Mountain N' Air Books

Walking all over...

2011-11-16T10:38:00.000-08:00

Work and other obligations kept me from exercising, suddenly, a perfectly healthy man, I was sick. High, really high blood pressure, and at least thirty pounds overweight. I didn't even notice the weight gain, just assumed that I was getting old and couldn't any longer do certain physical activities. I also notice that I was crankier than the usual and not too happy about anything.
Change of life style, what life style. I always took life as it came, no style.
Once a very active man was inactive and sedentary. Working seating down and eating more.
I went back to what I used to do. Hiking, walking to places and cruise the streets for no reason what so ever, just enjoying the view and camaraderie of other strollers.
I recommend it to anyone that can find a few minutes here and there, to walk, walk and walk some more.
Drink water, with only an occasional beer or wine to breakdown the monotony or enjoy the company of a friend.
I am enjoy life a few minutes at the time and probably will do so for a long time.

Gilberto

Run Like a Mother...

2010-09-21T11:07:00.000-07:00

Run Like a Mother

By Dimity McDowell and Sarah Bowen Shea

After reading Run Like a Mother you will feel like you have no excuse to start running right away. This book is to women who think that staying fit, looking beautiful, and staying healthy is an impossible mission when you add the word motherhood. If you feel this is your situation then you definitely have to read Run Like a Mother. It gives you helpful advice from running mothers that have found in this activity the motivation to get out and do something for themselves. Run Like a Mother includes the best tips on the appropriate clothing to make the best out of your running experience. It also includes advice on indispensable and unnecessary running accessories, something that definitely makes things easier when shopping for your equipment. A whole chapter in nutrition also helps deciding what foods to consume before and afterwards. This book is definitely a book every mom should read.

ISBN: 9780740785351

Price: $14.99 USD

Life in Stone

2010-09-07T15:47:00.000-07:00

Life In Stone

Christa Sadler

Life in Stone Fossils of the Colorado Plateau, a fascinating book that tells the story of life in the mystical lands of the Four Corners area of the American Southwest beginning with the Precambrian era to the present time. Life In Stone is for everyone interested in expanding their knowledge about the evolution of life in the Colorado Plateau. Its easy language makes Life In Stone a very fun and interesting book to read. Life In Stone comes is well illustrated, beautiful pictures and maps that help the reader grasp the material in an easier way.

Carving the Grand Canyon

2010-09-07T15:38:00.000-07:00

Carving Grand Canyon

How did the Colorado River originate? Of course the first answer would be that the Colorado River carved it, which is in essence true, but there is more to it. The Grand Canyon’s origin is still to this day surrounded by mysteries that contribute to its fascinating beauty. Learn about these mysteries from the pages of Carving Grand Canyon Evidence, Theory, and Mystery by Wayne Ranney, a book that presents the groundbreaking theories and enigmas of the formation of the Grand Canyon in a simple manner, making it easy to understand even without the knowledge of complicated geology terminology. One of the best things about Carving Grand Canyon Evidence, Theory, and Mystery is that the author goes step-by-step explaining what is known about the Grand Canyon from its formation to its physical setting to the landscape evolution of the region. Learn about the loveliness of the place through the captivating pictures of the canyon and the many illustrated maps that serve as a reference.

Is it true that previous to the Colorado River another river existed that flowed in the opposite direction? Don’t miss the opportunity to learn about these and other mysteries on Carving Grand Canyon Evidence, Theories, and Mystery.

2010-08-09T15:40:00.000-07:00

The Abundance of Summer The Seasons Of Yellowstone

This book is the ultimate proof that paradise exists on Earth! The author of this book is Tom Murphy, a renowned photographer whose pictures have been used in numerous regional, national, and international publications including Life, National Geographic, Time, The New York Times Magazine, among others. Murphy’s passion for Yellowstone Park is clearly visible throughout the entire book. It is the best way to experience Yellowstone Park without leaving the comfort of your home. The Abundance of Summer The Seasons Of Yellowstone contains amazing photographs about the park including its extremely beautiful landscape, native species of plants, and animals. The photographs on this book are extremely high quality and mind-blowing, something to see for yourself. It also contains small amounts of text mostly being the explanations of the pictures or the author’s experiences on this magical place. This book is with no doubt amazing and worthwhile to have. This book is definitely a vehicle to heaven!

