The Secret Sierra: The Alpine World Above the Trees

Book Description

What is it like to live in a place of bare rock, vertical walls, and windswept ledges, where snow covers the ground for much of the year and temperature changes of thirty degrees or more is the daily norm?

The Alpine Sierra Nevada, the rugged mountain world above treeline, presents this challenge to all living things venturing into its extreme environment. From the tiny meadow vole to the delicate alpine flower growing between slabs of broken rockfall, all that live within this diverse, thin-aired landscape have developed specialized adaptations just to survive. David Gilligan describes the Alpine Sierra Nevada with a naturalist's passion for both personal observation and science. From deep inside an ice-encrusted crevasse on the Lyell Glacier to the airy heights of Mt. Ritter, The Secret Sierra: The Alpine World Above The Trees is dedicated to exploring the high and hidden world of the Sierra Nevada's alpine zone.

Customer Reviews:

Recommended, but with some caveats.......2006-08-06

The "Secret Sierra" referred to in the title is the high altitude portion of California's Sierra Nevada. After 14-page introductory remarks on the "History and Philosophy of Natural History" the bulk of David Gilligan's natural history survey consists of 43 chapters, averaging less than seven pages each, on various aspects of Sierran geology, geomorphology, biology and environmental transitions over time, interspersed with lyric descriptions of some the author's Sierra experiences and quotations from other authors and naturalists. The main text is followed by eight pages of appendices listing an inventory of the Alpine Sierra's plants, bird and mammals, the author's references and an index.

In essence this is a text book for field courses in Alpine Sierra natural history, which the author instructs. There are lots of Latin and scientific terms and the chapters are fairly detailed on sometimes-ignored-topics like alpine soil development and detailed descriptions of remnant Sierran glaciers and their signature moraines. On the other hand some intriguing and colorful aspects of the Alpine Sierra, for example Bighorn Sheep and avalanches, are virtually ignored.

There are some disappointing aspects to this book. Many of the described phenomena are not unique to the Sierra and are known to people familiar with other mountain ranges. There is somewhat excessive detail about a few topics and quite superficial coverage of others. Most disappointing is that Gilligan never suggests specific hikes during which the Sierra visitor can observe the vegetation, animals and geologic phenomenon he describes.

And some of Gilligan's paragraph-leading statements are less brilliant insights: "Altitude is associated with mountain regions more than any other factor" and "Streams and lakes, being aquatic, are the wettest habitats of the alpine zone." Altitude in the mountains? Streams and lakes wet? Who knew?

On a more positive note in several spots Gilligan thoughtfully raises the notion that the Sierra Nevada has been through many climate changes and has been intermittently devoid of even its current tiny remnant glaciers, most recently 5,000-8,000 years ago when Native Americans were already living in the region. He also says it's common for plant and animal species to ebb and flow in the Sierra under natural circumstances. Rather than mimic global warming hysteria the Hidden Sierra's author provides the useful perspective that major climate changes are normal and both humans and living things have successfully dealt with greater changes than we may be currently facing.

Throughout the book are interesting, well composed black and white photographs of the High Sierra landscape, but there are absolutely no maps to orient the reader to any of the locations photographed or described.

Recommended, subject to the limitations described above, to anyone who wants to learn or review the natural history of the High Sierra.

A Must for Students of the High Sierra!.......2000-11-02

As a 'student' of the High Sierra, I thoroughly enjoyed this book and recommend it for anyone with a love for the precious Sierra Nevada. Its only shortcoming (is it a shortcoming?) is that for anyone with little to no previous understanding of geologic processes, biology, botany, et al, they may feel slightly lost at times. Mr. Gilligan rarely gives a background to the process, event, or adaptation he is about to describe. Those who have studied the aforementioned subjects will appreciate that the author delves straight into a subject without prefacing it with general background.

A must for the collector of Sierra Nevada books.

The Secret Sierra, Secret no more.......2000-09-14

Mr. Gilligan brings the reader as close to "The Range of Light" as one can get without being immersed in it. He is quite unapologetic for his subjective approach in studying the ecology of the Alpine Sierra Nevada, and rightfully so. The reverence for which Mr. Gilligan has for these mountains assists the reader in transcending the boredom of science into the exciting realm of the personal and graspable.

From landscape geography to the intricate workings of geological activity, Mr. Gilligan brings scientific concepts to the laypersons realm. If you want a book that brings both the forest and the trees to your doorstep, this is it. The only real drawback to this book is the sense of burning desire it leaves, which can only be extinguished by breathing the Sierra Nevada Alpine Air. Then, and only then, will the understanding that Mr. Gilligan has impartd to his reader be fully appreciated.

