Geology off the beaten track follows on the successof author Nick Norman's earlier Geological Journeys(co-authored with Gavin Whitfi eld), which has sold morethan 20 000 copies in the last 6 years. This new book helps readers understand and interpret thegeology along SA's regional and other less-travelled roads.

Geological Journeys: a traveller's guide to South Africa's rocks and landforms is an essential companion for car journeys. How often have we wondered about the jaunty tilt of a mountain ahead, the unusual patterns of a road cutting, the colour and texture of the roadside soil, or the purpose of a distant minehead? This handy volume offers answers and explanations about features along all the major routes across South Africa, and some of the lesser, but geologically interesting, routes too. Also included are the three main metropolitan areas - Johannesburg, Cape Town and Durban - so that city r.

Geology off the beaten track follows on the success of author Nick Norman’s earlier Geological Journeys (co-authored with Gavin Whitfi eld), which has sold more than 20 000 copies in the last 6 years. This new book helps readers understand and interpret the geology along SA’s regional and other less-travelled roads. ● It features 13 detailed routes across the country, taking in geologically interesting areas such as the Richtersveld, Cape winelands and the Valley of Desolation near Graaff-Reinet. ● The text is richly illustrated with photos and explanatory diagrams, making it suitable for armchair travellers too. ● Maps for all the routes indicate key geosites, with GPS readings to pinpoint their location. This is a must-have handbook for travellers in the region, or for anyone wanting to know more about our rocks and landforms.

Africa is home to more than the Cradle of Humankind. It was the core of the ancient supercontinent Pangaea, and comprises some of the oldest and most extraordinary geology on planet Earth. This detailed and colourful book features 44 of the continent's most spectacular and interesting 'geosites', from Table Mountain in the south to the eroded necks and plugs of the Hoggar region in Algeria; and from the volcanic islands of the Atlantic Ocean to the continental fragments off the African east coast. Each site is authored by a geologist (or specialist in a related field) with in-depth knowledge about the particular feature or landform: how it formed and developed, its current geological status, ecological impact, and its archaeological and cultural interest. Supported with many photographs, maps, satellite images and explanatory illustrations, the text is accessible to geologists and lay enthusiasts alike, unpacking the hows and whys of Africa's most intriguing landforms, sites and geological features.

The book presents 50 of the most recognizable and geologically interesting sites around South Africa, including some of palaeontological or historical renown and some of mining interest. The diverse selection includes sites such as Chapman’s Peak, Howick Falls, Walter Sisulu National Botanical Gardens, Mapungubwe, Tswaing Meteorite Crater and the Fraserburg Fossil Surface. Each site is unpacked to reveal: key features; geological heritage; landscape and rock formations; topics of local or historical interest; things to see and do at the site and in the surrounding area. Maps and GPS pointers make the sites easy to find, and some of the more complicated features are explained by means of simplified diagrams. Nearly 1,000 colour images illustrate South Africa’s remarkable geology and bring the topic vividly to life, making the book suitable for armchair travel too.

"Rough-Hewn Land tells the geologic story of the American West--the story of its rocks, rivers, mountains, earthquakes, and mineral wealth, including gold. It tells it by taking you on a 1000-mile-long field trip across the rough side of the continent from the California coast to the Rocky Mountains. This book puts you on the outcrop, geologic hammer in hand, to explore the evidence for how the spectacular, rough-hewn lands of the West came to be. When North America broke free from Eurasia and Africa some 200 million years ago, it triggered a cascade of violent geologic events that shaped the West we see today. As the west-moving continent crunched across the seabed of the ancient Pacific, islands and assorted pieces of ocean floor collected against its prow to build California--and plant gold there too. Meanwhile, mountains squeezed upward from California to Colorado, and vast quantities of molten rock seeded the crust with precious metals while spewing volcanic fire across the land. Later, the land stretched like an accordion to form the washboard-like Basin and Range province and Great Basin within it, while California began to crackle along the San Andreas fault. Throughout the West today, a near-constant drumroll of earthquakes testifies to a world still reshaping itself in response to the ceaseless movements of the Earth's tectonic plates. Rough-Hewn Land weaves these stories into the human history of the West. As we follow the adventures of John C. Frémont, Mark Twain, the Donner party, and other historic characters, we see how geologic forces have shaped human experience, just as they direct the fate of the West today"--

Join Curt Bradford on his personal quest for the unknown. Captivated by the mystery of sasquatches as a child and frightened by the possible existence of such creatures, he decides at age twenty-seven to leave Virginia and travel three thousand miles away to the great Pacific Northwest in search of the truth. Before he can get off the beaten path to look for evidence of sasquatches in the forests of Oregon, he must first gain a foothold in Portland, the state's most populous city, and begin a new position in the insurance world. The legend of the sasquatch was not his only interest. The reader is treated to stories of a friend's beautiful wedding in Napa Valley, newfound friendships with Peruvians, and visits to some of the most awe-inspiring natural areas in America. Get a behind-the-scenes look into the adventures of a bigfoot seeker who must find within himself the courage to face down alone one of his greatest fears–the sasquatch.

Tired of the same old tourist traps? Whether you’re a visitor or a local looking for something different, let Hawaii Off the Beaten Path show you the Aloha State you never knew existed. Pay respect to the 700-pound crystal shivalingam and experience a daily puja (purification ritual) at Kauai’s Hindu Monastery. Hike through the natural splendor of Waipio Valley to reach Hiilawe Falls. Dropping more than 1,200 feet in free fall, the waters of Hiilawe make the longest unbroken descent in Hawaii. Follow Jack London’s trail on Kalae Stables’ “world-famous Moloka`i mule ride” to Kalaupapa Peninsula. Or dine on a “plate lunch,” the quintessential meal of Hilo, at Cafe 100, the city’s first drive-in. So if you’ve “been there, done that” one too many times, get off the main road and venture Off the Beaten Path.

A guide to 48 sites of geologic interest on the island of Newfoundland - one of North America's prime destinations for rock enthusiasts. Maps, GPS waypoints, and travel directions make it easy for anyone to visit breathtaking, informative locations both on and off the beaten track. Colour photographs and accompanying descriptions capture the appeal and significance of the rocks at each site.