The Cactus Eaters How I Lost My Mind and Almost Found Myself on the Pacific Crest Trail

2010-08-09T15:17:00.001-07:00

The Cactus Eaters How I lost My Mind and Almost found Myself on the Pacific Crest Trial

The Cactus Eaters is a fascinating story about the ambitious Dan White and his girlfriend Allison to hike the Pacific Crest Trail (PCT), a 2,650 ponderous, sun-scorched, bear-infested miles. The Cactus Eaters is extremely humorous, painful, wonderful, and enjoyable all at the same time. Full of adventure, The Cactus Eaters is an account of Dan and Allison’s experiences on their most amazing and breathtaking hiking. It is not only about how wrong a backpack expedition can go, but also about the things that tested their most basic survival skills. Everyone can relate to this book since is not only for adventures but for anyone that is interested on how far a person can go on excruciating pain and fear without giving up. The Cactus Eaters embarks you on an unforgettable and worthwhile experience. And after reading the story, don’t miss the interesting interview with Angela Ballard, editor and publication manager about PCT’s future the author included in the book, as well as the further readings that White suggests on the topic.

Smithsonian Field Guide to the Birds of Norh America

2010-08-09T13:39:00.000-07:00

Smithsonian Field Guide to the Birds of North America

Who says that bird identification has to be difficult? The Smithsonian Field Guide to the Birds of North America provides you the aid necessary on the identification of more than 750 species of birds in North America. The stunning color photography of birds in their real habitats facilitates the process of observation on your fieldtrips. In addition to the photos, The Smithsonian Field Guide to the Birds of North America also comes with detailed maps that provide information about bird migrations, as well as year-round and rare occurrences of every major bird species. It is a well-organized and portable guide that introduces a new and easy way for bird watching and identification. As a bonus, The Smithsonian Field Guide to the Birds of North America includes a DVD of downloadable birdsongs and vocalizations. The DVD combined with the guide gives you the most complete species information. And for those of you travel often a bird identification pocket version of this guide is also available. The Pocket Naturalist Guide gives you concise bird information without having to carry any heavy books. With clear illustrations and small descriptions The Pocket Naturalist Guide gives you the information right when you need it.

There's a Hummingbird in My Backyard

2010-08-05T11:59:00.000-07:00

There's a Hummingbird in My Backyard:

There is a Hummingbird in My Backyard has the perfect balance between entertainment and education. Fun facts about hummingbirds mixed with a touching story make this book a must read for kids ages 4-8. This book stresses the important idea that children can learn about nature even in their own backyard. The book comes with simple instructions and tips on how to create a hummingbird feeder offering parents the opportunity to have a great time with their kids. Easy vocabulary and colorful illustrations make this book very enjoyable for children to read. Reading this book will definitely make kids fall in love with hummingbirds so the author provides additional book titles and websites that children or their parents can use to expand their knowledge about this amazing bird. --- Lorena Martinez

Hiking Nevada's County High Points

2010-08-04T15:56:00.001-07:00

Hiking Nevada's County High Points

If you are considering hiking Nevada’s peaks you can’t leave without Hiking Nevada’s County High Points, a comprehensive driving and hiking guide to the summits of Nevada’s 16 counties and Carson City. This guide provides abundant detail to guide your way and make your hiking in Nevada an unforgettable experience. Hiking Nevada’s County High Points comes with many great features that are very useful for the adventurer. If you are new to the sport of hiking, this guide provides you with information on hiking basics including the adequate clothing and equipment necessary to make the most out of your experience. As a bonus, Hiking Nevada’s County High Points gives you useful information about the most essential things to take when hiking. This guide is extremely easy to understand as each chapter presents the information in a very organized and simple manner. Every chapter gives the hiker information on the best time to hike, the route type, driving distances and approaches, hiking route to take, view, a bonus peak, amenities, side trip, historic notes, photographs, and easy maps to understand. But this is not everything! This guide also comes with additional useful resources such as a chart of the peaks sorted by descending elevation and specific mountain range location. So if you are ready for a hike in Nevada’s high points don’t forget this guide and enjoy the journey.

