A step-by-step guide to secret locations, fascinating people and historic towns of the old Central Pacific Railroad from Sacramento to Reno

Rails Trails and Other Tales weaves the reader through the romance and adventure of hopping freight trains and being out in the wilderness. Along with others, there are stories of dogs, ducks and commentaries on the misunderstood mule. Stories lived and stories handed down, kept alive with the telling and given longevity with the pen. Adventure and experiences through which the reader can get an idea of how life in the open and on the move can get into ones psyche to the point that wondering becomes solace to a wayward spirit. Some experiences in life we pursue and acquire, others just come along and happen to us when we put ourselves in their paths. Either way experiences and adventures are elements in life that give substance to our memories. We may not be able to experience all we wish, but we can, visit some experiences lived by others. You, reader may not be able to wander in the fi rst person but here you can sit back and do some arm-chair wandering and have a look at some other tid-bits of life. Also you may get a little look into what can happen sometimes when one just casts his way into the winds of chance. Meynardie

If, as Wallace Stegner said, the national park is “the best idea we ever had,” the rail-trail is certainly a close runner-up. Part transportation corridor, part park, the rail-trail has revolutionized the way America creates high-quality, car-free pathways for bicyclists, runners, walkers, equestrians, and more. It was only a few decades after railroad barons had run roughshod over America’s economy and politics that they began to shed nearly one hundred thousand miles of unneeded railroad corridor. At the same time, bicyclists were being so thoroughly pushed off ever-more-intimidating roadways they came close to extinction. Through political organizing and lawyerly grit, an unlikely, formerly marginalized advocacy arose, seized on seemingly worthless strips of land, and created a resource that is treasured by millions of Americans today for recreation, purposeful travel, tourism, conservation, and historical interpretation. From Rails to Trails is the fascinating tale of the rails-to-trails movement as well as a consideration of what the continued creation of rail-trails means for the future of Americans’ health, nonmotorized transportation networks, and communities across the country.

Jump on board a visual journey that will draw readers young and old into the magic of traveling by train, the sense of adventure and discovery as you look around at the world passing by. Learn about the trains like the bullet train Shinkansen and the most ambitious, daring and important train routes ever constructed. From Australia to Wales, each route is unique. Find out why as we travel the globe and explore the stories of the people who built, designed and ride the railways. Discover how these routes came to be and the impact they have had on history and people's lives today.

Running adventures in poetic prose Collection of stories from the trails and the roads. A slice of life from a runners point of view Of endurance, strength, and a flair for tutus. Spicy and real-life accounts of race reports, training runs, and nature hikes A simple message to savor the journey and get outside. The highs and lows, the ups and downs, from 5Ks to 100 miles Stories of fellowship, friendships, conquering fears, sharing smiles. Raw and real emotions Poetry in motion. Combining passion and play Eclectic rhyming words to inspire, encourage, motivate your ways.

Connecticut—a New England state with a proud history and vibrant culture. But there is more to this place than white church steeples and town greens. In the forests and meadows surrounding these quaint, colonial towns lurk spine-chilling ghosts protecting Captain Kidd’s treasure, the abode of the Devil himself, and shadowy creatures such as the Glawackus, all awaiting the next hiker to stumble down the trail. For years, the stories of these mysterious beings and places existed only in whispers and campfire tales, but now for the first time these legends have been collected and retold in one volume: Spooky Trails and Tall Tales Connecticut. Alongside each of these captivating tales is the necessary route and trailhead information brave readers will need to go beyond their town lines and test their nerve. Proud to support Friends of Connecticut State Parks with a portion of the royalties.

Across the country, more than 1600 unused railroad corridors have been converted to level, public, multiuse trails, where people can enjoy a fitness run, a leisurely bike ride, or a stroll with the family. In this new guide in the popular series, the Rails-to-Trails Conservancy presents the Northwest region's finest rail-trails plus other great multiuse trails. Rail-Trails Washington & Oregon includes detailed coverage of more than 40 great trails. Many rail-trails are paved and run through the most scenic parts of town. Others travel along dense forests, open fields, and lush waterways. Some explore the area's history, and others help users enjoy the serenity of the rural countryside. Favorites noted by Rails-to-Trails Conservancy staff include the Chehalis Western Trail and Olympic Discovery Trail in Washington and the Banks-Vernonia State Trail in Oregon. This full-color book includes succinct descriptions of each trail from start to finish, plus at-a-glance summary information indicating permitted uses, surface type, length, and directions to trailheads for each trail. Every trip has a detailed map that includes start and end points, trailhead, parking, restroom facilities, and other amenities.