David Gilligan says it best, "Whether the Hindu and Buddhist ressurectionists have had it wrong or right all this time, I can conceive of no other way of living this precious life than as if it were the first and last time I will have to kiss the bones of the earth, shaken upward in a stone embrace with the alpine sky." I'm coming Heckle-Me Fiddle!!!

Customer Reviews:

Essential for the mycology lab.......2005-08-05

If you have an unknown fungus sporulating in culture, this is the first book to consult.

Book Description

From watching yacht races at the Victoria Harbour Festival, to riding on scenic ferries, and exploring Vancouver's Chinatown, Moon Handbooks Vancouver and Victoria is the guide to the best these cities have to offer, both on and off the beaten path. Practical information includes suggested travel strategies and lists of must-see sights, plus essentials on dining, transportation, and accommodations for a range of budgets. Complete with color photos, illustrations, maps, and details for buying fresh salmon, finding the perfect bed-and-breakfast, cycling around Victoria's Scenic Drive, or soaking up Vancouver's thriving performing arts scene, Moon Handbooks Vancouver and Victoria gives travelers the tools they need to create a more personal and memorable experience.

Customer Reviews:

Not so good for VictoriaI.......2005-09-12

This might be a good book for Vancouver as a whole, but if your vacation is limited to Victoria, you'll want to get a different book. The Victoria section is quite short, and the only detailed street map focuses exclusively on the region around the Inner Harbor. Why is that bad, you ask? Because the author recommends that you get out of that area, and offers his best reviews of restaurants and other locations that aren't on the map. We also found those recommendations to be less than helpful -- restaurant reviews often told you very little about a place except that it exists -- not too helpful when you're trying to decide where to go. If you do get this book for a visit to Victoria, you're at least going to want to pick up another map. Better than that would be to get a book that focuses exclusively on that city.

Takes you deeper than just touristy areas!.......2005-07-07

I visited Vancouver on one of those fast weekend tours years ago and loved it. However, I didn't get to see much past the beautiful Butcher gardens because those tours only take you so far. I loved the Moon V & V book because it told me all the attractions I could want to see, but also the best restaurants and local entertainment that you wouldn't see on a guided tour. My second and third visits to the area were definitely more culturally fulfilling -- and cheaper too since I knew some bargain places from the book. If you want the full Vancouver and Victoria experience, get this guidebook because it will come in handy.

Moon Handbooks Vancouver: Including Victoria (2nd Ed)

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Moon Handbooks Vancouver: Including Victoria (2nd Ed)
Andrew Hempstead
Manufacturer: Avalon Travel Publishing
ProductGroup: Book
Binding: Paperback

Guidebooks | Reference & Tips | Travel | Subjects | Books

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ASIN: 1566913764

Book Description

Moon Handbooks: Vancouver is the only guide you'll need to enjoy this cosmopolitan city surrounded by snowcapped peaks and the sparkling waters of the Pacific Ocean. Including detailed coverage of nearby Victoria, this second edition spotlights city sights, including Vancouver's lively China Town and acclaimed Museum of Anthropology, and details activities, like biking, kayaking, and skiing. You'll also find eclectic restaurants serving Pacific Northwest cuisine, fresh seafood, British-style pub grub, and more, plus accommodations for all budgets, from five-star waterfront hotels to quiet backwoods campsites.

Moon Vancouver and Victoria (Moon Handbooks)

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Moon Vancouver and Victoria (Moon Handbooks)
Andrew Hempstead
Manufacturer: Avalon Travel Publishing
ProductGroup: Book
Binding: Paperback

General | Travel | Subjects | Books
ASIN: 1598800167

British Columbia Handbook: Including Vancouver, Victoria, and the Canadian Rockies (Moon Handbooks : British Columbia)

Average customer rating:

B.C. Handbook
A Great Help
My favourite guidebook for British Columbia
Great, but previous edition better.
Moon Handbooks rule!

