Joy of Hiking Trailmaster Way

A Walk Along Land's End, the author's book about his hike along the entire California coast, is a favorite of mine. When I saw The Joy of Hiking at REI, it was an easy decision to take it with us. It did not disappoint. Well written, it is both fun and educational. The author has covered all the basics you need to know including planning, preparation, the ten essentials for your day pack, best times to go, hiking with your dog and more. Once the necessities are covered, the author offers suggestions for day hikes, longer trips (i.e., National Parks, coastal walks, Rails to Trails, etc.) and walking holidays including Great Britain and Europe. The sidebar information and the 'Trailmaster Tales' of some of the author's hikes are an added bonus. For those of us that are primarily walkers, the information is applicable for both hikers and walkers. The author has provided us with more than enough motivation to get out the door and go. Definitely one I'll read more than once. Recommended.

The Joy of Hiking is full of practical, inspirational and even spiritual advice on hiking. Be certain to read the chapter on hiking with kids from infancy through the teen years. McKinney draws not just on his experience with his on kids, but on the words of his daughter as you provides everything from things you need to care about safety and things you need to let go of (what teens wear) when you hike with with you children.

If it's hiking and walking you do on holiday, don't miss trail expert John McKinney's The Joy Of Hiking: Hiking The Trailmaster Way (089997385X, $17.95). Newcomers will learn the basics, while seasoned hikers will gain new tips on how to enhance a hike, from wearing layers for different weather conditions to understanding fabric choices and hiking without boots.