Rating: 
Summary: Informative, Inspiring, and Entertaining
Review: This is one of the best hiking guides I have ever seen. The author has packed an amazing amount of information into this book, and it is all clear and easy to use, whether you are planning a day hike or longer adventure. Introductory material covers everything you need to know - how to avoid grizzly bears, how to physically prepare for long distance hiking, how to respect the environment as you pass through. Alternate, proposed and real routes are all covered. The book also covers things you don't necessarily NEED to know, but that will make your experience of the area so much richer - history, geology, wildlife and more. Everything is presented in an enormously readable tone, with humor and insight. For example: "definition of lost: when you know where you are, but you don't know where the damned trail is." How many guidebooks can make you laugh out loud? You know Lynna Howard has been there and experienced the trail fully, and she inspires you to see it for yourself. Each section of trail is represented by clear maps and gorgeous color photos by Leland Howard - well above the usual guidebook standard. In checking Amazon for other books by Lynna and Leland, I was thrilled to see that they have done a coffee table book on the same section of trail, so the photography will get its full due. The publisher should be commended for putting together such a well-published, attractive package. I can't wait to hit the trail!
Rating:
Summary: A real guide book for the Northern Continental Divide
Review: This is the best Guidebook that I have ever purchased. It doesn't waste space telling an experienced back packer like me about how much weight etc. that a person should carry. I really liked the mileage indicators being in the trail description. So many books require you to, in effect see continued, to deduce mileage. An added bonus is the excellent photographs, which are inspiring. It is clear that Lynna and Leland Howard must have a deep love of nature in order to produce such a fine publication. As I continue my trek next season of the continental divide this will be the only book in my pack.
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