The Walker's Guide to Outdoor Clues and Signs (Kindle Edition)

I had read about Mr. Gooley’s courses on Natural Navigation some years ago in the Reader’s Digest I believe. At that time, I was fascinated becau7se he claimed to be able to use natural navigation in cities too. I do not live in the UK and consequently did not have easy access to the course or his teaching. I was thrilled to discover that he had put his discoveries into a book.I am one of those people who learn by reading. Yes, a picture is worth a thousand words but there are times when words are crucial. I had thought the book to be full of pictures without much context. I could not have been more wrong.Mr. Gooley starts with a masterful introduction about determining weather with the backdrop of a beech and an amorous couple. He explains about distances, the wind and clouds before segwaying into his subject. This is not a universal book. The author is clear about the geographies in which the material in the book is applicable.The book is split into...Read more

     Depending on your own personality, Tristan Gooley is either the world’s most interesting hiking partner…or…you will want to kill him within five minutes of getting out of the car. The man knows a lot about most aspects of nature, is quite observant, and loves to share his knowledge. If you feel that is enjoyable, you will like this book.=== The Good Stuff ===* Gooley has hiked in many locations throughout the world, including many in the US, Britain, Asia and Africa. He makes detailed observations, and shares both his insights and his methods for making those determinations. His wisdom includes traditional book knowledge, lessons and lore passed on from the natives, and common sense deduction. It is a remarkable tour de force of botany, biology, geology and astronomy.* While the author spends a lot of time on specific observations, the real lesson of the book is how to develop an attitude of curiosity. While many of us might see...Read more