absolute highlights and presents exactly that here: breath-taking views, endless winding roads, and gastronomic highlights - all combined to create a travel guide of a very special kind. Norway is presented here as you certainly don't know it - yet! Text in English and German. Also available: Curves: Germany's Coastline Denmark ISBN 9783667110909

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