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Rating: 
Summary: The authors explain...
Review: As authors of this book, we should respond to Joe's criticism about the map placement: we'd love to do as he suggests, namely have the maps in the appropriate section, rather than at the end, but since they are in color, that would greatly increase the price: the color photos (that he doesn't mention) are in one section ("signature"), as are the maps, so that those 2 sections are put on a color press, the rest of the book on a much less expensive black & white press. A final comment: we thought about putting in GPS locations for major or tricky points, but until the "selective access" (random errors introduced by the Defense Department to protect against terrorist attacks) was cancelled recently, it didn't seem worth it. Now that the accuracy of hand-held GPS units will be much better, we may add that feature in the future. The exhaustive detail was included for a reason: signage is often vandalized and trails of use are continually changing, so the detail is an effort to improve recognition of features and thereby safety. The latest printing of the guidebook has a 2-page insert listing errors and changes. We have now set up a Web site to provide corrections and additions, as well as links to related sites and some photos of new trails. from there you can also reach us.
Roger & Ethel Freeman
Rating: 
Summary: Valley of the Sun covered in detail!
Review: Roger and Ethel Freeman put out the first edition of this book in 1988. Anybody that lives in the "Valley of the Sun" knows a lot has changed since the eighties. A big thanks goes out for this Second edition in 2000. This book covers trails of the valley better than any other source available. I should forewarn most of these trails are hard-core hot desert; do not hike here in the summer. Information such as geology, history and maps are included. The geology sections are informative. Each entry on history was exciting to read. The maps are well done but placement in the appendix makes flipping back and forth necessary. Trails in negotiation and proposed trail information is scattered throughout the book. The highlight of this guidebook is without a doubt the "Detailed Trail Descriptions". Its unbelievable and maybe overdone if you're not a real detailed hiking enthusiast. Each trail is broken down to the hundredth of a mile. Well at least when a turn, fence, post, object or sight is encountered that is. Maybe someday they will include a GPS coordinate for each step! Well to wrap it up. In general the map setup is not to my liking. Every imaginable trail in the valley is listed. The book really is loaded with information. It appears lots of work went into putting this book together. - valley hikers rejoice
Rating:
Summary: Valley of the Sun covered in detail!
Review: Roger and Ethel Freeman put out the first edition of this book in 1988. Anybody that lives in the "Valley of the Sun" knows a lot has changed since the eighties. A big thanks goes out for this Second edition in 2000. This book covers trails of the valley better than any other source available. I should forewarn most of these trails are hard-core hot desert; do not hike here in the summer. Information such as geology, history and maps are included. The geology sections are informative. Each entry on history was exciting to read. The maps are well done but placement in the appendix makes flipping back and forth necessary. Trails in negotiation and proposed trail information is scattered throughout the book. The highlight of this guidebook is without a doubt the "Detailed Trail Descriptions". Its unbelievable and maybe overdone if you're not a real detailed hiking enthusiast. Each trail is broken down to the hundredth of a mile. Well at least when a turn, fence, post, object or sight is encountered that is. Maybe someday they will include a GPS coordinate for each step! Well to wrap it up. In general the map setup is not to my liking. Every imaginable trail in the valley is listed. The book really is loaded with information. It appears lots of work went into putting this book together. - valley hikers rejoice
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