Lorena Martinez

Ubiquitous Celebrating Nature's Survivors

2010-08-03T13:53:00.000-07:00

Ubiquitous Celebrating Nature’s Survivors

This extremely easy book to read introduces kids to many of the fascinating survivor species that have made it in the competitive world of life on Earth by their appearance in evolutionary time. This well-illustrated book contains not only interesting facts and definitions that will captivate your kid’s imagination, but also the poetry of Joyce Sidman, who cheers the success these species have attained in their survival, giving an artistic interpretation to science. One of the most prominent features of this book is its awesome scaled geological timeline that traces the evolution of different species on Earth. This is a book school-aged children can’t miss!

ISBN: 978061871719 Price: $17.00 USD

Lorena Martinez.

This is Canoeing: Twelve Adventure Films by Justine Curgenven.

2010-06-18T14:00:00.000-07:00

I had never seeing a canoeing film in my life before, and I always picture canoeing as a boring paddling sport, with adults trying to entertain young teenager during a long summer vacation, or a quiet afternoon gently paddling through calm lakes and marshes looking for duck or alligators.

My friend Justine Curgenven, the intrepid kayaker and film maker send me a copy of her DVD This Is Canoeing for my viewing and enjoyment, and I tough that I owe her the courtesy of cracking the case open and watch a few minutes of it, so I could make at least say that it was “very nice.”

What a surprise! There is more action in this video than at the Happy hour in a college pub. Lots of fun, action and canoeist doing things that I never considered possible, negotiation class 4 and 5 rivers in a rigid open deck boat, going under and resurfacing. Adrenaline over production, and I was just sitting in front of the computer… Wow! This Is Canoeing is a great introduction to the modern sport, with modern equipment and safety tips for the uninitiated.

Justine done it again, 2 disks containing 3 hours of enjoyment and instructions.

See:

I set for 3 hour and watch the hole thing, without popcorn…—Gilberto

2010-06-07T15:41:00.000-07:00

Ansel Adams Wilderness Trail Map

by Tom Harrison 2010 edition

From the day that Tom Harrison told me he was thinking about the, Ansel Adams Wilderness, and cogitating making a map for the region, I never stop salivating every time I, in my mind, saw the beautiful cartography work that it was to be, covering the heart of the Sierra Nevada and rarely described by other authors.

Tom Harrison is the main-man, the cartographer of all California Wilderness and many recreation areas. He traces his steps with incredible accuracy, dragging a surveyer wheel behind him, registering every turn and elevation gain/loss on his GPS. The result is always beautiful and usable guides to the backcountry.

If you travel the Sierra Nevada, or the Backcountry of San Diego, and come by another hiker, I almost guarantee that the other traveler is also putting his trust on the direction found on a Tom Harrison map.

Ansel Adams Wilderness Trail Map is the most beautiful of them all, covering the entire John Muir Trail, the Sierra Nevada portion of the PCT, and reveals the Minarets and the Land of Thousand Lakes. The best of the Sierra Nevada.

If beauty and accuracy was not enough, it is GPS Compatible, displaying Complete UTM Grid. Scaled:1:79200 (one inch represents 1 ¼ miles) and the contour lines are 80 feet of elevation.For more information, go back to Mountain N’Air Books, http://www.mountain-n-air.com/Ansel_Adams_Wilderness_Map_p/9780981834429.htm

Kayaking: Outdoors Adventures

2010-06-03T16:51:00.000-07:00

Kayaking

Pamela S. Dillon & Jeremy Oyen

The book Kayaking presents the reader with a complete guide on how to master the crucial skills needed to create new adventures whether the reader decides to race down a turbulent river’s current or just have a relaxing time kayaking in a tranquil body of water. With extremely easy directions on how to perform the different kinds of maneuvers, any level kayaker could enhance his or her skills required to evade any object that might appear while kayaking. Overall, the book provides almost all the information that there’s to know in order to start the long term exploration of the magnificent sport of kayaking.

