'Armed with this intrepid survey, we can see a brave new world down there on the beach ... Exquisite revelation, of the most wonderful, watery kind.' - Philip Hoare For many, the highlights of seaside holidays are rockpooling and gathering the glorious array of shells left strewn on the beach after the receding tide. Attracted by the infinite variety of shapes and colours, visitors can never resist making a souvenir collection of their own - but little do they suspect the fascinating lives of the animals who once occupied them. What if each shell had a story of its own to tell us, if only we knew the language? Mr Street's delightful, informative guide uncovers the secret history of each common shell, revealing not only which marine creature once inhabited it but the unique challenges of its watery habitat it had to solve. From barnacles to oysters, cockles to sea slugs, winkles to carnivorous snails, molluscs and lesser-known members of the octopus family, Shell Life on the Seashore is the essential primer for recognising and collecting both these curious specimens and the 'empties' they leave behind - and will greatly increase the old-fashioned pleasures of a coastal holiday for all the family.

Norway has long been an insider tip among road lovers. The Trollstigen is often mentioned in the same breath as legendary passes all over the world. It's important to know that whether you move on two wheels or four, there is so much more to discover here. Curves has set out in search of the absolute highlights and presents exactly that here: breath-taking views, endless winding roads, and gastronomic highlights - all combined to create a travel guide of a very special kind. Norway is presented here as you certainly don't know it - yet! Text in English and German. Also available: Curves: Germany's Coastline | Denmark ISBN 9783667110909

Handy little full colour map of Broads National Park. Detailed mapping and visitor information to the National Park along with a selection of photographs. Map at a scale of 1:91,000 (1.45 miles to 1 inch or 0.91 km to 1cm). The perfect way to explore this beautiful area of East Anglia. This small map gives a great overview of the Broads National Park. Clear, detailed mapping Key park, tourist and travel information Ideal for planning visits to the National Park Index to help locate and plan your trip This and the Broads Park Rangers Favourite Walks (ISBN: 9780008462727) are the perfect companions for exploring this superb walking area of East Anglia.

This book is both a lesson in true grit and determination, but its goal is one that is attainable. Andy isn't a sporting superstar, he holds down a 9-5 job and all the pressures that go with it; he isn't blessed with speed and talent; there are no multi-million pound sponsorship deals; yet this remarkable "common man" is inspiring in a way that some of today's sporting superstars have forgotten how to be. You wouldn't recognize Andy in the street, yet his story provides valuable lessons to us all: "Never give up" and "Anything is possible." "Can't Swim, Can't Ride, Can't Run" follows Andy Holgate's epic journey from being an overweight librarian to an Ironman triathlete. Before he could even begin the rollercoaster ride which amassed more punctures than Andy cares to remember, this would-be Superman had first to buy a second-hand bike and take swimming lessons. Along the way, he ended up in hospital, dealt with family crises, encountered crocodiles and deadly amoebas, and persuaded his friends that doing an Ironman event is what normal people do on their stag weekend. This is the inspirational, amusing and moving story of how one normal bloke learnt how to fall off a bike and not injure himself, to run a marathon despite two dodgy knees, and most importantly how not to drown.

Discover wilderness as nature intended - the pristine places on our beautiful planet that still remain untouched by human hands. Explore the rugged mountains, clear waters and dense forests of the great outdoors, from the Himalayas to the Rockies, from icy fjord and to desert plateau and everything between. Including information on the best trails and trips to take around the globe, and inspirational quotes from explorers, conservationists and writers, this bitesize book will help wanderers of all walking speeds reconnect with the wonderful world outside their windows. SAMPLE FACT: Blaze: When wanderlusting in the wilderness, and lost, look to the trees to help you find a path. A blaze is a coloured marker, usually painted or nailed to a tree. It helps guide hikers when a trail becomes difficult to follow or makes an abrupt turn.

Imagine a medicine that could make you live longer, healthier, happier, and stronger. What if that medicine was already right at your feet? Running is the miracle drug that can do all this and more - it is the perfect medicine. Throughout his career, Dr. Brodie Ramin has seen cases of diabetes, hypertension, and anxiety, which he has traced back to inactivity. Now more than ever, people are looking for inspiration and motivation to get fit, change their lives, and improve their overall wellness. In The Perfect Medicine, Dr. Ramin shares with us his discovery that we already have the perfect medicine to treat and prevent these common illnesses and improve our health: running. However, too few people are taking the right dose or using it at all. The Perfect Medicine explores the science of running and exercise and provides advice on how to maximize its benefits and be your best self. After rediscovering the joy of running in his early thirties, Dr. Ramin became fascinated by the activity. This book takes the reader on a personal journey of discovery, traces the evolution of running, shares strategies to get fit and run faster, and shows how exercise can even help people recover from addiction and mental health conditions.