British Columbia Handbook: Including Vancouver, Victoria, and the Canadian Rockies (Moon Handbooks : British Columbia)
Jane King , and Andrew Hempstead
Manufacturer: Avalon Publishing Group
ProductGroup: Book
Binding: Paperback

Guidebooks | Reference & Tips | Travel | Subjects | Books

General | Canada | Travel | Subjects | Books

General | Travel | Subjects | Books

General | Reference | Subjects | Books
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ASIN: 1566911044

Amazon.com

A reliable guide is essential when venturing off into the 948,596 square kilometers that make up British Columbia, and Moon's Handbook is the guide of choice. Covering recreation, accommodations, food, transportation, and sights for Southwestern, Central, and Northern British Columbia, Vancouver and Vancouver Island, plus the Rocky Mountains, Okanagan Valley, and the Kootenays, it's an exceptionally valuable tome of information. Whether you're looking for a sophisticated big city Vancouver holiday, going for high tea in Victoria, viewing Haida totem poles on the Queen Charlotte Islands, hiking the West Coast Trail, or canoeing the lakes in the Cariboo Mountains, the Moon Handbook is up-to-date and on the money. --Stephanie Gold

Book Description

British Columbia Handbook provides travelers with the best of the area's sophisticated modern cities and colonial charms as well as its pristine forests and waterways. The authors explore the national parks and lead readers to such delights as the Southern Gulf Islands and the Okanagan wine country.

Customer Reviews:

B.C. Handbook.......2006-07-18

Excellent book for travel to BC. We have used other Moon Books on travel and have been very pleased with all of them

A Great Help.......2004-01-14

This was the first of the Moon books I'd ever used and I was very impressed. There was a ton of useful information on general Canadian travel, but the bulk of the book is devoted to the various regions and the best of what there is to see and do. In places like Vancouver, where there are lots of museums, he discusses these; on Vancouver Island he tells all you'll need to know about water activities; in the Okanagan Valley he chooses his favorite wineries, etc. I'd been to BC previously, but visited a few great spots that I wouldn't have found without this book. The author concentrates on 3 or 4 places to stay and a similiar number of restaurants in each town and he has obviously done his research well as I couldn't find fault with the recommendations that cover all price ranges.

Also importantly, the book is very well organized and the maps were very helpful. I also liked the thorough bibliography.

My favourite guidebook for British Columbia.......2002-06-24

I know of no better book to my home province of British Columbia than this Moon guide. On my travels as a semi-retired geologist, I also carry copies of the Lonely Planet and Frommer's book and have reviewed both of them and others at Amazon.com, but Moon Handbooks British Columbia stands alone for its usefulness. The other books have their good points, but this one encapsulates everything one needs to enjoy the wonders of the province, whether it's their first trip or they live here. It covers every single corner of BC and is thorough and up to date.

The Moon guide is cleverly written and arranged to appeal to all budgets. The bulk of the text relates to towns and parks of BC, with informative coverage of everything from museums to fishing opportunities and wildlife viewing. Each section ends with details of the best places to stay and recommendations for dining. If you're camping out or RVing I'd suggest also getting a campground guide, but the Moon book suggests at least one campground in each town, each of which the author has obviously visited. Motels are also detailed, and over previous editions I'm yet to find fault with the author's choices. Ditto for bed and breakfasts and restaurants.

In my opinion, thois is definitely the best allround guidebook for British Columbia

Great, but previous edition better........2002-06-01

This is indeed a terrific guidebook for B.C. Previous editions, however, included Banff and Jasper National Parks, which admittedly are in Alberta, not B.C., but are usually included in Canadian Rockies travel itineraries. There's no excuse including Yoho (which is just over the border) but not Banff and Jasper, except to sell more books. So this is not an improvement.

Moon Handbooks rule!.......2001-09-27

I've used Moon Handbooks for years and they are simply the best! I have the Montana, Wyoming, Washington, Alberta, and now the British Columbia book, and I've never been disappointed. These books include the usual stuff, such as lodging, restaurants, and recreation, but they also include local history and cultural information that makes them far superior to most guides. Buy a Moon Handbook that covers the state you live in--you will be surprised at how much you can learn. If you're going traveling, they are indispensable.

Book Description

A Summer To Remember

Fourteen-year-old Clay Lancaster has been dreaming for years of the adventure he calls The Big Wander -- a summer in the Southwest with his older brother, Mike, searching for their uncle Clay. When Mike decides to return home to Seattle and the girlfriend he left behind, Clay chooses to stay on and continue the search on his own.

Following a tip about his uncle, he heads out into the most remote canyons of the Navajo reservation, with only a burro and a dog named Curly for company. Clay loses his heart to the vast, rugged land -- and to an adventurous girl with a long, dark braid -- but finds his uncle in big trouble. Can Clay pull off a risky plan to save his uncle -- and the wild horses Uncle Clay has put his own life in jeopardy to protect?

