Hit the hammock with your favourite outdoor book

SCORES OF RECENTLY released books are available to both excite and inform the outdoor enthusiast. Veteran campers, hikers, and athletes will find titles that offer solid advice with unique perspectives to augment their own knowledge base. Here are a few suggestions for upcoming excur- sions.

If you are looking for a challenging sport that offers great camaraderie, adventure racing is perfect. Adventure Racing by Jacques Marais and Lisa de Speville (Human Kinetics; $24.95) offers an excellent overview that ranges from a historical perspective to current competitions. The solid practical advice includes research and preparation, race completion, and describes how participants can get the most out of their experience. The book is generously illustrated, colourful, and carries a factbased format for easy absorption and reference. This title can be used as a training tool or enjoyed as a “behind the scenes” glimpse of adventure racing.

The new Eyewitness Companion Series includes Backpacking & Hiking by Karen Berger (Dorling Kindersley; $30). Of particular interest to outdoor enthusiasts, this compact little gem has valuable

READING TIME WELL SPENT Leave No Crumps Camping Cookbook, by Rick Greenspan and Hal Kahn (Thomas Allen/Storey Publishing; $22.95) Fitness Walking by Therese Iknoian (Human Kinetics; $22.95) Paddling and Hiking Ontario’s Southern Shield Country by Kas Stone (Boston Mills Press; $24.95 ) The Trailside Cookbook – A Handbook for Hungry Campers and Hikers by Don and Pam Philpott (Firefly Books; $19.95)

ARMCHAIR TRAVEL In the Wake of the Joman – Stone Age Mariners and a Voyage Across the Pacific by John Turk (McGraw Hill; $32.95) Mystery of the Nile – The Epic Story of the First Descent of the World’s Deadliest River by Richard Bangs and Pasquale Scaturro (Penguin Group; $25.95)

FOR THE KIDS DK Smithsonian Series: Bug Hunter, Birdwatcher, Rock and Fossil Hunter, Star Gazer (DK Publishing, $14.99 each)

material on preparation requirements, trail advice, and emergency response. It is filled with tips and techniques, checklists, illustrations, and it employs the strong visual format that’s typical of publisher Dorling Kindersley. Chapters that focus on choosing a destination and organizing a hike are a particularly good read. This title is ideal for planning a journey.

The Happy Camper -- An Essential Guide to Life Outdoors (Firefly Books; $24.95) by acclaimed outdoors author Kevin Callan, is heavily supported with photographs, checklists and index boxes. It shares his knowledge, philosophy and enthusiasm as it promotes environmental awareness. It provides hints on capturing memories, and addresses various types of camping. This well-presented package will assist anyone in getting the most out of their outdoor experiences. Jo-Anne Mary Benson is an Ottawa area resident, frequent traveller and long-time writer/reviewer who specializes in travel literature, nature books, and material about the outdoors.