Huatla: Thirty Years In One of the World's Deepest Caves

2010-06-03T16:47:00.000-07:00

Huatla

By C. William Steele

An adventure occurs when one submerges into the unknown to discover new experiences about nature and one’s surroundings. The book Huatla by C. William Steele does not only offer the reader with the feeling of diving down into one of the most deepest caves worldwide, but with an insight to the determination and dedication that one needs to explore a cave for almost thirty years. Steele gives detailed explanations about difficult situations that he had to undergo while the expedition took place such as the risks involved while being almost a thousand feet below the Earth’s surface. By providing a great deal of black and white pictures that depict the dangers and the great times that he had while caving down Huatla System, the reader could grasp a broader understanding about what it takes to be a great caver. If you enjoy having new adventures, Steele will certainly provide you with innovative ideas about the sport of caving down the earth through this magnificent book.

Rodolfo M.

Mastering Mountain Bike Skills 2nd-Edition

2010-05-13T16:11:00.000-07:00

We all know the taste of defeat. A moment where what could have been is hopelessly out of reach. What keeps us going is the chance to rise to the next challenge. Mastering Mountain Bike Skills by Brian Lopes offers detailed explanations combined with full colored illustrations that facilitate the learning process for any level mountain bike rider. With easy to follow instructions on how to perform difficult maneuvers you will find yourself bridging to the next turn through cloud and bitter cold while cresting an impossibly steep climb amid an endless swell of evergreen. Whatever your mountain biking pleasure, this book will keep you on top of your skills while you enjoy conquering any mountain.

Rodolfo Martinez

Happy Holidays and a Great Future to all!

2009-12-22T12:05:00.000-08:00

Happy Holidays and a great future.

My bones crick and crackle in now-a-days, reminding me of a great life I had so far. I broke several bones, riped a few muscles and bled from many injuries that I prefer not to talk about. A great life taking chances with my body and sanity. My life has not been duty free. I had to take care of obligations to my new country and pay the price as do all the young men and women living to serve their country in particular and humanity in general.
I now live a more tranquil existence, learn to enjoy things such as gardening, reading and thinking before I speak— believe me, that keeps the peace—for a little longer than before.
I wish all of you a great season, a long responsible life taking charge of your own life, helping others do be responsible for themselves, and giving a hands to the ones that can't.
Peace

Gilberto

Chris McNamara and the SuperTopo revolution

2009-11-04T16:55:00.000-08:00

I mentioned before, I am a broad strok-er, mediocre at best, with good ideas but stopping near the finish line out of interest, money or energy. I am not a finisher, and I don’t care to be one. I will start and carry on a project through the difficult and hard periods, but loose interest as they appear to be near completion.

My contribution for the arts is my appreciation and my clumsy attempts at making something beautiful.
Once in a while it happens. Someone puts it all together the ideas you had and had not the skills or talents, not the necessary patience or energy.

Meet Chris McNamara: A young boyish looking young athlete with champion genes and the super ability, trade of champions.

I am not sure, but willing to bet his rearing was done by dedicated parents, family and friends who probably told him that he was super and could do anything he put his mind to it, not knowing that he had multiple interests and—not mediocre like yours truly—incapable to drop a project in order to finish another.

Again, I am not certain, but I bet his formal education was fine and liberal, otherwise he would not hold his interest for too long. He was born into a world that was expanding with knew techno-opportunity that could blow the minds of members of his grand father’s generation.

Chris had a problem. He needed information an could find them readily and available. He put together the information and desired to share is with others with the same interests.

The internet offered a convenient media from where to showcase his products, show off his skill and dazzle his supporters and growing number of admirers.

