Reviews (13)

Great for Kids!
When my husband and I were considering going to WDW for our anniversary, we happened to visit a Disney store in a mall. The manager gushed about WDW (doesn't everybody, really?) and showed us the Birnbaum's 2006 guide for kids. I thought we'd buy it, just to get an idea of what was in the parks and such. Great guide and preparation for trip
This refers to the 2005 edition. - I wanted something to help prepare my 3 year old for a trip to Disney.This book was great because it gave her pictures of the major attrctions.She was so excited at the park when she recognized each one.It also helped us pick which rides were best for her ahead of time.One of my favorite parts is how it lists where to find kid favorite foods in each theme park.We also enjoyed the section for autographs and scrapbook/souvenirs in the back.It is worn out from being used so much...and looked at to remember our vacation.This book filled the roles of a guide for me and a book that was for my little girl to look at and enjoy!

My Boys FLIPPED for this book!
My Boys, went INSANE over this book....they even read it everynight before bed for weeks leading up to our trip!This was our very 1st trip to Disney and this book was loaded with info for them!They knew just what they wanted to see and do when we got there!Amazing!If you have kids old enuf to read and plan (my boys are 10, 8, 6 and 2) then this is a MUST for them!Really gets them involved!!!! ... Read more

Subjects:  1. Children's Books/Ages 9-12 Nonfiction    2. Children's Books/All Ages    3. Family recreation    4. Florida    5. General    6. Guidebooks    7. Juvenile literature    8. Orlando Region    9. Reference - General    10. Special Interest - Family    11. Travel    12. Walt Disney World (Fla.)    13. Juvenile Fiction / General    14. Theme parks & funfairs   

Reviews (12)

A lot of wrong info.
We recently planned a trip to NYC with our 6 and 1 year old.I picked up this book, seeing as we have never been to NYC.The hotel we chose out of this book was in a neighborhood I would not consider safe for children.We ended up changing hotels because of it.The book said there was a children's playroom in our new hotel...there was not.We went to the Children's Museum of Manhattan, which the book says is good for kids 8 and under...our 6 year old was bored!!Also, the museum does not allow strollers, which I think is important info that should have been mentioned, but was not.There were other little bits of info that the book mentioned that were incorrect.
Great resource for first time visitors to NYC!
We recently spent a week in New York state for a family wedding. Three of those days were spent sightseeing in NYC with our two children, ages 6 and 3. This guidebook was invaluable! We used it to plan our agenda in advance, and then carried it with us on our trip. We had a great time, and we knew exactly where to go and what to do. This is a great resource for any family! I especially liked the detailed information about transportation options, playgrounds in the city, and family-friendly restaurants.

Not a Great Guidebook
This book covers a lot of information, but lacks details on key traveller needs.The maps are very poor and the information on the subway system is not enough to help first-time users get where they are going.We always wished we had more information.The only way I would recommend this book is if it was used in conjunction with another guidebook. ... Read more

Subjects:  1. Family recreation    2. Guidebooks    3. New York (N.Y.)    4. Reference - Guides (General)    5. Special Interest - Family    6. Travel    7. Travel - United States    8. Travel Guides - U.S.    9. United States - Mid Atlantic - New York City    10. United States - Northeast - Middle Atlantic (General)    11. New York    12. Travel & holiday guides    13. Travel / United States / Northeast / Middle Atlantic (NJ, NY, PA)   

Reviews (22)

The Kalahari!
Gripping and enthralling:A narrative of the adventures of two nascent scientists in the vastness and rapidly disappearing Kalahari region of Botswana.
Cry the Kalahari
The story is riveting, heart warming and inspiring. Mark & Delia's tales of courage. commitment, gile and passion are an inspiration for all.