In this poetic handbook, written when he was just twenty-three, the world-famous high-wire artist Philippe Petit offers a window into the world of his craft. Petit masterfully explains how preparation and self-control contributed to such feats as walking between the towers of Notre Dame and the World Trade Center. Addressing such topics as the rigging of the wire, the walker's first steps, his salute and exercises, and the work of other renowned high-wire artists, Petit offers us a book about the ecstasy of conquering our fears and reaching for the stars.

An ode to the life-changing magic of the simple act of walking. 'I've discovered that going for a daily walk has become as essential to me feeling good for the rest of the day as that first cup of tea. But I would argue that all I am doing is responding to a natural need we all have. Humans have always been migrants, the physiological urge to be nomadic is deep-rooted in all of us and perhaps because of that our brains are stimulated by walking. I solve all sorts of problems, formulate ideas, work things out to that gentle rhythm of self-propelled movement.' - Kate Humble Thinking on My Feet tells the story of Kate's walking year - shining a light on the benefits of this simple activity. Kate's inspiring narrative not only records her walks (and runs) throughout a single year, but also charts her feelings and impressions throughout - capturing the perspectives that only a journey on foot allows - and shares the outcomes: a problem solved, a mood lifted, an idea or opportunity borne. As she explores the reasons why we walk, whether for creative energy, challenge and pleasure, or therapeutic benefits, Kate's reflections and insights will encourage, motivate and spur readers into action. Also featured are Kate's walks with others who have discovered the magical, soothing effect of putting one foot in front of the other - the artist who walks to find inspiration for his next painting; the man who takes people battling with addiction to climb mountains; the woman who walked every footpath in Wales (3,700 miles) when she discovered she had cancer. This book will inspire you to change your perspective by applying walking to your daily endeavours.

The remarkable true story of an unrivalled journey to recreate the greatest run in film history: 15,621 miles, five-times across the United States. 'Rob Pope has made his name revelling in challenges that range from the unconventional to the extraordinary.' BBC News Becoming Forrest is the incredible story of Englishman Rob Pope, a veterinarian who left his job in pursuit of a dream - to become the first person ever to complete the epic run undertaken by one of Hollywood's most beloved characters, Forrest Gump. After his momma urged him "to do one thing in life that made a difference", he flew to Alabama, put on his running shoes, and sped off into the wilderness. His remarkable journey covered 15,600 miles, the distance from the North to the South Pole and a third of the way back. Over a grueling 18 months, braving injuries, blizzards, forest fires and deadly wildlife, he crossed the United States five times. During one of the most turbulent periods in recent American history, Rob immersed himself in American life. His time on the open road saw him forever changed, trying to make that difference, in the process of Becoming Forrest. This is a tale of one man who just wanted to make a difference.

The Dark Side of the Kalahari is Hannes Lochner's third and latest addition to his book collection.

He recently returned from a two year, 100 000 Km journey in the Kalahari (Kgalagadi) Desert, capturing the life of a single leopard female and her struggle to raise cubs in this extremely harsh environment. This is more of a storybook than just pretty pictures, also covering the adventures of characters such as Luna, the leopard, in the main role.

It is a 200 page book in full colour, which slides into a protective box, just like the first two books in this series by the same author.

Peter Christensen describes working for the parks service maintaining trails and warden patrol stations in national parks. It's a job that involves patrolling remote wilderness on horseback, and long days in the saddle give way to wry contemplations on human nature and the beauty of the natural world. While working in the backcountry, Christensen found himself insulated not only from the intrusions of highway noise but also from the stress of modern life. As a result, his thoughtful stories about life in the mountains of Alberta are often poignant, sometimes tragic, but always a great read.