I said, I’m not a finisher, so I will stop here, and invite all of you to check his work and judge it for yourselves. If you are a climber you are already familiar with his achievements as an athlete and publisher. If you are a publisher you will recognize the fantastic program he put together, and as a marketing soldier you will see how wonderfully he built his company into one of the best in the field.
Chris McNamara contributions—he did almost single handed—will be admired, copied and will be attempts to duplicate.

VISIT Supertopo.com to see it for yourself.

Mountain N' air Books will soon be distributing SuperTopo titles in support of Chris Mcnamara’s efforts.

Outdoor Survival Guide

2009-10-20T15:14:00.000-07:00

The beauty of nature can be deceptively dangerous for those who are not prepared. A change in weather conditions, personal injury, or lost/damaged supplies can turn a scenic hike into a life-threatening ordeal. Those with a knowledge of survival stay calm, safe, and alive. Outdoor Survival Guide provides you with essential survival information to help you overcome the most frequently encountered outdoor hazards. With practical, step-by-step instructions, you can implement skills and techniques even under the most stressful circumstances.

For more Information about this book log onto Mountain N' Air Books

The Edge of Never

2009-10-20T14:23:00.000-07:00

February 1996, the extreme skiing Legend Trevor Petersen was killed by an avalanche which swept him away. His body was found sitting up in the snow as if gazing at the mountains he loved. Nearly a decade later, skiing icon Glen Plake decided it was time for Trevor's 15-year-old son, Kye, to ski the route that killed his father and join the tribe of big-mountain skiers. This thrilling book and documenetary captures three generations of skiers mentor Kye as he attempts to finish his father's final run. A ripping adventure tale of a young man coming of age, followed by William A. Kerig, and his film crew to capture the soul of big-mountain skiing and the band of mountaineers who ski the steepest, wildest and most dangerous terrain in the world.

DVD also available!

Royal Robbins: To Be Brave

2009-09-25T14:22:00.000-07:00

Finally! After waiting for 15+ years to hear what Royal Robbins has to say, the first of the seven books was released (10-01-2009). The controvertial, and pivoting principle personality for mountaineering in the U.S. has at last given the rock climbing community what they've been awaiting for a very long time. The book includes descriptions about the many climbs and other adventures he has taken, whether he's rock climbing or kayaking, making it not only interesting, but also reveals his personal perspective and place in history.

AVAILABLE NOW!

A Trip to the Edge of the Universe and the End of Light

2009-09-20T11:15:00.000-07:00

Here is my description from the last show:

This Saturday I was invited and attended a very entertaining, informative program at the Glendale City College Planetarium (1500 N. Verdugo Rd Glendale, CA 91208, by a long lost-friend Paul Anthony Buehler.
It was twice rewarding, to watch Paul perform, for nearly three hours, impressing us with his vast knowledge of the subject while dazzling us with his of the cuff comments, even when he could not explain a young seven year old where the faries came from and/or if they lived in a far away planet.

The presentation is a very modern and up-to-date view of the Universe as we know today.
Glendale Community College, with the support of JPL, who provides the most recent photographs and the state-of-the-art presentation programs, with Paul’s enthusiasm the darkened dome comes alive, to take all the “traveler’s” seated on reclined Recaro seats, onto a trip to the edge of the Universe, to the end of the light spectrum, without the use of mind altering substances…

All this for only $10.00 (Adults and only $ 5.00 for kids under the college age) donations.

Check their website for more information about future programs. Paul’s dynamic and enthusiastic presentations are always changing, depending on audience participation.
http://www.glendale.edu/planetarium

We highly recommend this trip.

What Would John Muir Say?

