Charlie's introduction to his blog put it best: "A lifetime in marketing actually equips a man for very little... Now pushing 58, I realise with some horror that it is a full half century since I last took cycling remotely seriously. If this trip does not go well, I might leave it as long until my next attempt. In September 2012, seven friends of varying fitness and circumference, accompanied by an elderly camper-wagon and driver, are cycling from France to Santiago de Compostela in north-west Spain." Despite being well past their prime they cycled up the equivalent of Mount Everest plus a bit as they crossed the Pyrenees, the Montes de Oca, the Montes de Leon, and the Cantabrian Mountains, in the process expending over 20,000 calories each (according to Susie's iPhone App), most of which were put back on each evening. They cycled in the footsteps of 1,000 years of history, marveled at the art and architecture accumulated over the centuries, and at times crashed into it. They visited the sites of miracles and pondered their meaning, and crossed the 200 meter bridge at Hospital de Orbigo which in 1434 was the site of a month long jousting tournament. They experienced the highs and lows of triumph and disaster, and felt compelled to test the efficiency of the Spanish medical system. Comment on the blog from Barnaby: "God, troops...it is epic reading and I am on the edge of my seat as I follow your progress on my map." The De-Caff Camino is in turn amusing, informative, easy reading and irreverent, and yet is imbued throughout with the greatest respect for the history and traditions of the Camino and those who have written their names into its lore. Improbably arriving at their destination after two weeks and 500 miles on the road, the author offers some forthright advice to the Vatican on how to enhance the experience for pilgrims at last achieving their goal after so much exertion, self-sacrifice and denial. The De-Caff Camino is an essential and most entertaining addition to the body of knowledge of The Way of St James.

Further adventures in extreme (and not so extreme) sports, from the bestselling author of ANGRY WHITE PYJAMAS. Having learnt Aikido with the Tokyo riot police (ANGRY WHITE PYJAMAS) and hunted for the world's longest snake in the jungles of the Far East (BIG SNAKE), Robert Twigger now turns his attention to other traditionally male pursuits and pastimes (some of which are fairly close to home, some of which are more extreme), and looks at the questions these raise about masculinity and the role of man in modern society. BEING A MAN features Twigger participating in, and writing on: the informal rules and thrill seeking of solo climbing, bullfighting in Spain, the 'illicit pleasure of buying my first gun', and the rules of survival with a tribe of Naga headhunters - the sort of activities and pursuits often scorned in the modern, interiorised office-based world.

This story chronicles the first year of a veteran with his guide dog. Guide Dogs for the visually impaired are truly remarkable animals and the bond that develops between these two can be extraordinary. Total trust and unconditional love are the corner stones of their relationship. This book follows that development in a light hearted, tongue-in-cheek manner from the dog's perspective. Alyce La Gasse from OR wrote; Move over Lassie, Ace the Guide Dog Detective is on the job now. With a unique combination of humor, pathos, and ingenious dog-dialog, Adams cleverly conveys his very special relationship with Ace. Through a series of shared adventures with Ken, 'the blond', and the hero of the story, Ace, the reader is introduced to the world of those who have limited or no vision and their challenges. There is no self-pity in Ken's story . . . in a very sweet and delightful tongue-in-cheek presentation; he shares his love for his dog, their dedication to each other, and his joy in having Ace as a guide, a partner, and a friend. Phillip Blaney from CA. wrote; I really liked this book. A good story line and I loved the way he drew the reader into the story. A good read for all ages, a dog lovers delight. Rich Holland from PA. wrote; I just finished reading your book. Without wanting to sound patronizing, IT WAS GREAT What a dog I really and truly enjoyed reading it and will recommend it to all. Jim Aker from VA. wrote; I loved the book. Good for all dog lovers and others as well. I would recommend it for young and old alike. I look forward to his next book.