On the morning of August 5, 1984, four of the greatest marathoners of all time lined up for one of the most important and long-awaited races in history. By then, they had dominated their competition for at least five years, upending a century's worth of preconceived notions of what marathoners could do. By decade's end, they had lowered the world record a total of 13 minutes, won 27 major marathon titles, and swept every Olympic and World Championship held in the 1980s. And, in their careers, only once did all four--American Joan Benoit, Norwegians Grete Waitz and Ingrid Kristiansen, and Portugal's Rosa Mota--square off in the same race: at the 1984 Los Angeles Olympics, in the first-ever Women's Olympic Marathon. Such was their talent that Benoit, the world record holder, entered the race as the underdog. She'd had knee surgery in April, and no one, least of all Benoit herself, was certain she could hold up for 26 miles against her three rivals. Waitz, the former world record holder, was the favorite--she had destroyed the field at the 1983 World Championships and had never lost a marathon she had finished. Kristiansen, who had beaten Waitz twice in the summer of 1984 (albeit at shorter distances), was considered the fastest woman in the race: she held world records at 5,000m and 10,000m, and would break Benoit's marathon record in 1985. Mota had beaten Kristiansen at the 1982 European marathon championships, and was already earning a reputation for raising her level in the biggest races. This is their story, and the story of the first women's Olympic Marathon.

In the 1960s, Iona and Peter Opie observed that although many books had been written about how children should play, none had been written about how they actually played. To fill the gap they carried out an exhaustive survey, through the decade, of the games that children 'in fact play' when aged roughly between six and twelve years of age, and when outdoors -- and usually when out of sight. The result was their classic work 'Children's Games in Street and Playground'. It records games played in streets, parks, playgrounds and wastelands by more than 10,000 children from the Shetland Isles to the Channel Islands, although the majority of the information comes from children living in big cities such as London, Liverpool, Bristol and Glasgow. In all, around 125 games are described in detail, including the rhymes and sayings children repeat while playing them, together with the different names they are called. Brief historical notes are also included where relevant. There are important lessons to be learned from this book about giving children the time and physical space to be themselves with other children. Previously published as 'Children's Games in Street and Playground, Volume 1' and 'Volume 2'.

True Stories of Outdoor Adventure and Inspiration All fans of whitewater sports have been impacted by the Nantahala Outdoor Center (NOC) in one way or another. In 1972, the NOC was the outgrowth of an idea that friends working together to pursue their outdoor passions could change lives for the better. Today, the center is a seminal Southeastern paddling hub. Compiled by Payson Kennedy and edited by Greg Hlavaty, NOC Stories is a collection of 62 entertaining stories by NOC staff veterans-memories that describe the center's first 25 years. It approaches the story of the NOC's inception, a time of exponential growth in whitewater sports and instruction, a time when the NOC's contribution to paddling technique and instruction reverberated around the world. It is both a history of NOC's leading role in the evolution of commercial river running and an overview of when kayaking, as a sport, exploded in the United States. The remembrances presented here blend history with adventure as they document the NOC's singular vision.

Top five Best Books About Running, Runner's World Magazine Top three Best Books About Running, readers of Runner's World Magazine (December 2009) In RUNNING WITH THE BUFFALOES, writer Chris Lear follows the University of Colorado cross-country team through an unforgettable NCAA season. Allowed unparalleled access to team practices, private moments, and the mind of Mark Wetmore--one of the country's most renowned and controversial coaches--Lear provides a riveting look inside the triumphs and heartaches of a perennial national contender and the men who will stop at nothing to achieve excellence. The Buffaloes' 1998 season held great promise, with Olympic hopeful Adam Goucher poised for his first-ever NCAA cross-country title, and the University of Colorado shooting for its first-ever national team title. But in the rigorous world of top-level collegiate sports, blind misfortune can sabotage the dreams of individuals and teams alike. In a season plagued by injury and the tragic loss of a teammate, the Buffaloes were tested as never before. What these men managed to achieve in the face of such adversity is the stuff of legend and glory.With passion and suspense, Lear captures the lives of these young men and offers a glimpse of what drives a gifted runner like Adam Goucher and a great coach like Mark Wetmore. Like Lance Armstrong's It's Not About the Bike, RUNNING WITH THE BUFFALOES is at once a glowing celebration of a sport and an inspiration to anyone who has ever had the courage to beat the odds and follow a dream.

