This is my second book based on hiking and backpacking in the Sierra Nevada. The articles are from my Mid Sierra Musings Blog. What is different about this book is that I selected the topics based on 'page views' over the last three years. The more page views an article received, the more likely I would select that article for inclusion in the book. I don't believe I have selected any articles previously published in the first book. I have come to think of myself as a wilderness docent who enjoys helping others who are considering some of the more popular trails in the Central Sierra Nevada. Some trips are day trips, some overnight and some multiday. Almost all of the trips are 'on trail'. I have seen how powerful photographs of an area can be in determining someone's destination and have become an avid photographer at the expense of moving faster and covering more territory. It is good for me to do this as a retired trail runner. I hope the information and photographs contained here will motivate you to see the areas yourself. Dale Matson+

I began a blog called "Mid Sierra Musings”. It is mostly about my experiences in the central Sierras. There currently seems to be a vicarious thirst and large viewership for things related to self-sufficiency, wilderness living. There are 'reality series' programs like “Alaska The Last Frontier” and “Mountain Men”.I have the best of both worlds since I have all the conveniences of city living with quick access to the Sierra National Forest and both Sequoia/Kings Canyon (SeKi) and Yosemite an hour away. I can mow my lawn in the morning and be above 7,000' skiing an hour and a half later.There has been considerable interest in the photo essays I have posted on the blog and I decided to combine them in paperback book and Kindle formats. While I am not the stature of a John Muir, my intentions are similar. I want to introduce you to what is there for you to think about, to see, smell, hear and share with others. Even if it is not possible for you to get into the wilderness, it is an opportunity to see it through the eyes of an eye witness. May you be both edified and entertained.

No ordinary guidebook, Sierra High Route leads you from point to point through a spectacular 195-mile timberline route in California's High Sierra. The route follows a general direction but no particular trail, thus causing little or no impact and allowing hikers to experience the beautiful sub-alpine region of the High Sierra in a unique way.

Whether it be through far-flung deserts, luxuriant forests or majestic alpine terrain, when we choose to walk rather than fly or drive, something wonderful happens: our awareness and appreciation of the natural world begins to grow. It can be the faint sound of a gently meandering stream, the distinct smell of decaying leaves on a crisp autumn morning, or even a bowl of cereal that never tasted better than when eaten on a mountaintop at sunrise. Whatever your hiking dreams and goals may be, this book will inspire you to plan and realize your your journeys.

"Experienced outdoor enthusiasts and those lacing-up their boots for their first time: prepare to hike the diverse American landscape. Whether aiming to conquer epic expeditions, or simply complete a day hike to recharge, paths of every size await the intrepid wayfarer in Wanderlust USA, a book that serves as a blueprint for adventurous souls in search of new summits."--Amazon.com

A captivating and poignant coming-of-age urban YA debut about sisters, friends, and what it means to embrace change.

In an alternate ninth century, twelve-year-old Anya and a new friend face a Viking and a Tsar to protect the water dragon that saved her life, putting her family's home at risk.