Top of the line for lovers of nature adventure romance ...
Everyone should read this book.Having said that, here are some goods & some bads about THE CRY OF THE KALAHARI.
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Subjects:  1. Biography & Autobiography    2. Biography And Autobiography    3. Biography/Autobiography    4. Botswana    5. Environmental Conservation & Protection - General    6. Environmental Protection    7. Kalahari Desert    8. Life Sciences - Zoology - General    9. Nature    10. Nature/Ecology    11. Personal Memoirs    12. Special Interest - Adventure    13. Zoology    14. NATURAL HISTORY, COUNTRY LIFE & PETS    15. Nature / Wildlife   

Subjects:  1. Special Interest - Adventure    2. Travel    3. Travel - General    4. Travel Guides    5. Travel & holiday guides   

Reviews (20)

Short book but many interesting stories
McPherson does a great job setting the scene of the events that took place at Gettyburg. It's obvious he knows his stuff. My recommendation is to read this before going to the battlefield and then read it after. You can even take the tour he suggests throughout. I didn't have the time to take his tour--I used an audio CD--but it's worth it either way. He has good side-stories that make the scenes come alive. This is highly recommended.

Packed with info and insight
This is a great little book...the title says it all, it is exactly what you get but with personality.I have only been to Gettysburg once, and only for a couple hours.While there I had wished for some additional info to be available, to better understand the event that place there over 100 years ago.That battle helped shape and define our country, but the facts would be lost if not for writers like James Mcpherson.The book literally walks you thru each battlefront and adds personal touches to make it more than a history book.If you have never been to Gettysburg, this book will surely inspire you to visit the site.If you have been there, like me, it can only enhance your memories and provide detail that is easily overlooked.And, it has inspired me make plans to return to Gettysburg, but with book in hand.

Great book before you visit the battlefield
I got this book in the mail from Amazon the week I was leaving for Gettysburg - good thing it was so short and to the point.It took 2 nights to read, but it was very well written and did a great job of explaining the things to look for on the battlefield while also giving a pretty good overview of the different aspects of the battle itself.
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Subjects:  1. Essays & Travelogues    2. Gettysburg National Military P    3. Gettysburg National Military Park    4. Gettysburg, Battle of, Gettysb    5. Gettysburg, Battle of, Gettysburg, Pa., 1863    6. Guidebooks    7. Pennsylvania    8. Tours    9. Travel    10. Travel - United States    11. United States - Civil War    12. United States - Mid Atlantic - Pennsylvania    13. Walking    14. American history: c 1800 to c 1900    15. Battles & campaigns    16. Literary studies: general    17. TRAVEL & HOLIDAY    18. Travel / Essays & Travelogues    19. USA    20. c 1800 to c 1900   

Reviews (7)

You'll be lost without it!
If it's your first time in Yellow Stone or the Grand Tetons this'll be your bible .. the hikes listed in both places are well presented and with the maps included will help you plan you time in this wonderful part of the world .. The information on where you are likely to spot animals is really useful - Elk, Bison, Moose and Bear ... all accurate! The highlights and intineraries suggested helped with planning the trip.. but in addition to the traditional 'must sees' the book also suggests some wonderful off the beaten track experiences as well. Has info on where to stay and eat ..I stayed outside the park and would recommend either Teton Village or Jackson Hole as a good base with lots of top class accomodation. For European travellers Jackson Hole was the only place that I could get a mobile phone signal!

A Guide To the Tetons and Yellowstone
For one contemplating a trip to Yellowstone and the Tetons this book will be a fine handbook and guide.It is very detailed in regards to information about the parks and offers the reader a fine source of information for things to do on your visit.

As a backup source
For general planning of our trip, this book provided some useful information but the book does not give enough detail for a day to day planner. ... Read more

Subjects:  1. Parks & Campgrounds    2. Special Interest - Adventure    3. Travel    4. Travel - United States    5. United States - Mountain - Wyoming    6. United States - West - Mountain (General)    7. Travel & holiday guides    8. Wyoming   

Editorial Review

Many theories have been offered regarding why Western culture has spreadso successfully across the world, with arguments ranging from genetics tosuperior technology to the creation of enlightened economic, moral, andpolitical systems. In Read more

Reviews (109)