Coaching adventure sports is part of the core work of many adventure educators but has been largely neglected in the adventure studies literature. This is the first book to link contemporary sports coaching science with adventure sports practice. It examines the unique set of challenges faced by adventure sports coaches, such as the dynamic natural environment and the requirement to train athletes to levels of high performance outside of traditional structures of competition, and explores both key theory and best practice. The book covers key topics such as: Skill acquisition and skill development Models of learning and teaching Performance analysis Tactics and decision-making Training principles Mental skills techniques Goal setting and progression Risk management Each chapter contains applied examples from a range of adventure sports, including mountaineering, rock climbing, canoeing, kayaking, surfing, and winter sport, as well as practical coaching techniques and a guide to further reading. Written by a team of authors with wide experience of coaching, teaching, researching and high performance participation in adventure sports, this book is invaluable reading for any student or practitioner with an interest in adventure, outdoor education, sports coaching or lifestyle sport.

Keith Partridge is probably the world's most experienced and famous practitioner of a rare trade. His filming has recorded expeditions all over the world in some of its most beautiful and hostile environments. The Adventure Game is the story of his life told through several expeditions ranging from the deep caves of Papua New Guinea to the summit of Mount Everest.

'Filled to the brim with advice, tips and inspiration to enable you to achieve your dreams over whatever distance you want your legs to carry you' Chrissie Wellington, OBE, four-time Ironman Triathlon World Champion From complete beginners to seasoned off-road runners, The Ultimate Trail Running Handbook has all the training and nutrition advice, skills, gear and motivation you need to become a fit and confident trail runner. There are training plans that take newcomers from 5k parkrun to first trail marathon, while for experienced runners there are sections on strength work, injury prevention and advanced training plans to boost performance up to 50k (30 miles). To keep you enjoying every step, you'll find advice on how to choose the right gear; over 20 easy, healthy recipes; inspiring stories from real trail runners; and advice from top athletes and coaches. And if you want to explore new trails, you can use the navigation and route planning section to create your own exciting off-road adventure. If you're a trail runner or would like to become one, this book is your new best friend.

**From the Sunday Times and New York Times bestselling author of THE WALKER'S GUIDE TO OUTDOOR CLUES AND SIGNS and HOW TO READ WATER** 'Changes the way you experience the world' -- Sunday Times 'Wonderfully stimulating' -- Michael Palin Discover the lost art of reading nature's own signposts with this beautiful tenth anniversary edition of The Natural Navigator. Starting with a simple question - 'Which way am I looking?' - Tristan Gooley blends natural science, myth, folklore and the history of travel to introduce you to the forgotten art of finding your way using nature's clues, from the feel of a rock to the look of the moon. Using Tristan's expert insight and anecdotes, you'll develop a unique insight into the world around you. From learning why some trees grow the way they do and how they can help you find your way in the countryside, to discovering how it's possible to find North simply by looking at a puddle and how natural signs can be used to navigate on the open ocean or in the heart of the city. Wonderfully detailed and full of fascinating stories, this is the seminal guide to the rediscovered art of natural navigation. The Natural Navigator is user-friendly, practical and packed with beautiful illustrations to help natural navigators on their instrument-free journey. Beautifully repackaged, this edition includes a new tenth anniversary preface from the author, celebrating ten years of this seminal guide to nature.

Begin Identifying and Collecting Seven Edible Mushrooms! Since 1993, Start Mushrooming has been the trusted guide for beginners. This second edition introduces seven of the most common, edible wild mushrooms in North America. It features more photographs and expert tips from award-winning author and naturalist Stan Tekiela that make mushroom identification even easier. Start Mushrooming includes the information you need to start foraging with confidence. The focused look at seven wild, edible mushrooms includes a unique checklist-based approach to help you confirm each mushroom's identity. Plus, details on toxic species and advice from an author with extensive foraging skills help you learn what to watch out for and avoid. As an added bonus, the book includes a generous helping of tasty recipes. Wild mushrooms are beautiful, bountiful, and delicious. This is the easy way to start mushrooming.

Nobody sees and understands woodland better than Ray Mears. With deep natural history knowledge and practical woodcraft skills, gained over a lifetime of learning from the world's last remaining indigenous peoples, Ray offers a different way to experience our wooded landscapes. He challenges the old concepts. He looks to our ancestors and shows how man's hand in shaping woodland is critical. We are not separate from nature, we just need to ensure that our interactions have a positive impact. With the emphasis on interaction, British Woodland is structured by usage. We learn that sycamore and clematis are among the best woods for burning, pine and oak help us navigate, and hawthorn and beech have edible leaves. Rope can be made from willow, utensils and tools from hazel, and historically, weapons were made from yew and wych elm. With Ray as our guide, encouraging this sense of connection to individual trees, our appreciation of wooded landscapes will change. We can learn how to live inclusively in nature, for our own wellbeing and enjoyment, and also for the future of our planet.

