'A wonderfully fluent account of how the strange magic of water and the beings that inhabit it can enchant and intoxicate' Chris Yates '[Will Millard] writes with a genuine sense of humility (...) humour and reflection' Kevin Parr, Countryfile *** Growing up on the Cambridgeshire Fens, Will Millard never felt more at home than when he was out with his granddad on the riverbank, whiling away the day catching fish. As he grew older his competitive urge to catch more and bigger fish led him away from that natural connection between him, his grandfather and the rivers of his home. That is, until the fateful day he let a record-breaking sand eel slip through his fingers and he knew that he had lost the magic of those days down by the river, and that something had to change. The Old Man and the Sand Eel is at its heart the story of three generations of men trying to figure out what it is to be a man, a father and a fisherman. It plots Will's scaly stepping stones back to his childhood innocence, when anything was possible and the wild was everywhere. *** 'Delightful and informative (...) beautifully drawn' The Spectator '[Will Millard] is a master wordsmith and his first book is a joyful testament to that' Isabelle Broom, Heat 'The writing is sharp and clever (...) I loved all of it and would as happily read it again as I would sit beside the river waiting for the evening rise of trout to begin' Tom Fort, Literary Review 'This is post-modern nature writing that embraces beauty where it finds it and marvels at nature's tenacity (...) But there's more here than just fish. This is also a book about growing up, about how to retain a connection with those who raised you while forging your own identity - what to keep and what to discard. And it's about men. The strong surges of emotion that both draw them together and keep them apart, and the shared pastimes which recognise that intimacy and meaning aren't always accompanied by words' Olivia Edward, Geographical

Some books address outdoor leadership; others focus on adventure programming. None delve into the specifics of both topics like Effective Leadership in Adventure Programming, Third Edition, does. The first edition of this book helped define the body of knowledge for an emerging profession. Two editions later, this groundbreaking text-now in full color-provides adventure leaders with the tools and evidence they need to show that their outdoor programs are effective and have a lasting impact on their participants. Internationally renowned authors Simon Priest and Michael Gass have significantly updated the content, based on the latest research, issues, and trends in the field of adventure education and leadership. They have reorganized chapters to conform to their new model of building core competencies. In addition, this third edition includes the following features: * Material on technology, social justice, cultural adaptation, sustainability, and facilitation techniques * An online instructor guide that offers activities, discussion questions, and assessments compiled from a group of acclaimed instructors * A digital field handbook that offers quick reference to key models, concepts, and checklists covered in the text * An expanded version of global perspectives, valuable for long-standing programs as well as those just beginning to enter the field Effective Leadership in Adventure Programming details both the art and science of adventure leadership, helping a new generation of outdoor leaders develop their skills. The text extends the focus on evidence-based models, theories, and best practices, showing that science and research are as important to the profession as the natural beauty of the environment. The book describes the core competencies of outdoor leadership, providing a framework that helps leaders connect with participants in meaningful ways, based on mutual goals. The focus on the science side is invaluable to new leaders and less-experienced leaders, and it is a great refresher for leaders with more experience. This new edition offers a more detailed look at diversity and cultural competencies, preparing leaders to effectively manage diverse populations of participants. In addition, the content is in line with the updated accreditation standards from the Association for Experiential Education. The opening chapters of Effective Leadership in Adventure Programming supply a solid foundation in the research, philosophy, ethics, and history of outdoor leadership. Numerous chapters explore the skills leaders need, with topics that include technical activity, safety and risk management, environment, organization, instruction, and facilitation. The authors also examine leadership styles and conditional leadership issues, communication, sound judgment, decision making, problem solving, and the trends and issues in adventure programming. Effective Leadership in Adventure Programming will help readers understand the four adventure program areas-recreation, education, development, and therapy-and how they influence the delivery of outdoor leadership. The book is a valuable resource for the training and education of future outdoor leaders. It will help readers know why they should work in the profession and understandd how they can make a difference by being an effective outdoor leader.

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.