Customer Reviews:

Unforgettable Summer.......2003-11-05

A Review by Kyle

Mike and Clay, two brothers from Seattle, are searching for their uncle Clay. Uncle Clay was a famous all-around rodeo star who lived in northern Arizona. He has disappeared. It is up to Mike and Clay to piece together their uncle's fate, their only clue being a mysterious phone call that was so unclear, all they heard was "Restaurant Hay." Taking their life savings, and a beat up old truck they bought for $75, they head out to Arizona to spend their summer searching for their uncle.

I like how the author blends the era of 1962 with the characters and setting, influencing how they act and what they say, such as Clay mailing a letter to President Kennedy, or having a conversation about the new space program America was developing. The book plays out with the perfect blend of comedy and action, more than enough to keep you reading. The descriptions of all characters and settings are incredibly vivid, giving you a clear picture of what Monument Valley or a Navajo village looks like. The dialogue is simple and easy to understand, and the events are realistic enough that I would believe this story if it were not fiction. The only downside to reading this is that it doesn't seem long enough; I would really like to know what happens after the end.

I recommend this book to ages 10+ and to anyone who enjoys survival stories or books about the old west or the author Gary Paulsen..

A great book!.......1999-10-06

This is a great book because of the adventures envolved in it. It was full of excitment and humor. It is about a boy going into the southwest (in the 60's) with his older brother searching for his Uncle Clay who he has not seen in years. I enjoyed this book because it kept me reading all of the time.

A great way to spend time with a youngster!.......1998-01-13

The Big Wander is a humorous, thoughtful trip through the American southwest amidst the tumultuous 60's. If that era wasn't enough to fuel the author's creative palette, our hero, Clay, is euphorically approaching adolescent replete with starry eyed infatuation and an all-to-well-remembered awkwardness in his approach to young ladies. The novel sets out as an summer adventure ("The Wander") for Clay and his older brother, Mike. But, the story strays from its origins and delights the reader with its creative insight into the workings of a young teenager's imagination; too young to give up John Wayne, but well on the way to his first lovesick romance. Natural beauty, native american lore, and the love and loyalty of distant family are woven into a rewarding tale. The plot is best shared with a young reader, an excellent bedtime "chapter book" for Dad to read each night. Oh, I imagine the rigidly fixed realist may have problems with the unfolding of events that defy a likely outcome; but the child you read to (and the one kept deep inside) will receive each and every adventure Clay encounters with a smile, a giggle, and a brief reflection on life as they have known it.

Average customer rating:

The Big Wander

ProductGroup: Book
Binding: Audio Cassette
ASIN: 0788718061

Average customer rating:

The Big Wander
Will Hobbs
Manufacturer: Atheneum
ProductGroup: Book
Binding: Hardcover

Book Description

The central thesis of this book is that Volvox and its unicellular and colonial relatives provide a wholly unrivaled opportunity to explore the proximate and ultimate causes underlying the evolution from unicellular ancestors of multicellular organisms with fully differentiated cell types. A major portion of the book is devoted to reviewing what is known about the genetic, cellular and molecular basis of development in the most extensively studied species of Volvox: V. cateri, which exhibits a complete division of labor between mortal somatic cells and immortal germ cells. However, this topic has been put in context by first considering the ecological conditions and cytological preconditions that appear to have fostered the evolution of organisms of progressively increasing size and with progressively increasing tendency to produce terminally differentiated somatic cells. The book concludes by raising the question of whether the germ-soma dichotomy may have evolved by similar or different genetic pathways in different species of Volvox.

Book Description

Presents the current state of supercritical fluid technology and provides a link between researchers studying fundamental aspects of the science and those involved in the application of supercritical fluid technology to difficult chemical problems. Includes discussions of the fundamental aspects of solvation in supercritical fluid media and presents applications in spectroscopy, chromatography, extraction, and computer modeling. Also offers a discussion on regulatory agencies' roles in the implementation of supercritical fluid technology.

Book Description

This monograph is devoted to methods of reduction of nonlinear control systems to a simpler form: for example, decomposition into systems of lesser dimension. The approach centres on the immersion of control systems into some differential geometric category. Within the framework of this category the reduction of control systems becomes a reduction to isomorphic objects, quotient objects, and subobjects. The theory of reduction of nonlinear control systems discussed here outlines the elements of the general theory of such systems, which is of necessity purely differential geometric by nature. Audience: This book will be of interest to graduate students as well as to researchers who wish to gain insight into the modern differential geometric theory of nonlinear control systems.

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