Primacy of Culture in Warfighting Ability
The study of war is vital to the security of any nation, and to date no civilization has been able to achieve and maintain high levels of standards of living without being militarily victorious. Many factors contribute to victory in war, but it is Mr. Hanson's thesis that culture -over size of population, tactical brilliance of leadership, geography and natural resources, etc.- is the primary and deciding factor.
A remarkable work
This work has already has a number of outstanding reviews on 'Amazon' . It is a truly remarkable book, one of those read with excitement and eagerness.
a great and controversial discussion of West vs. Non-West
Hanson's "Carnage and Culture" is an in-depth analysis of nine violent East Vs. West collisions in history. It maintains the central point that while Western civlizations (from Greece and Rome onward) featured people that were not inherently better or more courageous than non-Western civilizations, they nonetheless yielded consistently better killers and were more formidable in battle. Its span across history and the depth of every chapter make it a possible classic of popular history.
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Subjects:  1. Adventure    2. Battles    3. History    4. History - General History    5. History: World    6. Military - General    7. Military History (General)    8. Military history    9. Special Interest - Adventure    10. World - General    11. History / Military / General   

Reviews (15)

Too Complicated
All the recipes are pretty advanced (and expensive).I'd like to see more easy dishes that don't take 5 hours to prepare and $100 per oven.

The Outdoor Dutch Oven Cookbook
This is well organized and appealing book for outdoor cooker.If you have cast iron dutch oven, you have to have this one.
Great receipes, assumes basic skill however
I have been collecting and trying dutch oven receipes for some time and found the content of the Outdoor Dutch Oven book very solid.Some receipes are too involved for outdoor trips, but would work just fine in the kitchen.I originally checked the book out of the library, but was so impressed I thought it deserved to be purchased.The comments regarding no instruction on dutch oven skills are valid.You'll want another resource for that. ... Read more

Subjects:  1. Camping    2. Cooking    3. Cooking / Wine    4. Dutch oven cookery    5. Hiking    6. Methods - Special Appliances    7. Outdoor cookery    8. Sports    9. Gadget cookery    10. Sports & Recreation / Camping   

Reviews (6)

My Only Travel Book!
My dog comes with me everywhere--all vacations, road trips etc...This book has been a life-saver, I can't imagine traveling without it! It not only gives a very thorough list of dog friendly accomodations, but it also lists dog friendly activities--though honestly, it's mostly about accomodations.
Not such a headache any more!
This book has been very helpful with our cross country jounts.I would make a suggestion though.Not all businesses stay openor carry the same inventory.Before I drive to a place out of the way or a special trip, I call in advance to see if they are open.For the hotels/motels I make sure the rules have not changed and the prices are reasonable. This book has saved me a lot to time and trouble.

A Great Bargain for Pet Travel
I travel with my dogs for a living (I work in pet supplies) and I've been using this series of books since the late 1980s.You need to buy the current edition, because things do change, but, for $15 or less, you can always have it in your luggage ready to go.I love it. ... Read more

Subjects:  1. General    2. Pets    3. Reference    4. Reference - General    5. Travel - General    6. Travel Guides    7. Domestic animals & pets    8. Travel & holiday guides    9. USA   

Reviews (16)

Canyon Mystery
The story of Glen and Bessie Hyde is the greatest Grand Canyon mystery. They are the honeymoon couple that disappeared without a trace in 1928. Many myths and legends have evolved in the intervening years (including a segement of "Unsolved Mysteries"). Brad Dimmock is a Colorado River guide (and a very good writer) who duplicated the couples ill fated journey down the Colorado. He has interwoven the historical material with his own modern attempt using a sweepboat similiar to the one the Hyde's used. I read this while visiting the canyon again. It was great sitting on the patio at the Lodge on the North Rim reading this fascinating account. If you love a great mystery or you love Canyon lore, you'll love this book.

Just Get Past The Ugly Cover
I think, at first, the cover scared me away, but once I started reading I was involved. I must applaud Brad Dimock's writing skill. He has written a book with the timbre and cadence of a Jon Krakauer about an episode of which we know very little. While Glen Hyde's life was well documented by his family, very little is known about Bessie Hyde or how the Hyde's marriage was holding up under the pressure of their Colorado River float. Despite this dearth of information, Dimock has succeeded in bringing Glen and Bessie to life. We care about these two people, who disappeared over 75 years ago, and we follow the scanty thread of facts that Dimock has been able to gather, hanging on to each clue in the hope of learning their fate even though we know from the beginning that the Hyde's were never found. Fantastic Mystery!
This book is one of those can't put it down books.It is well written and keeps you on the edge of your seat.You end up with all kinds of ideas on what happened to Glen and Bessie.It is full of actual photos from Glen and Bessie on this trip.If you like true life mysteries, get this book. ... Read more