How to enjoy New Zealand's cycle trail network, by a writer who knows them like the back of his hand. How to enjoy New Zealand's cycle trail network, by a writer who knows them like the back of his hand. Nga Haerenga - the New Zealand Cycle Trails - began as a vision to inspire people to experience New Zealand's great outdoors by bike. This book is stuffed full of useful information on the different trails - how to get there, what you will see, level of difficulty, things to take, places to eat and places to stay. There is fascinating background information on each area - its history and the local flora and fauna - as well as on the ride itself. This new edition covers several new sections of the trails, and provides updates on any on-going construction work. There is also a highly practical section full of advice on choosing the right bike, gear to take, cell phone coverage in the different areas, weather and the best times of year for each trail, environmental care and useful websites. Written by New Zealand's top cycling writer, the book is aimed at family groups and first-time cyclists as well as more experienced groups. It's accompanied by colour photos, elevation profiles and maps of each trail. This new fully revised edition also provides an introduction to Tour Aotearoa which goes from Cape Reinga to Bluff. It's a 3000-km length of New Zealand ride, taking in many of the Great Rides, and connecting them together with the safest and most enjoyable roads and tracks available. The route is fully open to the public. It can be done in one highly adventurous hit, or divided up into shorter lengths and completed over a period of time. Don't put your bike on the bike rack without this book!

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.

North Carolina's 1.2 million acres of national forestland are some of our state's most distinctive and botanically diverse areas. Veteran nature writer Johnny Molloy welcomes you to enjoy these beautiful and often surprising wild areas, guiding you safely there and back again. Molloy renders the sometimes primitive trails accessible to both beginner and more intrepid hikers, from families with small children to dedicated wilderness wanderers. Spotlighting the best hikes in all four of North Carolina's national forests--Nantahala, Pisgah, Uwharrie, and Croatan, ranging from the mountains to the coast--this book includes some of the state's most heralded destinations and invites you to explore many lesser-known gems. Features include A hike summary, including distance, time, and difficulty of each trip Detailed instructions to keep you on the trail GPS coordinates of every trailhead, a narrative of the hike, and can't-miss features A cultural and natural history of each area Best seasons to go Fees and permits, as well as contact information for each area Photos and maps to orient you

Learn to identify, collect, and prepare wild edibles! Step into your backyard, garden, or nearby green space, and harvest an abundance of free, nutritious, and organic greens, tubers, and fruits. Foraging in North America introduces you to 12 widely accessible wild plants that can be gathered safely. Compared to cultivated garden plants, these wild edibles require no care, are hardier, and are amazing sources of nutrients. Throughout much of our history, wild plants were the mainstay of human diets. They were rich in micronutrients, vitamins, and minerals that nurtured good health and strong immune systems. Foraging in North America is a simple guide that introduces readers to those foods—including such overlooked superfoods as dandelions, lambs quarters, and nettles. Learn how to find and identify those wild edibles and more, while avoiding toxic or inedible look-alikes. Expert forager Tom Anderson also shares tips on best practices for collecting and even some ideas on how to prepare your finds for the table, based on 30 years of experience. The easy-to-use information is accessible for everyone from beginners to experts. Foraging is also an excellent family activity. It helps children to learn about the natural world while simultaneously giving them the satisfaction of contributing to the household. Bring this photo-illustrated quick guide on your next outing. Its pocket-sized format makes it easy to tuck into a daypack, camping cook kit, or glove compartment.

Have you ever noticed how much calmer and more engaged your children are when they are outside in the natural world? A growing body of evidence is pointing to the need for children to spend more time outside. Being outdoors has the potential to energise, entertain and educate our children, often with minimal input from adults. Growing Up Wild is for anyone who wants to encourage their kids to spend more time outdoors. Combining the latest scientific research with a host of enjoyable activities, the authors show you how to access nature with your children. From making the most of local parks, woodlands, the beach, and your own back garden Growing Up Wild gives you easy ways to get out there, connect with nature, and have fun together. Inspired by the increasingly popular forest school philosophy, and emphasising the benefits of starting early with your baby or toddler, Growing Up Wild tells you: - The reasons why getting dirty makes you happier and healthier. - Activities that make the most of wind, rain or snow - Tips on hiking and foraging with your children - How to run wild with kids - from parks to fells and beyond - How to build an outdoor space in your back garden. This book is a must have for parents who love nature and want to give their children the proven benefits of playing outdoors.

