Customer Reviews

Canyoneering

5 star:		(6)
4 star:		(0)
3 star:		(1)
2 star:		(0)
1 star:		(2)

 

 

The book was interesting for somebody wanting to learn and become familiar with canyoneering and dessert hiking. However, in terms of providing practical data on good hikes, it is far behind any of Steve Allen's books. If you're new to this, then buy this and Steve's. If you've been there and done this, no need to reread the basics.

John's ADVENTURING IN ARIZONA has always been a favorite on our bookshelf, so we bought CANYONEERING the same day we heard it was out. Not a guidebook, but an excellant primer on canyon geology, geography, and history.

This book is not a guide book or even a how to book but rather a hodgepodge of history, biology, geology ect. If you want to sit at home and read a little about the southwest this is your book, if you actually want to go out and explore get Canyoneering Arizona by Tyler Williams or any of the books by Michael R. Kelsey.

As a two year resident of Arizona, I have embraced the wonder of the Grand Canyon and it's tributaries. This book ties together its legend, geology, hydrology and the spritiual. It erodes the sandstone and runs with ancients. Mr.Annerino has obviously been there, lived it as few have and was profoundly influenced by. Way to go.

CANYONEERING by John Annerino is a how-to manual to the basics and the history of canyon exploration. Its discussion of geology, climbing techniques and storied canyoneers will appeal to more serious-minded enthusiasts.

The canyons of North America are among the most spectacular in the world, providing unlimited opportunities for hikers, photographers, climbers, and other modern day adventurers. John Annerino offers a thorough guide to the fundamentals of safe and well prepared canyon exploration. The natural history and earth science of canyon country, as well as expedition conditioning, preperation, and equipment are discussed in detail, as are potential hazards and how to avoid them. -The Adventurous Traveler

CANYONEERING is stunning! Such great photography!

CANYONEERING is terrific - such passion! I love it.

There are some great reviews of this book at Amazon. I love canyoneering. The book wasn't expensive through third parties (probably a sign of the poor quality). I decided to get it. It was a mistake. I don't understand why there are any good reviews of it.

With regard to the "how to" part of canyoneering it is a complete waste of time - poor or little information. For example, the author likes to use iodine tablets for water purification and promotes them over a purifier. However, Chlorine Dioxide (e.g., Aquamira) is more effective, leaves no taste, and is also lightweight - it isn't mentioned as a far superior alternative. Polyester isn't mentioned for clothing but polypropylene is. The book was published in 1999. These are just two of numerous such examples. Maybe the author hiked these canyons when he was a kid. This doesn't belong in a 1999 book.

With regard to the history, geology, etc. It is just all over the place with serial lists of factoids arrange without organization. As an example, the page on the geology of Buckskin Gulch and Paria Canyon has four paragraphs. The first doesn't mention either canyon. The second mentions Paria along with various other canyons as having a "dark side" in the second to last sentence (nothing to do with geology, just that they are prone to flash flooding). The third short paragraph is about slot canyons generally and doesn't mention either canyon. The fourth finally has something on Paria and Buckskin geology - the geological formations found in the area - so impressive.

I could go on, but this book isn't worth more effort.