Subjects:  1. Boating - General    2. Boating accidents    3. Colorado River (Colo.-Mexico)    4. Hyde, Bessie    5. Hyde, Glen    6. Murder - General    7. Special Interest - Adventure    8. Sports    9. Sports & Recreation    10. True Crime / Espionage    11. United States - Mountain - Arizona    12. United States - State & Local - General   

Reviews (18)

Snorkel Maui
If you are going to Maui and plan to snorkel, this book is a MUST !!!!It will take you to sites you would NEVER find on your own.

snorkeling in Maui is entirely over rated - so is book
We went to many spots in this book, and found the rating system to be a little off. In general, the Caribbean offers superior snorkeling to Hawaii, and even the best spot that the authors may rave about in this book is mediocre at best. We also found other guide books to give more accurate info on the best snorkel spots. This book is good if you are afraid of the water or have kids, but those more experienced may actually be better off without the book, relying instead on timely advice from locals.

Only good Snorkel focused book for Maui...
I have used both the Snorkel Kauai and this book on different trips to Hawaii.On our most recent trip to Maui, I found this book to be quite useful for finding those harder to find access points to the numerous beaches in South Maui.I also have the Maui Revealed book by Dougherty & Friedmann, but I find their discussions on snorkeling spots to be quite limited in all of their books and definitely not as good.Also, with Snorkel Maui and Lanai, the beaches are organized geographically around the island, the maps are closer to the page describing the beach, and the directions to get to the beach and find parking are much better than you will find in the Maui Revealed book.I didn't mean this to be a comparison of these two books, but based on other comments, I think if you want to explore the beaches in detail for where is best to snorkel you should buy this book.It is not expensive and is a good deal.
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Subjects:  1. Scuba & Snorkeling    2. Travel - United States    3. United States - Pacific - Hawaii   

Editorial Review

Neil Peart cycles his way through West Africa and brings us along with him, dysentery and all. Read more

Reviews (109)

Worth a second read
I first read The Masked Rider on the plane that took me to South Korea, where I was going to live, working as a university professor.Neil's book warned me about Eastern-style toilets, locals staring, and children shouting -- though instead of "white man" it was "American".
You really do feel like you're there !
As a Rush fan of the last quarter century, I looked forward to this just to enjoy Neil's writing.Have read his other two travel books, Ghost Rider and Traveling Music, I found this one to be the most untainted by his profession. GR told of his multi-month healing process via motorcyle after his life was rocked by tragedy, and TM his 5-day road trip by car across the US Southwest while talking about the music he enjoyed, both books relaying numerous personal as well as RUSH anecdotes. The Masked Rider however, could have been written by anyone, that is, not necessarily a successful rock musician. His intelligence, dry sense of humor, and genuine love for history and nature make this an enjoyable read. It goes without saying that this book is probably mostly going to be purchased and read by Rush fans, which is a shame as this book has the most potential universal appeal of his three books. But his descriptions and storytelling make it a most engulfing "adventure" document. I highly recommend it. And you don't even have to like Rush's music, but I recommend that highly as well.

Displays a much broader range of Peart's writing talents than his preachy Rush lyrics
Though I was born and raised a Rush fan, as an adult I really don't enjoy Neil Peart's lyrics anymore because I find them to be too preachy and didactic. But Neil's prose writing displays a much broader range of the talents of the lyric writer/drummer/amateur philosopher than seen in Rush. This book is as light-hearted as his lyrics aren't- his dry sense of humor can be hilarious ("I wouldn't have thought missionaries chose their missions according to climatic comfort, but I did notice that low-lying swampy villages had been deemed less in need of `saving' than where the pleasant highland locations."). And though this is too much "tell" vs. "show" to make this the Great Canadian Novel, there are flashes of brilliance ("... you could sometimes say reason is a luxury everywhere in the world. It works fine as long as life is reasonable, but where guns, poverty, and drought start pushing people around, they often retire into faith.").
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Subjects:  1. Africa    2. Cycling    3. Cycling - General    4. Exercise    5. Physical Fitness    6. Sports    7. Sports & Recreation    8. Travel / Africa    9. Travel writing    10. West Africa   