E-Bike is the essential guide to this exciting technology and way of riding. From features, benefits, pros and cons, and the best ways to take advantage of motor-assisted cycling, E-Bike shows how to get the best bike for you and how your new e-bike will improve your cycling. Electric bikes are a new and fast-changing technology that's poised to transform how Americans ride bicycles, commute to work, and get around town. But in a market crowded with makes, models, and features, which e-bike is best for you? E-bike expert Martin Haussermann explores this exciting new way of riding a bicycle to share all the information e-bike shoppers and owners need. With guidance from VeloNews tech editor Dan Cavallari, custom e-bike framebuilder Lennard Zinn, and cycling retail journalist Stephen Frothingham, E-Bike offers the e-bike curious the essential guide to e-bike tech, formats, and uses. Whether you're looking for a city commuter, a speedy road bike, or a mountain bike, you can get up to speed on e-bike motors, drivetrains, brakes, and suspensions. Haussermann offers insights on e-bike handling, maintenance, and e-bike touring that makes clear all the benefits an e-bike can bring to your riding. Electric bikes are here, and E-Bike shares the best ways to take advantage of motor-assisted cycling.

Have you ever felt like the Universe is doubled over laughing at you? Like you're the butt of some great cosmic joke? Fear not You are not alone. In this long-awaited sequel to "Mugged by a Moose," we hope you'll find a feeling of kinship with our twenty-five free-spirited wanderers as they relate some of their craziest, wackiest, funniest and most inspiring tales of travel from the far side and beyond.

I checked my balance and peered apprehensively at the sheer drop below. Once I felt comfortable, I radioed down to Stu. 'I'm just gonna unclip quickly,' I said. My walkie-talkie crackled straight away. Stu sounded pretty stressed. 'Dude, keep the rope on!' I edged forward, my hands and feet scoping out the summit for any loose rock. The ridge pinnacle was still only a meter wide, if that, but I felt pretty stable. 'This bit's fine,' I said. 'The rope makes it harder for me...' Danny MacAskill lives on the edge. The cyclist is legendary for his YouTube viral videos like The Ridge, Cascadia and Imaginate: nerve-racking montages of stunts which scale everything from mountain peaks, rooftops, ghost towns and movie sets. His life is one of thrills, bloody spills and millions of online hits. It hasn't been an easy ride. Doubt, stress and the 'what if?' factor circle every trailblazing trick, which require imagination, fearlessness, groundbreaking techniques and an eye for a good camera angle. He has spent his life pushing the extremes; somehow, he's still around to tell the tale. In this unflinching memoir of mayhem, Danny shares his anarchic childhood on the Isle of Skye and early days as a street trials rider, takes us behind the scenes of his training and videos, shares never-seen-before sketches from his personal notebook, and reveals what it takes to go the next level - both mentally and physically. Join Danny for a nerve-shredding ride. Just be sure to bring a crash helmet.

Neal Bascomb, the New York Times bestselling author of Faster, presents the riveting, true story of the three world-class athletes who individually became the first runners to break the four-minute mile.

There was a time when running the mile in four minutes was believed to be beyond the limits of human foot speed, and in all of sport it was the elusive holy grail. In 1952, after suffering defeat at the Helsinki Olympics, three world-class runners each set out to break this barrier.

Roger Bannister was a young English medical student who epitomized the ideal of the amateur — still driven not just by winning but by the nobility of the pursuit. John Landy was the privileged son of a genteel Australian family, who as a boy preferred butterfly collecting to running but who trained relentlessly in an almost spiritual attempt to shape his body to this singular task. Then there was Wes Santee, the swaggering American, a Kansas farm boy and natural athlete who believed he was just plain better than everybody else.

