Information

Perhaps someday I will put a lot of information on this page about specifics of how I planned my road trip, other places one should consider visiting, and other useful information. For know, what I'm providing you with is a list of books and websites that I found helpful and/or enjoyable. Consistent with the rest of this website, this list is not meant to be comprehensive so I've made no attempt to do that. If you have any questions, you can email me and I'll do my best to answer them.
 
I'd like to expand this page so that it is a more comprehensive site on doing a cross country road trip. So, if you've done one yourself and have stories to tell, facts to relay, photos to share, etc.... please let me know. Maybe someday this site can be a definitive source on how to drive across the USA.
 

Books & Links

 

Books: 
  • A Walk in the Woods by Bill Bryson
    A runaway national bestseller about an out of shape middle-age guy who decides to hike the Appalachian Trail. One of the funniest, well-researched books I've ever read.
     
  • Nat'l Parks of the US by Nat'l Geographic
    A great summary of the National Parks around the US, including what to do there, other attractions nearby, and some amazing photographs.
     
  • State Parks of the US by Nat'l Geographic
    Same as the National Parks guide above, but for State Parks.
     
  • Our Nat'l Park System by Dwight F. Reddie
    A detailed analysis of the National Parks system as an organization. Discussions include how it fits ito the US government, its structure, mission, goals, employees, future, history, etc.
      
  • Landscape Photography by John Shaw
    One of the most popular books on landscape photography, utilizing tons of large photos as illustrations of the techniques being discussed.
     
  • Our Nat'l Parks by Ansel Adams
    A photo book of some of Ansel Adams best photographs from the National Parks.
     
  • The Most Scenic Drives in the US by Reader's Digest
    A beautiful book that begs you to get off the superhighways and explore some of the most amazing roads in America. You'll never regret taking their advice. It's a great way to plan a trip.
     
  • An Autobiography by Ansel Adams
    Story of the most influential photographer in American history. Learn not just about his art, but about his inspirations, environmental activism, wilderness adventures, and how a photographer became so famous and successful that he won the respect of the several US presidents.
     
  • Capturing the Landscape with Your Camera by Patricia Caulfield
    A great book on landscape photography with many examples.
     
  • Yosemite Nat'l Park: Natural-History Guide to Yosemite and Its Trails by Jeffrey P. Schaffer
    Hands down the best guide to hiking in Yosemite, listing 100 hikes with great descriptions and photos. Hikes range from the hour stroll to the seven-day backpacking trip.
     
  • The Wild John Muir edited by Lee Stetson
    Muir was perhaps the most influential and famous naturalist in American history. His adventures around the world are some of the most riveting, exciting wilderness stories ever told. This is a collection of twenty-two of John Muir's most exciting adventures, edited by Yosemite National Park's own Muir impersonator, Lee Stetson. 
     
  • The Yosemite by John Muir
    Most of Muir's life was spent at Yosemite and in the High Sierras of California. This is a collection of his writings for this beautiful area of the country.
     
  • Fur & Loafing in Yosemite by Phil Frank
    A collection of cartoons about Yosemite National Park. A local favorite.
     
  • Yosemite National Park by Ansel Adams
    A photo book of Ansel Adams best photographs in Yosemite.
  
Links:
 


All material on this site, except where otherwise noted, is my original work.
For questions or comments, please email me.
Copyright 2004, Evan Rapoport.