Reviews (15)

A must for any visitor or new resident on a budget.
If ever there was a city where it pays to be cheap, it'd be in New York, one of the most expensive cities in the world - and from a native New Yorker comes a book which packs in over a thousand listings of free opportunities to be found there, from wine tastings and music to dance, games and fitness. From small clubs and select, limited events to low-rent, no-fee apartments, THE CHEAP BASTARD'S GUIDE TO NEW YORK CITY is a must for any visitor or new resident on a budget.
Funny with GREAT Information
This book gives great info for the budget minded person who is planning a move to the Big Apple (me).It's written with a sense of humor.Very honest, good information!

Useful in parts, outdated phone numbers
I do not think I have ever returned a book after I bought it (grad school books don't fall in this category). But sadly, I had to return this book to Barnes and Nobel a week after I bought this particular book. The mistake was mine. I did not check to see when it was printed. The copy that I bought for close to $15 in Oct 2006 was printed in 2004...it was 2 years old! No wonder I did not find it useful. For starters, quite a few of the phone numbers were incorrect, and then from there things went downhill for me.
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Subjects:  1. Travel    2. Travel - United States    3. Travel Guides - U.S.    4. United States - Mid Atlantic - New York City    5. United States - Northeast - Middle Atlantic (General)    6. New York    7. Travel & holiday guides    8. Travel / United States / Northeast / Middle Atlantic (NJ, NY, PA)   

Reviews (11)

Not Just for Backpacking, Truly Lipsmacking Recipes!
We have 8 backpacking cookbooks including both of Christine's books.Lipsmackin' Backpackin' is by far our most used book in our kitchen.The recipes are easy to follow, use easy to obtain foodstuffs, are tasty, quick to prepare, and are even great out car camping where storage space is still at a premium in our little VW campmobile or for a quick busy nite at home dinner.
Perfect expedition kayak cookbook
This book will become my bible for simple, fast & tasty outdoor meals.

Lipsmackin' Backpackin' - a compendium of excellent recipes
Tim and Christine spent many hours researching this book which was published in 2000. Drawing on their own experiences and that of acquaintances, Tim and Christine have provided us with yummy recipes that reflect many cultures and tastes. Read more

Subjects:  1. Camping    2. Cooking    3. Cooking / Wine    4. Hiking    5. Methods - Outdoor    6. Outdoor cookery    7. Sports & Recreation / Hiking   

Editorial Review

Don't think it couldn't happen to you. Skiers, snowboarders, climbers, and anyone else who travels in the mountains should be aware of the awesome destructive power of avalanches and the conditions that cause them. The Read more

Reviews (2)

Too scientific for most, but the best overal resource
If you have a significant interest in Avalanche science and theory, or are going to take an avalanche course this is the book for you.If you are looking to create advanced Avy skills and/or to become an Avy professional though this is the definative resource on Avalanches. It is required reading for most courses (starting with avy 1).
A thorough introduction to avalanche theory.
For backcountry enthusiasts with a science background, this book provides a thorough introduction to avalanche theory. The book is divided into chapters which build a solid foundation (weather systems, snow structure)through snowpack basics (snow strength and deformation, snowpack structure)and well into more advanced concepts (snowpack analysis, avalancheprediction, search and rescue, and even control with explosives, etc.) Itis an excellent, if heavy, read and I found it a valuable resource in thedevelopment of an intro avalanche course. ... Read more

Subjects:  1. Avalanches    2. Handbooks    3. Handbooks, manuals, etc    4. Hiking    5. Hydrometeorology    6. Mountaineering    7. Natural Disasters    8. Sports    9. Sports & Recreation    10. Geological surface processes (geomorphology)    11. Outdoor survival skills    12. Winter sports   

Reviews (1)

Very helpful
This book gives a nice review of Savannah, from history, to where to stay, what do do, where to eat.It's very compact and will be easy for us to carry along on our trip next week to Savannah. ... Read more