Spanning three continents and defying the odds, their collective quest captivated the world and stole headlines from the Korean War, the atomic race, and such legendary figures as Edmund Hillary, Willie Mays, Native Dancer, and Ben Hogan. In the tradition of Seabiscuit and Chariots of Fire, Neal Bascomb delivers a breathtaking story of unlikely heroes and leaves us with a lasting portrait of the twilight years of the golden age of sport.

In our technology-driven, workaday world, connecting with nature has never before been more essential. A Wilder Life, a beautiful oversized lifestyle book by the team behind the popular Wilder Quarterly, gives readers indispensable ideas for interacting with the great outdoors. Learn to plant a night-blooming garden, navigate by reading the stars, build an outdoor shelter, make dry shampoo, identify insects, cultivate butterflies in a backyard, or tint your clothes with natural dyes. Like a modern-day Whole Earth Catalog, A Wilder Life gives us DIY projects and old-world skills that are being reclaimed by a new generation. Divided into sections pertaining to each season and covering self-reliance, growing and gardening, cooking, health and beauty, and wilderness, and with photos and illustrations evocative of the great outdoors, A Wilder Life shows that getting in touch with nature is possible no matter who you are and more important where you are.

Discover the joys of desert camping, hiking, and travel

Harsh, yet hauntingly beautiful; arid, yet teeming with life; inhospitable, yet profoundly peaceful--the earths deserts beckon the poet and the backpacker, the artist and the adventurer. If youre heading into the desert, however, you should know what to expect, what to look for, and how to withstand extreme desert conditions.

Richly illustrated with photographs and drawings, The Ultimate Desert Handbook is your complete guide to hiking, exploration, and survival in fascinating but unforgiving desert terrain. It gives you the crucial information you need to make the most of any desert sojourn, including detailed descriptions of North American deserts, their plants and wildlife, and their distinctive geological features. Youll also find the most comprehensive tutorial on desert navigation ever published and expert advice on equipment, safety, and first-aid techniques. Youll learn how to:

• Select the perfect desert campsite
  
• Manage your water supply
  
• Share the landscape with desert wildlife
  
• Maintain vehicles in desert conditions
  
• Protect yourself with the right clothing and equipment
  
• Be at home in a vast and elemental terrain
  

Racing Weight is a proven weight-management program designed specifically for endurance athletes. Revealing new research and drawing from the best practices of elite athletes, coach and nutritionist Matt Fitzgerald lays out six easy steps to help cyclists, triathletes, and runners lose weight without harming their training. This comprehensive and science-based program shows athletes the best ways to lose weight and avoid the common lifestyle and training hang-ups that keep new PRs out of reach. The updated Racing Weight program helps athletes: Improve diet qualityManage appetiteBalance energy sourcesEasily monitor weight and performanceTime nutrition throughout the dayTrain to get-and stay-lean Racing Weight offers practical tools to make weight management easy. Fitzgerald's no-nonsense Diet Quality Score improves diet without counting calories. Racing Weight superfoods are diet foods high in the nutrients athletes need for training. Supplemental strength training workouts can accelerate changes in body composition. Daily food diaries from 18 pro athletes reveal how the elites maintain an athletic diet while managing appetite. Athletes know that every extra pound wastes energy and hurts performance. With Racing Weight, cyclists, triathletes, and runners have a simple program and practical tools to hit their target numbers on both the race course and the scale.

Triathletes spend a lot of time and money making sure they have the right gear, optimizing their training plans, and selecting their races. And part of that preparation for big race days is taking care of diet to be sure the body is properly fed to maximize athletic performance. Enter "The Complete Nutrition Guide for Triathletes, a" thorough nutritional guidebook tailored specifically for the three-sport athlete to reach his triathlon goals and to cross the finish line with the best nutrition plan possible. Dr. Jamie A. Cooper brings to the book her expert knowledge about nutrition and exercise combined with her extensive experience as an active triathlete. The book covers each essential nutrient, offers up tailored nutritional plans for Sprint, Olympic, and Ironman races, and troubleshoots nutrition-related issues specifically concerning the triathlete.