2009-09-11T14:12:00.000-07:00

John Muir casts a huge shadow on the environmental movement that he helped fund his adopted California. The same brooks, meadows and mountains he loved so dearly still exist, largely unchanged, due in part to his tireless effort to preserve these wild places that were considered inexhaustible, and therefore expendable. The possibility of restoring Hetch Hetchy Valley to its former natural state, and preserving it without the commercial concerns found in Yosemite Valley, is a tantalizing, unprecedented prospect. This book looks at the poetic side of this extraordinary man, who found so much to honor and praise in his "blessed sun-fed mountains."

click here to find out more information about this book

Traveling to Picture Perfect Landmarks

2009-09-09T13:59:00.000-07:00

Do you want to see the most photogenic spots in our parks and monuments?
Do you want to visit spectacular "off the beaten track" locations outside the parks?
Would you like to experience first-hand taking pictures that look exactly like the ones you see on post-cards, and travel magazines?
Now you can!
Mountain N' Air Books has a variety of books that guide you to the natural landmarks of:
Colorado & New Mexico, Southern Utah, Oregon, and Arizona
These books include:
-Over 250 pages of great information for everyone
-More than 200 full color photographs
-Hundreds of lcoations
-All major national parks, monuments and state parks
-Clear and precise directions for seldom seen sites
-Where, when and how to get the best shots
-Valuable tips on composition, exposure and hard-to-shoot scenery
-Comprehensive ratings for each location (interest, difficulty, etc)

If you have any comments, please do not hesitate to leave your thoughts.

Planning Your Volunteer Vacation

2009-09-08T14:28:00.000-07:00

Why take a volunteer vacation? Well, "a volunteer vacation gives you a chance to experience new adventures in places you have never been with people you have never met while having the time of your life amd making a difference." -Jane Stanfield

Offered at Mountain N' Air Books, awarded Indie Excellence FINALIST Book, Mapping Your Volunteer Vacation guides you through valuable information needed, "cover[ing] everything from soup to nuts when it comes to finding, going on, and enjoying an international volunteer vacation." -Jane Stanfield
Skills you will aquire:
    .Finding the volunteer agency that is right for you
    .Recording expenses for possible tax deductions
    .Locating airfares with angencies that know international flights
    .Organizing your vaccination schedule
    .Packing lightly and efficiently
    .Tracking your purchases for ease at U.S. Customs
    .Organizing your "to-do" list for when you return

This 7-part, 29-step book starts preparing you as early as one year before you take off! You will not be dissapointed in this investment!

Please do not hesitate to leave your comments!

Wilderness

2009-09-08T13:21:00.000-07:00

Wilder, from the old English or wild dear. Ness is archaic Norse and means cape or headland. So, structurally, we get edge of the place of wild things. To come at this conceptually is to put ourselves on a ship of discovery and look ashore for the first time upon a new and unexplored land. What an energizing and intimidating prospect! We gather our gear, our wits, and our companions and get ready to head out. - Karl Kroeber.
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These are the five men (Charles Cramer, Karl Kroeber, Scot Miller, Mike Osborne, and Keith S. Walklet) who have dedicated four summers to travel to photograph the worlds’ natural phenomena’s. These books offered at Mountain N’ Air Books, First Light and Touring the Sierra Nevada enlighten people by how beautiful this world is, thus inspiring them to travel to these exotic landmarks.

We would love to hear any comments you might have on traveling.

WE LOVE LOS ANGELES

2009-09-02T12:34:00.000-07:00

We value your opinion of what we do and say. We would like to heard from you, your observations, your hopes and frustrations and how you may help us to make a better post.

We love Los Angeles, the large metropolis where we live and work.
The region is a catalitic and prototype for the rest of the country, with inhabitants from every corner of the earth and a cacophony of sounds originated from hundreds of languages, smells of home cooking from lands far far away but close to our hearts (our original homesteads).
If you love Los angeles as much as we do we would like to hear your comments and observations.
Here are some examples of subject we would like to explore:

1)Points of interest near the light rail system of transportation.
Places that you would recommend others to visit, take a stroll or ride their bicycles. Places to eat or just hang out with their friends or make new ones.

2)Observe architeture treasures, bridges, buildings, houses, firestations, etc.
3)People watching, museums, teathers, parks, fountains, etc.

Please be civil and respectful of others.