Subjects:  1. Museums, Tours, Points of Interest    2. Recreational Areas    3. Special Interest - Family    4. Travel    5. Travel - United States    6. Travel Guides - U.S.    7. United States - South - South Atlantic (General)    8. United States - South Atlantic - Georgia    9. Georgia    10. Travel & holiday guides    11. Travel / United States / South / South Atlantic (DC, DE, FL, GA, MD, NC, SC, VA, WV)   

Subjects:  1. Animal Ecology    2. Animals    3. Bears    4. Description And Travel    5. Endangered species    6. Environmental Conservation & Protection - General    7. Essays & Travelogues    8. Human-animal relationships    9. Mammals    10. Nature    11. Travel    12. Nature / Bears   

Reviews (2)

Solid Author
Bill has been around the industry for years and has a collection of some great restaurant marketing ideas from having spent years in the industry and consulting to many restaurant companies.I really respect his approach and background and would recommend this book without reservation. Great Ideas!
I have long been a fan of Bill Marvin's publications and have utilized many of his ideas in my own restaurant.This book is no exception.While many of the ideas presented are geared towards a more upscale environment, I have been able to use more than a few in the restaurant that I operate, which is a unit of a national chain.With a little thought, you can adjust most of the ideas in this book to fit your needs! ... Read more

Subjects:  1. Business & Economics    2. Business / Economics / Finance    3. Business/Economics    4. Food And Beverage Industries (Economic Aspects)    5. Food service management    6. Hotel And Restaurant Management    7. Industries - General    8. Industries - Hospitality, Travel & Tourism    9. Marketing    10. Marketing - General    11. Restaurants    12. Business & Economics / Hospitality, Travel & Tourism    13. Business strategy    14. Hospitality industry    15. Restaurant & pub guides    16. Sales & marketing    17. BUSINESS/ECONOMICS/FINANCE    18. Small Business - Hotel/Restaurant   

Reviews (2)

Fascinating true adventures at sea and in foreign cultures told by a fine writer
Reading this terrific volume from the wonderful Library of America (we all owe this essential not-for-profit publisher our support) was one of the most fun reads I have had in quite awhile.Richard Henry Dana, Jr. was a terrific writer and these autobiographical books of his journeys at sea are more interesting and full of adventure than most books of fiction.No wonder they sold so well during his lifetime and beyond.You should get this volume and enjoy reading about life as a working sailor at sea on a sailing ship (and as a passenger on steamers in the later books) during the middle portion of the nineteenth century.It is fascinating.Really!
A welcome and strongly recommended addition to both academic and community library collections
Richard Henry Dana, Jr. was a 19th century author whose writings about his experiences as a common seaman on a merchant ship were immensely popular. Now The Library of America has compiled his writings into a single volume under the knowledgeable editorship of Thomas Philbrick (Professor Emeritus of English, University of Pittsburgh). The writings include "Two years Before the Mast & Other Voyages: A Personal Narrative of Life at Sea"; "To Cuba and Back: A Vacation Voyage"; and "Journal of a Voyage Round the World, 1859-1860". Enhanced with a Chronology, "Note on the Texts", and "Notes", Dana is printed on acid free paper and is a welcome and strongly recommended addition to both academic and community library collections.
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Subjects:  1. 1815-1882    2. 18th And 19th Century Description And Travel    3. American - General    4. Dana, Richard Henry,    5. Essays & Travelogues    6. Literary Collections    7. Literature: Classics    8. Sailing - Narratives    9. Seafaring life    10. Special Interest - Adventure    11. Sports & Recreation    12. Travel    13. Voyages And Travels    14. Literary Collections / American / General   

Reviews (2)

Spectacular Houses in a Spectacular Setting
Go north of San Francisco along the coast for a hundred miles or so. Buy 4,000 acres of timber and grazing land. You'll find that you have quite a setting for a housing development. Add rules that say how the house must fit into the land and the scenery and you have quite a housing development in quite a setting. Beginning in 1963 this is just what happened. And over the resulting 40 years quite a stunning set of houses has been built there.
Fine house-by-house considerations of design
Essays by Donald Canty and Lawrence Halprin accompany beautiful black and white and color shots of California's architectural wonders of the coast which comprise the exclusive Sea Ranch community of homes. Ecologically inspired planning and innovative architectural dreams and designs went into the formation of the California's Sea Ranch community, which sprawls across several thousand acres of land. This could easily have been a picture