The cutting edge in medical training for wilderness rescue and self care "Wilderness First Responder" is a comprehensive text for the recognition, treatment, and prevention of backcountry emergencies. It's essential reading for wilderness educators, trip leaders, guides, search and rescue groups, and anyone who works or plays far from definitive medical care. This invaluable resource includes expert, step-by-step instructions, clear illustrations, and "Signs and Symptoms" sidebars designed to help anyone provide immediate care in the wilderness--whenever they are more than an hour away from an ambulance or a hospital. It shows how to conduct a patient assessment, improvise when ideal materials are not handy, and decide whether or not to evacuate a patient. Readers will learn how to assess and treat: Airway obstructions Cardiac arrest External and internal bleeding Shock Spine injuries Head injuries Chest injuries Abdominal injuries Fractures and dislocations Athletic injuries Soft-tissue injuries Cold- or heat-induced injuries Altitude sickness Insect bites & stings Diabetic emergencies Poisoning emergenciesAllergic reactions and anaphylaxisAnd much, much more

With more than 40 family-friendly cultural activities and adventures, Family Field Trip makes it easy to incorporate moments of learning and exploration into life with kids. In this engaging guide, parents and caretakers will find simple-to-follow ideas and tips for cultural experiences the whole family can enjoy, whether they are at home, exploring the neighborhood, or taking a vacation. Drawing on a range of popular experiential educational techniques-including Montessori, World Schooling, Forest Schooling, and more- Family Field Trip is the perfect handbook for any family with young children and an invaluable resource for raising kids who will grow into curious, well-rounded citizens of the world. * Gives parents the tools and inspiration to turn the world into a giant field trip full of opportunities to teach children cultural appreciation * Provides parents with easy ways to incorporate learning, adventure, and exploration into both travel and daily life * Tackles a range of lessons and topics without being prescriptive or overwhelming By exploring sites, languages, and foods of the world, Family Field Trip is an inspiring guide to raise globally minded kids who appreciate art, food, music, nature, and more. Activities include starting a supper club to introduce kids to the basics of cooking, having conversations that encourage empathy and cross-cultural understanding, designing fun scavenger hunts for any kind of museum, exhibit, or park, packing for trips with kids, and more. * Perfect for parents, grandparents, and caregivers who aspire to raise open-minded world citizens with good taste * A lovely gift for the adventurous, travel-loving family * Great for readers who enjoyed How to Raise an Adult by Julie Lythcott-Haims, Atlas of Adventures by Rachel Williams, and Bringing Up Bebe by Pamela Druckerman

They didn't know it, but Patti Miller and her brother, Barney, shared something in common - a passion for the illuminating joy of wild nature - with all its challenges and dangers. In this extraordinary and unexpected book, Patti tells the story of her own long-distance walking over hundreds of kilometres in Europe and of her brother's obsession with paragliding. During their shared childhood on a farm these siblings were virtual strangers under the same roof. As adults, a tragic accident changes their relationship. One day, Barney's wing collapses and he plummets to earth, breaking his spine. The story of his struggle to walk again intersects Patti's long-distance journeys, creating an intense narrative of determination and triumph. For Patti, walking is a radical act - a return to what has made us all human - that bestows a connection to wild nature and to creativity itself. But as she listens to her pragmatic and methodical brother tell his story, she learns that flying is his door to untrammelled joy too. She realises that she is 'meeting' him for the very first time. This beautiful and inspiring book tells that story and reveals that the siblings share a willingness to take risks and an indefatigable determination. Moving, honest and ultimately uplifting, The Joy of High Places shows us the world's wild beauty in a compelling and beautifully written account of family, finding meaning, and dealing with disability. A story of physical adventure and struggle, written with intelligence and rare insight into why we extend ourselves and why we take risks This book is a thoughtful, philosophical exploration of how the natural world nurtures the creative spirit and how walking and flying open up the human soul. Highlights the raw beauty of the central Australian landscape in a walk around Uluru where the narrator learns more than she bargained for about the relationship between her stories and Indigenous stories.