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(More customer reviews)Ann Marie Brown's latest book continues a trend in outdoor publishing. As the active outdoors members of the boomer generation continue to age, they are less inclined to hike long distance trails, but prefer their hikes to be half day excursions that still offer spectacular scenery. Ms. Brown, however, has been writing guide books for all levels of hiking ability for years, and in this book she offers readers a collection of her favorite hikes, as well as a few new trails that have only recently been opened to the public. Covering Yosemite, Tahoe, the southern Cascades, Coastal Redwoods, and San Francisco Bay, this book offers a fine and balanced selection. Even the Sacramento Valley, which I have often overlooked, includes multiple hiking descriptions for off season treks.
True to the title, all the hikes in this book can be hiked by most reasonably fit people in half a day or less. That does not mean that you will not get a workout on these trails. While some trails, like the loop around Burney Falls, are short (1 mile) leg stretchers, many others are in the 5 to 9 mile range. Those looking for exercise will find the many hikes rated as "Prepare to Perspire" worth their time. And as far as scenery is concerned, all these hikes are deserving of your time. Of the 80 routes in this book, I have personally hiked more than 50, often with a book by Ms. Brown as a guide. I have not regretted a single trip. I also appreciate the many sketch maps in this book that will help one stay on the trail. Driving directions are also accurate and detailed. In the final analysis then, if you want to enjoy some quality northern California hiking, The Creaky Knees Guide to Northern California should be your first choice among recent guidebooks. I will be using it on future trips to the northern part of the Golden State.
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The Creaky Knees Guide Northern California is a day-hiking guidebook filled with kinder, gentler trails. Written in a style that will appeal to aging boomers and anyone who - regardless of age - can't or don't want to walk as far as they once could or would like to, the book covers 80 of the best easy-to-walk hikes throughout the region.Trails are divided into regions. There's also a section on urban hikes and walks.For each trail, information is given on the following:Elevation gains, including a topographical mapClear, up-to-date driving directionsMileage and estimated hiking time, trail conditions, effort level, best season, map references, exploring options, access, permits required, and where to find more informationFurther directions to offshoot hikes, if you reach the end of the hike, but want to extend your workoutIn addition, a chart at the front of the book compiles the hikes per effort level required, overall hike rating, and best season(s) to hit the trail.Written in a personal but informative tone by outdoors expert Ann Marie Brown, the Creaky Knees Guide is a perfect resource anyone can use to explore the beauty of Northern California, without breaking too much of a sweat.
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