This book is the story of James Baxter's 2700 kilometre ski up the entire length of Norway, followed by his 3100 kilometre kayak down the whole of Norway's coast. This eight month journey took him through Europe's most pristine natural wonders; the empty snow-covered spine of Scandinavia's mountain chain, the Arctic taiga forests and tundra, the busy seabird colonies in the Barents Sea, the daunting seas of the Arctic Ocean and the magnificent fjords of the Atlantic coast were just some of the wonders encountered. Through the four seasons of this breathtaking land, James unfolds his story as he slowly passes through it, solely under his own steam. Sheltering during storms and journeying through abundant good weather, he is immersed into the ebb and flow of nature as if on a pilgrimage. Yet there are many encounters with the personalities of the rich rural cultures and communities scattered across this wilderness. The book is intended to be both a narrative and a guide. The entire 6200 kilometres of the outdoor expedition has been split into 35 sections.Each section is around 200 kilometres, or a week's duration, and many are a very good ski or kayak in their own right; such as Hardangervidda, Jotunheimen or Kungsleden on skis or Nordkapp, Vestfjorden or Helgelandskysten in a kayak. The chapters are not only to inspire a journey, but are also valuable to help plan it, as there is much information about local conditions, natural features and logistics for each section to be gleaned from the story itself. This book is a must for any outdoor enthusiast planning a visit to Scandinavia. The book is not only an account of James' entire expedition but also delves into a wide spectrum of observations about rural communities, local economies, farming and even regional politics, and of course the continual commentary about the extraordinary natural features, geology, fauna and flora which surprised and delighted him at every corner. The book is richly illustrated with over 800 colour photographs throughout to illuminate the text.

365 inspirational suggestions for enjoying nature. These 'Random Acts of Wildness' will encourage you to fall in love with, learn about or even help wildlife and wild places near you. A Random Act of Wildness is any little thing that you can do as part of your day, to enjoy nature. It can take a few seconds - like smelling a wildflower on the way to work; or a few hours - like creating a whole area for wildlife in your garden. Some Random Acts of Wildness don't take any time at all, but instead are little changes to your daily routine that will ultimately be better for wildlife, like buying a reusable coffee cup. The best Random Acts of Wildness immerse you (if only for a few seconds) in nature, setting your senses alight. Smelling freshly fallen rain, tasting the sweet explosion of a fresh blackberry as you pop it in your mouth, wriggling your toes in the icy waters of a stream, waking up to bird song. It's not just about seeing, but experiencing the wild in every way possible. Let this beautifully photographed adventure guide inspire you and help you to discover your 'wildest' life.

Two crucial components of a healthy life are nutrition and exercise. The importance of appropriate diet, food and nutrition are extremely important to be successful in sports, and, especially, in extreme sports. Extreme sport is an activity where a participant must demonstrate both mental and physical skills. This type of activity provides an adrenaline rush to individuals who are part of the "community of extreme sportsmen." Extreme sports provide opportunity for individuals to be active and fit with added enjoyment of partaking in a fun activity. Extreme sports in conjunction with proper nutrition helps to boost immunity and resistance against common infections. Studies have also exhibited that sports and exercise activities help in managing effective work-life balance as well. Extreme and Rare Sports: Performance Demands, Drivers, Functional Foods, and Nutrition provides a comprehensive treatise on extreme sports emphasizing the importance of nutrition and research-driven nutraceutical supplements in injury prevention and treatment. The book presents information on the nutritional requirements of sports activities on land, in water, or with high altitude-base. It covers a wide variety of definitions, philosophies, thoughts and practices involved with structurally diverse extreme sports. Features: Discusses specific food and nutritional requirements in extreme sports Provides information on the importance of functional foods, nutrition and structurally diverse phytonutrients for different sports Features information on Olympic and diverse extreme sports Details the importance of hydration and use of gelatin; skeletal muscle damage and recovery from eccentric contractions; and information on dietary supplements and antioxidants Presents analysis on growth, marketing, techniques, and future of extreme sports