Words for the Road

[Brian Ellis]

I don't know about "insprirational" but when on a photography trip I like to take several books to read (just finished "Glass Castles" and "Them," both good but nothing about landscapes or geography) including something about photography, often Edward Weston's Daybooks, Ansel Adams Letters, something by Robert Adams, anything by John Szarkowski. I also enjoy the photographs and writing in Ray McSavaney's book.

[docholliday_sc001]

My most inspirational book when I'm deep woods hiking: Kathryn Kane's Swiss Army Knife Handbook: The Official History and Owners Guide. Everytime that I read it, I wanna go mod something and find a way to take a shot in an impossible location.

[Terence McDonagh]

"A Walk in the Woods" by Bill Bryson. Not sure it counts as inspirational, but it does match my typical nature encounters. I've probably read it a dozen times and given away ten copies.

[Kevin Crisp]

I'm with Terence on this. Also makes a great Book on Tape (CD) since the author reads it.

[Mark Sampson]

Well, here's a data point... I was in Jamaica last week (first ever tropical beach vacation) and read Jack Kerouac's "The Dharma Bums". I didn't take the 4x5, only made happy-snaps, but have lots of ideas now for the coming season.

[Eric James]

Thanks for all the suggestions - I hope others benefit too! I found it interesting that Blood Meridian and its author was mentioned more than once. I haven't found a used copy yet but it will most definitely be in my glove compartment on my next road trip.

Desert Solitaire and Dharma Bums have been on my list for some time - I shouldn't have too much trouble finding used copies of those books.

Interesting, I read "Pilgrim at Tinker Creek" and never understood it. My favorite for the road are Galen Rowell's and Clarence Glacken's one lifetime book (rare for a tenured professor at UC Berkely) which takes your lifetime to read.

1) For me, reading Pilgrim at Tinker Creek isn't so much understood as it is experienced. Her contemplative approach to nature writing slows me down and helps me focus in on the simple things. If Annie Dillard can sit and stare as a water bug sucks a frog into a limp skin, I can hold off a bit on locking down my ballhead before settling on a composition.

2) I'm looking foreward to checking out this Clarence Glacken recommendation.

[Terry Hull]

Lost Horizons By Hilton. I am still looking for shangri la

[John Kasaian]

I've got a short road trip coming up. I'm taking Thomas Mann's 'The Magic Mountain' along. I'm 3/4 of the way through and its been a delightful book so far.

[Blueberrydesk]

Travels with Charley, by John Steinbeck.

[Eric Woodbury]

When I travel, I like to read about where I am going. One of my favorites was when I went to Alaska and read John McPhee's, Coming Into The Country.